March is the first month of my column, Diva’s Kitchen for The American Magazine,an Italian English language publication. Stop by! I am really excited as they will also use my fotographs. The magazine is sold at newstands all over Italyand is online at the end of the month. My new career as a journalist!Viva 2008
Winter dishes
A small wooden cabin looks oddly placed in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, but for those in the knowm it is a tradition not to be missed In Italy, Saint Joseph’s day in March is celebrated as Father’s day ( get it, God’s father) To celebrate we eat fried rice fritters. Usually this coincides with carnival (…
Market inspired Menu’s
For menu inspiration, I used to rummage through my cookbooks and magazinescreating involved menu’s and then go shopping.Since moving to Italy I have learned a new way to plan menu’s.AT THE MARKET.It makes so much more sense.Immagine the scene;you have created a fabulous menu based on grilled salmon steaks, topped with a savory chili-mango salsa. The rest of…
The Perfect Day!
Today was perfect! A little chilly from the brisk tramontana windscoming down from the north,but,wind blows away the cloudsand Florence was shiny bright today! As I left my house in the countryside, I spotted these violetsalready standing up tall, in my front yard.Spring is really early this year.It scares me! I am excited about my…
Welcome to my life!
Living in Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is an experience every day.My favorite part of what I do is the people I meet. Shopping the market,creating friendships,discovering new foodsor ways to prepare themis what it is all about for me. Starting this year, I am offering several new programs that allow me to spend more…
Sicily – Coast to Coast
Sicilian gold! Escaping from the grey skies of Florence, we took off to Sicily to do research.In October tour I am doing a west coast Sicily Food Lovers Tour and then acoast to coast to tour with my Slow Food chef and friend Jasper the week after! I have spent time on the west coast, and…
Winter Whites
Something about winter, the soft light, the morning fog, the change of the color palate in the market that brings a different style of cooking into the home. White is a predominate color in Italy with the white marble from Carrara reflecting light.Rome’s Trevi Fountain is a fabulous example. Slow stews, twice cooking to infuse…
Out with the old…. in with the new
BUON2008 CIN CINTante Belle Cose Time flies when you are having fun. Hard to believe I started teaching cooking classes in Florencein 1988- 20 years ago. When I first began teaching, I worked with college kidson their junior year abroad program.Classes were a series of 4once a weekdinner class with wine and fun!Advice on how…