Homemade Pasta Noodles

07/12/2026

A reminder that life doesn't always have to be rushed.

Over the past week, I've watched the rhythm of everyday Italian and Sicilian life unfold. Shops close in the afternoon. Families linger over lunch. Neighbors stop to talk in the street. Grandparents sit outside in the evening while children play in the piazza. No one seems to be chasing the clock.

There is a quiet confidence here that simple is enough.

As Americans, we often celebrate being busy. We fill every minute with appointments, notifications, and endless to-do lists. Sicily reminds me that a full life isn't measured by how much we accomplish in a day—it can also be measured by how deeply we experience it.

That lesson shows up in the kitchen.

Some of the most memorable meals I've eaten here contain only a handful of ingredients. Nothing complicated. Nothing extravagant.
Just beautiful food prepared with care.

One afternoon, a fresh tomato sauce simmered gently while conversations filled the kitchen. No timers. No rushing. Just the aroma of ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil filling the room.

SIMPLE - FRESH

Fresh Sicilian Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

2 pounds (about 1 kg) ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
A handful of fresh basil leaves
Fine sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
Add the garlic and cook gently until fragrant. Do not brown it.
Add the fresh tomatoes and a pinch of sea salt.
Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally as the tomatoes naturally break down.
Remove the garlic if desired.
Tear in the fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking.
Taste and adjust the salt. A few grinds of black pepper are optional, though many Sicilian families leave it out.

Serve with fresh pasta, crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or simply spooned over toasted country bread with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

There is no cream. No sugar. No long list of seasonings.

Just tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and patience.

Perhaps that's why it tastes so unforgettable.

As I continue traveling through the villages with my family I'm realizing that the true recipe Sicily has shared with me isn't written on paper.

It's a way of life.

Slow down.

Gather often.

Cook simply.

Eat together.

And never rush what deserves your full attention.

Click here for an update from Homemade Pasta Noodles!

07/11/2026

Lunch in Terrasini, Sicily was more than a meal—it was a journey back to my family’s roots.

My great-grandfather, Vito Misuraca, once called this town home before leaving Sicily for America. Sitting here, enjoying the local food and looking out at the Mediterranean, I couldn’t help but imagine the life he knew and the courage it took to leave everything behind

07/10/2026

THE SIBLINGS ❤️After years of talking about this trip, we’re finally all here—together in Sicily.

Having all the siblings reunited on the island where our family’s story began is something I don’t take for granted.

These are the moments that remind me why heritage matters. Sicily isn’t just where my family came from—it’s a part of who we are.

This reunion has been worth every mile. ❤️🇮🇹

07/10/2026

Arriving Where My Story Began
For over five years i have shared my family’s journey from Sicily to America. Today i have arrived where it all began. I am sharing with you my Family Vacation in Sicily. ✈️☕️🥳👩🏻‍🍳🍷. DAY ONE
For many people, Palermo is a beautiful destination. For me, it feels like walking toward the beginning of my family’s story. My ancestors left this island with little more than hope, carrying their traditions, recipes, and dreams across the Atlantic. Those same traditions eventually found their way into my kitchen as The Pasta Lady.

Tonight, as I settle into Palermo’s historic center, I’m reminded that every handmade noodle I have ever rolled traces back to this island.

This isn’t simply a trip.

It’s a journey home.

History Note: Palermo has been Sicily’s capital for nearly 3,000 years. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, and Italians all left their mark here, making it one of Europe’s most culturally layered cities.

07/07/2026

Sometimes the best memories aren’t on the itinerary. ❤️🍷♠️

After a full day of exploring Tuscany, we gathered around the table with a few bottles of local wine, some delicious Italian snacks, and a deck of cards. Before long, the room was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of stories.

These are the moments I treasure most—not just the beautiful places we visit, but the friendships that grow along the way. Travel has a special way of turning strangers into friends, one shared meal, one card game, and one unforgettable evening at a time.

It’s nights like this that remind me why I love leading these journeys. We come for the history, the food, and the scenery—but we leave with memories made together.

✨ Travel Tip: Don’t rush back to your room every evening. Some of the best travel moments happen when you slow down, gather around a table, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

What’s your favorite card game to play while traveling? Tell me in the comments! 🇮🇹🍇🍷♣️

07/05/2026

There is something special about walking into a garden and knowing dinner is already growing.

That was the way my family cooked. We didn't chase complicated recipes or exotic ingredients. We cooked what the season offered. If the zucchini were overflowing, zucchini was on the table. When tomatoes ripened, there was tomato salad, fresh sauce, and sandwiches drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Fresh herbs were snipped just before dinner, and every meal seemed to begin with garlic gently sizzling in the pan.

Some of my favorite family recipes were never written down because they didn't need to be. They were simple, honest dishes made from ingredients picked that same morning. My parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles understood something that modern cooking sometimes forgets—when ingredients are fresh and in season, they don't need much.

This time of year, zucchini becomes the star of the kitchen. One of my favorite dishes to enjoy while I'm in Tuscany is Zucchini Sformato. Made with fresh zucchini, creamy ricotta, eggs, Parmigiano Reggiano, and fragrant herbs, it's a beautiful reminder that the best Italian cooking begins with what is fresh, local, and in season. Every bite captures the simple elegance that has inspired generations of Italian home cooks.

Zucchini Sformato

Serves: 6

Ingredients
2 pounds (900 g) zucchini, grated
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 large eggs
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
½ cup plain breadcrumbs, plus extra for the dish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
6–8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Butter or olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish and dust it with breadcrumbs.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the grated zucchini and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing some of the moisture to evaporate. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
Fold in the cooled zucchini mixture until evenly combined.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmigiano Reggiano and breadcrumbs.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Whether you pick your zucchini from your own garden or discover them at your local farmers market, recipes like this remind us that the best meals are often the simplest. Fresh ingredients, a few pantry staples, and the people gathered around your table are all you really need.

Here's to slowing down, cooking with the seasons, and preserving the traditions that have been passed from one generation to the next.

Buon appetito,

The Pasta Lady

Click here for an update from Homemade Pasta Noodles!

07/04/2026

Saturday market in Cortona 👩🏻‍🍳❤️

07/03/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

06/28/2026

A Taste of Summer from the Pasta Lady

When summer arrives in Italy, meals become simpler, lighter, and centered around the incredible ingredients that are at their peak. My Grandpa's garden overflowed with tomatoes, basil was abundant, and fresh mozzarella appears on nearly every table.

While many people associate Italy with steaming bowls of pasta, Italians also enjoy pasta served at room temperature during the warm summer months. Known as Pasta Fredda (cold pasta), these salads are common at family gatherings, picnics, and lunch at the lake and shared with friends.

One of the most beloved combinations is inspired by the classic Caprese salad of Southern Italy—fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. It captures everything we love about Italian summer cooking: simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and dishes meant to be enjoyed slowly with family and friends.

At our family gatherings, recipes like this were never measured carefully. A handful of basil from the garden, ripe tomatoes from the garden, good olive oil, and pasta were often all that was needed to create something memorable.

Whether you're serving this alongside grilled chicken, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it on the porch with a glass of wine, this Caprese Pasta Salad brings a little taste of an Italian summer to your table.

Caprese Pasta Salad
Classic Italian Summer

Serves 4
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) short pasta (fusilli or penne)
2 cups fresh tomatoes, quarterd
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved (or pearls)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Toss gently until evenly coated.
Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Pasta Lady Tip
For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for 15–20 minutes before serving. The tomatoes will release some of their juices, creating a simple dressing that coats every bite.

What to Serve With It
Grilled Italian chicken
Sicilian-style grilled shrimp
Fresh focaccia
A crisp Italian white wine

The Pasta Lady
Homemade Pasta Noodles

06/28/2026

One last batch. ❤️🇮🇹

Today I packed my final batch of fresh pasta dough before heading to Italy. It feels a little bittersweet—I know I’m going to miss the rhythm of mixing, kneading, rolling, and sharing pasta with all of you.

But now it’s time to learn, explore, and bring home new recipes, techniques, and stories from Tuscany. Every mile traveled makes me a better teacher, and I can’t wait to share it all when I return.

Until then… The Pasta Lady is trading her pasta bench for the Italian countryside. 🇮🇹🍝 Stay tuned! FOLLOW