Quasi… Almost…

Happily,  we are almost completely settled…This move has been difficult,  to say the least.  So many emotions,  and so much to do.  Unpacking every day and working hard to make this townhouse "ours".  It is definitely coming together and feeling like home.  Loving our new view and having fun putting the new outdoor space together.  With Mark's generous spirit and hard work,   we have a great deck. The smaller outdoor entertaining/gardening area means much less work.. but it is definitely looking like "our place".  It was  great having mom over for the first time… Priscilla was in town so we had a small family dinner,  only nine of us.  We are loving it and can't wait for our first dinner party with the rest of the family and friends … very soon!

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…

Gnudi...

Similar to Gnocchi,  but made with Ricotta rather than Potato,  possibly even more delicious.  Homemade Ricotta,  allowed to drain well  before combining with the other ingredients.  I served these with a fresh from the garden sauce,  using fresh zucchini,  my sun dried tomato pesto,   a little tomato, and a little cream… Another batch in a light mushroom sauce,  served  with Port Braised Short Ribs was prefect for a cold winter night…

Una Serata Autunnale… An Autumn Evening…

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas… but,  it's still Autumn.  Still enjoying the feeling of Autumn with it's beautiful,  blustery days,  and blue sky with puffy white clouds.  Dinner outside with friends seemed like a perfect way to take in all the beauty of this season.  The sky was lovely,  a little stormy and actually gave us a little sprinkle before dinner.  We bundled up for the chilly night and enjoyed ourselves with plenty of food,  cocktails and laughs…

Una Cena Per Due… A Dinner For Two…

When it's just Jim and me for dinner,  it's usually late,  and simple… often pasta.  On this night,  it was a very springtime pasta… Homemade Semolina Tagliolini with fresh asparagus,  yellow peppers, zucchini , and sweet peas ,  sautéed with garlic,  shallot , sun dried tomatoes,   and fresh herbs,  finished with a little cream.

Fiori Per Una Cena… Flowers For A Dinner…

Yuri asked me if I would cater a party for ten .The dinner was bid on at auction, a fund raiser for her church, and was  held at Yuri's house.  It was a five course Italian Meal, plus wine and a special cocktail. Yuri set the table and I made the Flower Arrangements. Gorgeous Pink Roses,  Wax flower and Artichokes,  arranged in my garden planters , gave the table  a very Italian feel.  The dinner was very successful,  and apparently ,  everyone was raving about it at church on sunday and asking about another dinner next year.