This Christmas, for the first time, we made panettone; the loved sweet bread enjoyed all through Italy during the festive season (and Easter) from the Veneto to Sicily.

Fruit soaked in brandy  Filled with brandy soaked dried fruit: sultanas, candied mixed peel, and lemon and orange rind panettone is a light fruit bread originating from Milan and, it has a feel of Christmas.

Looking from Taormina This week, a few favourite photos of a more tranquil Mount Etna from The Sicilian House albums. All shots were taken from Taormina during 2004 & 2006.

Salve,

Suzanne