August 10th is the feast day of San Lorenzo, he is considered patron saint of cooks as well as the poor and librarians. He was grilled alive so is depicted with a grill by his side and often holding a book, as he had protected the written documents of the church. I have a collection…
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…
Buona Befana and 2014
The holidays in Italy are always a little overwhelming as they involve huge amounts of food and drink. This year I decided to slide though the holidays, avoiding over-doing it. The weather has been mild, and the hills near my house are filled with these tiny blossoms which are so sweet. Not sure when winter…
My Wish for YOU
This year Divina Cucina is becoming Simply Divina, inc and will be sharing my Chianti:Food&Wine secrets on tour this year as well! I am just writing up my Kitchens in Chianti program where we will eat and drink out way through Chianti, cooking in the kitchens of my friends!!! Can’t wait!
Xmas 2012
Best wishes for a happy holiday season. Personally I can’t wait for this year to be over. Am looking forward to 2013, a special anniversary and am planning new things for Divina Cucina. Today Andrea and I are going out to Xmas lunch, which will be a HUGE meal, but at least we don’t have…
All I Want For Christmas…2012
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?…
La Notte di San Lorenzo
August 10th is the San Lorenzo’s day. Saint Lawrence, San Lorenzo, was martryed by being grilled to death. The story goes that as he was being grilled, he called out to those torturing him and said, ” Turn me over I’m done on this side!”. For me, San Lorenzo is the patron Saint of my…
Food Toys and Festivals
I am a sucker for kitchen gadget and food festivals. As I was moving things around in my kitchen I came upon these lovely objects. I adore this Sicilian handmade mold for their desserts. Traditionally this is used for a Gelo mold, they make these jellies with almond milk, watermelon or even quince paste, which…