As you all know, I adore my butchers. The men and women that turn meat into meals. I was inspired, as I often am, but my soul-sister Kate in Camont, France. Her article on the red and white butcher shops reminded me of the foto shoot I just did for Dario, my master butcher, in…
Pancetta Progress- Charcutepalooza
You know you are living in the right place when a sign like this is at the exit of the grocery store, to make sure you know about it. At the Meat Counter you can reserve your pork for salting. The cool air in January is perfect for families to age their own cured pork…
Simply Divina- Tuscan Herbs
Probably one of the BEST recipes I have learned and taught in Tuscany are my Tuscan Herbs. Every butcher has his own blend, which is used on the fabulous prepared meats, ready to cook, which are sold in the markets here. The base is a simple trinity of rosemary, sage and garlic, finely chopped with…
Sunday Lasagna
Sunday lunch in Italy often involves recipes requiring long slow cooking and are long slowly consumed meals as well. Life seems to shut down on Sunday and Italians relax and enjoy. Until recently, there was nothing you could do on Sunday except eat! Shops were closed and everyone had the day off except restaurants. Excursions…
Certaldo- JAM
I often take the train from Certaldo down to Florence to do my market tours. Recently I noticed that the local pastry shop had their windows covered up. They often redo the interior- so was thinking that they were closed for renovation. BUT NO! We have a new Pastry shop and Chocolatier in town!! I…
The Most Splendid of Seasons- Fall
We were blessed with incredible weather this week in Chianti for our session, even the full moon did it’s part as we enjoyed it in San Gimignano sitting in the main square having pizza and gelato. Most of the grape harvest is done now and the olive harvest is beginning. I live next door to…
Fall Foods – When Tuscany Shines
Everyday I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am. Tuscany is really at its best in fall. Not only is the scenery fabulous, incredible light, but the food and wine is really my favorite in fall. Panzano in Chianti half-way between Florence and Siena on the 222 This past week on our Chianti Experience…
My Market Days- Sharing My Friends
I have always adored traveling in September. In Tuscany it is when all my favorite food festivals begin, which is why I love week-long programs starting now all through November. This week we started with our first dinner at the Porcini Mushroom dinner run by the city swim team as a fund-raiser, not bad, why…