Swordfish is a beginner’s fish. One of the least fishy and more meaty fishes. There are some recipes which just grab you the first time you eat them and remain in your memory. This is one of them. When we go to Cantina Siciliana for our cooking class, Pino is more than generous to share…
Simply Summer- Carpaccio
When the temperatures start to rise, quick and easy recipes are what we look at for easy meals. A favorite is Carpaccio. I remember it was one of the dishes that won me over to Italian food in the 80’s at Prego restaurant in San Francisco. The original dish was created by Arrigo Cipriani of…
Piccoli Piacere– Small Pleasures { Merenda}
There are little things in life that make me happy, timing is one of them. As we were driving into Florence yesterday to attend a Dante reading by 1,200 people in Piazza Santo Spirito, we stopped at our favorite “truckstop” pastry shop. You never know where you will find perfection! It was 4:30pm— and it…
Involtini- Simply Divina
Probably the thing I adore about Tuscan cooking is the simplicity. This is a recipe that my husband grew up with and his mother, Tina, was the Queen of simple. She always taught me, spend more time shopping and less time cooking. People are always amazed and the short list of ingredients and quick cooking…
Artichokes: The Italian Way
I cannot tell you how excited I am at the market in Spring in Italy. We have so many incredible seasonal treats which are all at their peak. Often people are surprised at the flavors of the food in Italy. I think in the USA often our food is grown in greenhouses and sent miles…
Spring Escapes
This year, my culinary tours began early. I have always dreamed of attending the St Joseph Day celebrations in Sicily since I read about them in an article by Carol Field. They are held in the tiny villages or Salemi, Gibellina and Poggioreale as well as in many other towns. I organized a tour for…
Primavera?
It seems like Spring has arrived in Tuscany. The hills are green, in my garden the violets are already blooming and my roses never stopped blooming all winter. The foto is from the hillside near my home, a new farmer has started raising goats and soon will be producing goat cheese. I can’t wait. Last…
Macedonia- Italian Fruit Salad
This was one of the great dessert recipes I taught for the college students I taught while they were on their study abroad programs. We made a mixed fruit bowl, but it started as a simple way to finish a meal. Cut a piece of fruit into your wine glass and add a spoon or…