Fine D'Estate... Late Summer...

Every year,  around this time, I start dreaming... dreaming of my favorite time of year. FALL! It's been a hot summer,  and it still is,  but no matter,  to me I feel fall right around the corner. I can smell the fragrance of wild fennel in the morning,  and that different light. Two things which are always the first signs of fall for me.  I have been cooking a lot, and I always cook using seasonal ingredients,  but I look forward to the changes I will make to my meals by using all those favorite flavors of fall.

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...

In Attesa Di Primavera... Waiting For Springtime...

Longing for winter weather which will never happen... but,  it's not nice to complain.  Our weather is amazing, many  people can only dream of it,  but... I guess we can't always have what we want... I try to create  a winter theme,  but,  it's not easy,,, In the meantime,  I enjoy spending time in my Potted English Garden,  and of course,  my kitchen.

In Cucina... In The Kitchen...

My kitchen is so much smaller than my previous one... but it's OK.  The main obstacle is only having one oven,  so timing is so important if I am baking an entree,  and bread or focaccia... It doesn't stop me from doing what I love most ,  and I have been doing a lot of cooking and baking.   Whether for a special get together,  a special request from Priscilla (Beef Wellington) or just because...

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.