Dal Forno… From The Oven..

It was a sweet,  and savory weekend… Basil Blueberry  Pie,   Chocolate Cream Cheese Beggar's Purses,  Homemade Sun Dried Tomato Pesto,  Cream Cheese Beggar's Purses,  Chocolate Ganache Strawberry Tarts,  Herbed Triple Berry Crisp,  Rustic Loaves,  Grilled,  Herbed Salmon…

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

When I thought of Tami's Birthday Lunch,  I decided on " Bohemian Springtime" as the theme…Tami loves color ,  and I wanted to do something a little different than the typical pinks,  lavender,  and other pastels that are the essence of springtime.  I painted the cake with my version of dandelions or allium , and made stylized hollyhocks and sunflowers …Inside,  the cake was a Limoncello Cake with sweetened Mascarpone and Lemon Curd.

Una Torta Per Giu Giu… A Cake For Giu Giu…

Giu Giu had a Ballet Recital last night ,  and rather than bring her flowers,  I thought i'd make her a cake.  A very girly cake… Barbie,  Pink , and sparkles.   She absolutely loved it!

Che Bella Giornata… What A Lovely Day…

We had the best Mother's Day … Jim,  Nicola,  Priscilla,  and  Nick made us a beautiful dinner at  at Anna and Nicola's . We moms were not allowed to do any of the work,   so we just relaxed  and enjoyed a beautiful sun shiny day.  It was a special time together,  and we're so grateful to have Mom with us for yet another Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day…

Giardino E Cucina… Garden And Kitchen…

As usual,  i've been spending a lot of time in the garden and the kitchen. The raised beds have been planted with the a nice variety of plants.   Tomatos,  Eggplant,  Zucchini,  Pumpkins,  Onions, Carrots,  Beets,  Romanesco Cauliflower ,  various Herbs,  Sunflowers,  and other companion Flowers for attracting Bees.  It's been fun,  and now I have to be patient,  while waiting for everything to grow,  and fill in.  Priscilla was home for the weekend,  so time in the kitchen is always a must… Breakfast pastry…two cream cheese and fig,   and another with chocolate and cream cheese.

Cristalli Nel Giardino… Crystals In The Garden…

Sometimes social media makes my head spin.  There are so many talented people out there,  making , and creating things that make me say… "hey,  why didn't I think of that?".  Being inspired by something or someone is great,  but,  I don't usually like to copy something i've seen,  more like just take the idea and tweak it or make my own version of it.  This time though,  I absolutely copied what I saw… because it was too cute… A watering can that "pours crystals".  I had crystals sitting around,  and of course,  a watering can.  I couldn't resist …