When in Sicily...

Make your way to Noto, ignore all the baroque architecture when you get there (for now) and direct your sunglass wearing self to Caffe Sicilia on Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Order a latte di mandorla and several of the pastries on display inside (my vote would be for at least three) and find a spot on the shady terrace. As you contemplate which palazzo you are going to visit first, a shiny silver tray will be put before you and the feast can begin. Savoring delicate pastry infused with local flavors such as citrus and almond while watching the afternoon sun reflect of the light pink walls of the surrounding buildings is one of my favorite Sicily memories.

Caffe Sicilia also makes amazing marmelades, jams and "creme di frutta secca" (which loosely translates as cream of dried fruit). One particularly tasty one is marmellata di bergamotto; not too sweet with a very refreshing light taste which reminded me a bit of cucumber. I also liked the marmellata di pompelmi rosa; light pink with a slight citrussy flavor but without any hint of bitterness or the presence of thick peel marmelade sometimes has. My favorite however was crema di mandorle brustolite; a thick spread of finely crushed almonds with a burnt caramel flavor. I took some home and I am not even ashamed to say that I never bothered putting it on toast. I just ate it by the spoonful straight from the jar.

Due to the entirely immodest number of pastries consumed I never got to try their famous gelato. Next time.