I tried the Caponata at every restaurant and trattoria in Palermo. For years I had been making it wrong. I added bell peppers to the mixture more like Peperonata here in Tuscany. This recipe is much simpler. It is such a popular side dish that it is even sold pre-made in cans. Wonderful as a…
Tuscan Seasons- Winter Kale
One of the first flavors my husband wants, after the new oil and possible with the new oil is the Tuscan kale, cavolo nero. Winter brings us fabulous greens, from spinach, chard and kale. My favorite season for salads. The choice is amazing. But most of all, Tuscans excel at twice cooking greens, making them…
Sicilian Saturdays
I had so much fun in Sicily this October that I want to keep it in my heart and in my stomach! With the tours, we stay in 5 star hotels being spoiled. When I am on my own, I prefer a little B&B run by locals. I was very lucky in Palermo to find…
Pork and Beans
Anything is better with bacon. To many of us, pork is a comfort food that is the food for all seasons. As the chilly weather started in, I started thinking about my favorite comfort foods for fall. Besides pumpkin: pork and porcini where the next foods on the list. Next April I will…
I love Pumpkin!
Pumpkins are so fall! Not only do you have left-overs from halloween,but the hills are also covered in various shades of gold, rust and green which are all pumpkin inspired. I adore pumpkin in soup, risotto and gnocchi. Try pumpkin gnocchi served with traditional balsamic vinegar and shaved parmesan cheese! The lovely elixir like qualities…
Tuscan summer dishes
As the city empties, locals fleeing to the beaches leaving towns to the tourists, I enjoy the silence that comes from the lack of traffic. Walking through villages it is common to see an older person, in the cool of their house, perhaps too old to go with the family to the beach, watching the…
Can’t stand the heat?
My Tuscan-Russian Salad It is sooooooo hot here right now that it is almost impossible to even think about cooking, but one must eat, so I was inspired to create a cold New Tuscan Style- Russian salad. Insalata Russa was a classic when I first moved here, a vegetable salad bound together with at least a…
I’m Lovin’ It!
small bites at Casa del Vino, while shopping great sandwiches at Casa del Vino I am loving my new life! Just as I am ready to close my space in Florence, my landlord comes back and offers to cut my rent in half! Unheard of ! But I have been looking forward to the new…