Italian bakers have had a few secrets that have been up their sleeves for a very long while - in their case, that would be centuries. For those of you like me, who peruse and remember all of the nostalgic and delicious cakes that Italians make, in particular around the Spring and the Easter Season, you will note that there is one ingredient that is common among many of them. And yet, when it comes to our day-to-day baking, American-style, this … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2017
The Amaretti and the Macaron – A Most Versatile,Timely and Delicious Cookie
and Friday's child Gluten-Free Craze...... Passover....... Amaretti....... Can a cookie with only three ingredients and purportedly born in 8th Century Venetian monasteries be as relevant or perhaps even more so today? There are many times when we get into the pastry kitchen and, aside from the individual task at hand, the bowls, the ingredients, the process and outcomes, one can, if one listens closely, become embroiled in the … [Read more...]
Saying Goodbye to Winter Dishes Today With One Last Gasp – Chicken with Black Mission Figs, Blenheim Apricots and Red Bliss Potatoes
closest thing to a bloom in my yard today favorite shot from Wednesday I'm truly hoping today will be the last cold and dreary day that is reminiscent of Winter for April. It hasn't been very welcoming so far, has it? My daffodils up at the stable are still holding tight. I'm usually well along with my out-of-doors chores by this time. Today, I'm still playing around with my dead anemones from March and keeping a close eye on … [Read more...]
My Visit to Italy in 5 Miles: On Meeting Julia della Croce
with paints in hand ah, Lecce Last night I traveled all the way to Italy. I left my house at 5:50 pm and arrived by 6:02. No, it wasn't the newest iteration of supersonic travel, although I wish they'd get busy and perfect this. Sir Richard Branson and Elon Musk, can't we focus on improving the flying experience around this planet before we try to regularly fly to the others? Yes, I digress. Well, I trundled all the way up James … [Read more...]