Hello there, or should I say: Ciao! Come and visit A Most Amazing Tuscan Al Fresco Dinner Party! I have been away in Italy again for the past 3 months. I have not written a blog post since last November, although I have wanted to, it’s just been so very hard to get back into the swing of … [Read More...]
Engaging stories of love, joy, comfort and friendship with proven scrumptious, healthy recipes, we celebrate LOVE as the secret ingredient for wonderful food!
Thanksgiving in Tuscany
Last Saturday, I made (with a lot of help) Thanksgiving dinner at my friends Tiziana and Andreas' house, in Tuscany, as they have a very large dining table, for 13 Italian friends, including my son … [Read More...]
My New Normal Dinner of Roasted Vegetables with Prosciutto
As you know, I’ve moved to Italy for 3 months, trying to sort out my head, my life and yes even my dinners, after Steve’s passing. My support system of friends here is totally amazing, but my whole … [Read More...]
International Market in Arezzo, Italy
Two weekends ago was the International Market in Arezzo, Italy, where I am currently living. My very good friend Tiziana, was supposed to meet me for an aperitivo, but she was not feeling well so I … [Read More...]
Eggplant Tarts Make a Great Tuscan Starter Dish
Hello again. I am trying to be back after my husband’s passing in June. It is so very hard. Three things are helping – cooking and Tuscany, plus of course, ALL of my close friends. I … [Read More...]
JUNE 18
June 18th is emblazoned in my mind. We could not conquer my husband's Stage 4 kidney cancer. Steve passed on Sunday, Father's Day, June 18th at 2 pm, surrounded by our sons, their wives and me. … [Read More...]
Best Salmon Casserole
My mother used to make this casserole when there were only two kids home (out of six) as a Friday night rotation. Remember, no meat on Fridays! Casseroles are so old fashioned but this one is truly a … [Read More...]
Our Life Now and The Best Hummus Recipe
My husband has renal cell carcinoma. There. I said it. It's in his right kidney, a tumor that has grown out of the kidney and invaded about 20% of his liver, and 3 lymph nodes nearby. Our … [Read More...]
Joseph Joseph SmartBar with Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
You know, I cook so much and wash my hands all the time but there are still some smells that never seem to leave my hands. Do you know what I’m talking about? I am a garlic lover so I don’t mind … [Read More...]
Wilder Condiments Honey Jalapeño Mustard with Leeks on Roasted Sea Bass
So first I must tell you – this Wilder Condiments Honey Jalapeño Mustard is something else! The taste is pure wow – sweet, spicy, strong! It is the epitome of what honey jalapeño mustard should be. … [Read More...]
Almond Joy After-Dinner Drink with Catskill Provisions NY Honey Whiskey Truffles
Ok, so you try to think of something spectacular to serve for dessert, particularly when guests are over, when all you really want is a small super special chocolate thingy, right? Well if … [Read More...]
Dinner
Oscar night chili
I made this chili yesterday because I was making chicken broth at the same time, (from a roast chicken carcass that I had cooked on Wednesday) and I thought, well this would be easy because the chili … [Read More...]
Country Style Pork Spare Ribs with Just Cook Herbed Coffee Rub
I want to tell you about this Just Cook Herbed Coffee Rub. I love rubs and this one is so unique and delicious with coffee in it! This works on beef, lamb and pork. For the very best results, I … [Read More...]
Appetizers
Figs wrapped in prosciutto
Figs are here!! I LOVE fresh figs. I get so excited when I see those compartmentalized boxes filled with the beautiful purple variety or the green, all lined up in neat little rows. If they are … [Read More...]
Red Snapper Wildwood Arbol Hot Sauce in Artichoke Dip
Red Snapper Wildwood Arbol Sauce is great on anything! The McVea family has been making this sauce since 1895 and they say that this is their medium hot sauce but for me, this is hot! It's much hotter … [Read More...]
