Living in Italy and not having kids, Christmas takes on a different sort of feel.When I first moved here I fell in love with the toys inside the chocolate Kinder eggs. They were amazing back in the late 80’s. I still have quite a collection of the really good toys.One of the most amazing things…
Simply Divina- Polenta Gnocchi
Sometimes eating fabulous meals can take 10 minutes and give immense pleasure. I made a Tuscan Ragu, which we call sugo, the other night. I let it pippare, slowly simmer, while I watched TV, worked on the computer and talked with my hubby. One should always have ragu in the freezer for quick meals or…
Sicilian Saturdays- Biscotti Reginelle
Entrance to the food market “CAPO” one of my favorites in Palermo When I was there in October they were preparing for several holidays, one of the largest, OgniSanti, where you honor the dead. As in Mexico, sugared figures are made. ( I WANT SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!) Our guide was telling us as a small child,…
Tuscan Seasons- Winter Kale
One of the first flavors my husband wants, after the new oil and possible with the new oil is the Tuscan kale, cavolo nero. Winter brings us fabulous greens, from spinach, chard and kale. My favorite season for salads. The choice is amazing. But most of all, Tuscans excel at twice cooking greens, making them…
Sicilian Saturdays
I had so much fun in Sicily this October that I want to keep it in my heart and in my stomach! With the tours, we stay in 5 star hotels being spoiled. When I am on my own, I prefer a little B&B run by locals. I was very lucky in Palermo to find…
Biscotti Divini
I received an email from one of my students, asking for my biscotti recipe. Outside the wind was blowing hard, bringing in rain clouds and it seemed like a perfect day for baking. I wanted to attempt to do something a little different and instead of almonds , used toasted hazelnuts and bittersweet chocolate chopped…
Good enough to eat!- I won!!!
Having finally gotten faster internet connection, I decided to participate in an Italian foto contest, with Massimo B’s Kelablu blog on Flickr, Rancio Quotidiano, “your daily rations” he asks participants to fotograph what they are about to eat. As you saw, I recently made Bollito Misto for an article on Xmas dinner and did a…
Beans and Pork
first recipe, oven-roasted beans….. today fagioli all’uccelleto with sausage In Tuscany, I have learned to cook larger quantities of food and transform it into different dishes instead of eating leftovers. Beans are one of the mainstays of a Tuscan diet and are eaten in many forms. Served simply as in the last blog, just as…