We are in Sicily, my home away from home for a coast-to-coast tour. March 19th is the festival of San Giuseppe, St Joseph, so it is also Father’s day. But the San Giuseppe has a huge religious cult following and I adore any festival which has food involved. We are starting the tour in Catania,…
The New JOY OF COOKING- Don Pasta
Recently food has moved from the kitchen to the stage, taking the message out to the public in a fun way to remind people of the joy of cooking and the pleasures found sharing a meal at the table. I really don’t like the new competitions on TV with food to me cooking is about…
Sicilian Flavors: Zucca Gialla- marinated pumpkin
When I get ready to leave for a trip, I always leave my husband some of his favorite dishes. This marinated pumpkin is at the top of the list.The market inspires what I cook and this week at my farm shop Francesca had zucca gialla, pumpkin. Francesca is Sicilian and often gives me great recipes…
Celebrate: San Giuseppe March 19
I adore celebrations, especially in Italy as that means some special food is always being prepared. San Giuseppe, St Joseph’s day in Italy is especially important as it is Father’s Day (St Joseph, married to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus’ Dad).Can you tell I went to Catholic school for 14 years? One of my favorite…
Winter Recipes: Sicilian Orange Salad
When the skies are grey in winter we wait until the temperatures drop and the blood oranges come into season to bring sunshine to the table in the form of a savory salad. Traditionally, it is served with fennel as an insalata di finocchio e arance. But for me, I never have enough oranges in the…
Polpettone di Patate- Osteria Luchin
I love road trips. My first trips to Europe all included France. My Grandfather was born in Soisson, south of Paris. I studied French for 14 years and was a French Pastry chef. But somehow, France was never really warm and fuzzy to me. Italy on the other hand was one big bear hug right…
Roman Toast- playing with my food
I woke up this morning and decided to make myself a little “brunch”. I received a lovely gift of a families homemade maple syrup and so was dreaming about French Toast with the homemade loaf o made after our Master Pizza class with Giovanni Santarpia in Chianti. At the same time, I remembered a savory…
Festivals {Viareggio Carnivale}
Italy is fabulous at festivals and some are totally worth planning a trip around. You do risk some bad weather, but, it is the best. My nephew was here for two weeks for a full immersion in food and festivals. We planned the trip around the Viareggio Carnivale celebrations, which are on the 4 Sundays…