On Friday afternoon I hosted my first play date. Since I like to entertain, cook and bake, I enjoyed the planning and preparation for this small event almost as much as I enjoyed spending the afternoon talking, eating and socializing with friends. Play date is an expression used mostly in the US for a pre-arranged… Read More
Raspberry Tart
Made with pasta frolla (short-crust pastry), this Italian tart is as beautiful as it is delicious, whether topped with uniform raspberries or a mix of any fresh berries in season. Buon appetito! For the crust ¾ cup (6oz/185 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup (3 oz/90 g) granulated sugar… Read More
Tomato, Zucchini and Leek Galette
Over the weekend, I made this gorgeous and simple dish. Layered on a bed of soft cheese, summer produce—ripe tomatoes, zucchini and leeks are seasoned with salt and pepper and deliver a taste like summer. As fall does not officially begin until September 22nd, I thought I’d share this dish which lets the true mettle… Read More
Chocolat
Chocolate symbolizes, as does no other food, luxury, comfort, sensuality, gratification, and love. —Karl Petzke It’s time to celebrate! September 13th is International Chocolate Day. One of the world’s most beloved foods, chocolate has been enjoyed in many different forms for thousands of years. I once read, if we could take a bite of love, it… Read More
The Gift of Adversity
Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit. ––Napoleon Hill The word “gift” is probably the last word that comes to mind when one experiences adversity. Yet, how many times have you heard someone—a friend, a family member or perhaps even yourself—say something along the lines… Read More
Tiella
Popular in southern Italy, a Tiella is a beautifully layered vegetable dish that often contains tomatoes, potatoes, and zucchini. Its name refers to a deep earthenware baking dish as well as anything cooked in that dish. A Tiella, however, can also be cooked in other baking dishes. Every region in Italy has their own favorite version of Tiella—variations for ingredients… Read More
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