I was a vegetarian for about 7 years, I guess now you would say Pescatarian as I ate sushi! Living in Tuscany now for 30 years, I eat meat, but the mediterranean diet is high in grains and vegetables as well as incredible cheeses. We get our fair share of protein. Legumes are a high…
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…
Sweet Home Sicilia- Planeta Foresteria
I adore returning to a place I love, like Sicily, when it starts to feel like home. That is one of the reasons I began bringing my students. When I ask an Italian who has been to America, how their trip was, I adore hearing exciting tales of the fabulous time they had, sites they…
I love Chianti
I do love Chianti-the wine but more than that, I love Chianti the place and the Chiantigiani- the people. Chianti is a huge region, where Chianti wine is produced. The original Chianti blend was established in the 1800s by Baron Ricasoli, at his estate in Gaiole in Chianti. Chianti Classico is a tiny part of…
Spring Escapes
This year, my culinary tours began early. I have always dreamed of attending the St Joseph Day celebrations in Sicily since I read about them in an article by Carol Field. They are held in the tiny villages or Salemi, Gibellina and Poggioreale as well as in many other towns. I organized a tour for…
5 of my Favorite Places in Certaldo
Thanks to Honest Cooking and #Fiji Water for asking me to participate in their search for great local food all over the world! When I moved out to the countryside between Florence and Siena in Tuscany, I knew I would be surrounded by incredible vistas and great cooking. The Tuscan cuisine is down to earth,…
Gianni’s Deviled Eggs- Casa del Vino
As is tradition in Italy, one never drinks without eating something. Casa del Vino is my favorite stop near my house for a glass of wine and a nibble. Not only my favorite place as you’ll see if you come around lunch time when it is packed with locals. As you enter, you will see…
Sicilian Spaghetti-O’s
I am not Italian-American and have no Italian blood in me. I was never a big fan of the Italian-American food I had in America, for me the portions were HUGE and too many courses. NOW I get it! After living here for 30 years, I get it. I can see where a lot of…