Cooking Hands-On (May 2008)

“Hands-on” doesn’t have a direct translation in Italian. The best we can do is “mani in pasta,” which literally means “hands in pasta,” implying that you are inside whatever it is that you are doing. (Of course Italians must relate everything to food!) In Hands-On Sicily’s first branded program, Cooking Hands-On!, we did just that. Guests cooked side-by-side, arm-in-arm, and cheek-to-cheek with Sicilian chefs, grandmothers, and pastry experts. Excursions into neighboring historical sites began each morning. Cooking meals together topped off each night.

 Zia Tina Veninata and granddaughter Giulia cook with the guests. Photo by Marla McDonald

Valerio Reale makes agnolotti for a Hands-On Sicily gathering

First, you make fresh pasta. Then you fill it

The finished product

When Assessore Mimi’ Arezzo arrived to give Hands-On Sicily guests a lecture on Sicilian history, we were surprised to learn that “Hands-On” was an uncomfortable concept to locals. “Hands-Off!” might be more pleasing, Mimi noted, citing the island’s 3000-year history of foreign dominations. Konstantin Balassapulos agreed. His family had has a home on the island for more than 30 years.

Ragusa’s food and wine traditions are the fruit of thousands of years of interacting with other cultures—blending, integrating and evolving individual traditions. The kaleidoscope of flavors and emotions has become a source of Sicilian pride. Sicilian excellence is demonstrated by the DOC and DOCG wines that exceed the expectations of even the most discerning palates, as well as the DOP distinction given to the region’s extra virgin olive oil and traditional cheeses. Modica chocolate recipes are reputed to have been inspired by ancient Aztec techniques brought to Sicily in the sixteenth century Spanish invasion.

“Today’s Tourism Begins in the Kitchen.”

This journalist joked that Hands-On Sicily “grabs tourists by the throat”—forcing them to endure tasty Sicilian delicacies

“Americans Cook For Us… Tourists Make Focacce.”

Americans Cook for Us… Tourists Make “Focacce”

Sally Veillette, founder of “Hands on Sicily” and long time resident of Marina di Ragusa, welcomed two American philanthropists to promote local tourism – Colleen and George Willoughby… enjoy swimming in our sea, even in what the locals consider the cold month of October. Learn more…

Hands-On Sicily can arrange private cooking lessons to spice up your Sicilian vacation, as we did for Colleen and George Willoughby from Seattle, Washington

Colleen puts the focacce in the wood-burning oven of Villa Chiara

“The way to the world’s heart is through its stomach,” says Sally

Teresa Firrincieli teaches pasta making

Salvatore Alabiso offers fresh organic vegetables. Photo by Marla McDonald

Gianni Rivela brings Hands-On Sicily guests on excursions. Photo by Marla McDonald

Frank “Ciccio” Ward with Chef Maria

Maria Randazzo from Palermo is a guest chef and art director
MARIA’S POEM…

Judy Newcombe and Carlo Saviane brought a group of their friends to do a full Cooking Hands-On week

Olive picking on a crisp fall day

This olive orchard belongs to Gianni Rivela, who made a wonderful lunch in exchange for our labor!

Guests make caponata with Enrico di Matteo, professional chef

Jim Socket and Judy Newcombe are in the foreground

Sally Veillette and Giuglielmo Zisa, producer of organic vegetables.

Salvina Cascone brings fresh organic lemons from her family’s orchard to make limoncello

Adriano Scollo is a master with fish. Photo by Marla McDonald

Konstantin Balassapulos is an expert on Sicilian history. Photo by Marla McDonald

Shobhna from New York City hikes in the Chiaramonte hills, guided by Gabrielle. Photo by Marla McDonald

Saro Tribastone and his partner provide a touch of elegance. Photo by Marla McDonald

Pastry chef Pippo Boccadifuoco. Photo by Marla McDonald.

Managers of Le Cinque Vie prepare a special going-away meal for the guests. Photo by Marla McDonald

This beautiful 19th century villa, Le Cinque Vie, is the setting for our weeklong Cooking Hands-On courses (tennis courts, pool, private rooms). Accomodates up to 14 people