Nurturing our Villages
When I sat around my friend Maria’s kitchen table in Vizzini, Sicily there was animated discussion about our trip ‘al campagna’ (to the countryside) with family and friends as we were planning a ‘fuori sorta’ (out of town) picnic.
Excitement and anticipation permeated for days. Detailed discussions of what we were cooking, who was squeezing in to the little Fiat motorino and the weather forecast allowed us to get our country clothes ready.
The kitchen table represents everything in this village because so much happens at this table. Robust conversations provide everyone with a chance to discuss their perspectives on the issues of the day - politics, family situations, health concerns, or local shenanigans worthy of air time. And yes, these local shenanigans get plenty of air time! It’s fun and we can have a good chuckle about it keeping life light and easy. Nourishing family and friends at this table is mainstay providing simple, fresh and flavoursome meals like minestrone soup, a bitter green and fennel salad, crusty bread with a sprinkling of olive oil and sea salt and hot cups of espresso coffee.
Nurturing close relationships, spending time together and making sure that everyone is included and supported is at the heart of Sicilian Village life. It starts from the tiniest newborn baby to the oldest person sitting around this table.
And right next to this table is the couch where the older generations rest. All their delicate needs are tended to and they are treated like royalty until the end of their days on this earth.
My friend, Genmarco walks past his Nonna Viduzza to give her a gentle kiss on the forehead to remind her that she is loved, seen and heard. Maria, the figurative ‘head’ of the household, hands over cups of hot espresso coffee with freshly baked biscotti. And, then later on in the evening, the younger generation discuss and decide who is driving them home to put them to bed and make sure they are warm, safe and comfortable.
It is on one of these late evenings, and the night before we departed for our ‘al campagna’ trip, that the phone started ringing non stop for at least a good hour!
What was it all about?
The yeast for the pizza dough, of course. Are we going to be using fresh or dry yeast? Where did we purchase the yeast from? In depth discussion and critical last minute decisions come to life on the phone and around the table. This tension between ‘how exciting’ and ‘how frustrating’ lies at the heart of Sicilian banter.
Importantly, it’s these little moments of connection that nurture us and remind us that we belong and we are loved.
Finalmente! (Finally!) We landed on the dry yeast this year. Everyone can relax now and go to bed.
The big day had arrived. The women hardly slept a wink worrying about all the little details. We were up early wearing our ‘fuori sorta’ (out of town) clothes and filling up the boot with everything we needed to take with us. We all had a job to do. Boxes filled with simple food staples to cook a feast that will last well in to the night, Italian cards, home-made wine and that dried yeast. I wondered if someone had slipped in the fresh yeast at the last minute - but I never found out! It can get very competitive. Trust me.
We finally arrived in campagna. The men started the wood fired oven and the women got to work preparing the dough in their large wooden troughs. Their strong arms and delicate hands chopped wood and kneaded pizza dough. They are so fit and healthy. Some of these Sicilians have been doing this for more than 60 years. Friends and family played cards to ‘passare il tempo’ (pass the time). And there was plenty of food to enjoy.
As we drove home late that night, my cup was full. A simple and humble gathering is at the heart of living a village life and being part of a community. Everyone is welcome and no one feels lonely or isolated.
This special day taught me that your close relationships and the day-to-day moments with the most important people in your life is really good for us. It keeps us happier, healthier and helps us to live longer lives.
Two recipes to nurture your own village
Invite your nearest and dearest over for a simple meal of Pizza in Campagna or Ricotta Gnocchi with Sugo di Pomodoro and serve it with a crisp salad and glass of wine. Even better - include them in the preparation and do it together!
Ricotta Gnocchi with Sugo di Pomodoro
Until next time,
Silvia x