Buon Natale... Merry Christmas...

A birthday cake is always on the Christmas List of desserts ... Happy Birthday Jim...

Dolci... Sweets...

Remembering Christmas seasons past... when Mom and Dad would spend a very long day at the restaurant making Cartellate for sharing with friends and family.  They got going early in the day ready to make tons of the very traditional treats ... it wouldn't have been Christmas without this tradition.  Anna and I decided a few years ago that the tradition,  which pretty much ended when Dad passed away,  should  continue.  We've only made them for three years,  and although we saw them being made for many years,  we are not quite as good at the process as Mom was.  Practice will make perfect,  if that is what we're after,  although simply making these lovely pastries,  and remembering Mom and Dad makes for a happy day,  and very special memories...

Preparando Per Natale... Getting Ready For Christmas...

It's hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. I can't quite understand what makes the season seem so hectic,  we really try to keep the whole gift giving thing to a minimum so as to not take part in all of the craziness.   I am hoping that by getting the house decorated,  and gifts bought,  I will have more time to just enjoy the season, gather with family and friends,   and do some traditional holiday baking.