The sfincia of St Joseph: between religion and traditional culinary art.

Well yes: we cannot deny that one of the main reasons why thousands of tourists arrive in our wonderful Sicily is precisely linked to the culinary tradition, especially in the field of pastry. We have decided to embark on this journey with all of you, to take you by the hand and take you not only to the places but also to the flavours of our island which every year is a stop on the itinerary of an ever-increasing number of both national and international visitors.

We have already talked about the famous cannolo and its Majesty the Cassata. Today, however, we want to tell you about another celebrity: the Sfincia di San Giuseppe which, as the name already suggests, is eaten above all (but not only) on March 19, the day in which the saint of the same name is commemorated and in which all dads.

Of very ancient tradition, there are even traces of it in the Bible and in the Koran, the origin of the sfincia would be of Arab derivation, as the long tradition of fried desserts wants.
Starting from the origin of the name of this sweet, sfincia derives from the Latin spongia, or sponge or from the Arabic isfanǧ, which has the same meaning, fully summarising the shape of the soft pancake with an irregular shape, just like natural sponges.

It is said that these "sponges" were born as simple pancakes thanks to the ingenuity and ability of the nuns of the Monastery of the Stigmata, once present in the city of Palermo.

The recipe, initially simpler and reduced in ingredients, was soon shared with the Palermo pastry chefs who wanted to dedicate it to the "Saint of the humble", Saint Joseph, precisely, the foster father of Jesus.
In a short time the recipe was greatly enriched: the soft deep-fried sponge which the nuns of the convent mentioned above gave shape to, made with flour, whole eggs and only egg yolks, yeast, milk and sugar, was added ricotta sweetened with sugar, drops of chocolate and the inevitable candied fruit which, in addition to being sweet, give that touch of colour which recalls one of the emblems of Sicily, the cart. And of course, the mini versions of the sfincia called, precisely, sfincette could not be missing.

Villa Blu: A little more than 2 km from the marvelous Zingaro Nature Reserve, in the province of Trapani, stands this delightful farmhouse restored with taste and simplicity. Ideal destination for your holidays in Sicily as it is detached from the city chaos and immersed in 2000 square meters of garden to enjoy the surrounding nature. At 800 m from the sea, you can enjoy wonderful afternoons of fun and relaxation, between a barbecue and a swim in its characteristic private pool.

Profumo di Mare: Located to the east of the wonderful Gulf of San Vito, this enchanting villa with its beautiful private swimming pool and its comfortable and bright rooms, is ready to give you an unforgettable holiday in one of the most popular destinations of Italian and international tourism. It is not for nothing that the area in which it is located is defined as the Caribbean of the Mediterranean Sea.

Yasmin: Splendid residence located near the town of Castelluzzo, a seaside village very close to the famous tourist-seaside city of San Vito Lo Capo. With its wonderful private infinity pool, this villa will leave you speechless. If you were looking for a holiday in Sicily full of emotions, sunsets, colors and scents, go no further: Yasmin is the one for you.

Cala Mancina: Wonderful villa with private pool a few kilometers from the famous tourist-seaside village of San Vito Lo Capo. Located in the heart of Trapani tourism, Cala Mancina is ready to offer you a holiday dedicated to relaxation and fun. The house consists of a large outdoor area with the swimming pool and its solarium, a covered patio divided into a relaxation area with sofas and a dining area with a masonry table. The splendid outdoor kitchen with barbecue will give you rich lunches and dinners, with family or friends.

Calarossa: Splendid residence near Favignana, in the Egadi islands, and is located within a park of 15,000 square meters close to one of the most beautiful coves in western Sicily: Cala Rossa. A residence with a Mediterranean taste, well-kept in the interiors and in the details, with a wonderful view of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Ombre di Tufo: Fantastic villa also located in Favignana in the wonderful Egadi islands just 300 m from the sea. There are no words that can reflect the modiva that enriches the city during the summer months, one of the most popular destinations for both local and international tourism. The villa is located in a splendid garden with a Mediterranean taste and right inside this luxuriant garden, surrounded by a beautiful lawn and several trunks, there is the splendid private swimming pool.

Limonaia: With a park within the property of 3000 square metres, in a fairly quiet area of ​​the fantastic Mondello, this splendid villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste is born. Its exquisite private swimming pool of 50 square metres is ready to give you moments of peace and freshness even in the hottest hours that enrich the Sicilian days. Its large and shady patio, adorned with armchairs and sofas, will give you great moments of carefree sharing whether you are with family or friends.

Lilla: Just 350 m from the famous beach of Mondello, this elegant residence is born with a well-kept garden of 1500 square metres and a Mediterranean taste in which there is a magnificent private swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, ficus and banana trees. Despite the proximity to one of the most popular beaches for international tourism, the property will give you moments of peace and privacy while immersed in the colours and scents of our beautiful Sicily.

Villa D'Amare: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily at just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.