Fascinating, dried pears! In France there seems to be a confectioner still doing it the traditional 18th Century way. But I never found a recipe.
Leopold Mozart, Wolfgangs father writes in one of his letters from Italy, that they've eaten watermelon served with cinnamon. When you mix cinnamon with fine canesugar and sprinkle it over pieces of watermelon, this is indeed refreshing and tasty.
lizet kruyff | Homepage | 07.13.08 - 2:22 am | #

Thanks sooooo much. This is an amazing website and I only discovered it last night! I will certainly try the cinnamon on the watermelon - what an interesting thought. Won't the sugar make it a bit too sweet, though?

I already said so, but thanks anyway - for a super experience
justfoodnow | Homepage | 07.22.08 - 4:21 pm | #

Actually the sugar will cause the juices of the watermelon to "run" and release its flavor. Cinnamon was a very popular 18thC spice, used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Carolyn | Homepage | 07.22.08 - 9:41 pm | #

Oh I see - well, will get back to you as soon as I've tried it.
justfoodnow | Homepage | 07.23.08 - 2:58 am | #

Cinnamon was very popular in Europe since medieval times, but mostly used in spice mixtures. This was actually the first time I found a desciption of adding cinnamon and watermelon. Without the sugar the cinnamon sticks to your teeth rather badly. Mixed with sugar it´s much better. L.
lizet kruyff | Homepage | 07.27.08 - 9:27 am | #