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 A Small Gift From Our Garden
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 Patience, Time and Tiramisu
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 Raymond Vineyards
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 Pasta Alla Norma
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 Spoon Rest
Farmer’s Market Eve
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to bringing out my inner farm girl. No, I'm not digging, planting or harvesting. I am going to meet my friend June at one of our local Farmer's Markets. We'll mingle with hundreds of people as we get to select from the winter's bounty from our local farmers and vendors. I… Continue reading Farmer’s Market Eve
It’s Good To Be Back
Pull up a chair and chat with me for a few minutes. I just came home from Trader Joe's and put a bottle of Pinot Grigio in the freezer. It should be nice and chilled soon! It's been a long while since I've done any writing. One of my friends fired up on Facebook and… Continue reading It’s Good To Be Back
The Blah Zucchini
Let's face it, zucchini is versatile because on it's own it has very little flavor. This is why it is a perfect vegetable that we can add to cakes, muffins, stir-fry, pasta etc. Â I've even had it on pizza...I loved it! Yesterday I made one of my favorite zucchini recipes from The American Academy in… Continue reading The Blah Zucchini
Sea Breeze
On a recent Friday late afternoon, we sailed on a Catamaran Sailboat cruising along the American Riviera. Â Perfect weather, a special birthday celebration for one of our friends, and of course clinking glasses of fine wine. Riding the waves and feeling the salty air fill my lungs once again reminds me of how blessed John… Continue reading Sea Breeze
The Flannel Shirt Chronicles 