Primavera...Springtime...

Lots of lovely rain has made our landscape so nice and green,  and while I have been known to enjoy gardening in the rain, it makes for the most perfect time for cooking and baking...

Feste...Holiday Time...

It seems hard to believe that it is that time of year again.  I have been very absent from my blog for quite some time.  The loss of a Mother changes the way everything feels.  This holiday season just feels different, and if I am to be completely honest, a little sad.  But... Christmas is upon us! Time for traditions, and that always includes special meals and get togethers... not to mention SWEETS! The traditions must carry on,  for all of us,  but especially for our children.  Traditions create memories... and what do we have if we have no memories...

Buon Natale... Merry Christmas...

Another year as past... wonder where it went.  Time does seem to fly.  Traditions come to mind this time of year.  It can be a bit melancholy.  Memories of past Christmases,  and new ones in the making Keeping traditions alive for future generations... some will be kept,  others may evolve into new ones. Health and family are the hope for the future.  Making Merry for sharing and spending time with loved ones... That's what it's all about...Buon Natale a tutti... Merry Christmas to all...

Piaceri Autunnali... Autumn Pleasures..

It's that time of year... everyone thinking of Pumpkins and Squashes,  Colorful Leaves,   and cool breezes.  Here we can only dream of cool breezes and brightly hued trees... it has been a very hot early Fall,  but happily,  it cooled of just in time for Halloween. I'm in full Autumn mode in the kitchen,  making old favorites,  and thinking up new seasonal recipes...

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...