My dear friends,

It’s here. Our new name, our new space, our new chapter. And I couldn’t be more excited—or more grateful—to finally share it with you. 

Whether you’ve been following along since the early days of The Hungry Apron, or you’ve just recently stumbled across our little corner of the internet, thank you for being here. I hope you find inspiration in the stories we tell, the recipes we share, and the life we are building in the countryside.

Why the Change?

My first blog, The Hungry Apron, was born from my love of food and storytelling—a place where I could share recipes and everyday moments from my kitchen. But over time, my world expanded. Life shifted, dreams grew, and suddenly, our long-awaited countryside home was no longer just a dream—it was real. 

We found the house. Tucked away in central Italy, surrounded by hazelnut and olive trees, this old abandoned villa had been waiting—quietly, patiently—for someone to bring it back to life. It had been untouched for years. But the moment we stepped inside, we knew. This would be the beginning of something. And so, Marilu&Co was born.

Marilu&Co is more than just a name change. It’s a reflection of the life we are creating here—a life full of creativity, intention, and the beauty of everyday living. Marilu itself is a name close to our hearts, a combination of my and my husband’s names, Marija and Luca. It’s the name we gave our country home, the home we spent ten years dreaming of before finally finding the perfect place. 

A Home for More Than Just Us

We’ve always imagined our home as a space to be shared. A place where creativity thrives, where people gather, where stories unfold. Marilu&Co represents not just our journey but the village of people who help bring this dream to life—our family, our friends, and even you, our readers.

We hope this space becomes a home for you too. A place where you find inspiration, whether it’s in the meals you cook with loved ones, the gardening adventures you embark on, or the way you slowly shape your home over time. Because a home isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels, how it’s lived, and the stories it holds.

Our Life in the Countryside

Homemaking is a powerful thing. It’s about more than just walls and furniture—it’s about cultivating a way of life that is intentional and fulfilling. Living in the countryside has made us more aware of the rhythms of nature, the changing seasons, and the work it takes to be more self-sufficient. Through gardening, cooking with seasonal ingredients, and learning to adapt our pace to the land around us, we’ve discovered that hard work and organisation are essential—but the rewards are endless. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing where your food comes from, in harvesting something you’ve nurtured, and in creating a home that reflects not just your style, but your values.

In this space, we’ll share glimpses of our life here:

• Stories from our journey of countryside living and home renovation
• Our love for antiques and how we’re filling our home with timeless treasures
• Gardening experiments (often learning by doing!)
• Seasonal recipes inspired by our vegetable and flower garden
• Moments of creativity, from decorating to gathering inspiration from nature

This is a space for slow living, for appreciating the small things, and for embracing the journey.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to be an expert to start something new. Whether it’s gardening, home renovations, or simply choosing a slower way of life, the beauty is in the process, in the mistakes, in the learning. We are not perfect homesteaders or expert decorators—we are simply living, discovering, and sharing as we go.

So, welcome to Marilu&Co. Welcome to our home, our stories, our journey. Stay a while, find inspiration, and let’s build something beautiful together.

With love and gratitude,

Marija 

In summer all our entertainment moves outside, making the dinner setting more carefree and easy. I have been in Italy long enough to savor all their beautiful food rituals, which taught me so much about how special it is to gather around the table and share a meal with friends, however simple it might be.

In Italy, spontaneous aperitivo and a glass of wine can quickly turn into a long dinner, with friends cooking pasta together while chatting and waiting for the dish to be served. I found that these spontaneous dinners come easiest in the summer, where with the abundance of fresh, seasonal produce, I can prepare simple, delicious meals in no time, sometimes without even cooking.

Besides cooking and preparing food for my guests, one of the things I enjoy the most is setting the table. My husband would say that I might go overboard with organizing dinners by paying too much attention to details, but I find that a nice setup is equally important as the food served. Small touches such as soft linen, vintage china, flowers, or candles can create a sense of occasion, making the table more inviting. I like to keep the table simple and neat, allowing the table setting to settle in the natural surrounding of our countryside.

For this occasion, I combined the earthy tones and Vichy check pattern with softer, pink napkins, making the table country and romantic. I love to play with colors and textures, mixing and matching vintage plates with glasses of different colors and heights. A few garden flowers and the table is set.

SUMMER FAVORITES
in collaboration with Linumoe Copenhagen

Whether you are hosting a family summer lunch or a big party with your friends, the natural colors of soft linen will upscale your table setting. Feel free to mix the patterns and colors of linen with colorful china and glassware. Allow yourself to be playful and have fun. Browse my summer favorites or visit Linumoe store for more beautiful kitchen linen. 

Use my code APRON20 to get 20% off your next purchase at linumoe.dk.

Summer gatherings tend to be easy, as, with longer days, we all seem to step into the carefree holiday mood. With hot temperatures, I tend to serve refreshing food as much as possible, and Italian Panzanella salad is one of those easy delicious recipes to enjoy and prepare for the summer. Essentially it is a bread salad tossed with fresh, ripe tomatoes, shallots, cucumbers, tuna, and corn. Still, every Italian family has their version, depending on what you have at home. You can even add boiled eggs, fresh mozzarella cheese, or olives - this salad is one of those recipes that, either way, you make it, you can't be wrong. The original recipe calls for a day or two of old bread soaked in water, but I prefer to do one additional step and toast the bread before soaking it, so I can still keep a bit of bread crunch for more interesting texture. Then I cut the bread into bite size pieces and generously mix with olive oil, freshly cut vegetables, and tuna slices.

Another recipe that I love adding to my summer menu is Peach bruschetta. One of the simplest, easiest, and most delicious things you will ever prepare. Crunchy baguette bread is topped with velvety ricotta cheese and slices of ripe fresh peaches, drizzled with some honey and fresh thyme. Such a pretty, mouth-watering appetizer that you can prepare in no time and that your guest will love!

A glass of aromatized water is always welcome on a hot summer day, so try mixing cold water with fresh peaches and basil leaves. You can also use mint, lemon, or raspberries.

January started very slowly, with long mornings near the fireplace, in pyjamas, drinking coffee, and taking the time to relax. The past year was intense, and both my body and mind needed a well-deserved rest.  

When I reflect on 2021, it was a year full of obstacles, of rethinking, failing, and succeeding, of melancholy and longing for those days when I could jump on a direct plane and visit my family whenever my heart wished for the sweet scent of home. It was a year of personal growth and learning. Unfortunately, the new pandemic wave over the holidays brought changes in plans and a lot of insecurity, and we decided to retreat and enjoy the holidays at home. We decided to embrace the first days of the New Year slowly, without to-do lists, any strict plans, or work. To be honest, I got tired of waiting for things to be normal again, and decided to enjoy the new normal as much as I can.

The stillness of winter can be very comforting and soothing, inviting us to follow nature's lead and find consolation in slowing down. So I welcomed the slower-paced holidays with an open heart, creating new traditions with my family and enjoying simple, home moments with them.

And while we embraced the rainy winter days by staying warm inside, watching Christmas movies, every sunny day was a reason to take a fresh breath of air and savor the season.

Winter brought citrus season back to my kitchen, and I grabbed the first occasion to use oranges and bake a new delicious recipe. As we were going for a picnic in the woods nearby, I wanted to stir something quick and easy to carry, but at the same time, delicious. 

With lots of chocolate in my pantry and beautiful Italian oranges, I decided to whip a dark chocolate bundt cake flavored with fresh orange juice and orange zest. The result was everything I was aiming for - super-rich chocolate flavor, with zesty tones of orange and beautiful moist texture.

The ingredients are very pantry friendly, and you can prepare it in no time. The recipe can be enjoyed throughout the year, but I suggest making it while the oranges are in season, and you can enjoy them at their best.

DARK CHOCOLATE & ORANGE BUNDT CAKE
Marija Gvozdenovic

INGREDIENTS

Serves 12

* Ingredients indicated are for a 22cm bundt cake pan 

for the cake

3 eggs, room temperature

345g plain flour

50g unsweetened cocoa powder + extra for dusting the pan

2tsp baking powder

1.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda

pinch of salt

230g granulated sugar

1tsp vanilla extract

250g sour cream

150ml sunflower oil

180ml hot coffee (or hot water) 

100g dark chocolate (at least 50% cocoa)

50ml orange juice (juice from 1/2 orange)

6 tbsp milk

zest from 1 orange

FOR THE orange glaze

juice from 1/2 orange

a few tablespoons of powdered sugar (depending on how thick you want your glaze)

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare the coffee.

I am using French pressed coffee which is not as strong as espresso shots, so if you are using an Italian Moka or espresso machine, I would suggest using 90ml of coffee and 90ml of hot water. The purpose of adding hot liquid is to allow the cocoa powder to "bloom," resulting in a more rich chocolate taste. 

In a medium mixing bowl, pour the hot coffee over the finely chopped chocolate and whisk until the chocolate melts. Whisk in the cocoa powder. Leave aside to cool.
 
In a large bowl or stand mixer, add 3 eggs, one at a time, and start mixing at a low speed. Add sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the eggs are frothy and light yellow, for about 3 minutes. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, sunflower oil, sour cream, orange juice, and milk, and mix until combined. Add in chocolate mixture and orange zest and whisk again.
 
Sift flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda - add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture and mix slowly, just until combined.
Using room temperature butter, grease your bundt cake pan. Sift cocoa powder until the pan is completely covered. I highly suggest cocoa powder for dusting instead of flour to avoid white flour marks on the cake after baking.
 
Transfer the mixture to the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. If you use mono portions (single, mini bundt cake pans), check for baking after 20 minutes. If you use a large bundt cake pan, start testing the cake after 35-40 minutes, as baking time could differ from oven to oven. The cake is ready when a wooden toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Make sure not to over-bake.
 
Remove the cake from the oven, cool for 10 minutes, then turn the pan over onto a cooling rack. Allow cooling completely before serving.
Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over the cake. You can also melt chocolate or sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar.

Store any leftover cake at room temperature, well wrapped, for several days. You can freeze the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh even longer.

timeless linen & a gift for you

Just before we slipped into the holiday season, a beautiful package came in from Lithuania. A family-owned brand, La Petite Alice, sent me the gorgeous linen red dress for the holidays and beautiful home textiles. From clothing for women and children to home textiles and accessories, every piece of their shop is made with intention and care. Elegant designs, high-quality linen, and beautiful embroidery details make their products unique and perfect for every occasion. 

They have recently launched a completely new collection for Home, and below are some of my favorites. For a fresh new start of the year, we have a special gift for you - 15% off your next purchase. Just add code THEHUNGRYAPRON15 in your checkout. Make sure to show some love and follow their journey on Instagram and on their website www.lapetitealice.com/.

FAVORITE ITEMS FOR A SLOW START

This week, I am sharing with you a special recipe, all the way from Sweden. My dear friend, Sofia Nordgren, from The Nordic Kitchen, published her beautiful baking book just in time for the holidays, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and try her recipes!

The Nordic Baker is a plant-based book filled with delicious baking recipes divided by season. Across beautiful images, seasonal recipes, and stories, Sofia takes you on a unique journey of discovering Sweden and invites you to slow down and enjoy the mundane. Her approach to baking and cooking with nature in mind is really inspirational, inviting you to discover the Nordic lifestyle and great recipes. In her book, Sofia shares different recipes for different seasons - from breakfast ideas, recipes for bread, homemade granola, jams, to cakes and delicious sweet treats, the choice of recipes is exceptional.

If you are looking for a last-minute gift for a cook or foodie lover, this book will be a perfect gift. Grab a copy for yourself on the way, and discover beautiful recipes from Sofia's kitchen. The book is available on Amazon here. 

Today I am happy to share a special recipe from her book - Lussekatter or Swedish Saffron Buns. These soft, fluffy buns are rich in saffron flavour and decorated with raisins at each end. In Sweden, they are traditionally prepared on December 13, Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) day. According to the Julian Calendar, December 13 was the winter solstice, the year's longest night. In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, where the days are pretty short during the winter, St. Lucia's Day or "The Festival of Lights" is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year. In addition, it announces the Christmas season and the beginning of the holiday preparations.  In Swedish tradition, young girls wear a crown of candles and wake their families with these sweet saffron buns. In fact, the saffron gives them a golden colour and represents the light.

SWEDISH SAFFRON BUNS
RECIPE FROM THE BOOK THE NORDIC BAKER

INGREDIENTS

Makes 40 buns

150g vegan margarine, plus extra, melted for brushing

500ml plant milk, plus extra for brushing

1g (a pinch) saffron

135g caster, superfine sugar

50g fresh yeast

1/2 tsp salt

900g plain (all-purpose) flour, plus extra for dusting

80 raisins ( 2 raisins per bun)

100-200ml mulled wine, optional 

METHOD

Melt the margarine in a small saucepan set over a lo heat, then stir in the plant milk. Let the liquid cool until it's lukewarm (37 C/99F). Grind the saffron and 1 tablespoon sugar using a mortar and pestle. then add it to the milk mixture.

Crumble the yeast into a large bowl, then pour over the lukewarm milk and stir until the yeast is completely dissolved. 

Add the remaining sugar, the salt and about two-thirds of the flour to the bowl. Stir together until well combined and then work the dough in the bowl with your hands for 5-10 minutes, dusting over the remaining third of the flour as you knead. You are aiming for a smooth and slightly sticky dough. Shape the dough into a ball and nestle it into the bottom of the bowl, then cover it with a tea (dish) towel and place it in a warm place to prove for about 45 minutes. 

Line two baking sheets with baking paper. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and work it for a minute or so. Using your hands, roll the dough into a long sausage shape, then cut into 40 equal pieces. 

With open palms, roll each piece of dough on the work surface into a long sausage shape again, about 1 cm (1/2 in) in diameter. Curl the ends of each in opposite direction, forming an "S" shape. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheets and repeat with the rest of the dough to make 40 buns. Leave some space between them. Loosely cover the buns again and leave to prove for about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile preheat the oven to 220 C / 425 F / Gas 7. 

In a small bowl, cover the raisins in the mulled wine and leave to soak until the buns are proving. (optional)

Brush the buns with melted margarine and press a raisin into the swirls at each end. Bake one sheet of buns at a time in the middle of the oven for about 10 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack and loosely cover with a tea towel to cool. Best eaten fresh. 

Christmas at home 

with Sofia, the author of The Nordic Baker

In Sweden we celebrate Christmas on December 24th (Christmas Eve). I think the Christmas traditions in Sweden look a bit different depending on whom you are talking to. However, there are a few things that a lot of people do. The mornings are probably different in different families, but around lunch most people gather with family for a Christmas lunch - usually including a big buffet of all the Christmas food you can think of. At 3 o'clock almost everyone in Sweden turn on their TV to watch "Donald Duck and his friends celebrating Christmas" as it's called here, the proper English title is however From All of Us to All of You. It has been on Swedish tv since 1960 so it's indeed a tradition. Sometime after that Santa typically arrives in most families, at least if you have kids. After some gift opening many gather around boardgames, eat more Christmas food and perhaps watch another TV show.

For our family, we start the day with our toddler getting a gift in the Christmas stocking. Then we eat rice porridge for breakfast before heading out to take a walk or play in the snow (if any). Then we enjoy a Christmas lunch before watching Donald Duck. We usually drink mulled wine while watching it, and enjoy a saffron bun or two, and some gingerbread cookies. Then we play for a while before Santa knocks on the door. We don't give much gifts for Christmas, we usually stick to one gift each. After opening them we don't have much planned. We play, talk and just enjoy being together.

Hi, I am Mariangela, wife, mother of Cecilia, and owner of a blog Accade in Tavola. I am from Basilicata, from where I chase the beauty, or maybe she is the one who is looking for me. Pursuing everyday beauty allows me to express myself creatively and present what surrounds me the best - from food that I prepare with love every day to my home - hearth, and nest of my existence. You can find my recipes and stories on my blog Acccade in Tavola and follow my daily adventures on my Instagram.

I've always loved Christmas, and ever since I was a child, the holiday season was so special to me. It was the time of the great family reunions, the time to open presents and spend long days around the table with all the cousins. 

Christmas day was also the day when the house changed its appearance. We would use the prettiest tablecloths, special plates, and glasses that were hidden in the cupboards waiting for a special occasion, and I remember how much I enjoyed seeing the table dressed up for the party, so beautiful and different from most of the other days of the year.

It was also the time for the great preparations in the kitchen and traditional meals. Lucanian Christmas panzerotti was a must-have dessert, and its preparation officially marked the beginning of the holidays.
Everyone was included in its preparation, and for us, children, it was the moment where we played to be grown-ups and helped with tasks.

Like many in the South, Lucanian society remained on the matriarchy for many decades, and at that time, my grandmother was still there, and she was the head of the family.  She would take care of the ingredients list, then pass the task to my mother, who would go grocery shopping and prepare all the tools needed, and my aunt was in charge of frying.
I was about 8 years old, and we, kids, had the most challenging task: passing the dough through the pasta machine under the grandmother's watchful eye and carrying trays back and forth between the kitchen and the bedroom.

Christmas panzerotti were prepared for three families, which was not an easy task! I remember placing the trays and trays of those plump white panzerotti on my grandmother's blue and orange checked plaid, all in a row perfectly spaced from each other, each with small fork holes, ready to be taken back to the kitchen and dipped in boiling oil. The scent of grape jam mixed with chocolate, cinnamon, and the raw dough was so indulging, and we couldn't wait to try them!

The smell of fried food remained for days - soaking into curtains and furniture, but we didn't care. Impatiently, everyone would wait for the tasting moment, and the women who prepared them were happy that the dessert turned out perfectly. I invite you to try them out, following our traditional family recipe that you can find here.

The moment of preparation and the days preceding the holidays are those of great enthusiasm, excitement, and desire to do. Cooking for family and friends is undoubtedly an act of great love, but it is also a lot of work and long hours spent in the kitchen.
These are the days when we show off our best culinary skills, trying to surprise everyone by presenting a beautiful table and decorations.
If you ask me what the best way to approach the preparations without getting exhausted for the big day is, simple: Let people help you! Above all, preparations are the best part of any event, so invite people to join the backstage, prepare meals together, and have fun!

Italian version

 
Sono Mariangela, lucana, moglie e madre di Cecilia, rincorro la bellezza o forse è lei che viene a cercarmi. Attraverso di lei riesco ad esprimere il meglio di ciò che mi circonda, dal cibo che ogni giorno preparo con amore, alla mia casa, focolare e nido della mia esistenza. Ciao, sono Accade in tavola sui social e sul mio blog dove vi racconto di tutto questo e molto altro ancora.

Tra i miei ricordi da bambina quello del Natale è ancora vivo in me.

Era il momento delle grandi riunioni di famiglia, il momento per poter aprire i regali e trascorrere quelle intere giornate intorno ad un tavolo con tutti gli zii e i cugini che solo in quel giorno riuscivamo ad unire. Ma era anche il giorno in cui la casa cambiava aspetto, la comparsa di tovaglie mai viste, dei piatti e bicchieri chiusi per mesi nei credenzoni e ricordo che mi piaceva vedere quella tavola vestita a festa, diversa da tutti gli altri giorni dell’anno. Era il momento delle grandi preparazioni in cucina.

I panzerotti di Natale della tradizione lucana erano un must di queste festività, la preparazione di questo dolce, segnava ufficialmente l’inizio delle feste.
 
Per noi bambini era il momento del gioco a fare i grandi. Improvvisamente diventavamo elementi di un ingranaggio a catena che non poteva spezzarsi. Tutti eravamo indispensabili e ognuno aveva il proprio compito.

Tutto partiva dal capofamiglia ( la società lucana, come molte del sud, per molti decenni si è mantenuta sul matriarcato e a quel tempo c’era ancora mia nonna ) lei, si occupava della lista degli ingredienti, poi passava il compito a mia madre, colei che si impegnava a far la spesa, recuperare gli attrezzi da utilizzare e infine  il turno di quella che un giorno sarebbe diventata la sostituta della nonna, mia zia, sorella maggiore di mia mamma che si occupava esclusivamente della frittura, tutto il tempo davanti a questo calderone di olio bollente.

E noi bambini?
Avevo circa 8 anni e a noi spettava il compito più duro, quello del passaggio dell’impasto alla macchinetta sotto l’occhio vigile della nonna e di portare vassoi avanti e dietro tra la cucina e la camera da letto che aveva l’unico piano d’appoggio sufficientemente ampio, il lettone. Si preparavano panzerotti di Natale per tre famiglie, per nulla una passeggiata!
Su di un plaid a quadri, color blu e arancio (che tutt’oggi ricordo come se lo avessi ancora qui con me) poggiavamo vassoi e vassoi di quei cuscinetti bianchi paffutelli, profumatissimi di marmellata di uva, cioccolato, cannella e impasto crudo, tutti in fila perfettamente distanziati l’uno dall’altro, ognuno con dei buchini di rebbi di forchetta, pronti per esser riportati in cucina ed esser tuffati in olio bollente.

La cucina sembrava un laboratorio di apine laboriose, tutte intente tra concentrazione degli adulti e gli schiamazzi di noi bimbi.
L’odore di fritto permeava tende e mobili per giorni interi e poi il momento dell’assaggio che ci vedeva come cavallette impazzite di fronte ad enormi coppe e infine l’espressione soddisfatta delle donne di casa per l’operato ben riuscito.

Il momento dei preparativi e i giorni che precedono le feste, sono quelli del grande entusiasmo, fermento e voglia di fare. Cucinare per familiari ed amici è certamente un atto di grande amore ma è anche il momento di lungo lavoro ed ore trascorse ai fornelli.
Sono i giorni in cui mettiamo in mostra le nostre migliori doti culinarie, cercando di sorprendere tutti anche attraverso la presentazione di una bella tavola e qui ne trovate alcune tra le mie preferite.

Se mi chiedete Qual è il modo migliore di approcciarsi ai preparativi senza arrivare sfiniti al gran giorno, io vi rispondo:
Semplice, Lasciatevi aiutare!

Soprattutto, ricordate, I preparativi sono la parte migliore di ogni cena o pranzo ben riuscito ed è anche il momento dello stare insieme affinchè anche il dietro le quinte diventi un momento di divertimento.

I felt like Fall was rushing too fast this year, so instead of decorating early for Christmas (which is always very tempting, don't get me wrong), I enjoyed pumpkins and foliage just a bit longer.

I love creating beautiful table settings and playing with different objects, textures, and colors. Often, you don't need a lot to decorate your table beautifully. Simple linens and seasonal elements can elevate your table setting and make it unique. When decorating the table, I often get inspired by food and season, keeping the table setting simple yet interesting.

For this special occasion, I was inspired by the nature surrounding us. A few olive branches, pomegranates from our tree, mini pumpkins, and chestnuts mixed with beautiful Umbra plates from Pottery Jo and linen made the table look festive and in season.

A few suggestions for creating a simple, seasonal table

1. Take the elements out of your menu and use them as decor. Mini pumpkins, apples, pears, persimmons, and pomegranates are perfect decor for your Fall table. They are inexpensive and will give your table extra color and layers. Simply place them on your table for an elegant and seasonal table setting.
2. Choose linen in the palette - for a cozy, warm effect, choose earthy tones that go well with the seasonal decoration you choose.
3. Forage your greenery - even if you don't live in the countryside, you can forage branches from the nearest tree. They will add texture and color to your table and make it even more in season.
   

When creating the menu, I choose simple and seasonal, with pumpkin being the main ingredient for all my recipes. 

Pumpkin, Leek, and Potato Soup is one of my go-to recipes for the Fall and Winter. It's one of those recipes that you crave on a cold day, can be prepared in advance and enjoyed either alone with some garlic bruschetta or as a first dish.

METHOD

In a large pot, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add finely chopped leek and minced garlic. Stir and cook until tender. You may add a splash of warm water to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan. Peel and cut squash and potatoes into 1cm cubes, then add them to the pan. Add vegetable broth or water, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover and simmer until all the vegetables are tender.

Transfer into a high-speed blender and blend until creamy and smooth. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender. You can use the immersion blender as well. Transfer back to the pan. If the mixture is too thick, add more water/broth for a thinner texture. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm, with a drizzle of olive oil and garlic bruschetta.
 
The soup can be prepared a day in advance and heated up just before serving.

Warm Winter Salad is one of my favorite easy dishes of the season. It's something we enjoy for lunch and dinner, creating a simple yet complete meal. Winter veggies, combined with salad, feta cheese, and pomegranate seeds, are an explosion of different tastes and textures, making this salad very interesting. It's consumed the best right away, while the veggies are still warm and crunchy.

Warm Winter Salad
with
Pumpkin, Potatoes, Feta & Pomegranate seeds
Marija Gvozdenovic

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4 - 6

1 medium butternut squash (800g -1kg)

500g baby potatoes ( you can use regular potatoes as well )

150g mixed fresh salad 

200g feta cheese

pomegranate seeds for decorating 

salt to taste

black pepper

extra virgin olive oil

METHOD
Preheat oven to 200C / 390F.
Peel the squash and cut it into bite pieces. Wash baby potatoes and cut them in half or four if too big. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper and drizzle olive oil on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use your hands to ensure all pieces are covered, then spread the veggies out in a single layer.
 
Roast for 20 minutes, until golden and tender. Allow cooling slightly before adding to your salad.
Arrange the salad by layering fresh greens of your choice (we love radicchio and corn salad combination, but regular salad or baby spinach can work as well). Add roasted potatoes and pumpkins, feta cheese cubes, and pomegranate seeds. Add a sprinkle of salt and drizzle with olive oil, and lightly toss for ingredients to combine. Serve immediately. 
I suggest arranging the salad just before serving.

Deep dish savory pie is buttery and flaky, filled with sauted radicchio, pumpkin, and smoked scamorza cheese. It's served the best the day after or a couple of hours after the baking as the waiting time helps the filling set.

Deep dish savory pie with pumpkin, Radicchio 
and iTALIAN SCAMORZA CHEESE
Marija Gvozdenovic

INGREDIENTS

Serves 8-10
Diameter 26cm                

For the crust

320g all-purpose flour

160g butter, cold from the fridge

1 tbsp fine salt

100 ml ice cold water

FOR THE FILLING

1 yellow onion

400g pumpkin

2 medium radicchio

1/4 cup white wine (optional)

250g smoked scamorza

2 eggs 

salt to taste

black pepper to taste

extra virgin olive oil

1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk for brushing

sea salt crystals for sprinkling (optional)

METHOD

Prepare the crust:
In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter, and using your hands or pastry cutter, incorporate the butter into the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal. Start adding water, a tablespoon at a time, and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. Sometimes you will need less or more water than indicated, depending on the flour and butter used. Stop adding water when the dough begins to form large clumps; it's not too sticky and can be formed in a bowl.

Transfer the pie dough to a floured work surface, and using floured hands, form a ball. Divide dough in half. Flatten each half into 2cm thick discs using your hands. Put the dough in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for 40 minutes to 1 hour. You can prepare the dough even the day before.

Prepare pumpkin:
Wash and peel your pumpkin, then slice it into 1cm cubes. Cut half of the yellow onion into cubes. In a medium pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil and heat on medium heat. Add in chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add pumpkin, a splash of warm water, and season with salt and pepper—cover and cook on low-medium speed for 10 minutes or until softened. Leave to cool before adding to the rest of the filling.
 
Prepare radicchio:
Wash radicchio, then trim off and discard any brown part of the stem end of the radicchio. Feel free to discard any outer leaves that are not as fresh. Cut the second half of the yellow onion into cubes. In a large pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil and heat on medium heat. Add in chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add radicchio, and saute for a couple of minutes. Add 1/4 cup of white wine and let it cook over medium speed without covering it so the wine can evaporate. Season with salt and pepper and add a splash of water if needed. Radicchio will be tender after 10-15 minutes. Leave to cool before adding to the rest of the filling.

Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl beat 2 eggs. Season with salt and pepper, then add scamorza cheese that you have previously cut into cubes. Add in radicchio and pumpkin. Stir until combined.

Prepare the pie:
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 F).
Take out the chilled dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Gently press the dough with your rolling pin, starting from the center, as the dough is very firm. Turn the dough with your hands clockwise at each roll so that dough doesn't stick to the surface. Roll out the dough in a large circle ( 3-5 mm thick), then helping yourself with a rolling pin, transfer the dough to the baking pan (make sure to grease it and flour it properly if needed). Trim any extra dough and save it for decoration. Pour in the filling.
Roll out the second half of the dough, using the same method as before. Cover the filling with the second half of the dough and seal the edges. Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tbsp milk. Brush the pie with egg yolk mixture, then sprinkle with sea salt crystals. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (350 F) or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.
You can prepare the pie one day in advance. You can store it in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Summertime is all about creating spontaneous gatherings outside, enjoying dinners on the patio, picnics at the beach, or in the nearest park. We have been taking every chance we have to spend our time by the lake, having picnics, or taking long walks with Woody and enjoying the refreshing breeze in the woods after a hot summer day. 

As simple as it can be, organizing a picnic is always a treat. There is something special about dining al fresco and savoring food while enjoying the stillness of the summer nights and beautiful scenery. With just a few simple dishes, a good drink, and few special picnic items, you can turn your picnic into a delightful gathering.

 I love organizing outside events, and when it comes to picnics, I like to use different textures and items to make it more fun and exciting. I always opt for a plastic-free version, bringing along a few ceramic pieces with me, whether regular dinner plates or vintage pieces. For a comfy stay, bring along few pillows and a blanket or quilt. I love using rattan vintage baskets (which are handy as they are already equipped and have a storage bag to keep your food cool. I always have my French market bag with me as well, as it can store all extra items like cutlery, napkins, books, and personal items.

There are so many picnic items that you can use to make your dining out unique, and below, you can find some of our favorites. These items are versatile and timeless and can be used for all your gatherings and parties. They also make excellent gifts for birthdays, weddings, and showers.

Shop our picnic favorites

It seems that the year started yesterday, and just like that, the holiday season is knocking on our doors. This year the holidays might be different than usual, but let's embrace the season in the most festive way we can, by enjoying what we have and hoping that the better days will come and we will soon go back to traveling and visiting our friends and family across the globe.

This season, create the atmosphere you enjoy the most and don't feel pressured to do things. Curate the time you have and spend it reliving your favorite family traditions or make new ones. Embrace your home by creating an atmosphere of comfort and joy for you and your loved ones.

Lately ( or better in the last year), we have avoided crowded places, city centers, and shopping malls, so most of my Christmas shopping was done in the nearest local shops and at my favorite online retailers.

Planning Christmas gifts is an activity I enjoy, and this year I started researching early all the possibilities one might need or would love to have. This year, in particular, we are spending more time at home, so I thought I would make a gift guide filled with cozy personal and home presents.

This Holiday Special Gift Guide consists of items for the home that I would love to give or receive. They are all inspired by slower living and taking care of ourselves in some way. From baking and cookie items for foodies to my favorite books and cozy homeware, I hope these ideas will help you find the perfect gift you have been missing.

Navigating modern life isn’t easy. We rush to do more than we can, always in need to put more things on our to-do lists. Being always connected, proactive, and great masters of multitasking have been a goal many of us are striving for.

The last three months have changed our perspective of life in the strangest way. The world pandemic forced us to go back to the basics, stay home, and re-evaluate our thoughts and values.
The forced quarantine made us see our home differently. Spending time at home has made me grateful for our choice to move to the countryside and the house where we live. For the open space and beautiful scenery nature offers in spring.
Since I’ve started working from home, I realized even more how important the balance of your home space is for overall well being. When you work from home, your house becomes an office, studio, and a place you live in. As it is a place where you spend most of your time, it is crucial that it feels comfortable and soothing. At the end of the day, it should be your favorite place.

With everything that is offered on the market, so many choices and information, we all tend to be part of mass consumption.

Over the years, I've started re-evaluating how I purchase. Every time I would see an object that I liked, I asked myself if I truly needed it. If I buy it, would this object have a purpose and its place in my home? What is the story behind it?

Cultivating your style and appreciation for home decor is not an overnight thing. I look at it more like a life story, something that evolves with time, space, and our own beliefs. It should be a collection of things that bring memories, evoke good thoughts, and give a feeling of a warm, cozy home. A luxurious space where everyone feels welcomed and at ease.

When purchasing objects, we should feel a deeper connection with each of them, and every one of them should be inter-connected. Prioritizing less but more curated things that are giving us comfort and making the space more enjoyable is essential when creating a living area for your family.

I love combining classic, simple design with vintage pieces (vintage markets lover here!) that have a story and bring out my personality and style.

Simplicity and comfort above everything. 

Instagram has been a source of inspiration for me, not only work-wise but also when it comes to home decor. Being able to explore new crafters and makers is always inspiring and allows me to know the story behind every brand.

A few months back, I was happy to get to know a beautiful brand from Lithuania, which today I have as guests here on Table Stories. I am a big fan of candles and the whole atmosphere they bring. Natural OVO beeswax candles combined with simple, yet sophisticated candleholders make every table elegant and beautiful.

Hi Justė! Can you tell us more about you, Guoda and Vida?

Vida was the one who pushed us to start, as she already had the experience of working on her own as a fashion designer for years. At that time she was tired of non-stop making ever-new garments for the collections; she felt that she had reached "I've done it all" place. As she puts it now, you can make a shirt with three sleeves, but what's the point of that?

Guoda and I were colleagues in the public relations field for quite many years and later - after having our first newborns at a very similar time - we both appeared looking for an alternative pace and model of career. More personal fulfillment than a career, I would personally say.

How is OVO Things born?

Along with Vida, we three shared similar understandings about clothing and home things. We decided to create different items that all could be characterized as well-made, from natural materials and timeless in the sense of being long-lasting and fashion-less. Philosophy of having less but better is also essential to us; this is the way we see a possibility to be sustainable, even though this term has been largely overused as a marketing slogan these days.

We call it understated luxury, as the concept of luxury has changed, and natural materials & craftsmanship is becoming a real luxury today. Like time and conscious living, call it mindfulness or slow living are also luxuries to have, but we all can seek those.  So we three decided to start making simple yet good, lasting things and promoting a particular lifestyle, considered authentic as much as possible. We saw it as coming back to the essence of an idea, like the beginning of it.

Ab ovo is a Latin saying about the very beginning, so we called our things OVO Things, and we take an egg - both as an object and a symbol - as a source of inspiration.  

What has been inspiring you in creating objects behind your brand?

Personally (and professionally as my field of work is texts and communication, also photos and styling), I need to have spare time - time to create something as much as time to do nothing. I don't like fuss or stress, nor doing things in a hurry. And that is not an easy thing to have, a luxury really :), so you have to seek it intentionally. Because it takes time for ideas to grow, and it also takes time to make a thing, too - a candle, a candle holder, or a cloth to wear - I mean when people, not machines (nor people as machines) do them. 

"OVO Things candles are created by the hands of people who are doing it for many years. Just pure beeswax and simple tools, that's the romance of the birth of a thing. Packed by us at OVO Things, the candles travel their journey until they reach people's homes."

I always look at various things for inspiration like cities and landscapes, everyday life, and people. Also, magazines, Instagram, and Pinterest, movies, books, and art are those sources, obviously. Although I choose those quite selectively as I try to limit the information available before I decide to look honestly into it. I learned that too many inspiring objects might be demotivating. When you say less is better, you have to know why you still keep making anything.

Our aim is this: to do things so good that they are enough. Not perfect in a sense of some ideal but simple and proper, done well, long-lasting, so that they would serve you well. This does involve a certain aesthetics and style as we still want those items to be relevant and attractive; this is how we have come to the concept of classics as we see it.

These are the perfected simple items, the classics of apparel and home: the white shirt, the cashmere scarf, linen bedding, or beeswax candles. We add new things slowly and focus on quality rather than an assortment. 

Big thanks to Guoda, Vida, and Justė for sending me their beautiful products and for sharing their story. Follow their journey at https://ovothings.com/ and on Instagram Ovothings  and  Ovothings_clothier.

ITALY

The Freaky Raku

Unique, thoughtful, and exceptional pieces to add to your home collection.
Zaira Zarotti & Francesco Pettenà are potters and founders of The Freaky Raku Studio near Venice. Inspired by the Japanese aesthetic concept of Wabi-Sabi and the beauty of imperfection, each of their creations tells a unique story and will give a special meaning to your home. Shop their collection on their website https://www.thefreakyraku.com/ or follow them on Instagram @thefreakyraku.

Bottega Donini

We all love copper products, am I right? Bottega Donnini is a traditional shop in Tuscany that produces beautiful copper pots, copper pans, cauldrons, casseroles, cookware pans, and many other items for your kitchen. All the products are handmade, following the long traditions and family know-how. Visit the shop here: https://bottegadonnini.com/?ls=en.

Giovelab

From Trentino, we have GIOVELAB, a beautifully curated ceramic studio by Giorgia Brunelli. On their website, you will find an unconventional table collection made of porcelain, stoneware, and larch wood. Their products will add a spark to your ceramic collection, and you can find them all here: https://giovelab.myshopify.com/.

Hue Table Stories

Ambra Poli is a talented crafter and prop stylist from Milan who owns a store of beautiful, hand-dyed home linens. Check her collection here: https://www.huetablestories.com/.

Claire Lune Ceramics

Claire Lune Ceramics is a pottery studio in Tuscany owned by Chiara Della Santina. Inspired by nature and slow living, Chiara produces pottery that has a unique style and character. Take a look at her shop here: https://clairelunelab.it/.

If you are always in search of vintage items, the following two shops are for you. Every day on Instagram they publish new products so make sure to follow them along and hunt down your favorite items.

Monpetitmarchemagique - visit here: https://www.instagram.com/monpetitmarchemagique/

Mirtillo Rosso Antiques - visit here: https://www.instagram.com/mirtillo_rosso_antiques/

INTERNATIONAL

Dantes Ceramics

Simple, sophisticated with a touch of rustic tones, Issy's ceramics are something else. If you love earthy tones and simple lines, Dantes Ceramics is the place to shop. Issy owns a pottery studio in Wivenhoe and you can buy her beautiful ceramics on her website https://dantesceramics.com/ or directly through Instagram @dantesceramics.

Polder's Old World Market

I could talk about them all day, but their beautifully crafted products will tell the story themselves. Polder's Old World Market is a family-owned business in Virginia, USA. The Polder family creates the most beautiful wooden utensils, called dream ware, each unique and hand-carved by the family members. Besides wooden utensils, you can find a curated collection of complementary handmade objects and some vintage items as well. Read more on their inspiring family story and shop their products here: https://www.poldersoldworldmarket.com/.

The Cook's Atelier 

If you ever watched Julie& Julia, or have been inspired by Julia Child and her life in France, this shop will have the same effect on you. You will want to pack your bags and move to France. Mother and daughter, American ex-pats, Marjorie Taylor, and Kendall Smith Franchini, always dreamed of living in France and have made their dream come true by opening a cooking school and culinary boutique in Beaune. Visiting their shop and school is on my bucket list, but for now, we can all take a virtual tour of their gorgeous online shop. From beautifully crafted home and kitchen utensils, French vintage items, and stunning copper, their shop has something for everyone. Visit their store here: https://www.thecooksatelier.com/.

González y González

This beautifully curated store from Madrid, Spain, features a careful selection of traditional products that combine the beauty of each item and their everyday functionality. I am in love with their vintage and simplified look that can be easily added to all homes and styles. Find their products here: www.gonzalez-gonzalez.es.

Nom Living

Nom Living is a London-based company that works directly with artisans in South East Asia to create sustainable, functional, and contemporary objects for the home. Their family-run business tells a story of traditions and handcrafted products, each unique and different. Their Rustic Stoneware collection is absolutely stunning! Visit their store here: https://nomliving.com/.

Ovo Things

I don't know about you, but I am kind of obsessed with candles and candle holders. Guoda, Vida and Justė are creators and owners of an ethical store called OVO Things, which sells beautiful natural beeswax candles along with uniquely designed candleholders in wood, porcelain, and bronze. Visit their store here: https://ovothings.com/.

Pottery Jo

If you love the nordic design and are looking for new plates for your spring table, look no further. Pottery Jo is a studio in Sweden owned by, Johanna Hampf. Their collection of tableware is joyful and will make all your meals look even more beautiful. Take a sneak peek into their shop here: https://potteryjo.com/.

Make sure to give them all a shoutout and share them with your friends on social media.

Stay home and stay safe!