How the world has changed….
I can still remember when I first opened my Divina Cucina website in 1997 (it was mangiafirenze then).Then I changed the name to Divina Cucina— and the rest is history. I joined FB August 8th 2007 and now have almost 5,000 FB friends.
So it is PARTY TIME!!!
I am going to celebrate by having a little online party with party favors!
My friend Beatrice at Gustiamo is going to offer a gift package worth $100 of their fabulous Italian artisan food products.
Those of you that have been to my classes or have bought my book, know that for me the secret to great food is starting with great food!
It really is a no-brainer.
Cook with the best the season has to offer and you don’t need to do much to it.
Use the BEST ingredients you can afford- often spending more means using less and in a cost per portion ratio, good ingredients cost less than cheap ones.
I will also be giving away
5 Divina Cucina Aprons
5 copies of Secrets of My Tuscan Kitchen cookbooks
To enter- leave me a message below and on the anniversary of me starting FB, August 8th, I will use the Random Number generator to pick 11 winners. I will then contact the winners in order of when the numbers came up and prizes can be chosen.
Thanks so much for supporting Divina Cucina!
Since I don’t want to flood people with blog updates, I began using FB for posting more often with foto’s of where I have been, market classes and more.
Follow me on FB ! Join the party.
Leave a comment here on the blog to win!
WOW CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have come a long way and continue to inspire us!!! Grazie mille, Ingrid
quality ingredients…that is something i am really learning to appreciate since moving from america to belgium. i am so happy you share your adventures and wish you many more years over the stove and close to the land.
Oh my, congratulations!! Really glad I found you out there in the world, looking forward to continuing to follow your stories too.
Time really flys when you are having fun! Congratulations
Congratulations!!! I have been following you for about a year! Love your blog and Facebook page! My grandparents were from Italian and your pictures remind me of them and the wonderful food prepared for the family. Thank you for what you do for us!
Congratulations for sure!!!I love to see what you are up to on your facebook page,and all of that glorious,delicious food,(my mouth waters soo)and the pictures are just breathtaking and fantastic.I want to live the “divina cucina”lifestyle,over a “tuscan stove”.thanks for sharing a little part of you,and italy with us.~ciao~
Augrone!!! You’ve come a long way with lots of hard (fun) work 🙂 Wishing you continued success!!!
Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment! I love reading your adventures and look forward to so many more!!
Congratulazioni!!!
Thank you for showing me the Joy of the REAL Italy…and giving me a place to relive it over & over again.
Grazie mille!
Love your creativity! Congratulations!
Your cooking always inspires me to get in the kitchen and make believe I’min Tuscany!
Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary and all that you have accomplished. I’m so glad that Sharon of Trattoria Garga referred me to you 5 years ago for my personalized culinary tour. It’s been such a great life experience in so many ways. Life is Good now in the kitchen as a chef; and it’s all thanks to you!
Love love love your blog and FB! I have been following you for almost 4 years, inspired by the
writings, the recipes, the photos! And because of you…I now make my own Lemoncello! Life is divina!! Grazie mille…
Happy Anniversary! And what a great idea to have an online party. Such fun!
awesome the world and your creativity is enough for all and the world of fb is so big that all can enjoy
shopannies@yahoo.com
Congratulations, Divina Cucina! What a beautiful way to celebrate. Thank you for inviting us to your party.
Auguri!!! Felice Anniversario!! It’s been such a great journey meeting you online and starting to experience your Tuscan table. Thank you for everything you have done and for your friendship, tips and laughs! And be careful, when you hit 5000 friends, they shut you off 🙂 Party on!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to a beautiful woman, an incredible person, an amazing spirit. You have given me and I am sure everyone else you’ve met happiness and inspiration!! Happy and proud to call you my “mentor” You have accomplished so much and I hope to someday be able to say I’ve accomplished at LEAST half of what you’ve done already.. Cheers!!! xoxo
Congratulations! I remember how much fun we had shopping and cooking with you in Firenze. I love all your tips and recipes. Thank you so much!
Congratulations Judy, what a milestone. I love following your news on facebook. All the best for the future 🙂
Way to go! I loved your food tour last year in Firenze. I hope to get the goodies in your friends basket.
Auguri! When I first met my Italian husband I used to mix vegetables that I thought went well together but I quickly learned to cook with the seasons as he is a traditional cook and wonderful teacher.
Taking the class with you in Florence was one of the most enjoyable days in memory. Not only did I find out that one could make an Italian meal without the work a French meal usually takes, but have so much fun while doing it. I still talk about it and a few of my friends have “friended” you on FB and enjoy the blog and postings. I am so happy you decided to do this with your life; you have enriched the lives of many of us followers.
I have and use my mangiafirenze apron, which is a bit ragged by now, plus a few “little” speciality cookbooks you did with the beautiful drawings. You changed our lives, for the good, many years ago when we first took your class. And, we’ve been in touch ever since! Thank you, and congratulations. We too are living our dream, inspired by you!
Love following you on Facebook. By far my favorite blog!
Wow! Tanti aguri! I ordered your book online many years ago before I really knew who you were. I found you on one of my crazy internet wanderings and have followed you ever since. I learned we have a mutual friend, Martha Nash in Memphis. I look forward to the day that I get to meet you in person. Thank you for letting me live vicariously through your writings. I love reading your adventures and using your recipes! Thanks!
I took your class in Florence in 2004 and subsequent classes at Ramekins in Sonoma. Bought your latest cookbook at the Paperback Exchange on our March trip of this year. My husband and I will always remember drinking margaritas with you at some bar in Florence where it took forever for each drink to be made – then going to Carabe for granita some time later that evening.
Best wishes to you for as many years of blogging and teaching as you care to do. One of these days, would love to go on one of your Sicily adventures.
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!
Congratulations, Judy. You are truly La Divina. And I cannot believe it – finally I have a chance to win one of those aprons. I have wanted one for so very long! Your site rocks, and the new tomato banner is gorgeous. All the best wishes for continued success.
congratulations on your blogiversary. i love your blog and hope you continue with it for a long time.
Congratulations… my day with you and my gal pals at the Market was the best one in Firenze 🙂
Buon compleanno, Divina signora della Cucina!!
Congratulations! I love your blog. Better yet I love where you blog from, wish I could be there. It’s a dream of mine I would love to come and take classes. Keep up the great work!
Oh boy~oh boy! Even though we haven’t met, we have had cyber conversations about restaurants in Florence (what DID ever happen to Trattoria Antellisi?)and Buon Ricordo plates and places.
And now, as an FB friend, I can see your posts all the time~
Grazie
@deb Jacobs– antellesi is still there– just different owners– I haven’t been there recently. thanks for the follow on FB!
Congratulations Judy! Your passion for cooking and Italy (and life!) are truly inspiring. Have loved following you on here the last couple of years. Looking forward to our next class in September!
A success story if I have ever seen one! Happy Birthday Judy – a reward for your hard work.
Congratulations! Auguri! I would love one of those aprons to go with my cookbook.
Congrats Judy! I’ve been enjoying your blog for a few years now, would LOVE one of the aprons or a cookbook!
I’m a photographer who loves to cook! loves to feed people and is infatuated with anything Italian! so happy to have discoveredd your blog! Grazie!
Lisa
Judy, you have been, and remain, an inspiration in many ways. Thanks so much!
You have worked hard and deserve every success! Many good wishes on this “anniversary.”
Love reading about all your adventures and love your recipes!
congratulations, Judy! Looking forward to being in Italy in the fall!
Auguri on your blog anniversary. I am amazed how long you have been blogging. Seems like I have just discovered it and joined the party. Would love to be a random winner. A presto, Lisa
Felicidades desde Mexico……
Fred y Susana
Fredgen@gmail.com
Congratulations! I really enjoy your posts, pictures, and stories of your travels. You are an inspiration.
An inspiration of how to use facebook for good not evil! Congrats on your online (and offline) success.
Congratulations on your success. Your stories of Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily inspire me. Thank you
Congratulations!!! I have just recently discovered and
subscribed to your blog and LOVE it. Keep it coming!
Complimenti! Thank you for all of your inspiring posts!
I have been dreaming of going back to Italy for many years now. It is finally a reality and I am concentrating on a the Southern regions this time around. You have taken me on a great journey through your blog posts and always seasonal recipes. Happy Blogiversary Judi!!
I would love to win that apron. And, try your recipes. Great site!!
Congrats! you are one of the winners!!! will contact you when it is your turn to choose!
Grazie!
Judy
I found your blog about a year ago quite by accident…enjoy it very much. Have found many good tips and secrets!
Wish you continued success!
Auguroni di cuore. Sei fortissima!
Congratulations! I have been following your blog for quite a while and look forward to every update. I dream of one day traveling to Italy to meet my extended family!
AUGURI SIGNORA YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION AND A TEMPTRESS OF A BEAUTIFUL LIFE I AM A HUGE FAN AND I LOVE THE APRON
Complimenti! How fabulous that you have inspired so many to try their hand at real Italian cooking! Keep up the good work!
Congrats, and thanks for letting me live in Tuscany vicariously through you!
Congratulations, Judy on all your consistent, hard work and passion in FB (wow! five years of dedication and 5000 friends!) and in your “from the heart” blog I love to read. Bravissima!!
When I seen you were off of FB for a couple of days during your change over, I was honestly sad. I love seeing your post, and you are always so nice and willing to share tips and answer questions. I am relieved you are back. and BTW, I want that cute apron, and your book of course! 🙂
How excellent! Having visited Italy for the first time last summer, and spending a week in Tuscany therein, your blog CONTINUALLY feeds the inspiring chef inside of me! Thank you! aloha
Augurissimi!!!!!!!!!!!
Auguroni!
You are such a constant INSPIRATION, Judy! Grazie for ALL your wonderful posts and photos. And Congratulations on the Anniversary. I am thrilled to join in on the party…
I enjoy all your emals and your postings on facebook…thank you for your inspiration.
I just love you! All I can say. Wish you had been teaching in Sicily when I was there. I would so love to go back. I was raised by Sicilianos though I’m a blond (not any more!) Anglo Saxon.
Congratulations! I love reading your blog!
Congratulations – and thanks for taking us along!
Congratulations on your anniversary! Love your blog!
Thanks for all the wonderful knowledge about Italian life and cooking. I just stumbled on your site one day and have loved it ever since.
Conrates and keep on keeping on!!
Clora329@aol.com
Wow, I researched panna cotta tonight and stumbled upon your cookbook and now your blog. Although I have hundreds of cookbooks, I really want yours! I stopped buying them about five years ago — been there, done that kind of thing. I’m excited about yours and hope I win one! Good luck with your endeavors and good luck to me! Susan
Hey Judy, so glad all is well with FB and everything else. You are my Italian cooking hero and I love and live by your recipes.
Looking forward to taking one of your classes when I’m in Italy!
I love your cookbook!
Congratulations Judy! I love following you and all your wonderful ideas. Your passion for food,cooking and Italy (and life!)inspire me!
I love your blog and am so inspired by the recipes, your trips to the market and so much more. I lived in Italy for 2-1/2 years (many years ago) and I miss it so much!
Cooked with you many years ago, fond memories of Florence and the best balsamic vinegar I’ve ever had! I have just about worn my apron out – a refresher would be welcome! Thanks for keeping Italy in my heart and kitchen!
Ciao Judy, and congratulations on your continuing and growing success. The key is certainly quality fresh ingredients, in season. That is something that Italy teaches by example. Love your recipes and make them often. Diane (in Veroli)
Happy for all your success!
Angel
BTW * Really looking forward to the Market Boys calendar 😉
Congratulations Judy on your anniversary! I agree with everyone here that you continue to inspire and celebrate what’s great about cooking! I hope to visit on our next trip to Italy!!
Indeed party time! You were one of the first people to ‘friend’ me on FB and I have been enjoying your recipes, comments, photo’s, enthusiasm etc. ever since. Congratulations and wishing you many more anniversaries to come!
Congratulations Judy, We finally have fresh tomatoes here in the US – Real ones from the garden. So since I never arrive at a party empty handed I’m bringing a caprese salad with fresh mozarella cheese I just read about on your blog and my Wisconsin grown tomatoes.
Judy, when we were in high school I thought you were special, and now, I think you are amazing! Your recipes and zest for Italy, always leave me homesick to return to the land of my family. Perhaps next year will be a vacation to return to Italy so that I can learn from you and once again experience what you do everyday! Auguri!!
@suescott– thanks!
Congratuations! Really enjoy your blog and your Facebook postings!
Happy days! All that hard work has paid off. we’re looking forward to seeing you again in December!
ciao– you won!!! not first prize— but– you already have the book and the apron, right? will have to come up with something else for you!!!
…so enjoyed the class I took from you in 2003. Congratulations on your anniversary!!!
My granddaughter, Jordan, loves to wear the Divina Cucina apron when we do challah together.
Ciao @karen- you are one of the winners– will contact you when it is your turn!
I still want that apron 🙂 … Love your blog Judy!
Cara Judy – It was a pleasure to meet you in July in Siena. Your class was *perfetto*. August 8th is a special day for me too – it was the day that the most special woman in my life, who inspired my love of being in the kitchen and infusing my love for others through food – my mother – passed away. Now I look to other special women, like yourself, to continue learning, to continue embracing my Italian heritage, to continue learning the secrets of la divina cucina. *Grazie mille*, for all that you have done and all that you do. *Baci e abbracci*,
Doris Romano
Very best on your anniversary and congratulations for your intelligent use of social media and great generosity in sharing photos and stories and recipes. I hope to come to one of your events in the not too distant future or convince you to come to Nice !
I just found your blog today (I was looking for a panna cotta recipe and found a link to you via davidlebovitz.com) and am so interested in your book. Congrats on your Facebook anniversary!
@jess I need your email– you are a winner!
Judy…thank you soooo much! I received Divina Cucina in the mail and I love it! It’s a beautiful book and I can’t wait to try the recipes. Thanks again for your generosity. 🙂
Congratulations Judy. I’ve been following you much longer than your blog has been alive. You always inspire me to cook great delicious food. So sorry I didn’t have enough time to see you in Italy, but did think of you often.
WOW!! How did I miss this? I love reading your posts, and have made many of the recipes on your blog! Congrats on your anniversary! gina-schmitz@hotmail.com
Congratulations Judy! Since I began following you here and on FB, I have been educated and inspired on so many levels! Mthank you for your tireless commitment to your work and for bringing us all along for this fabulous ride!
Best wishes to you for a Wonderful 5 Year Facebook Anniversary!
Here is a toast to your health and happiness for a long time to come!
Complimentissimi!!!! You are (and you know, cause I told you many times) my inspiration! Keep your great photos and picture coming, you brighten my day every time I see them!!! You are the Divina!
I hope we will finally meet in person one day, either down your way, or up mine! Bacioni Monica
Judy, you rock! Congratulations for unwaveringly staying the course and passing on the knowledge!
Awesome Bella! Congratulations!
Congratulations! Love all of your photos and snippets of life in Italy – thanks for sharing!
the entries are now closed– thank you
the winners are: in this order: Sue Scott, Jan, Amber,Silvia, Karen Epstein Rosen, Deb Rountree, Deb Jacobs, Jerry de Q, Devera, Jess@lost button studio and Tony crocetti Kellan. I will be contacting you when it is your turn to choose!