circa 1968 When I was a kid, I found the aura of a basement alluring - in certain instances. Ok, is that bizarre to anyone? It's not to me for, in the Italian-American household of that generation, the basement was often a beehive of activity and in some ways, a place central to the operation of the household. In our house, we had a tiny room which was referred to as the wine cellar. There was no wine in there, just a mish-mash of old … [Read more...]
Unforgettable Footsteps – In Italy Last Year
blissful and like no other My family keeps accusing me of being forgetful. They say I don't remember lots of little things. I say, I don't remember little menial things, allowing the irritatingly trite and mundane to easily slip away. But, my memory is completely intact when it comes to what I want to remember, down to every minute detail and moment - those moments of time which will never slip away, ever………. It's funny when one … [Read more...]
Can’t Wait Forever – Lavender and Peach Scones
Lavender and Peach Scones - um, sub-lime! Today is May Day. I remember when I was a child, participating in the May Pole celebration at St. Virgil's Church in Morris Plains. We got to wear rings of flowers in our hair, and circle the pole with ribbons. Today, at least in this country, this ceremony is largely forgotten. In Europe, in many venues, today is a celebration of Worker's rights. That's all good and I definitely support worker's … [Read more...]
Rain-Induced Search for Brain Chemicals – Dark Chocolate, Dried Cherry, Toasted Coconut and Pecan Brownies (with Rum)
As predicted, today presented itself as an extreme soaker! No fun out of doors today! Best turn to the oven for fun and games! Ok, so I needed a plan, what with the weather being what it is. I had plenty to occupy me for most of the day. By the time mid-afternoon came around though, I was ready for a chemically-induced pick me up and some fun in the kitchen. What better treasure to turn to than Dark Chocolate? We all know the amazing … [Read more...]
Recipe Re-Write – Easy, Fragrant Chicken with Lemon and Oregano for a Retro-Weather Day
Ok, so today is what you call blowback - blowing all the way back to an earlier time, one I said I was finished with - you know that season that supposedly ended 5 or so weeks ago??? - when I was braising and roasting every night…….. I was hoping we were completely into bbq season, but apparently not! The other day I re-posted a recipe on my Facebook page, "In Food Today" for Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Oregano from Bon Appetit. This had … [Read more...]
Mixed Vegetables and Straddling the Seasons
The calendar says we are 4 weeks into Springtime, doesn't it? It's time to lighten up the meals - beginning to move away from months of braising and roasting, isn't it? My first instinct is to lighten up lunch and I often like to do this with soup. As long as my soup has some protein in it, I am ok. Often I look toward adding a little bit of shredded chicken, roasted å la Ina Garten - bone-in breasts roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper … [Read more...]
Flower/Flour Power – Orange “Blossom” – Pecan Scones
at Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, California in March: Ok, so I totally screwed up on the Easter posts. I was away for most of the week before, without my computer, and when I tried to work on my husband's, it was a disaster. So, next year, I will do better. I was not without copious amounts of fodder to write about - now they're stuffed away in that place that keeps circling about. I don't know about you, but I am … [Read more...]
“It’s Been a Long Time Comin – Lettuce Have Fun!
Spring has Sprung - Lettuce have fun! In the immortal words of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Circa 1968, (the Woodstock album), "It's been a long time coming"…….. Yesterday was the kind of day when I could come up with a million titles and topics to write about - while at the same time wanting to go in a million directions out-of-doors. Not only was it a day to celebrate opening the windows and letting the fresh air of Spring permeate the … [Read more...]
Spring Fever, Ranunculus and the Luncheon Scone – Apricot/Goat Cheese Scones with Thyme
What's the definition of Spring Fever? Mine is when you can let go of all the wariness associated with Winter weather and plunge into Spring with total abandon! It's when you know in your heart that the cold and nastiness is really over. I've held off my Spring Fever for a long while, having been punished for my undue optimism of a few weeks back - until I was really sure it was going to be "better". After the pansies I so … [Read more...]
Saying Goodbye to Rizzoli at 31 W 57 – An Indelible Sense of Place
Last day on Friday, April 11; and so, someone has already erected scaffolding in anticipation of the end……. "There are places I remember all my life though some have changed, some forever, not for better, some have gone and some remain, all these places have their moments"….. John Lennon and Paul McCartney circa 1965 There are places I have gone to at very specific times, of the year and otherwise, that initiate certain strong sentiment. … [Read more...]
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