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.

Accendifuoco…Firelighters…

Been enjoying making some seasonal crafts.  The latest one being these little firelighters.  Made from Natural ingredients that I had on hand , in the kitchen,   in the shed ,  and around the garden… Dried Roses,  Pinecones,  Dried Bay Laurel,  Rosemary, Sea Lavender,  Dried Apple Rings,  and Candied Orange Slices.  I melted Natural Beeswax, poured it into little Paper Muffin Cups, and  added some Essential Oils, and Spices.   Orange Clove,  Lavender Vanilla,  Apple Cinnamon, Orange Vanilla, and Eucalyptus.  A little piece of Twine dipped in wax will make lighting a fire easy,  the Oils and Spices will make it smell heavenly…

Torta al Cioccolato e Nutella per il Compleanno di Jim... Chocolate Nutella Birthday Cake for Jim...

Chocolate Cake... Jim's favorite...  Nutella Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache poured over the top makes it delicious.... Sugared Roses and Rosemary make it beautiful...

Antipasto di Torta di Pere e Ricotta... Pear & Ricotta Appetizer Tart...

I always like to use Seasonal ingredients in my cooking. With Fall in the air,  Pears are an obvious choice,  and one of my favorite  Fall Fruits.  I sauteed the Pear Halves in a little Butter and Rosemary...

 I make fresh Ricotta several times a week and had a little left over,   which was perfect,  because it was a little firmer than if I had just made it.  I made a small tart shell from purchased Puff Pastry,   filled the Pastry with the Ricotta which I mixed with a little honey,  and topped with the Sauteed Pears...

Then I topped it all off  with a few Candied Walnuts which I had made the day before.  I baked the Tart for about 15 minutes...

Jim said it was one of his Favorite  Appetizers...

Fruit, Nuts, Cheese, classic combination...  Seriously Delicious...