All I want for Christmas is Peace. Today’s news of the massacre of children in USA is disgusting. Italy is falling apart and the corrupt Berlusconi is threatening to run again for office after putting Italy in this horrible position. I do not feel like celebrating xmas this year. Call me a grinch, but really?…
A Stew for All Seasons- Peposo
I don’t eat a lot of meat, but when I do, I want the best. I an very lucky to be able to have a choice of several great butchers in various towns near me. Often, I make a day-trip out of shopping and head over the hills and through the woods to Panzano in…
Italian Kitchen Tools- Taglia Puntarelle
I am a sucker for kitchen toys! The puntarelle are a kind of chicory. The plant has leaves on the outside which are also edible but the treat are these chubby “fingers”. They get cut into tiny threads and then soaked in cold water to curl and crisp up. In Rome, it is possible to…
Culinary Notes- Pasta con le sarde
Sometimes recipes just need to be made, just because. I met a saffron producer online, who is also creating some facinating products from his farm in San Miniato. Toni’s site is Croco e Similace. Besides saffron, he grows rhubarb and thyme. He creates some very creative products which I can’t wait to try. Strawberry and…
Sweden in Italy
I love seeing dreams come true. My friends Guiliana and Marco wanted to open a Swedish Brasserie. They asked me to help them work on recipes and consult on the project. Things all fell into place. I found them a young fabulous Swedish chef, Mattias Sjöblom. He is supervising the menu and creates the new…
Goat cheese crostini
Sometimes inspiration comes while I am shopping. We now have a local artisan “grocery” spot. Sort of like a pop-up. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; different organic artisans share a space to sell their products. Yesterday i was overwhelmed with choices. The Poggio di Camporbiano had incredible produce and GOAT CHEESE. We bought kale, potatoes, carrots,…
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…
Tuscan Herb Recipe- Pancetta “Porchetta-style”
Tuscan herb blend, perfect for porchetta. You can make this and freeze it in a ziplock bag or let it sit out on the counter and dry. I often will make fresh and then infuse an extra virgin olive oil for an hour or so and pour on grilled or roasted meats or fish. Recently…