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Engaging stories of love, joy, comfort and friendship with proven scrumptious, healthy recipes, we celebrate LOVE as the secret ingredient for wonderful food!

First course or "starter" plate - so delicious.

A Most Amazing Tuscan Al Fresco Dinner Party

September 11, 2018 By Mary 10 Comments

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...]

Thanksgiving in Tuscany_Bianca's Post of the carving, the plate, the 2077 Amarone, the turkey.

Thanksgiving in Tuscany

December 3, 2017 By Mary 6 Comments

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

November 19, 2017 By Mary 9 Comments

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...]

Arezzo International market - frying ciaccia fritta.

International Market in Arezzo, Italy

November 1, 2017 By Mary 6 Comments

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...]

My eggplant tart.

Eggplant Tarts Make a Great Tuscan Starter Dish

October 13, 2017 By Mary 12 Comments

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

July 14, 2017 By Mary 18 Comments

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...]

Salmon casserole plated with asparagus, boiled potatoes, and tomatoes.

Best Salmon Casserole

June 11, 2017 By Mary 18 Comments

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...]

Hummus in a blue trimmed bowl on a green napkin.

Our Life Now and The Best Hummus Recipe

May 8, 2017 By Mary 35 Comments

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 in hands washing.

Joseph Joseph SmartBar with Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

April 23, 2017 By Mary 18 Comments

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.

Wilder Condiments Honey Jalapeño Mustard with Leeks on Roasted Sea Bass

April 14, 2017 By Mary 4 Comments

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...]

Catskill Provisions NY Honey Whiskey Truffles with cocktail and window in the background.

Almond Joy After-Dinner Drink with Catskill Provisions NY Honey Whiskey Truffles

April 13, 2017 By Mary 6 Comments

  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

Bloomberg’s Sodas

June 1, 2012 By Mary Frances 1 Comment

So the news came out yesterday that our dear mayor wants to enact a far-reaching ban on the sale of large sized sodas and sugary drinks everywhere. I’m not a fan of the government making rules for … [Read More...]

ust Cook Herbed Coffee Rub on pork cooking in skillet.

Country Style Pork Spare Ribs with Just Cook Herbed Coffee Rub

December 27, 2015 By Mary 4 Comments

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...]

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Appetizers

A fantastic first course!

October 28, 2011 By Mary Frances 5 Comments

This is just so good! Easy and healthy too. Now you could ask your fish monger to do the cleaning but the last time I did that at Stew Leonard's, he just made a mangled mess out of the cute little … [Read More...]

Great Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl recipes

February 3, 2013 By Mary Frances 7 Comments

Our latest newsletter went out this past Thursday with two very special recipes, never before seen here and perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner. If you haven’t signed up for it, you won’t receive it. … [Read More...]

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