Today is the launch of my first blog post – thank you for stopping by.
It also just happens to be my birthday this week – which I love to celebrate every year. Having a birthday party sounds rather ‘over the top’ for this ‘40 something year old’ and as I sent out the invites for morning tea I was asked from one person who hadn’t received an invite before…‘Is this a special milestone birthday?’…To which I confidently replied… ‘Oh no – just another year to celebrate!’.
Every year for my birthday, I cook for a group of inspiring women and invite them to sit around my outdoor table on a perfect Autumn day to eat beautifully prepared food and drink champagne. This just brings me pure joy. It is the ‘gift’ that I like to give to my soul to say thank you for ‘another year down’ and ‘another year to pursue in gusto!’. It is also an opportunity to celebrate and thank some of the amazing women who are in my life.
For me, the only way to express this is by making my home-made Sicilian Ricotta Cannoli. This decadent yet light dessert has a crisp outer shell exuding the scent of marsala wine, chocolate and orange. As you bite into it, you taste a smooth and creamy sweet ricotta that has a hint of pistachio, cinnamon and vanilla. A truly divine moment!
Cannoli is the island’s most famous and delicious traditional desserts that originated from Palermo during the time it was controlled by the Arabs. It was historically prepared as a treat through the Carnevale season and lovingly prepared and filled by Sicilian women just before serving so the shells stay crisp.
Ricotta cannoli is a true representation of my Sicilian heritage, festive occasions, and the celebration of inspirational women gathering to cook and talk around a shared table.
My favourite places for exceptional Sicilian Cannoli in Melbourne are Cafe Siciliadolce, T Cavallaro and Sons and Rosa’s Canteen.
It was an incredible day and another year to be remembered.
How are you planning to celebrate your birthday?
Until next time.
Around Silvia’s Table 
Silvia is joyful, sincere and fun and this comes through in her food. She is inspirational.
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Thank you so much Silvia. I have found that the most beautiful things in life are simple and normally don’t cost so much but make one life rich . They are people who love you, people you can trust and a good coffee, and a walk on the beach . If you have all of these I regard our lives as rich
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Yes…I wholeheartedly agree with you Karen. What you are talking about here are experiences that money just can’t buy.
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Thank you so much Daniela.
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Cannoli, coffee and good friends are such a beautiful pleasure in life x
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How will I celebrate my next birthday?….I sort of let my birthday sneak past each year, but your blog has inspired me to think about how to celebrate…cannoli’s may feature !
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I might have to make sure I am in Melbourne around this time next year.
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Would love to see you. Make sure you bring the family!
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I like to celebrate my birthday each year too. Why not?!
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Oh good..so I’m not the only one! Mine drags out for a while though…a few weeks after actually.
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Celebrating a big birthday next week surrounded by family and no doubt, lots of food!!
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Well…given your cultural background….how can family and food not feature! So lovely to have you join this blog..thank you and happy birthday for next week!
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What a great idea Silvia! I wish I were living closer to you to be able to share your delicious meals in good company! Now I can do this with your blog.
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Excellent. I’m so pleased. I am thinking of coming to Sydney shortly so will reach out when I do. I miss you.
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So great to hear from you Silvia! Happy birthday week!
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Thanks Kerry! So great to hear from you. I hope all is going well in your world. See you soon.
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Love your blog Silvia – thanks for sharing!
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Thanks Olivia! Miss you guys…..and see you soon.
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Silvia, it was a lovely, perfect Autumn morning. The cannoli were divine X
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Thank you. The weather was perfect. The company was perfect. This year there was only three cannoli left…!
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Well done to you Silvia on your new blog.
Every birthday we have is a blessing and should be celebrated as many would love chance to turn another year older. Tonight I shall be dreaming of your Canoli !
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Thanks Libby. How did the dream go!? I agree…I think every year is a blessing.
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What a beautiful expression of you! Love the blog and visual layout. Thanks for your inspiration
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Thanks Belinda. So lovely to have you join this blog of mine. You are such an inspirational woman to me so I am glad that you are following. See you soon.
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