Flavors of Sicily by Ursula Ferrigno; photography by David Munns

 

(Ryland Peters & Small, 2016, $24.95)

This recipe hails from the San Domenico Palace Hotel in Taormina—the chef, Massimo Mantarro, was persuaded to jot down the bones of this recipe. I think you’ll agree that it’s simple and very tasty.

• 3-1/2 oz. pancetta, smoked or unsmoked, diced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 extra large egg
• 2 tbsp. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 thick slice of country-style bread, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and squeezed dry
• 1 lb. 10 oz. pork loin, cut into 12 thin slices
• 2-inch squares of country bread
• Approximately 36 fresh bay leaves
• 7 tbsp. olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 skewers

Put the pancetta, garlic, egg, parsley, bread and salt in a bowl and mix well.

Gently pound the pork slices until uniformly thin. Spread each slice with a dollop of the pancetta mixture. Roll into cylinders and tie with kitchen string/twine.

Preheat a grill/broiler or barbecue/outdoor grill and coat the grill rack with oil. Thread each of the skewers with 2 pork bundles separated by bread squares and fresh bay leaves.

Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil and season well with salt and pepper. Grill/broil over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, turning so that all sides are cooked evenly. Serve at once. Serves 4–6.

Knee Deep Breaking Bud IPA 

Knee Deep Brewing Company was founded in 2010 by brewmaster Jeremy Warren. From humble beginnings in Nevada, followed by a stint in Lincoln, the brewery has finally planted roots in a 28,000-square-foot facility in Auburn. With 14 year-round offerings—including the beloved Citra Pale Ale and Hoptologist DIPA—along with seasonal beers and special releases, visitors flock to their tasting room…sipping big, hoppy, West Coast-style suds while catching a glimpse of brewery operations (currently headed by Dean Roberts). Over the years, they’ve garnered multiple awards—quickly gaining a reputation for producing creatively brewed craft beers.

Knee Deep Breaking Bud IPA features the typical bitterness and alcohol (6.7 percent ABV) of a classic IPA, with refreshing tropical fruit flavors, such as passion fruit and mango, plus aromas of Mosaic. Simcoe, CTZ, flaked wheat and a malt bill with a pinch of crystal malt are also in the mix, resulting in an easy-drinking beer that’s loaded with character, crispness and plenty of flavor complexity. When paired with the Grilled Herb-Stuffed Pork Skewers, it’s a mouthwatering match.

—Richard Righton, Owner, 36 Handles Pub & Eatery

Beer photo courtesy of Knee Deep Brewing Company. Recipe book photo and recipe photo by David Munns.