Giardino Di Sera… Evening Garden…

Spending time in the garden is just such a pleasure.  I love the morning sun,  and the late afternoon sun… but that early evening time is so special too.  When the sun goes down ,  and it's not quite dark,  and the sky is still blue and the trees look almost black against that blue sky… Amazing!

Pensieri Di Primavera… Thinking Of Springtime…

I find myself,  as I do every year at this time,  thinking of Spring.  We've had some great cold weather and rain,  and hopefully,  as predicted,  lots more rain… Yesterday it was around 80 degrees.  Being in the garden felt like spring,  all the way to sundown… it was gorgeous.  A perfect day to make something pretty,  and fragrant with lovely flower petals and essential oils… just for fun,  and to give away when I need a sweet little something for someone I love…

Una Torta Per Una Cara Amica… A Cake For A Dear Friend…

Celebrating Birthdays with "The Girls" is always so much fun…Tami hosted Yuri's this time and asked me to make the cake.  I made a Chocolate Raspberry Cake… dark chocolate cake filled with fresh raspberries, which I macerated in Chambord and a little raspberry jam,  on top of chocolate ganache.  I'm all about hearts this time of year so I chose that for the cake.  Frosted with ganache and simply decorated with twigs from my plum tree to which I attached little Sweet William flowers.  Simple winter style with a hint of Spring,  'cause it kinda feels that way around here already…

A Casa Per Il Weekend… Home For The Weekend …

Dinner at home, when Priscilla comes home for the weekend is always fun.  We have shared so many special meals at the table as a family. Priscilla has grown up with it and so have we.  I love when Jim remembers his Mom cooking three meals a day on the farm… and I cherish the memories of so many family meals at home,  and at the restaurant.  In keeping with these important  traditions we continue on with wonderful gatherings of family,  small and large…   Beef Wellington,  made in the traditional way… Mushroom Duxelles,  Prosciutto,  and Prime Fillet Of Beef,  and Lobster Tails with Herb Compound Butter were the stars of this show… My Raspberry Almond Tart was a great finish…