I love when I have ripe bananas on hand to bake our favorite muffins.
Banana Coconut Muffins
A Small Gift From Our Garden
Just a simple clipping of parsley and cilantro. It’s such a gift when beauty presents itself in the form of a gentle trimming in our herb garden. The overgrowth almost went in the compost. Before I dropped the clippings in the bucket I held the bundle up to the sunlight, the green leaves and white... Continue Reading →
Patience, Time and Tiramisu
Tiramisu translated means to "pick me up". This rich decadent Italian dessert is a creation of love and passion. When you take a bite of Tiramisu, you almost always have to close your eyes to experience the flavors. Custard, coffee, marsala, chocolate. This recipe is not for the faint of heart. It's delicious and well... Continue Reading →
Raymond Vineyards
Drive north on highway 29. Depending on the time of year, your windows maybe open or the heat will be on. No matter the season, the drive north on highway 29 will be a beautiful view of the mountain ranges west and east. You will be driving into the heart of the Napa Valley. As... Continue Reading →
Spice and Everything Nice!
Jalapenos and avocados are so delicious together. So many peppers to choose from, spicy to spicier. The jalapeno pepper corer tool is my new best find in the kitchen. Don't forget to wear your gloves when slicing and dicing. The seeds and juice from the peppers will sting. Why not use your avocado half as... Continue Reading →
Ricotta Cheese
I have to admit, making cheese was a bit intimidating. A few years ago, my mom and I went to Sicily and visited a farm where they made Ricotta cheese. The family had a small operation and welcomed visitors to watch the cheese making process and sample the delicious warm cheese freshly made. I could... Continue Reading →
A New Look and A New Style
My favorite subjects, cooking, wines, traveling and writing.
Pasta Alla Norma
Pasta Alla Norma. The first time I heard mention of this dish was in Eldorado County which lies east of Sacramento. This beautiful area has rolling vineyards and big wines. Our friend and winemaker John Miller talked about his favorite Italian dish called "Pasta Alla Norma". I'm from the northern part of Italy and wasn't... Continue Reading →
Sicilia – A Mother and Daughter Trip
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The Spoon Rest
Milano. Italia. A long glorious weekend spent with my family. It's part of what makes my life so enchanting. I, yes me, I get to experience what many people only dream about, live and breathe life in Italy as a local. It's my born heritage. In fact, it's even my birth certificate. I am an... Continue Reading →
The Flannel Shirt Chronicles 