Un Po Di Giardinaggio... A Little Gardening...

After our hot, hot summer,  i'm happy to be out doing a little bit of gardening . My friend Marilyn from Seattle visited a couple weeks ago and was surprised that we are able to grow so many things here in San Diego during this time of the year.  I guess we're spoiled here.  I am very happy to be growing herbs and just planted a new vegetable garden after having removed all the pumpkin plants. Looking forwards to those tiny vegetable plants growing in.  In the meanwhile...

 Some  Red and White  for Christmas color...

 and... Purple and White,  because those are my favorite colors against all the various shades of green in the garden.  I love the way White "pops" in the dark...

Patiently waiting for the Ornamental Cabbages to grow...

Baked Alaska Per Un Compleanno... Baked Alaska for a Birthday...

Priscilla's Birthday cake request... Baked Alaska,  I couldn't say no...  A Classic,  Old Fashioned Dessert, made with Layers of Cake,  which is  bathed with a Rum Syrup,  Ice Cream, then topped with a Snow White Meringue and  placed in a very hot oven for just a few minutes to give a little color to the Meringue. I watched my father make many, many of these cakes .  His were flawless and beautiful.  Although I have only made a few of these,  I think he would be pretty happy with mine...

Our little girl ( # 13 in black)  6 feet tall, 22 years old, last year of College Volleyball and College Soccer... So fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Buon Appetito...

Focaccia per una amica... Focaccia for a friend...

A good friend of mine recently had surgery.  Thought it would be nice to bring her,  and her family a meal.  I decided on A pot of Lentil soup and Focaccia... 

Fine Autunno e Pear Crisp... End of Autumn and Pear Crisp...

There is so much Christmas inspiration everywhere,  yet i'm still hanging on to Autumn ...just a little bit.  I can't get excited about Christmas until after Thanksgiving... I like my holidays one at a time...

So, i'm still enjoying Autumn colors and flavors before getting excited about reds and greens and the scents and flavors that Christmas time  will bring...

This Rose is called Distant Drums... it blooms and blooms,  and has a beautiful,  sweet,  candy-like frangrance...

Fresh pears and a buttery nutty topping... perfect Autumn dessert...

1. 
   

Antipasto di Mozzarella... Marinated Mozzarella Appetizer...

 I like to serve appetizers that are quick, simple and delicious... Marinated Mozzarella is one that I make often.  Just a few fresh ingredients come together to make a really  delicious starter...

Fresh Basil,  Roasted Peppers, Capers...

Diced Fresh Mozzarella,  Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Pepper...

I bake my own Rustic Artisan Bread several times a week ( I TRY not to make it EVERY day)...

 Oh,  and the Fresh Ricotta ( I try not to make THAT every day too)...

After appetizers like these, you really don't even need dinner... just add wine...

Gioielli di Anna...

Gioielli di Anna is the name of  my sister Anna's jewelry business.  In Italian,  the name means " Anna's Jewels".  All of Anna's  work is hand made by her,  using various materials,  including, Swarovski Crystals,   Silver, Gold and Copper.  Her designs are unique , and use a single piece of wire, twisted into intricate shapes and designs.  Anna learned her craft from a friend in Italy, and  has taken it to a completely new level.  The pieces are gorgeous,  but photos cannot show how really stunning the pieces are.  Her collection includes one of a kind,  rings, necklaces , earrings, and bracelets. Anna even has a baby collection which is just precious.   If you'd like to see more,  visit Anna at... http://www.gioiellidianna.etsy.com