I love pairing Chocolate and Orange. It's a classic. I should write a separate post about the quality of chocolate chips. And, I will. But, for the purposes of this post. I'm saying, when you're trying to make a good impression, "use your best chips". What a difference they make! I am notorious for grabbing big bags of Nestle's Chocolate Chips when I see them on sale at the grocery store. Never white chocolate though - that's a whole … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2014
Hazelnut-Ginger Shortbread Cookies
I've got the urge to get back into the kitchen to bake something, every day. On Tuesday, I got to thinking about the Pistachio Shortbread Cookies from Leslie Mackie that I made last year. This recipe was posted on Leite's Culinaria. I found myself imagining a light and buttery shortbread with nice little pieces of crystalized ginger and hazelnuts, a nut to love. Here is my new little cookie, perfect for a rainy day with a cup of … [Read more...]
It’s a Great Day for Apple-Cinnamon Whole Wheat Scones
my favorite apple photo so far this season I'm heading off to the city to meet a friend for lunch. It couldn't be a more glorious morning for the first day of Autumn, and I'm going to try really hard to accept that it isn't Summer any longer in the technical sense, even though it has felt like Fall since I got home from Italy. I decided that delivering a little gift to my friend was a perfect excuse for baking something. Of course … [Read more...]
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Last Day and Our Visit to Piazzale Michaelangelo
"All Good Things Must Come to an End." But, why? Many, if not all existential questions could be wrapped around that one. If I could, I would have it out with that person, Geoffrey Chaucer, who penned those loathsome words in the 1300s. I'd muster every ounce of my physical strength and strike upon him my most vicious verbal assault and argument………. After our second day in Florence, I awoke with a certain sinking feeling, knowing time was … [Read more...]
The Food Markets of Florence, Alice Waters and Scarlet O’Hara
Over the weekend I found myself wondering how often pioneers intentionally over-shoot their target in order to achieve what they initially wanted, knowing instinctively that they must do this and then compromise to their goal. While at that particular moment, I may have had the likes of Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk or more currently, Jack Ma in my mind, today it was in regard to Alice Waters. This was followed this morning by the … [Read more...]
The Meal to Remember – At La Giostra
I don't write about restaurants. I happen to think they are very personal things. Each and every person has a distinct affinity for the venue, the atmosphere and the food. I consider their evaluation to generally be highly subjective - and in my humble experience I have found the opinions of others to be off the mark. So, when I tread, I tread cautiously. My son Ryan has done some substantive traveling. He has always had a wanderlust of … [Read more...]
Many Happy Returns of the Day – to Firenze
Once upon a time in the land of the Arno….. Is anyone else consumed with the idea of making apple pies? We all know the most common context of the phrase "Many Happy Returns of the Day". No, it wasn't my birthday, but, happy returns of the day seems a fitting sentiment - the feeling I had when I arrived back in Florence. Some people find travel to be tedious, tiring and aggravating. Well, depending on where you are going, I guess I … [Read more...]
My Just Desserts: Betwixt and Between Seasons and How the Porcini Mushroom Can Save the Day
photo courtesy freshcropmushrooms.com I'm walking around picking basil and inhaling deeply……... It's bad enough to come home from Europe with a bad case of jet lag. I know I have a lot of nerve complaining when I was just in paradise for nearly 2 weeks. But, I suppose it's my Just Desserts - so to speak, another one of those great food metaphors. This week has been a hard one for me (and I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for me, not … [Read more...]
Traffic Jam: Splendor and Civility Among the Canals
Traffic Jam :) I have to confess something - don't tell anyone, though. I have decided that collecting pictures is way more fun than shopping! Wow! Did I just say that? And, George, for one, couldn't be happier! Hahahaha - not that I am going to abandon shopping or anything - especially at my favorite Food/Farmer's Markets……….. I know I am about the zillionth person to try to get down on paper some clear-headed words about the beauty … [Read more...]
“Decaying” Venice – Its Beauty Improves with Age
the rejoinder to my title is, "and how its color improves with the changes in the angle of the sun………. It occurs to me often these days that I am either autodidactic (more than generous) or, probably more accurately, the biggest simpleton of all time, having been largely asleep at the switch or on autopilot for most of my first 60 years of life - for, I am awash in thoughts and occurrences heretofore unexperienced. What does this mean? … [Read more...]