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As you read this, I’ll likely be busy with preparing my suitcase for a well-deserved escape to Italy—Sicily, specifically. A boost of warmth before sunny days winds down, and I’ll be ready to welcome the colder months cozy nesting. Personally, I think that early fall is the ideal period to flee to the southern Europe for a final injection of warm weather and, on this trip, to indulge in fresh pasta, Italian ice cream and a healthy side of evening appetizers. I’m excited.

Before Leaving Kitchen Efforts

Because I must cook plenty of food prior to departure, I cooked my household an excellent meal featuring juicy poultry with sweet tomatoes and a fresh bean, lettuce and aged cheese salad—a meal I am sure they’ll devour. Additionally, I made raspberry set cream dessert using a harvest gathered at a pick-your-own orchard, a sweet that is just as good with bruised or slightly damaged berries. There’s also a batch of summer squash, goat’s cheese and zesty risotto in the fridge, as we managed to grab a few green squashes at the field also. That should feed my family satisfied for a bit.

After Returning Ideas

When I return, I know I’ll be riding high on an Mediterranean-themed cloud, so it’ll be additional Italian dishes than typical (if that’s possible) and bite-sized Sicilian pastries with an strong coffee in the midday for a energy boost. I turn to traditional recipes like bucatini all’amatriciana and cruciferous veg and umami-packed butterfly-shaped noodles to help us survive a busy workweek.

Local Delights

Naturally, going to Sicily means indulging in my beloved Sicilian classic, and I’ll be using a trusted version that really knows aubergine. And, though I reluctantly acknowledge, I know I’ll be coming back to a shift in weather and all that fall brings. Perhaps an seasonal meal including panelle, coarse salt and salsa verde—one of my favorite treats—will help soften the return to reality. Alternatively I’ll make granita and present dishes of it in the AM, alongside a pile of breakfast pastries. It is a traditional island morning meal, making it rude not to. That way I can keep to that sunny disposition for just a bit further.

Recent Days in Dining

Savory and sour | The best chicken shop shut down not long ago, so I was delighted to find out it’s shifting focus but instead prioritizing events, temporary locations and takeaway. Their chicken strips and seasoned snack are incredible. Therefore, even if I’ll long for leisurely days and post-dinner indulgences with a accompaniment of refreshing beverages, I’m happy that I’ll can savor them without having to go out.

Favorite drink | We seldom agree on likes in drinks, but we’ve lately found a shared interest in a every few months membership that provides a assortment of locally produced and pressed apple drinks, complete with a history on the fruit and a few homemade treats as a bonus. It’s very early for the “Christmas” word, but this truly would make a wonderful present—Christmas or for any occasion.

Latest read | A seasonal cookbook, from a writer I’m a huge fan of. The publication details a 12-month passed in and out of the home kitchen, and the title is the outcome of that labor (no joke). Packed with great, time-specific recipes, it’s an perceptive, motivating and witty book.