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When you look over this, chances are I’m in the midst of packing my luggage for a much-needed break to the boot-shaped country—the Mediterranean jewel, to be precise. A hit of sunshine before the warm season winds down, and I’ll be set to welcome fall and winter cozy nesting. Personally, I think that September is the ideal moment to get away to the the Med for a spur-of-the moment dose of sun and, on this trip, to indulge in pasta, gelato and a generous serving of evening appetizers. I’m eagerly anticipating.

Pre-Departure Kitchen Efforts

As I need to make a million meals ahead of my trip, I cooked the family an excellent meal featuring juicy poultry with cherry tomatoes and a haricot vert, lettuce and aged cheese salad—a recipe I trust they’ll enjoy. I’ve also made raspberry panna cotta using a haul we picked a harvest-yourself field, a dessert that works perfectly with overripe or imperfect berries. There’s also a batch of summer squash, creamy cheese and citrus creamy rice in the fridge, as we managed to grab a couple of zucchinis at the farmstand also. That should keep my household satisfied for a bit.

Coming Home Ideas

After I’m back, I know I’ll be on a high on an Italian-inspired wave, so it’ll be more pasta than usual (if that’s possible) and small Sicilian pastries with an strong coffee in the afternoon for a pick-me-up. I count on traditional recipes like bucatini all’amatriciana and green florets and umami-packed bowtie pasta to get us through a hectic few days.

Local Delights

Of course, visiting Sicily means indulging in my favorite pasta alla norma, and I’ll be using a well-known version that really knows aubergine. Even if I don’t love to say it, I am aware I’ll be returning to a change of season and all that the cooler months brings. It could be an seasonal meal featuring Sicilian street food, sea salt and herb condiment—a standout my preferred treats—will help soften the transition. Alternatively I’ll whip up granita and serve trays of it in the AM, with a stack of sweet rolls. This is a classic island morning meal, so it would be a shame not to. Perhaps I can cling on to that warm-weather vibe for just a bit further.

Recent Days in Dining

Savory and sour | A top pick chicken shop ended service not long ago, so I was excited to discover it’s shifting focus but instead concentrating on festivals, pop-ups and delivery. Their chicken strips and umami treat are out of this world. So, while I’ll miss leisurely days and late-night chicken feasts with a side of refreshing cocktails, I’m excited that I’ll get to have them and not go out.

Cider of my eye | My husband and I rarely share preferences in libations, but we’ve recently found something we both enjoy in a seasonal club that delivers a assortment of estate-made and artisanal fermented beverages, including a backstory on the apples and a handful of specialty snacks as an extra. It’s very early for the “C” word, but this definitely would make a great gift—birthday or otherwise.

What I’m reading | A food and lifestyle guide, by a cook I’m a big admirer of. It details a 12-month spent within the cooking space, and the title is the result of that effort (literally). Full of great, seasonal ideas, it’s an insightful, motivating and clever read.