another beautiful day in Tuscany The most fabulous part about living in Tuscany for so long, is that when plans go wrong, you can always come up with a great back-up plan as there is so much to do everywhere. Today we were supposed to meet a friend at a flea market, which he had…
Let me be your Italian Mamma!
When I first came to Florence in 1984, I never thought it would be home. But 25 years later here I am. I first began teaching cooking to Syracuse University students here are on a study abroad program in 1988. The first book was a collection of the 4 dinners we prepared during the 4…
Tengo Cuore Napolitano- My heart is from Naples
Buon Natale from Ischia, off the coast of Naples Each time I go to Naples, my love for the city grows. Perhaps it is the air. Located on the sea, it is a port town like San Francisco. I get teary when I take a deep breathe. Maybe Vesuvius, the live volcano, giving off energy…
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…
Edible Florence- Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
There are few things certain in life; Florence is one of the best cities of art in the world and that Sergio’s is a favorite in the San Lorenzo Market. Often hard to find, both because of location and name, half of us say we are going to Sergio’s the other half say Gozzi’s!…
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,…
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…