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
Split Cornish hens roasted on top of stuffing
This dinner was so good and literally used up a bunch of leftovers. So I really can’t give you a specific recipe, but I can tell you what I did. First, on the subway ride to work last Wednesday, I … [Read More...]
Friday night
My oldest son wanted to come out to the country house with 3 friends this past Friday afternoon, to spend the night, on their way to a farm in Massachusetts for a cider pressing event. Now I was … [Read More...]
Appetizers
It’s the little things
I was supposed to have lunch today with a new prospective client but she had to cancel so I had a lovely lunch with my husband - novel - at a wonderful Japanese restaurant on the East side of town. … [Read More...]
Tangy Sorrel & Potato Soup with Bacon, topped with MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds
When I first heard about MOM's Popped Lotus Seeds, somehow I didn't think they could possibly be popped seeds from the lotus flower, but that's exactly what they are! The seeds are underneath the … [Read More...]
