When the word “breakfast” is uttered, we often think of eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Sicilians, on the other hand, like to do things differently. A delicious, flaky brioche bun paired with a slushy granita-like beverage is a daily delicacy in many regions of Sicily.
Where Did This Tradition Originate?
Mount Etna, an active volcano on the coast of Sicily, prompted previous civilizations to collect snow during the Middle Ages. After being kept in cool buildings throughout the year, the ice was then grated and paired with a multitude of fruit syrups for a sweet treat. It was eventually paired with coffee flavors and paired with brioche to soak up the coffee, similar to a cappuccino.
How to Make a Granita
Granitas come in tons of flavor varieties such as lemon, raspberry, and many coffee varieties. Though it is often recognized as a summer treat, it can be enjoyed well into the beginning of fall.
Sources
- SICILIAN BREAKFAST: BRIOCHE AND GRANITA [ANYWAYS]
- The Remarkable Ritual of Granita [AMERICAN EXPRESS essentials]
- Granita Image: [Wikimedia Commons]
