Una Torta Per Una Cara Amica… A Cake For A Dear Friend…

Celebrating Birthdays with "The Girls" is always so much fun…Tami hosted Yuri's this time and asked me to make the cake.  I made a Chocolate Raspberry Cake… dark chocolate cake filled with fresh raspberries, which I macerated in Chambord and a little raspberry jam,  on top of chocolate ganache.  I'm all about hearts this time of year so I chose that for the cake.  Frosted with ganache and simply decorated with twigs from my plum tree to which I attached little Sweet William flowers.  Simple winter style with a hint of Spring,  'cause it kinda feels that way around here already…

A Casa Per Il Weekend… Home For The Weekend …

Dinner at home, when Priscilla comes home for the weekend is always fun.  We have shared so many special meals at the table as a family. Priscilla has grown up with it and so have we.  I love when Jim remembers his Mom cooking three meals a day on the farm… and I cherish the memories of so many family meals at home,  and at the restaurant.  In keeping with these important  traditions we continue on with wonderful gatherings of family,  small and large…   Beef Wellington,  made in the traditional way… Mushroom Duxelles,  Prosciutto,  and Prime Fillet Of Beef,  and Lobster Tails with Herb Compound Butter were the stars of this show… My Raspberry Almond Tart was a great finish…

Gnudi...

Similar to Gnocchi,  but made with Ricotta rather than Potato,  possibly even more delicious.  Homemade Ricotta,  allowed to drain well  before combining with the other ingredients.  I served these with a fresh from the garden sauce,  using fresh zucchini,  my sun dried tomato pesto,   a little tomato, and a little cream… Another batch in a light mushroom sauce,  served  with Port Braised Short Ribs was prefect for a cold winter night…

Giardino Invernale… Winter Garden…

It's nice to get out and do a little winter gardening after the Holidays.  I've pruned most of the Roses and will continue pruning the rest in the next week or so.  My cabbages,  broccoli ,  and cauliflower plants are growing well… enjoying this cold weather that we've been having.  I am planting some sweet pea seeds and some Queen Anne's lace.   As always,  this time of year,  I am planting some ornamental cabbages.  We are having a very wet week,  so much rain,  and i'm loving every minute of it.  Thinking of how the garden will benefit from the rain makes me very happy, and happy to be inside,  cooking,  and doing a little crafting with natural elements…

Buon Anno … Happy New Year…

Buon Natale…Merry Christmas…

And Happy Birthday Jim!

Preparando Per Natale.…Preparing For Christmas…

The decorating is done,  gifts are wrapped,  and this lovely rainy day has me in the mood to start my Christmas baking… it's almost here!