I am not Italian-American and have no Italian blood in me. I was never a big fan of the Italian-American food I had in America, for me the portions were HUGE and too many courses. NOW I get it! After living here for 30 years, I get it. I can see where a lot of…
Exploring Chianti- Hotel Palagina, Figline Val D’Arno
While researching for my Food Guides. I starting with the area on the 222 wine road. My dream is to expand to the other regions of Chianti as well. My mother-in-law was from Figline Val D’Arno, so it seemed like a natural first addition. It was the home of Barone Ricasoli, who created Chianti, what better…
Lovin’ Left-overs
Sometimes food memories come back with a simple ingredient. I remember a wonderful summer salad I had ages ago, in Florence, at a tiny trattoria. Cold grilled marinated eggplant slices with chopped fresh tomatoes, lots of basil and tiny meatballs. While I was cleaning the fridge for lunch, that came into mind. So I used…
Pomodori Verdi- Green Tomatoes
I loved the movie Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe. I know in America the fried green tomatoes are a Southern specialty. I have always found a great similarity between Southern cooking and Tuscan cooking. Lots of pork fat, overcooked greens, polenta instead of grits and fried green tomatoes. Last year I made some…
Tuscan Splendors
Another weeklong program done. There is nothing I love more than sharing my Tuscany…. unless it is sharing Sicily! Tuscany has been my home since 1984 and I never get tired of it. Most people don’t get beyond the big cities in one visit. Most of my students are addicted and cannot get enough and…
Celebrating Spring- Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with Foraged Borage
Spring gifts from my garden. Wild borage. The leaves are prickly, handle with care! I often cut into thin slices and add to my salads, they have a bright cucumber flavor. Another traditional use is to cook the leaves like spinach. I was craving naked ravioli, called Gnudi. It is especially good with the spring…
Simply Divina- Fagioli all’Uccelletto
Fagioli all’uccelletto are Tuscan comfort food for me. Since I got home from my teaching tour in the states, the weather has been windy, rainy and perfect for staying in the house and being sick! I seemed to have picked up Bronchitis on the flight home and it knocked me out. I am just getting…
Giving Thanks
I don’t think we really need a special day to give thanks. It should be daily. Perhaps a sort of Polly-anna way of thinking, but I have always tried to focus on the good things around me . If I dwelled on the daily difficulties and nightmares in life, I would be constantly depressed. I…