Looks wonderful! We will be in Sicily in September. We found a cooking class that will accommodate our food intolerances. We are excited for the adventure.
It was a very nice surprise and a break from the time we spent in cities—though we enjoyed that too. I only wish we’d had more time to explore more, but I always feel that way! Thanks for your comment, Domenica!
"Cannoli therapy" made me laugh and also - what a perfect turn of phrase. Leave it to the Italians!
I loved your description of the agriturismo, and that these places continue to exist (and even thrive!) on a cooperative model of simple living and humble pleasure. Sounds like a deep breath of fresh air. Thank you for writing about it!
Oh, thanks so much, Emily! I’m glad this piece resonated. There was a joie de vivre (not sure of the Italian equivalent for that phrase) at that cannoli bakery that was infectious, and it was at the agriturismo too. Thanks for identifying the farm as a cooperative model of living that works—I think it’s exactly that, and the joy the family takes in sharing it shines through. I wonder if anything like that exists—or could exist—here.
When I read of your trip, and how you write and express it through your experience, along with astounding photos, it makes me think these places cannot possibly exist! It leaves me in wonder of such beauty in land and food. Thank you Ruth for taking time to share.
Oh, Sally, thanks so much for your kind words! It IS a miraculous place! I feel lucky to have been able to visit and learn about it from such good-hearted, passionate people. The farm does really exist, and it gives me some hope in a sometimes dark world that it does. I hope perhaps you can visit someday. 🤗
If we were to visit Europe for sure Italy food hopping would be the primary aim. Especially since I've taken an Italian turn in my food cookery lately. Yummmmmm.
You went foraging for wild Sicilian herbs then made fresh pasta and ate it with fresh ricotta, AFTER a canollo therapy session. Thank you for sharing this perfect day with us. I have a canollo addiction and often eat them for breakfast here in Como, which is why I could never love in Sicily where I’d surely eat them for every meal 😉
Thanks so much for your comment, Lolly! After sampling so many cannoli in Sicily, I think we were fairly addicted ourselves—but also to all the other great food, the people and the landscape! Como is another place I hope to see one day.
We also fell hard for Noto and Ortygia—stunning beyond belief. If I didn’t worry about turning my blog into a Sicily travelogue, I’d keep sharing the pictures I couldn’t stop taking of the area! Thanks for your comment.🤗
Fabulous article! I started going to Sicily in 2009 doing research for my culinary tours, I feel I have barely scratched the surface! Would love to visit that agriturismo! thanks for the tips!
Thank you, Judy! I thought this place a fabulous find—definitely some rich possibilities as a destination for a group, family or even a solitary traveler. I also feel like we just scratched the surface of the richness that is Sicily and am hoping to return. I will have to check out your culinary tours!🤗
Thanks, Sinù! They’re really special, passionate, very kind people whose love of what they do really shines through. They were really the best kinds of ambassadors for not only the farm but for Sicily.
What an idyllic adventure to a very special farm. I can't imagine that anyone could possibly pay a visit and not find something that would be of interest. I love the little wood gnocchi board that you linked to. Thanks, Ruth.
Thank you, Vicki! It was SO unexpected really. And I really enjoyed making little cavatelli using that board. I brought one home with me and can’t wait to try it out.
It sounds like a fun time Ruth, foraging, cooking and eating, some of life’s simple pleasures.
Thanks so much, Julia!
I would leave tomorrow if possible!
Looks wonderful! We will be in Sicily in September. We found a cooking class that will accommodate our food intolerances. We are excited for the adventure.
We found that the tour guides and hosts went out of their way to accommodate our needs and preferences. I’m sure you will have a wonderful trip!🤗
How wonderful to spend time in a place so connected to the earth and nature. So glad to know about it. Thanks, Ruth!
It was a very nice surprise and a break from the time we spent in cities—though we enjoyed that too. I only wish we’d had more time to explore more, but I always feel that way! Thanks for your comment, Domenica!
"Cannoli therapy" made me laugh and also - what a perfect turn of phrase. Leave it to the Italians!
I loved your description of the agriturismo, and that these places continue to exist (and even thrive!) on a cooperative model of simple living and humble pleasure. Sounds like a deep breath of fresh air. Thank you for writing about it!
Oh, thanks so much, Emily! I’m glad this piece resonated. There was a joie de vivre (not sure of the Italian equivalent for that phrase) at that cannoli bakery that was infectious, and it was at the agriturismo too. Thanks for identifying the farm as a cooperative model of living that works—I think it’s exactly that, and the joy the family takes in sharing it shines through. I wonder if anything like that exists—or could exist—here.
When I read of your trip, and how you write and express it through your experience, along with astounding photos, it makes me think these places cannot possibly exist! It leaves me in wonder of such beauty in land and food. Thank you Ruth for taking time to share.
Oh, Sally, thanks so much for your kind words! It IS a miraculous place! I feel lucky to have been able to visit and learn about it from such good-hearted, passionate people. The farm does really exist, and it gives me some hope in a sometimes dark world that it does. I hope perhaps you can visit someday. 🤗
If we were to visit Europe for sure Italy food hopping would be the primary aim. Especially since I've taken an Italian turn in my food cookery lately. Yummmmmm.
I hope you and Claire do go, Crowden! The food (and everything else!) is inspiring!
You went foraging for wild Sicilian herbs then made fresh pasta and ate it with fresh ricotta, AFTER a canollo therapy session. Thank you for sharing this perfect day with us. I have a canollo addiction and often eat them for breakfast here in Como, which is why I could never love in Sicily where I’d surely eat them for every meal 😉
Thanks so much for your comment, Lolly! After sampling so many cannoli in Sicily, I think we were fairly addicted ourselves—but also to all the other great food, the people and the landscape! Como is another place I hope to see one day.
Great stuff, Ruth!
There's such an embarrassment of riches on this island. Noto and Ortygia stole our hearts when we were in the South East a couple of years ago.
We also fell hard for Noto and Ortygia—stunning beyond belief. If I didn’t worry about turning my blog into a Sicily travelogue, I’d keep sharing the pictures I couldn’t stop taking of the area! Thanks for your comment.🤗
Quite!
Forgive us if we shared this with you, but here's our experience of Noto (Ortygia will be a future story)
https://open.substack.com/pub/marcoandsabrina/p/val-di-noto-sicily-2022?r=10ijux&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Can’t wait to read it! Look forward to the future one on Ortygia!
Fabulous article! I started going to Sicily in 2009 doing research for my culinary tours, I feel I have barely scratched the surface! Would love to visit that agriturismo! thanks for the tips!
Thank you, Judy! I thought this place a fabulous find—definitely some rich possibilities as a destination for a group, family or even a solitary traveler. I also feel like we just scratched the surface of the richness that is Sicily and am hoping to return. I will have to check out your culinary tours!🤗
I have “retired”, been teaching and touring here for 40 years now!
What a gem you stumbled upon! Manuela's family are doing an amazing job, we need more people like them ❤️
Thanks, Sinù! They’re really special, passionate, very kind people whose love of what they do really shines through. They were really the best kinds of ambassadors for not only the farm but for Sicily.
What an idyllic adventure to a very special farm. I can't imagine that anyone could possibly pay a visit and not find something that would be of interest. I love the little wood gnocchi board that you linked to. Thanks, Ruth.
Thank you, Vicki! It was SO unexpected really. And I really enjoyed making little cavatelli using that board. I brought one home with me and can’t wait to try it out.
A great day in the countryside, and you captured it perfectly. Can't wait to go back.
Thank you, dear! You helped me capture the photographic part of it for which I’m supremely grateful!😘
What a trip!
Thanks, Jolene!
You make this all so tempting, Ruth, so magical. What a fantastic place! I love the sound of that pasta with the herbs and ricotta, too.
Thank you, Annette! It really is lovely. And the pasta is surprisingly simple and fun to make, I’m going to try making it again this week.
What a wonderful article. You are so lucky to have so many amazing experiences and we're all so lucky to read about them.
Thanks, Judy! I’m very lucky to have such a supportive and kind mother-in-law!🤗❤️