Pasqua...Easter...

One of the loveliest times of the year... Springtime,  and with it's beauty comes Easter.  Beautifully colored eggs,  egg hunts, and lots of good treats. In keeping with our Italian heritage and traditions, Mom's tradition,  I always make special easter bread studded with pretty eggs and sprinkles,  like Mom used to do...

Primavera...Springtime...

Lots of lovely rain has made our landscape so nice and green,  and while I have been known to enjoy gardening in the rain, it makes for the most perfect time for cooking and baking...

Pioggia E Cucina... Rainy Day Cooking...

It has been such a rainy February, and I, for one,  have been loving it.  Staying indoors and cooking when it's cool and rainy  makes for pretty much a perfect day. Using a few flowers and herb cuttings from my potted garden to adorn and laminate some fresh pasta made me very happy...Pretty ravioli with a mild herb flavor, tossed in a light pesto cream sauce...  

Tradizioni Natalizie...Christmas Traditions ...

It wouldn't be Christmas without them,  and this year was no different.  The season began, as it always has, by choosing a Christmas Tree.  For as long as I can remember I have loved choosing just the right tree. Decorating the tree and the house, making it cosy was next on the list of seasonal traditions. One of the most special traditions was when I was very young, watching Mom and Dad making Cartellate at the restaurant.  They would spend a very long day making lots of these delicious pastries for the family and many friends.  As I got older,  I too have embraced this tradition,  making Cartellate with Mom and my sister and my daughter and niece.  This year was the first Christmas without Mom being present to help us,  but she was there in spirit and in our hearts as we happily carried on the tradition while remembering and reminiscing about days gone by and how Mom and Dad would have been so happy to see us enjoying our memories... and making new ones...

Feste...Holiday Time...

It seems hard to believe that it is that time of year again.  I have been very absent from my blog for quite some time.  The loss of a Mother changes the way everything feels.  This holiday season just feels different, and if I am to be completely honest, a little sad.  But... Christmas is upon us! Time for traditions, and that always includes special meals and get togethers... not to mention SWEETS! The traditions must carry on,  for all of us,  but especially for our children.  Traditions create memories... and what do we have if we have no memories...

Arrivo Italia... I'm On My Way, Italy...

I am so excited... I leave for Italy tomorrow. It's been two years,  and I can't wait.  In the meantime,  i've been doing lots of cooking... my main passion,  and gardening,  my other passion,  and decorating... my other, other passion.  I've been so busy with a styling job that I have been working on for about two months.  The job is done,  and I am ready for a break.  A break to the homeland,  where I will visit with family and friends....Explore beautiful places,  old places,  new places.  And cook,  and be inspired by my home and all that it has to offer.  So ready!!!

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.