This February in our Village
HELLO!
Hello! I’m so glad that you are here,
How are you doing? Did February really just creep up on us? It sure did.
My children are now back at school and while I have been relishing a quiet home and the chance to settle back into my own routine of life and work, having both Chloe and Tom out of the house every day has made me realise how much I enjoy spending time with them as they grow older.
Their presence around the home, the “mucking around banter” and opportunity to do interesting activities with them is delightful. My 13-year old son Tom has been making home made flat bread with tzatziki dip and creating lego displays. And my daughter is knee deep in her art and reading. I miss them.
On a brighter, greener note; my basil is growing wild in the garden - it’s time to make pesto!
And, I have been continuing to feed my hydrangeas with coffee grounds so they get a little bit of nourishment as they begin to change colour from pure white to various hues of pink and green as they age. Such a delight at this time of year. Watch me feed my hydrangeas with coffee grounds.
I hope you enjoy reading This February in our Village as we ever so slightly begin to pick up the pace for 2024.
Silvia x
This month, we are planning travel to Sicily in October 2024
Villagio’s first international tour to Sicily is from 15th to 24th October 2024.
Download the Itinerary and pricing guide here and please hit reply and email me if you would like to explore next steps, we are booking soon.
If you are not able to travel, don’t worry, there is a bounty of Sicilian inspiration below.
This month we are cooking a Sugo di Pomodoro (Sicilian Tomato Sauce)
Our next live and free community cooking session will be held on Sunday 18th February at 4pm via zoom. I will teach you the secrets to making my Mother Concetta’s Sugo di Pomodoro. It is a very simple sauce with so many tips to share to make it really special. It is literally the first recipe that my mum ever taught me when I was very young and will become a firm staple in your kitchen. Cook along with me or just grab a cuppa and enjoy connecting with our Villagio community.
In the meantime, have a go at making my Summer Peach dessert. Peaches are in complete abundance at the moment and they are so sweet and delicious. Let’s use them in their prime right now! Simply serve with whipped cream, ice cream, thick yoghurt or some beautiful sweetened ricotta cream. Watch me make this summer delight.
This month we are reading "Sicilia" by Ben Tish
Allow me to transport you to Sicily with Ben’s letter of love to one of the oldest, most richly varied food cultures in Europe.
He explores the island through its simple dishes, bountiful produce, cooking styles and gloriously sun-soaked Mediterranean way of life. Purchase the book.
This month we are building our Village
Make a beautiful stovetop coffee or cup of tea and sip slowly. It’s the daily ritual that matters the most. You may even consider sharing this moment with a loved one or invite a friend over. Watch me prepare my daily coffee.
Please visit Villagio’s Instagram for weekly inspiration on how to build your village.
This month we are meeting Zia Rosa from Vizzini
My Auntie ‘Zia’ Rosa lives in the Sicilian ancient village called ‘Vizzini’ located in the province of Catania. She is an incredible cook and looked after me when I first travelled there over 20 years ago. Rosa invited me to the Sicilian countryside with her family and friends and my experience with them really grounded in me, the importance of relationships and making time for day-to-day moments with our people. It keeps us happier, healthier and helps us to live longer.
Read the story Nurturing our Villages to Live Well and get the recipe for Country Style Pizza.
