Quasi Autunno… Almost Autumn…

Autumn is almost here,  and hopefully our hot humid weather,  which can give us spectacular sunsets,   will give way to cooler temperatures to go along with the subtle changes that  let me know that Fall is near.  In the garden,  the pumpkin plants are big,  the pumpkins however,   are still small… I will keep my fingers crossed,  meanwhile,  in the kitchen,  the flavors of Autumn are beginning to show up… fruits that remind me of the new season… Poached Pear Dumplings,  A Rustic tart with my Fig Jam and Pears,  with Cream Cheese,  and topped with a buttery crumble,  and  Chicken Cacciatore,  just like dad taught me to make at the restaurant… made into a pot pie.  Comfort foods …

Fine D'Autunno…. Late Autumn…

Thankfully,  we're finally having  some cooler weather.  Nice for cool weather vegetables in the raised beds,  and warm  cozy dinners which include Tri Tip Pot Pie,   and a savory Cornbread Bread  Pudding.  The raised beds are planted with cabbages, rainbow chard,  beets,  carrots, broccoli, cauliflower,  tomatoes,  arugula , my favorite herbs,  and companion flowers.    Newly planted and showing good signs of growth… We shall see…

Piaceri Primaverili… Springtime Pleasures…

Enjoying the longer days,  and the garden getting fuller and greener.  Roses are beginning to bloom , and there are  birds  everywhere,  helping to keep garden pests away. A new/old  birdbath,  a Springtime Pot Pie with Slow Roasted Pork and Vegetables , topped with Thyme and Sage,  and some more Velvet Easter Eggs…

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.