a prossimo volta

Another visit to Sicily is coming to an end. Bittersweet, as we’ll miss the weddings of dear friends, Pietro and Chiara and cousin Dario to his sweet fiancé. But… we’ll be heading back to a new home in sunny (!) Florida, saying farewell to lovely family and friends in Ohio AND picking up my Mom…

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Un Pranzo Semplice

We took the opportunity to visit our dear cousins, Pietro and Lucia and Lucia’s sister Luisa up north near Trieste, and c.b.m (cousins-by-marriage) Roberta, her family, Fabrizia and her family near Aviano. If you’ve ever heard the stories of our time at Aviano, you’ll quickly know that these kind, generous folks are dear to us….

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Pizza in Sicily

Tonight, T and I had the opportunity to dine at @degusto in Galati Mamertino, Sicily. Although we’ve eaten many mouthwatering meals during our stays, we’ve not had pizza better than this here. Watch as owner, Antonio Drago (@anstrijr) introduces @sergio_barone, pizza-maker extraordinaire as he demonstrates how he makes their famous bufalo pizza bufalini- enjoy!

Very vanilla cupcakes 🧁

Have you been searching for that seemingly elusive, delicate, yet very delicious vanilla cupcake? I certainly have, until now! It’s my brother-in-law’s birthday tomorrow, and I decided to bake a few treats to celebrate how wonderful, kind and generous he is. Happy birthday, Tom! 1 3/4 c AP flour 1 c raw sugar 1/3 tsp…

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The Necessary Work

Not all aspects of life in Sicily are easy. In the USA, a lot of people have a certain notion of being well-off. Here, a small plot of land (or 6) in the “country” carries a lot of significance. It used to be that families would work the land to sustain themselves and possibly others…

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We bought some cheese…

Well folks, the time has finally arrived! Tony and I have begun the sometimes arduous, but always incredible adventure that we’ve talked and dreamed of for more than 30 years: the Sicily house renovations have begun! I will chronicle our journey as we go, but will start off with a few pictures. First off, Sicily…

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Spanakopita Triangles

This quick and easy appetizer is delicious and can be modified to fit your taste: add cubed, roasted chicken, crumbled italian sausage, use roasted peppers, add spice, even use prepared phyllo shells or even puff pastry! 4 T olive oil 1 sweet or red onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 lb spinach, rinsed and…

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Walnut Shortbread and Reflections

For so many reasons, I have been very reflective in my days… appreciating the beloved people who I have had in my life and with such profound heartbreak, missing those few who, for one reason or another, are absent from it. Never give up the chance to say, “I love you” and maybe more importantly,…

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Lemon Cream Pie🍋

If you’re looking for a perfect, creamy, tart dessert for your summer cookout, this tart lemon cream pie is not only delicious, but fast and simple, too! Lemon Cream Pie 🥧 2 – 8 oz blocks of cream cheese 1 – 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk 4 T fresh lemon juice 1/2 c…

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