Recipes from Sicily & Recipes from Venice Cookbook Promotion

Enter our worldwide giveaway to win a set of the following books Recipes from Sicily and Recipes from Venice by Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi. Three Members will receive a copy of each book.

Katie Caldesi and her husband Giancarlo own the Caldesi restaurants and cookery schools based in London’s Marylebone, Bray on Thames and Gerrards Cross. Katie is the principal of their cookery school, La Cucina Caldesi, where she teaches alongside some of the biggest names in Italian cuisine, including Ursula Ferrigno and Carmela Sereno Hayes. Together Katie and Giancarlo have co-authored many cookbooks.


Recipes from Sicily is a culinary exploration of this well-loved Italian island and a reissue of Sicily Recipes from an Italian Island released in 2016. Join the Caldesis as they head to the island of Sicily to delve into its diverse food scene through more than 90 delicious recipes. Starting in the capital, Palermo, the couple come across some exciting street food; almonds feature in some of Italy’s most memorable desserts as they visit Noto. No Sicilian book would be complete without Pasta Alla Norma (pasta with tomatoes and eggplants) and the classic, ricotta-filled sweet delight Cannoli.

Our takes you inside Recipes from Sicily and features the following . There are also several online recipes available: Rice timbale (Timballo di riso), Rack of lamb with citrus gremolata, and Salmon baked with oranges & thyme.


In Recipes from Venice, a reissue of Venice – Recipes Lost and Found which was published in 2014, the couple dodge the tourists, drawing inspiration from less obvious areas of Italy’s magical city, to unearth the most delicious and authentic recipes.

Try some hot Polpette (salty pork rissoles) or Sarde in saor (marinated sardines) with a glass of wine with friends. The traditional Venetian pasta, Bigoli, served with a delicious fresh fish salsa is a signature dish that you’ll cook time and time again. And the sweet Frittelle, fried dumplings filled with custard, are bound to become an instant hit..

Our takes you inside Recipes from Venice and features the following


Set against the backdrop of breathtaking photographs of Sicily and Venice and Katie’s anecdotes of their travels, these are stunning cookbooks and visual feasts of two of Italy’s most amazing destinations.

Special thanks to the publisher for providing three copies of each of these titles in our promotion. Entry options include answering the following question in the comments section of this blog post.

Which recipe in the index of Recipes from Sicily and Recipes from Venice would you like to try first? Leave one comment with a recipe from each book.

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won’t be counted. For more information on this process, please see our step-by-step help post. Once you log in and enter your member name you will be directed to the next entry option – the blog comment. After that, there are additional options that you can complete for more entries. Be sure to check your spam filters to receive our email notifications. Prizes can take up to 6 weeks to arrive from the publishers. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends at midnight on October 15th, 2024.

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150 Comments

  • matag  on  August 20, 2024

    Marzipan

  • matag  on  August 20, 2024

    chicken with fennel and fine spices

  • DarcyVaughn  on  August 20, 2024

    Mini crab arancine (Mini arancine alla polpa di granchio)

  • DarcyVaughn  on  August 20, 2024

    Turbot with three pepper and juniper dressing (Rombo con agrumi, tre pepe e ginepro)

  • choney  on  August 20, 2024

    Lemon and Prosecco risotto (Risotto al limone e Prosecco)

  • choney  on  August 20, 2024

    Citrus couscous salad from Mandranova (Insalata di cuscus da Mandranova)

  • Shelley.b  on  August 20, 2024

    Mini crab arancine

  • dataentrytard  on  August 20, 2024

    I would like to first prepare the artichoke, broad bean & herb casserole AND parmesan and ricotta pesto for crostini.

  • Pennyc07  on  August 20, 2024

    I’d like to make the aubergine balls from the Venice book!

  • lean1  on  August 20, 2024

    Scacce from Sicily

  • lean1  on  August 20, 2024

    Sandwiches 1 from Venice

  • Cjennings  on  August 20, 2024

    From Sicily I would make Baked Ricotta with onions & rosemary
    From Venice I would make end Fantastic Cheese,Spinach & Leek Pie

  • miggsy  on  August 20, 2024

    Fantastic cheese, spinach and leek pie

  • miggsy  on  August 20, 2024

    Other one was from Venice. From Sicily: Artichoke, broad bean & herb casserole

  • ozfoodie  on  August 21, 2024

    From Recipes from Sicily: Gluten-free fresh pasta (Pasta fresca senza glutine)
    From Recipes from Venice: Garlic sauce for meat (Agliata per carne)

  • SheenaBatey  on  August 21, 2024

    Aubergine balls from Venice and baked ricotta with onions & rosemary From Sicily

  • maci234  on  August 21, 2024

    Mini crab arancine

  • Sand9  on  August 21, 2024

    Soft Almond Biscuits x

  • jifar  on  August 21, 2024

    Romano peppers stuffed with pork mince & herbs (Peperoni lunghi farciti) from Recipes from Sicily and Tuna patties (Polpettine di tonno) from Recipes From Venice

  • sarahawker  on  August 21, 2024

    Chicken with ginger, saffron and dates from Recipes from Venice and
    Almond & pecorino biscuits from Recipes from Sicily.

  • infotrop  on  August 21, 2024

    Almond & pecorino biscuits from Sicily Recipes

  • infotrop  on  August 21, 2024

    Chicken with ginger, saffron and dates from Venice Recipes Lost and Found

  • mcrimmins  on  August 21, 2024

    Sweet and Sour Onions, Chickpea Fritters

  • Maefleur  on  August 21, 2024

    The mini crab arancine.

  • Maefleur  on  August 21, 2024

    The mini crab arancine and a bellini!

  • riley  on  August 22, 2024

    Sicily – Orange & basil risotto
    Venice – Candied orange ice cream

  • pamtay  on  August 22, 2024

    Aubergine balls from Venice. I’ve picked aubergine from both books because I always end up doing the same thing when I buy them!

  • pamtay  on  August 22, 2024

    Pasta alla norma from sicily

  • AlyC  on  August 22, 2024

    I would make Oven-baked ricotta with onion and rosemary from the Sicily book, and Rich beef stew with parmesan mash from the Venice book.

  • marktiger69  on  August 22, 2024

    Sunset agnolotti stuffed with sea bass (Agnolotti al tramonto ripieni di branzino)
    Sea bass and clams on lamon beans

  • Dendav  on  August 22, 2024

    Cannoli

  • Dendav  on  August 22, 2024

    Frittelle

  • rkosully  on  August 22, 2024

    I would like to make the Sweet & Sour Aubergines (Sicily) and the Ricotta & Walnut Crostini (Venice).

  • Calegen  on  August 22, 2024

    Fantastic cheese, spinach and leek pie (Torta salata fantastica con formaggio, spinaci e porri) from Venice followed by Almond granita (Granita di mandorle) from Sicily

  • EatsbooksWithWolves  on  August 22, 2024

    Cauliflower in red wine and Duck breasts with peverada sauce and spiced apple compote

  • maggz19671  on  August 22, 2024

    Lemon and Prosecco risotto (Risotto al limone e Prosecco)

  • ravensfan  on  August 22, 2024

    Mini crab arancine (Mini arancine alla polpa di granchio)
    Rich beef stew with Parmesan mash (Le secoe con spuma di patate)

  • demomcook  on  August 22, 2024

    From Sicily: Oven-baked ricotta with onions & rosemary (Ricotta al forno)!

  • demomcook  on  August 22, 2024

    From Venice: Lemon and Prosecco risotto (Risotto al limone e Prosecco)!

  • Jellyfish  on  August 22, 2024

    Arancine please

  • lils74  on  August 23, 2024

    I’d like to try the breadcrumbed sardines from Venice and the sardine & wild fennel sauce from Sicily! Yum!

  • rodinia  on  August 23, 2024

    Broad bean & fennel seed soup (Maccu di fave) sounds absolutely delicious!

  • bill_the_cat  on  August 23, 2024

    ricotta condito with a spritz chaser

  • Vanderjane  on  August 23, 2024

    Oven baked risotto with onions and rosemary

  • lilmiztam22  on  August 23, 2024

    Mini crab arancine

  • foodie16  on  August 23, 2024

    Sicily – Raw sea bass with a mint and lemon dressing

  • foodie16  on  August 23, 2024

    Venice – Pumpkin Soup (Zuppa di zucca)

  • BrianUK  on  August 23, 2024

    Sardines with caponata

  • d.oconnor  on  August 23, 2024

    Rice timbale

  • dusksunset  on  August 23, 2024

    Baked Ricotta with onions & rosemary
    Fantastic Cheese, Spinach & Leek Pie

  • betsyradelow  on  August 23, 2024

    Romano peppers stuffed with pork mince & herbs and Chicken with ginger, saffron & dates

  • Roosta  on  August 23, 2024

    Ricotta cake (Torta di ricotta) and Cherries in wine (Ciliegie marinate al vino)

  • GreenhouseCheryl  on  August 24, 2024

    Cherry tomato sauce from Recipes from Sicily and Tuna patties (Polpettine di tonno) from Recipes from Venice

  • Isis1981uk  on  August 24, 2024

    Artichoke, broad bean & herb casserole (Frittedda) & Sun-dried tomato with mozzarella and basil (Pomodori secchi con mozzarella e basilico)

  • brfranco  on  August 24, 2024

    Rack of lamb with citrus gremolata and Sarde in saor (marinated sardines)

  • geneservillo  on  August 24, 2024

    I’d make the Sicilian Foffee Gelato and the Venetian Ginger chicken

  • chezlarios  on  August 24, 2024

    Broad bean salad with lemon & feta (Insalata di fave con limone e feta) and Cop’s chicken risotto (Risotto alla sbirraglia)

  • ceejayen  on  August 24, 2024

    Romano peppers stuffed with pork mince & herbs (Peperoni lunghi farciti)
    and Breadcrumbed sardines

  • Larkspur  on  August 24, 2024

    All the arincine recipes and the sandwiches

  • Leonard5854  on  August 25, 2024

    Sicily: Baked aubergine with tomato sauce & mozzarella (Parmigiana di melanzane)

  • Leonard5854  on  August 25, 2024

    Venice: Fantastic chicken with fennel and fine spices (Polasti afenochiatai vantazati)

  • AnnaZed  on  August 25, 2024

    From the book,Recipes from Sicily (Eat Around Italy) by Katie Caldesi and Giancarlo Caldesi, I would make: Spinach & mozzarella arancine

    From the book,Recipes from Venice (Eat Around Italy) by Katie Caldesi and Giancarlo Caldesi, I would make: Ricotta and walnut crostini (Crostini di ricotta e noci)

    I would serve these with a salad and some bright cool white wine.

  • virjeania  on  August 25, 2024

    I’d love to make Mini crab arancine and Polpettine di tonno.

  • LaurenE  on  August 25, 2024

    Lemon and Prosecco risotto (Risotto al limone e Prosecco)

  • debbiehb  on  August 25, 2024

    Sicilian pizza and tuna patties

  • SeasideSuzi  on  August 25, 2024

    Scacce and Bellini

  • trudys_person  on  August 25, 2024

    Spinach & mozzarella arancine from Sicily and Candied orange ice cream from Venice … now I just need a main course!

  • Itzbaja  on  August 25, 2024

    Marzipan or Turbot!

  • PumpkinTravels  on  August 26, 2024

    Chicken with fennel and spices

  • PumpkinTravels  on  August 26, 2024

    Sicily Baked aubergine with tomato sauce & mozzarella (Parmigiana di melanzane)

  • ccav  on  August 26, 2024

    Sweet and Sour Pumpkin, and Fantastic chicken with fennel and fine spices

  • elysedc  on  August 27, 2024

    Naked wild chard pie with goat’s cheese (Torta di bietole e formaggio di capra) and Sun-dried tomato with mozzarella and basil (Pomodori secchi con mozzarella e basilico)

  • janv  on  August 27, 2024

    Soft almond biscuits (Biscotti alla Siciliana)
    Turkey stuffed with Asiago cheese and speck (Rotolo di tacchino con Asiago e speck)

  • Fricky1  on  August 27, 2024

    Romano Peppers Stuffed with Pork Mince and Herbs plus Venetian Yellow Polenta Biscuits

  • sayeater  on  August 27, 2024

    Recipes from Sicily: Sweet & sour aubergines (Caponata alla Vincenzo)
    Recipes from Venice: Half moons of pasta filled with beetroot in poppy seed butter (Casunziei Ampezzani)

  • jberry  on  August 27, 2024

    Not a tall order to find two tempting choices from this lot. Sicily, Anchovy, bean, celery & caper salad (Insalata di fagioli Scicli), Venice, Turkey stuffed with Asiago cheese and speck (Rotolo di tacchino con Asiago e speck).

  • sarahteertzah  on  August 28, 2024

    Baked aubergine with tomato sauce & mozzarella (Parmigiana di melanzane) AND Potato gnocchi (Gnocchi di patate)

  • cilantrolime  on  August 28, 2024

    marzipan

  • Babycarrot  on  August 28, 2024

    Tomato and rice soup

  • Babycarrot  on  August 28, 2024

    Black kale and apple

  • luccio  on  August 30, 2024

    Zuppa di ceci e mele (I’ve never thought of this combination!); Panettone Ice Cream

  • Silvia.gil  on  August 30, 2024

    Stuffed romano peppers

  • MaineDruid  on  August 30, 2024

    Chickpea Fritters from Recipes from Sicily
    Sweet & Sour Onions from Recipes from Venice

  • ktb601  on  August 30, 2024

    Naked wild chard pie

  • hillsboroks  on  August 30, 2024

    Lemon and orange salad

  • lmb137  on  August 30, 2024

    I would make the sunset agnolotti stuffed with sea bass from Recipes from Sicily and the Venetian yellow polenta biscuits from Recipes from Venice

  • MissKoo  on  August 31, 2024

    Romano peppers stuffed with pork mince & herbs (Peperoni lunghi farciti) Recipes From Sicily
    Chicken with ginger, saffron and dates from Recipes from Venice

  • poneill  on  August 31, 2024

    Prawn risotto (Risotto di gamberi)

  • Ishtar  on  September 1, 2024

    Orange and basil risotto from Sicily and pumpkin soup from Venice

  • elisabeta  on  September 2, 2024

    Lemon and Prosecco risotto

  • roxlet  on  September 3, 2024

    Almond and pecorino biscuits

  • Plumbobmummy  on  September 3, 2024

    Rose Ice Cream & Lemon and Prosecco Risotto

  • dzm  on  September 3, 2024

    Lemon and prosecco risotto
    And Aubergine balls

  • skyejaden  on  September 3, 2024

    DEFINITELY Arancine!! And deep fried fish and vegetables

  • porcupines  on  September 3, 2024

    I’d love to try the spinach and mozzarella arancine and the deep fried fish and vegetables.

  • rchesser  on  September 5, 2024

    Spinach & mozzarella arancine.

  • dwallis  on  September 6, 2024

    Sardine patties

  • Ceagle  on  September 6, 2024

    yum

  • NatalyaM  on  September 6, 2024

    I love cooking with seafood! I’d make Baked cheese with anchovies & lemon zest (Formaggio al forno con alici e buccia di limone) from “Recipes from Sicily” and Tuna patties (Polpettine di tonno) from “Recipes from Venice.”

  • reader1trees  on  September 6, 2024

    Almond granita (Granita di mandorle) and Sweet and sour onions (Cipolle in saor)

  • ammerlino  on  September 6, 2024

    I would like to try the oven baked ricotta and the tuna cakes

  • shermath  on  September 6, 2024

    zuppa di due meta from Sicily
    pepper risotto from Venice

  • RSW  on  September 8, 2024

    Bacon, chestnut and barley soup (Zuppa di orzo, castagne e pancetta) -Venice
    Mini crab arancine (Mini arancine alla polpa di granchio) -Sicily

  • agreaves19  on  September 8, 2024

    Soft Almond Biscuits

  • agreaves19  on  September 8, 2024

    chicken with fennel and fine spices

  • cmeiling  on  September 9, 2024

    Definitely interested in the turkey stuffed with Asiago cheese and speck from Recipes from Venice and the Fig, almond & orange cake with Marsala from Recipes from Sicily!

  • antpantsii  on  September 9, 2024

    From Sicily
    I would like to try the gluten free focaccia or the gluten free fresh pasta!

  • darty  on  September 10, 2024

    I’d love to try the Pumpkin Soup from the Venice book and the Orange and Basil Risotto from the Sicily book.

  • oduong930  on  September 10, 2024

    fantastic cheese, spinach and leek pie

  • madelainelc  on  September 11, 2024

    Okay, but the little hat on the fish is AMAZING

  • ChefClaireFVS  on  September 11, 2024

    All the different arancine from both books

  • elschneider  on  September 12, 2024

    Ricotta and walnut crostini (Crostini di ricotta e noci)

  • banba1  on  September 13, 2024

    Quick ricotta sfincione (Sfincione finto) and
    Little meat patties (Polpettine di carne)

  • hangryviking  on  September 16, 2024

    Orange & basil risotto

  • silversand  on  September 18, 2024

    Sunset agnolotti stuffed with sea bass (Agnolotti al tramonto ripieni di branzino) from Sicily and Almond-filled doughnuts with cherry coulis (Frittelle dell-imperatore con salsa di ciliegie) from Venice

  • fraujunk  on  September 20, 2024

    Lemon risotto

  • Ren23  on  September 20, 2024

    Fantastic Cheese,Spinach & Leek Pie

    Gluten-free fresh pasta

  • ChefDLx2  on  September 21, 2024

    Marzipan from Sicily and the Little meat pies from Venice.

  • raidishes  on  September 21, 2024

    Venice – chicken with ginger, saffron, and dates
    Sicily – naked wild chard pie with goat’s cheese

  • rachelliv  on  September 22, 2024

    I’d love to make the Ricotta and walnut crostini and the Basic Venetian risotto!

  • paulbing  on  September 23, 2024

    Mini crab arancine

  • curafresh  on  September 24, 2024

    Rissotto al limone e prossecco!

  • lookitstracey  on  September 27, 2024

    Recipes from Sicily – Sicilian foccacia with sesame seeds
    Recipes from Venice – Pistachio meringue

  • racheljmorgan  on  September 28, 2024

    Turkey stuffed with Asiago cheese and speck (Rotolo di tacchino con Asiago e speck)
    Chickpea fritters (Panelle)

  • eildoncook  on  September 29, 2024

    Artichoke, broad bean & herb casserole (Frittedda)

  • kmwyman  on  September 29, 2024

    Pasta alla Norma (Sicily) and Black Risotto (Venice)

  • love2chow  on  September 29, 2024

    Sicily: Salmon baked with oranges & thyme (Salmone al forno con arance e timo)
    Venice: Fantastic cheese, spinach and leek pie (Torta salata fantastica con formaggio, spinaci e porri)

  • t.t  on  September 30, 2024

    Arancine and Sweet and sour sardines with onions, pine nuts and raisins (Sarde in saor)

  • Charlieemma  on  October 1, 2024

    Sweet & sour aubergines (Caponata alla Vincenzo) and Candied orange ice cream (Gelato alla crema 4)

  • Lora724  on  October 1, 2024

    Sweet & sour aubergines with toasted almonds (Melanzane in agrodolce con mandorle tostate) from Sicily Recipes
    Fantastic cheese, spinach and leek pie (Torta salata fantastica con formaggio, spinaci e porri) from Venice Recipes

  • nikki.g95  on  October 2, 2024

    Cannoli and Frittelle

  • lucymajor94  on  October 3, 2024

    Lemon and prosecco risotto

  • IngridO  on  October 4, 2024

    Artichoke and parmesan pie (Venice) and Artichoke, broad bean & herb casserole (Sicily

  • carlymmmm  on  October 4, 2024

    From Sicily, baked aubergines with tomato sauce and mozzarella because I’ve got eggplant in my farm share. From Venice, buttered carrots with herbs.

  • cellenly  on  October 4, 2024

    Sicily – Salmon baked with oranges & thyme

  • cellenly  on  October 4, 2024

    Venice – marinated artichokes
    Sicily – salmon baked w/ oranges & thyme

  • Tawilliams07  on  October 4, 2024

    Almond & Pecorino Biscuits
    Ricotta & Walnut Biscotti

  • BMeyer  on  October 4, 2024

    chicken with fennel and fine spices

  • kitchen_chick  on  October 4, 2024

    Sicily: Quinoa & lamb couscous style (“Cuscus” di quinoa e agnello)
    Venice: Raw fish salad with a citrus dressing (Pesce crudo alla salsa di agrumi)

  • janrodda  on  October 5, 2024

    Rack of lamb with citrus gremolata and risi e bisi

  • elsid22  on  October 5, 2024

    From Venice: Lemon and Prosecco risotto (Risotto al limone e Prosecco

  • PennyG  on  October 5, 2024

    Sicily: Tomato & Rice Soup
    Venice: Borlotti Beans & Pasta Soup

  • MarciK  on  October 7, 2024

    Slow-cooked pork, beef & sausage ragu (Ragu tradizionale di carne)

  • Karla123  on  October 7, 2024

    Recipes from Sicily: Orange & fennel salad (Insalata di arancia e finocchio)
    Recipes from Venice: Figs in Madeira (Fichi al Madeira)

  • bikkie12  on  October 8, 2024

    I would make Salmon baked with oranges & Thyme and Frittelle to make a beautiful complete meal.

  • AnQsMom  on  October 9, 2024

    Tomato rice soup

  • dna  on  October 11, 2024

    Love Italian cooking and have several regional cookbooks, but none from Venice or Sicily!

  • littlegemini  on  October 12, 2024

    Artichoke & Parmesan Pie from Venice, Lamb with Citrus Gremolata from Sicily

  • CCF4  on  October 12, 2024

    Potato Gnocci and Bellini

  • Lesevans6  on  October 13, 2024

    Baked Ricotta with onions and rosemary.
    Fantastic Cheese Spinach and Leek Pie

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