Being Italian means making everything around you pleasant and enjoyable. But being Sicilian means this and so much more! Come get your dose of dolce vita!

Welcome to the Tomato Red Issue.

In this issue, we will visit Ortigia, the old city inside Syracuse. A small island full of life, good food, seaside walks and the essence of old-world Sicily.

We will cook a few Sicilian recipes, starting with the classic "panelle" and passing by the less known pasta and ricotta.

We will then discover the world of Italian tomatoes: identify some varieties, cook with them and even decorate the table!

Back in Rome, we will see how locals live during the Summer, in the city or at the beach: what they think, what they do, what they eat and drink.

A long walk in the city center, away from touristic paths, will guide us through secret gems of breathtaking landscapes and you guessed.... delicious dishes to try!

I have asked my gourmand friends to help me create a list of the Italian Summer wines that you do not want to miss. You should try at least one during the following months!

Back to the kitchen, we will explore the uses of lavender in the Italian cuisine and go greener than ever with a few pesto recipes (beyond basil, that one's on the blog!).

Finally, to make this the sweetest Summer of your life, we will end the issue with three delicious sugary recipes, featuring chocolate and berries!

Tutto bene?

Let's begin our Summer journey.

Enjoy,

Claudia