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.

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...

Fragranza... Fragrance...

I don't necessarily think that Favors are a "thing" for funerals, but we just thought it would be a nice touch.  I have made these fragrant sachets many times before using my leftover candle wax, some essential oils, and little flowers picked from the garden. Using my silicone flower and heart molds,  we created highly fragrant little sachets for the ladies who came to Mom's services. We packaged them and added a little note with Mom's name and dates,  and on the flip side of the card we added a little note... It read,  "Remembering the beautiful fragrance of your life".  As it turned out,  everybody loved them,  and we did too.

Ciao Mamma... Goodbye Mom...

It is with a sad heart that we say goodbye to our sweet Mother.  Mom lived a long and wonderful life... 97 healthy years,  loved by everyone who met her and knew her.  We are greatful that she passed peacefully.  Surrounded by family,  she slowly slipped away to a better place.  We will miss her terribly,  but we know that we will be comforted by memories of her loving ways and  funny stories...Ciao Bella...