Buon Anno ...Fare la Pasta con Mamma... Happy New Year ... Making Pasta with Mom...

Love making Fresh Pasta... doing it with Mom makes it special... At  almost 92, she still has the  touch... We had a lot of fun making Orecchiette and Corzetti.  A great day together...

Torta di Crepe alla Fragola e Balsamico... Strawberry Balsamic Crepe Cake...

 Layers and layers of very thin Crepes,  Strawberry Balsamic Jam,  and  Vanilla Pastry Cream,  dusted  with Powdered Sugar,  and a sweet Balsamic Reduction infused with Strawberry... delicate and delicous...

Buon Natale... Merry Christmas...

Rosso e Bianco per Natale... Red and White for Christmas...

It's hard to choose a favorite color combination for Christmas Decorations... but,  there is just something about Red and White ( and green) for classic Christmas Color...

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...

Tristezza... Sadness...

Feeling such sadness for the many families affected by the horrible , tragic event that took place in Connecticut yesterday.  As a mother,  I can't begin to imagine the heartache ...

Un piccolo Biscotto di Scambio...A little Cookie Exchange...

 Went to a good friends' Annual Cookie Exchange party... Friends,  Champagne, Food,  and of course, Cookies...  I brought  Simple Gingerbread Boys...

And Coconut Macaroons....

Dipped in Chocolate...

Alberi di Natale... Christmas Trees...

There is absolutely no possibility of a White Christmas here,  but I can dream...

Finalmente... preparando per Natale.... Finally... getting ready for Christmas...

It seems to be taking me forever to get started with my Christmas Decorating,  and Christmas will be here before I know it.  I haven't decided exactly what I want to do this year,  but there are two things that I am sure of... one... there will be Sparkle... two...  there will be a few of those precious little handmade ornaments from Priscilla's grade school years.  

This little Angel is my favorite... she is adorable...