I originally was studying art in college and still have a soft spot in my heart for any sort of art- but especially love this sort of wild lovely fold art! Went to visit my friend in Sebastapol and she took me to her favorite neighborhood where we toured these great homes— brings joy to…
Happy Birthday to Me!
rolling hills around the RANCH When planning these teaching trips, I start more then 6 months out to try to schedule teaching at schools and then fit in some other things to do. Now that I have my book out, I can also speak at events, do book-signing which is also really fun. Through Facebook,…
Another fabulous class- today was so happy to have taught in tandem with my friend Terry.We officially opened “In Terry’s Kitchen” cooking classes in Terry’s fabulous teaching kitchen in her home. Both Terry and I have a past life as pastry chefs and have worked together doing a private class for my friends in Hollywood…
California Here I Come
California Poppies- foto Chris Lindsay Well to tell the truth, I am already here and running! Was very lucky to have been able to get out of Munich, while at the airport waiting from 9am to 4pm I saw airport after airport being closed for the volcanic ash! We had to fly a slightly different…
Getting Ready for the Easter Feasting
Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi- Spend Christmas with your family- Easter with who ever you like! Although most Italian families spend holidays meals together, Easter you are allowed to spend with friends! Easter Monday, Pasquetta is also a holiday, mostly spent celebrating with a picnic. I am lucky this year as we…
Florentine New Year
March 25th was celebrated as Florence’s New Year’s day-9 months before Christmas- the Annunciation. For me, spring has always been new beginningsand this year is no different. I have started my Market to Table classes again, but here in Certaldo. I have a great tour set up for April- May in Bay Area (CA), Seattle…
Am I one of THOSE???
distorted visions of life in Italy?? even artichokes have a prickly heart! I have been living in Italy since 1984 and started my website in 1997. Living with slow internet connections it was hard to post often, but I put my dining guide online for Florence and Chianti, introduced you all to some of my…
Why I love My Job
When I first started teaching my market to table cooking classes in Florence, I had already spent 4 years shopping the markets, cooking to perfect recipes and eating. What’s not to love? Every trip to the market is a new experience for me. Season fruits and vegetables, strange “offal”, eavesdropping on conversations and picking up…