This is my second visit to Sicily. The first time, with the best of friends: Steve and Linda. Many years ago, we travelled to name places like Taormina, Catania, Palermo. It was a good introduction to this remarkable culture I am inadequate to describe.

This visit is at the invitation of the incredible Food Diva Victoria Granof. Author of many cookbooks such as The Ultimate College Cookbook and Chickpeas. She also wrote a book of Sicilian Pastries: Sweet Sicily.

Which brings us to this moment – in the Sicilian town of Noto, where Victoria and her team of photographers, assistants, and friends have gathered to make a brand new, contemporary cookbook of Sicilian pastries.

This is a trip that took many months of planning – and the renting of three different villas. The “middle” one in Noto has six bedrooms for eight people: Italian, British, Los Angelena, and a couple of New Yorkers (including me).

I had a month in Italy planned, which so happened to land at the same time as Victoria’s trip to Sicily to bake and photograph her pastries. I am filled with gratitude that she invited me to join her troupe for several days and nights.

We are eating and drinking together. And exploring this part of the island.

A Visit to the Baroque Town of Modica

Where we visited a flour (yes flour not flower) shop which milled grain, sold filberts, and typical Modica-style pastas like Busiata. We strolled. Ate ricotta. Bought chocolate. And tried Gelo di Limone.

Pasta

Grateful. Gratitudine. Gratitude.

Were it not for this level of friendship, I would not likely have ever visited a town like Modica by myself.