Pranzo di domenica

This past Sunday was a cold rainy day, but we stayed warm with a nice plate of egg pasta with thick warm ragout.








I teach English at a pre-school here in town, after lunch we went over to watch their Christmas recital. They are all so Cute!

Christmas Baking with Elena and Chiara

Dressed in our Christmas aprons, Elena, Chiara, and I were set for a night of baking. The lights on the tree were sparkling, the wood in the fireplace was crackling, the Christmas carolers were singing, and the sweet scents from the oven were filling the room. We were busy yesterday! By the time we were finished we made a few dozen Spritz Cookies, Strawberry Jam Bars, three plump logs of Salame di Cioccolato (Chocolate Salami), and a three tier chocolate and vanilla Checkerboard Cake. Everything is now in the freezer awaiting Sunday evening, when Antonello and I have our Christmas Party!!

Etna South

This past Sunday was an amazing day! The sun was shining and the sky was clear for miles. After lunch, we decided to take a drive to Etna, but this time through the town of Zafferana. The landscape is quite different from that of Linguaglossa. There are no large pine trees, but vast open space surrounded with black lavic rock. The views from the road are incredible.


The plow had just passed clearing the street for us.


At the top, there are activities all year-round. In the winter, there is skiing, and all other times there are excursions to the top of the volcano.

Looking down, you have a great view of the old volcanic craters. Behind them is the seaside of Catania in the distance.

Our Wedding Album Arrived!!

I cannot even begin to explain the feeling when we opened up the first page of our album. Our photographer captured the evening perfectly... The emotion, the people, the night will never be forgotten. Every time I wrap it back up in its protective casing, then close it away in its leather suitcase, I just want to take it out again to enjoy. The album, along with the video and wall picture, has us set for the holidays! Our gift has arrived!!
Antonello

Yesterday after lunch, we took a drive up Mount Etna. We watched as the temperature dropped with every turn of the road. Our town was a chilly 14 degrees Celsius and the top of the mountain was -1. BRRR!!! We got out of the car long enough to say we were there. On the way down, we kept our eyes open for lumber in the woods and picked up a few pieces for our fire…

Dinner with Kelly and Francesco

Our friends Kelly and Francesco are on vacation from the ship and home for the holidays. This past weekend, we had the pleasure of dining with them at their place. While I was visiting Antonello back in January, I met Kelly, the girlfriend of Francesco. We both were sailing as guests, so we had a lot of free time. During those few weeks, we became great friends and it just so happens that they live close by here in Sicily!







It was one in the morning before we knew it!

Mini-Mini Pandoro

A few days ago I read a great recipe on Bleeding Espresso for Ricotta Pound cake. Just the thought of that had my mouth watering. I placed a little twist on the original and made little cakes. Antonello and I then filled them with sweet Ricotta and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Lets just say that they were all gone before we knew it!