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Under the Tuscan sunset!

Probably one of the most precious moments of the day is sunset. Such a fleeting moment yet can be so inspiring. Winter’s grey days and storms often clear to leave us such incredible images. The hills near our house are all filled with olive groves. Andrea liked this one with a large trunk. In the…

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Yes we can!

2009 is going to be Fabulous! It was in 1984, when I bought a one way ticket to Europe, to improve my food knowledge of Italian cuisine. I had been working as a pastry chef at the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco, starting as a cashier, then waitress ( where the money to travel…

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Why I make Bollito Misto- simple and satisfying

As I have written before, I always make the Bollito Misto for Andrea for Christmas, mostly for the wonderful soul warming broth which we serve several ways, first with tortellini and a dusting of parmesan cheese. This year I also bought some Passatelli, an extruded “paste” which cooks in the broth, served in Emilia Romagna….

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Wishing us all the best for 2009

May 2009 be better than 2008 Wishing everyone health wealthandhappiness. Piazza Santo Spirito Firenze Judy and Andrea Divina Cucina Culinary Adventures John Lennon’s Xmas Song

Menu for Hope 5-

My village as a Christmas Creche scene… getting ready for the holiday spirit- of Giving!!! $10 for the gift of HOPE!Cheap thrills! It is that time of year again, as we fill our bellies with great holiday food and spirits, while there are those not so far away that are not celebrating. I think this…

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Sicilian Saturday- Caponata

I tried the Caponata at every restaurant and trattoria in Palermo. For years I had been making it wrong. I added bell peppers to the mixture more like Peperonata here in Tuscany. This recipe is much simpler. It is such a popular side dish that it is even sold pre-made in cans. Wonderful as a…

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Kinder Kind of Kristmas

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…

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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…

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Judy Witts Francini

Originally from California; Tuscany has been my home since 1984. I found the city of Florence to hold all my passions, food, wine, art all in one place. When I am not in Tuscany, I am often found in Sicily, my other favorite place to be. Always searching for recipes to share and exploring for the guides I write to my favorite cities for food and wine.

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