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...

In Cucina... In The Kitchen...

A special place to be... Creating new recipes,  and making favorite dishes...Things like Olive Bread, Pasta alla Carbonara,  An Artichoke and Roasted Garlic Galette,  French Onion Soup,  and Pasta with Shrimp.  In the kitchen!  My happy place!

Feste... Celebrations...

Celebrations and keeping traditions alive is important to us.  Being with family,  celebrating the occasion...  whatever it may be.  Sharing a great meal and just being together is what it is all about.  Having Mom with us,  making the most of the time we have is precious to us all.  We count our blessings...

Buon Compleanno Mamma... Happy Birthday Mom...

We are so lucky to have celebrated another Birthday with Mom .  Her 97th Birthday party included just immediate family,  good food,  a cake made by me,  and lots of love...