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Generous recipes, effortless hosting, and everyday food worth lingering over.

April 7, 2026
Cortney LaCorte
  1. Lifestyle + Travel

Sicily Itinerary

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Lifestyle + Travel

Sicily was a vibe. It had this earthy, grounded energy that was totally different from Amalfi, in the best way. Everything felt deeper — the views, the food, the pace. 

Our Day-to-Day in Sicily

Day 7
We said goodbye to Amalfi and made our way to Taormina. The drive down the coast was way better than the drive up — still curvy but felt easier, probably because we weren’t as carsick this time lol. We flew from Naples to Rome to Catania (yes, another big travel day) and had a driver pick us up and take us to the Four Seasons in Taormina.

If you’ve watched White Lotus season 2… yep, this is that hotel. Total splurge, but wow. Probably the most stunning hotel we’ve ever stayed at. The property, the views, the quiet. We were all pretty wiped, so we kept it easy with dinner at the hotel and honestly, it was incredible. 10/10 just sitting there, staring at the sea.

Day 8
I completely forgot it was Mother’s Day, such a perfect day. We wandered into town that morning, shopped around a bit, and grabbed lunch at La Romano, pizza, and Roman-style pasta. It wasn’t life-changing, but it hit the spot. We went back to the hotel, read by the pool, and had Aperitivo, because obviously. The olives in Sicily are next level. I still think about them.

That night we got dressed up for dinner at Otto Geleng, and it was everything. It’s one of those full-experience tasting menus. Five courses (but really seven if you count the two rounds of starters that don’t count toward the five). I was so full I thought I might burst, but I would still do it all over again.

Day 9
Such a standout day. We did wine tasting on Mt. Etna, about an hour and a half from Taormina. Our first stop was Graci Winery, in the hills of Passopisciaro. They focus on organic, minimal-intervention wine and the property was so serene. Also, their wine pup was the star of the show. Afterward, we went to Cave Ox for lunch and it ended up being one of the best meals of the entire trip. The cheese plate, the pasta, the chicken cutlets. Everything was perfect. A true must-visit if you’re anywhere nearby.

Next was a tasting and tour at Franchetti. Beautiful wine, really fun vibe, and yes, we bought a few cases to ship home. We met up with my mom and stepdad that night for dinner since they happened to be in Taormina too. And while we were eating, Mt. Etna erupted in the background. Totally casual.

Day 10: Spa and Tischi Toschi

This was a full-on spa and pool day, and we didn’t leave the property until dinner. It was everything we needed. That night, we had dinner at Tischi Toschi, which was highly recommended by my friend Heather McMahan. I trust her with my life when it comes to Italy, and she did not steer us wrong. The wine, the fried cheese, the pasta, the braciole. Every single bite was incredible. And yes. You have to get the lemon jello dessert. Just trust me.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the San Domenico Palace, Taormina (Four Seasons), and it was unreal. It used to be a convent, and now it’s one of the most cinematic, peaceful hotels I’ve ever seen. The rooms, the gardens, the views, the pool. It’s the kind of place you dream about.

What We Ate

The food in Sicily is so simple, so fresh, and just full of soul. Nothing feels forced. It’s all heart.

Food Highlights:

  • Tasting menu at Otto Geleng
  • Poolside Aperitivo with those unforgettable olives
  • Lunch at Cave Ox near Mt. Etna
  • Dinner at Tischi Toschi with the lemon jello finale

What I Wore

Sicily called for effortless glam. Think relaxed silhouettes with an edge. It was warm during the day and breezy at night, so I packed easy layers I could elevate with a bold earring or fun clutch. One night I wore a black floral matching set that gave total White Lotus energy (I mean… we were literally at the hotel). If you’re planning a spring trip or want some outfit inspo for your next getaway, click here for everything I wore in Italy.

The Experience

There’s just something about Sicily. It wasn’t just beautiful, it was soulful. There was something about the slower pace, the raw landscapes, the simplicity of the food that made everything feel more intentional. It was a place that didn’t need to impress you, it just existed in its own rhythm, and we were lucky to be part of it for a few days. We all left feeling a little more grounded, a little fuller, and already talking about when we could come back.

Enjoy!

Cortney

Cortney LaCorte

Cortney LaCorte is the creator of CheeseGal, a food and entertaining blog born in her Nashville kitchen that celebrates cheese, charcuterie and joyful gatherings

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  1. Debbra
    June 9, 2025
    Reply

    Thank you for sharing! Your entire trip is saved in my Travel Pinterest Board. Can you link your nail color? They popped out in a few of your pictures and I love the color! 🙂

    1. Cortney LaCorte
      June 11, 2025
      Reply

      You know what I’m not sure of the exact color – it’s sort of a “funny bunny” OPI color!! Loved it

  2. Linda
    June 9, 2025
    Reply

    What tour guide did you use for for wine tour to Mt Etna? Thanks!

    1. Cortney LaCorte
      June 11, 2025
      Reply

      We didn’t use a tour guide! Chris researched wineries, booked them and then we had a driver take us! He is a pro at that kind of thing.

  3. Chip Ivie
    June 9, 2025
    Reply

    Thanks for taking me along. We honeymooned in Taormina June 2024 and your photos brought me back. Caio!

    1. Cortney LaCorte
      June 11, 2025
      Reply

      What a fabulous place to honeymoon!! One of my favorite destinations we’ve ever been to. So special!

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Keep this 3 ingredient app in your back pocket next time you need something quick, easy and DELISH! You can make so many variations of this by just swapping out the toppings. 

2 rounds of Garlic & Herb Boursin
1 jar pepper jelly 
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Cheesy French Onion Pasta with (or without) Mushro Cheesy French Onion Pasta with (or without) Mushrooms

All the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup, but make it a cheesy, bubbling pasta bake. Caramelized onions, mushrooms, a creamy mascarpone sauce, and LOTS of Gruyère. I mean, what more could you want?!

INGREDIENTS:

Kosher salt
1 lb dried ziti pasta
2 tbsp olive oil (love Juice @foodbymaria )!
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 5 cups)
8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
Coarsely ground black pepper
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
½ cup white wine
2 cups beef broth (not low-sodium)
8 oz mascarpone
1 lb Gruyère, grated (about 4 cups), divided
8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, chopped
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions), 8–9 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and mushrooms and increase heat to high. Cook without stirring for 5 minutes, until beginning to brown. Season with salt and pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, about 12 minutes.

Add butter and let melt. Stir in flour, garlic, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add white wine and cook until almost completely reduced, about 30 seconds.

Add beef broth and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Stir in mascarpone until creamy. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in 1 cup Gruyère and the drained pasta, tossing to coat. Top with remaining Gruyère and mozzarella.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and melted. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and DIG IN!

PRO TIP: The secret to beautifully caramelized onions? Patience! If they’re browning too quickly or sticking to the skillet, add a splash of water or even beef broth and stir to loosen those delicious browned bits. You’re looking for soft, sweet, golden-brown onions, not blackened or crispy ones! (Take it from me 🫠)
Fall Appetizer: Jam + Ritz Baked Brie The best p Fall Appetizer: Jam + Ritz Baked Brie 

The best part is you can use whatever jam is on hand! Think: fig, apricot, cherry - could even go savory and do onion jam! Whatever! Make this and report back. It’s a good one to have in your back pocket.

INGREDIENTS:
8 ounce Brie cheese wheel 
2 tablespoons of whatever jam/preserves (I used fig)
Coarsely ground pepper
8 @ritzcrackers , crushed, plus more crackers for serving
1 tablespoon olive oil
Flaky salt and chopped fresh rosemary, for serving

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position. Using a sharp knife, make 4 parallel cuts on one flat side of the cheese, cutting just through the rind but not much deeper. Turn the cheese 90° degrees and make 4 more parallel cuts. 

Cut a round of parchment a little larger than the brie. Place the parchment in the bottom of a small baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Put the brie on the parchment, scored side up, on top. 

Spread the jam/preserves on top of the brie and season with pepper. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and olive oil and stir until the crumbs are coated in oil. Sprinkle the cracker crumbs on top of the jam.

Transfer the brie to the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes (keeping a close eye that your Brie doesn’t completely melt like mine lol) until the cheese is warm and the cracker crumbs are lightly toasted. 

Transfer the cheese to a serving plate. Sprinkle the cheese with chopped rosemary and flaky salt and serve immediately with more crackers. 
That’s it!

#fyp #fall #appetizer
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Spiced Pear & Rosemary Gin Sour 🍐🍸 Fresh pear, ro Spiced Pear & Rosemary Gin Sour 🍐🍸

Fresh pear, rosemary, warm spices, and gin shaken into a deliciously frothy little chic fall cocktail!!!

INGREDIENTS:
2 oz gin
½ ripe pear, peeled, cored + chopped
1 oz fresh lemon juice (maybe even more if you want it super tart)
¾ oz elderflower liqueur
¼ oz honey syrup
1 egg white
1 sprig fresh rosemary
pinch of ground cinnamon
pinch of ground ginger
Ice
Fresh pear slice + rosemary sprig, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

First, make your honey syrup right in the shaker! Add a little honey and an equal amount of warm tap water, stirring until dissolved. Add the chopped pear, lemon juice, and rosemary and muddle until the pear is nice and juicy. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, cinnamon, ginger, and egg white. Shake vigorously WITHOUT ice for about 15 seconds to create that gorgeous froth! Add ice and shake again until nice and cold. Double strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a chilled coupe, gently pressing to extract all that pear juice. Garnish with a fresh pear slice and sprig of rosemary. CHEERS!!! 🍸

PRO TIP: The riper the pear, the better! You want one that’s soft, fragrant, and juicy enough to practically melt when muddled. Bartlett pears are especially good here.

And go VERY light on the cinnamon and ginger. We want a whisper of fall spice, not a cocktail that tastes like potpourri. 🤣
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