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…
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…
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…
Culatello Di Zibello- Italian Treasures
I was amazed at this intricate tying of the Culatello di Zibello outside of Parma. It is one of the most precious ( expensive) prosciuttos that exists in Italy. It is made using the central part of the back hams, cutting away the excess. It is heavily controlled and is part of the Slow Food…
Casa del Vino Enoteca
One of my favorite stops while down around the Central Market is Gianni Migliorini’s Casa del Vino an enoteca. It is one of the best wine shops and wine bars in Florence, old style. A simple counter, very few places to sit, a tiny table and great wine by the glass and wonderful sandwiches. As…
Sharing the Love- plans for 2015
This season has flown by, there has been no time for blogging. I am in the process of changing how I work and it is working well! I have been offering more week-long programs in Tuscany and in Sicily and this year I added Puglia to my list. I don’t write about it online much,…
Chianti:Food&Wine APP- Montefioralle
When I published my app on touring Chianti, my idea was EAT. DRINK.SHOP.STAY. A list of places I would go if I was coming on vacation. Places I go to as a person living here. Pick a town on the app and then see what I suggest doing while there. It is impossible to list…
Simply Divina- Sicilian Swordfish
Swordfish is a beginner’s fish. One of the least fishy and more meaty fishes. There are some recipes which just grab you the first time you eat them and remain in your memory. This is one of them. When we go to Cantina Siciliana for our cooking class, Pino is more than generous to share…