A journey into the imaginary of Sicilian pastry.

This article is an anthropological archeology of Sicilian confectionery, from the prehistoric-like assemblage of sesame seeds and honey (giurgiulena) to the extravagant gelato di campagna and the baroque-rustic cassata. Sweets are analyzed as architectural constructions that rely on newly discovered ingredients and techniques to create edible edifices that amazed the eye as much as the palate. They emerge from their historical and social context and affirm themselves as moments of innovation in the culinary art. On a deeper level, the art of pasticceri bears the marks of an existential quest that constantly redefines man's symbolic relation to the forces and contrasts of life.

Acerca del chocolate, sus beneficio y desafueros / About chocolate, misfortunes and benefits

Going on with the review of the three main foods containing xanthynes (coffee, chocolate and tea), we´ll make up some sanitary considerations about chocolate, this delicious and discussed pleasure, not bad considered in a direct risk of pathologies, but surely harmful if look to this related chaps, like sugar, fat and other compounds added for flavor performance. Chocolate is as much criticized as applauded, but always admired and- deeply- desired, including those who censure it (AU)

William J. Morrison (1860-1926): co-inventor of the cotton candy machine.

William James Morrison (1860-1926), from Nashville, Tennessee was a noted dentist, lawyer, author and leader in civic and political affairs. An 1890 graduate of the University of Tennessee Dental College, Dr. Morrison became President of the Tennessee State Dental Association in 1894. He had a wide interest in both science and politics, and was personally associated with both William Jennings Bryan and President Woodrow Wilson. Additionally, he was a popular author of children's books and particularly effective in fostering reading among youngsters. Also, Dr. Morrison patented several important inventions. He developed a process for extracting oils from cotton seed, and converting them into a lard substitute. Likewise, he devised a chemical process to purify the public drinking water for Nashville. In 1897, he and John C. Wharton (a fellow Nashville candy maker) conceived and co-patented an "electric candy machine" which produced cotton candy (then called "Fairy Floss".) This article provides background information about the production of spun sugar during medieval times and later, it describes the development of their cotton candy machine, the process of its operation and details about its eventual worldwide commercialization. In addition, it discusses the introduction of this new confection to the public, during the 184 day, Louisiana Purchase Exposition, held in St. Louis, MO. in 1904. In late 1926, Dr. Morrison, died of a stroke at age 66.