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...

In Cucina... In The Kitchen...

 Being in the kitchen makes me happy.   Making old recipes,  family recipes,  and creating new recipes...  I had not made Tarallini Pugliesi before,  but after  my last trip to Italy I knew that I would be making them soon.  Nobody in the family seems to make them because all they have to do is go to the nearest Panificio and buy a bag full... I do not have that luxury.  I have tried a few different recipes ,  the last one is pretty good... still searching,  but in the meantime,  these were fun to make.   I've especially enjoyed making more  Laminated Doughs lately,  Homemade Brioche and Puff Pastry made into delicious dessert,  breakfast treats,  or savory appetizers makes those items even better.  

Pasta...

I've been making lots of homemade pasta lately.  So easy,  but,  a labor of love for sure... the outcome is always worth the effort.  A favorite way to spend a few hours...   Ravioli filled with Fresh Ricotta and  and Roasted Butternut Squash...  Mushroom,  Fresh Arugula,  Mascarpone and Fontina filled Manicotti.  And of course,  a big batch of Gnocchi.

Profumi Di Primavera… Springtime Scents…

Once again,  I find myself with lots of leftover wax from all of my favorite scented candles.  Using pretty little blossoms picked from the garden ,  some Fragrant Juniper,   Nutmeg Scented Geranium,  and Fragrant Essential Oils…  came these little wax Sachets to hang in a closet.

Un Tipo Di Pizza Rustica Al Manzo E Rosmarino…Rosemary Balsamic Beef Stew Pot Pie…

It starts off as a typical Beef Stew would,  except mine has to lean towards Italian Flavors…  Lean Sirloin,  deglazed with Balsamic Vinegar, scented with Fresh Rosemary…Lots of   Fresh Vegetables,  topped with Homemade Pie Dough, encrusted with Fresh Italian Parsley. Baked in my Rustic Italian Clay pot.

A feast for the eyes as well as the palate.