Sunday morning (my favorite time to cook) I begin to bang pots and pans getting organized before I chop my vegetables. I had gone to bed thinking about what I would make the next day. Cold weather has me craving comfort foods. Craving warm meals means I am thinking of my Polish babysitter Zofia who …
Soups on!
Soup is like a softly glowing and occasionally crackling fire in the fire place; it’s soothing, therapeutic, and nourishing all the way to the bones. Soup warms the belly, gently bathes the soul and simply does the body good. Louis XV silver soup tureen King Louis XV made soup an upper-class dish. He turned soup from …
A French Country Sunday
Sundays are a time to enjoy good food, family, and friends. When everyone is seated around the table it can feel as cozy as Thanksgiving. A Sunday meal that lingers on for hours can be a true pleasure. Imagine a table with plenty to eat and the hum of good conversation and laughter, it can …
A Serendipitous Summer
Serendipity has always been one of my favorite words. It makes me think of Sri Lanka because Serendip was the former name for Sri Lanka. It came from English author Horace Walpole, who formed it upon the title of the fairy-tale The Three Princes of Serendip. As the Princes traveled they were always discovering some …
Easy as Pie
The expression, “Easy as pie” is so true because pie IS easy! I’m a pie person. I’d choose pie over cake any day. It’s because there’s more love put into a pie. You also have to use your hands more when making it that’s why it’s one of those foods that allow you to really …
Our Daily Juice: Sweep the Kitchen
My husband says there’s just something about fresh juice, it sets you right! It feels so good to give it to the ones I love knowing that what I give them will love them back. My juicer was a birthday present from my husband almost five years ago when I was pregnant with my …
Florence: Pizza, Pasta, and Piazzas
When you travel to a new place, you notice that your surroundings aren’t familiar and you’re constantly observing and discovering; senses awaken and you become alive! In Florence, even if it’s a repeat visit, this feeling never ends! Travel recharges the batteries and wakes up the spirit. Only in Florence will your senses scream la dolce …
Classic movies and recipes for an extended evening
I’m a cozy classics girl! Although modern in other ways…like shoes, I prefer the old classics and stick to them. There’s something to be said for the familiar. Maybe it’s because I favor comfort…especially in food! My favorite kind of night-in involves: a fireplace, books, magazines, comfort food, and old movies. It all starts …
Reserve Your Night
I remember eating outside at Ambasciata D’Abruzzo, a restaurant near Rome, and the waiter brought me and my husband a giant platter of antipasti and some of their house wine. We were so content I think we may have taken off our shoes! This is my favorite kind of meal, a casual family style meal …
The Fresh Flavors of Summer
I have an obsession with fresh seasonal fruit. To me the ideal dessert is a summer peach, that’s it! Summer is quickly ripening fruits and vegetables. Julia Child said, “You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces-just good food from fresh ingredients.” Fruit stands and farmers markets are buzzing with fresh flavors. It’s hot …
Knitting cookies, baking sweaters
The happiest people are those who do things for others. Just put a bit of yourself in a homemade gift. Making something, anything, is one of the very best ways to show your love for family and friends. Children love to do for others if given the opportunity. I don’t knit, but I appreciate …