Sicilia (Sicily) is an island off the toe of Italy with both Arab and European influences. It is the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean. It is an autonomous region of Italy. Provinces include Palermo, Messina, Siracusa, Catania, Ragusa, Agrigento, Enna, Caltanissetta and Trapani with other islands including Stromboli, Ustica and the Egadi Isles. Chillis are often used in cooking and spices such as saffron and cinnamon are used in desserts. Pasta dishes predominate, usually with vegetable sauces.
