Pasta Fresca... Fresh Pasta...

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I love food... beautiful food, well made food, and also beautifully embellished food. Being inspired to create something new, or just changing things up a bit is my passion.  Sharing food with friends and family is something that makes me very happy.  I have no issue with spending hours in the kitchen and on this day, I decided to  add herbs to my pasta.  I don't do this every time that I make pasta,  it is much more time consuming, but when I want that extra wow factor,  it is what I do. This is a typical Egg and Flour Pasta which I start the traditional way, but, when rolling the dough, I add freshly snipped herbs between two sheets of pasta and roll. I love seeing how the shapes of the different Herbs change when they are pressed between the Pasta Sheets. I used various herbs which I have growing in my potted garden. Tender Herbs like Sweet Basil and Purple Basil, Arugula, French Sorrel, and Italian Parsley all work well.  The resulting pasta is spectacular  with a lovely mild herbal flavor.  In order not to overwhelm the mild flavor of the herbs, I like to make a simple sauce of just Olive Oil,  Romano Cheese, and fresh cracked pepper over the top...

Sapone Fai Da Te… Handmade Soap…

I think one of the best reasons to make soap,  is the way it fills the kitchen with beautiful herbal fragrance.  This time for handmade soaps I used Lavender and  Honey,  Lemon Verbena and Mint,  and,  Rose Petals and  Thyme.   Fresh, summery fragrances,  clipped from the garden…

Nel Giardino Autunnale... In The Autumn Garden...

I haven't been doing as  much in the garden as I typically do,  but it's still looking ok.  Planting some Ornamental Cabbages in Fall is a must... The fountain Garden area is happy,  with lots of Arugula, Rainbow Chard, various Herbs,  Lavender,  and Artichokes.  The Roses continue to bloom here and there , and there are lots of pumpkins around... and my favorite garden statue stands ready for Halloween!

Un Piccolo Regalo Dal Giardino... A Small Gift From The Garden...

  A simple wreath made from Rosemary,  Bay Laurel,  Nutmeg scented Geranium,  and a few drying roses,  all from the garden,  made a fragrant,   and pretty little hostess gift to take to Virginia's house.  I love simple little bundles , or wreaths,  of fresh herbs,  hanging in the kitchen or pantry looking pretty,  smelling good,  and ready  to use while cooking...