How do I love thee? Let me count the ways….. I cook for you!!! Hot Italian Kisses: chocolate hazelnut truffles with a kick for Valentine’s Day Today is really special as there are two holidays in one-Valentine’s Day and Chinese Lunar New Year’s So I decided to celebrate both. Yesterday I made the chocolate truffles with…
Market Inspired Recipe- Tigelle
Often when I say I am market inspired to cook something, I am referring to the fresh fruit and vegetable markets held weekly in local towns or the Central Market in Florence where I conduct my walking tours. But there are other markets that inspire me- the first Sunday of the month in Panzano is…
Summer’s Simple Pleasures-
There are some recipes that mark the seasons, probably one of my favorites is Pane al Pomodoro. A really ripe tomato, still warm from the sun A loaf of Tuscan bread, baked in a woodburning oven, saltless and “ignorante” as they say here The BEST extra virgin olive oil Sea Salt, I usually use my…
Saltimbocca- Griddle Bread from Naples
When I found fresh broccili rape,called friarelli in naples, at the weekly market in Certaldo on Saturday, I had to buy it. Fresh from the farm, so filled with flavor. Most people who don’t even like greens, love the twice-cooked technique used in Italy, even kids! Today I added raisins and toasted pinenuts. Then I…
Edible Tuscany- REAL BREAD
another beautiful day in Tuscany The most fabulous part about living in Tuscany for so long, is that when plans go wrong, you can always come up with a great back-up plan as there is so much to do everywhere. Today we were supposed to meet a friend at a flea market, which he had…
Tengo Cuore Napolitano- My heart is from Naples
Buon Natale from Ischia, off the coast of Naples Each time I go to Naples, my love for the city grows. Perhaps it is the air. Located on the sea, it is a port town like San Francisco. I get teary when I take a deep breathe. Maybe Vesuvius, the live volcano, giving off energy…
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…