We were blessed with incredible weather this week in Chianti for our session, even the full moon did it’s part as we enjoyed it in San Gimignano sitting in the main square having pizza and gelato. Most of the grape harvest is done now and the olive harvest is beginning. I live next door to…
More Zucchini Ideas
Why is it that zucchini’s are so prolific? Luckily in Italy, they have more zucchini ideas to use up the gut from the garden. Yesterday’s zucchini from the garden were a mixed batch. Some just blossoms and one lovely HUGE blossom with the tiny zucchini still attached. My first fried zucchini blossom was served like…
Spring is Here
Although the rain has been non-stop, Spring is here. The hills of Tuscany are like a velvet patchwork with tiny knots of red poppies everywhere. The wheat fields swaying in the wind, the grapevines finally forming leaves, filling in the hills with shades of green. Acacia blossoms ( Black Locust) dotting the trees with white…
I Adore September
September 1984- the month my life changed I wanted to title this blog post I HATE AUGUST- but decided to look on the bright side! In Italy, if anything can go wrong it will in August, when everyone one is on vacation and nothing gets done. I had paperwork in process with the Italian government…
My favorite side dish!
When you are planning your BBQ for the 4th of July or the next summer party, try making these sweet and sour onions as a side dish and stand back and receive the compliments! Tiny pearl onions are cooked in an infusion of water with sugar and vinegar. I like to add a little chili…
Celebrating the Season- Summer Soltice
A sure sign summer has arrived is the appearance of sun-ripened tomatoes to make Pomarola, simple tomato sauce. To celebrate, yesterday I picked up my first kilo of Fiorentini, a local heirloom tomato for sauce. The best flavor and consistency for sauce comes from these kind of tomatoes. One does not make sauce from salad…
How do I love thee- let me count the recipes!
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Nowhere is that more true than in Italy! When I want to show my husband how much I care, there are certain recipes I will make for him, some of them are the recipes his mother taught me that are family favorites. But…
Sicilian Saturday- Caponata
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…