Francesca Maria
Cesarina from 2021My speciality: Bucatini with sardines
I live in: Palermo
Spoken languages: Italian and English
Good to know
I offer vegetarian alternatives
Hi from Francesca Maria!
Francesca lives in Bagheria, the 'city of villas', a land kissed by the sun and the sea breeze. Our Cesarina brings Sicilian recipes to the table, rich in contrasts, where sweet is combined with salty, sweet and sour is used a lot and dried fruit is perfect on meat, fish and vegetables. "All this is the result of the cultures that have passed through our land. My cuisine is linked to the traditions of both my area and my family. I only use local products and I hope to be able to pass on to my guests all the passion and love that I put when I cook."
My specialities
- Sardine meatballs
- Bucatini with sardines
- Pasta alla Norma (Sicilian pasta with eggplant, marinara and basi)
Experiences
Cooking classes (14)
Food experiences (3)
Reviews
5.0
98 reviews
- "Only with my hands can I understand the dough", Francesca said. This statement of her demonstrates how much passion Francesca puts into cooking and entertaining her guests. We felt very welcome when we arrived for our food experience at her home in Bagheria. There we enjoyed a delicate salad, delicious eggplant rolls, wonderful fresh pasta having been produced with a "chitarra", and filled meat skewers one after the other, while learning a wealth of interesting facts about life in Sicily. The fact that we also were able to share personal stories about our lives in Bagheria and Munich contributed to the feeling of well-being. We're still dreaming about the delicious mandarin jelly dessert today, the day after; we'll also never forget the special atmosphere of the kitchen, Francesca's kingdom. To be highly recommended!
- "Only with my hands can I understand the dough", Francesca said. This statement of her demonstrates how much passion Francesca puts into cooking and entertaining her guests. We felt very welcome when we arrived for our food experience at her home in Bagheria. There we enjoyed a delicate salad, delicious eggplant rolls, wonderful fresh pasta having been produced with a "chitarra", and filled meat skewers one after the other, while learning a wealth of interesting facts about life in Sicily. The fact that we also were able to share personal stories about our lives in Bagheria and Munich contributed to the feeling of well-being. We're still dreaming about the delicious mandarin jelly dessert today, the day after; we'll also never forget the special atmosphere of the kitchen, Francesca's kingdom. To be highly recommended!
- Today, 8 June, we took a cooking class with Francesca in Sicily. We learned the techniques to make 3 dishes: Ravioli with Eggplant, Pasta w/ Sausage and Zucchini and for desert - Tiramisu. We learned how to pick the appropriate vegetables, understand the types of flours, seasoning, and oils and preference of one over another. We had to prepare our ingredients, proper cutting and cooking technique. And the tools used for each dish and how to use them. We made the pasta from scratch: Flour (00), Egg, and experienced using a Pasta Machine. We experienced it all. We cooked each portion of the meal, learned what to look for and when it was ready to add the next ingredient. We cumulated this with 2 favorable and tasty meals; and finally desert. Finally, I never used or thought I'd like Basil but Francesca showed me how to prepare, cook, and appreciate its fine flavor. So, when in Sicily, and if you have time, I highly recommend a side trip to Bagheria and a cooking class with Francesca.
- Ciao Francesca: my brother and I truly enjoyed our 3 hours with you. I thought 3 hours was going to be a long time, but learning and cooking with you, the time flew by. Bill and I discussed how we can't wait to try different fillers for our ravioli and my brother is planning small cups of tiramisu, just like his pana cotta. You really have us thinking 😃 Your hospitality was so warm and friendly. Thank you for opening your kitchen to us. Grazie, Kathi and Bill
- Francesca was extremely attentive and friendly, which immediately made us feel welcome and comfortable. We weren't able to get a taxi on the day to the area, so she kindly offered to pick us up and drop us off. Once we were in the kitchen, she made a full spread of Sicilian dishes which were all full of flavour and joy. She made bruscietta, sausages, meatballs, alla norma pasta, and cannoli. As we ate, we spoke about her life, her upbringing, and her Sicilian culture and roots. As greek cypriots, this was incredible to learn about another culture, but also to see how many of our traditions and practises are similar to hers. She made us feel very welcome and we felt honoured to have shared this evening with her. Thank you for everything, Francesca! Nick and Athena
Eva & Matthias - June 2025
Eva&Matthias - June 2025
kam from Hawaii, 2025 - June 2025
Kathi Kam - June 2025
Nicolas and Athena - June 2025