November 10, 2015

Tuscany – Charming Certaldo, not on “the list”

You may find it interesting that after talking about all the towns in Tuscany that are “on the list” (whose list is it anyway?) our first excursion was to a town that is not, not “on the list” that is. We set off one morning for a three day excursion to Certaldo, about an hour and a half east from here inland, to meet Simone and his parents Luigi and Giuseppina. Luigi and Simone were... View Article

November 7, 2015

Tuscany – a combination of magic and pasta

We arrived in Tuscany a few days ago and settled on the coast between laid back Lido di Camaiore and the more happening Viareggio. We will be using this place as our base for the next four weeks and from here will make excursions inland and up the coast, probably as far as Cinque Terre and Portofino. The kitchen in the apartment is bright and well equipped and now I understand the concept of the... View Article

November 6, 2015

Curried Pumpkin soup by Vegan Chef Mark Reinfeld

I have been taking cooking classes for years, always looking for vegan or at least vegetarian classes but they are hard to come by. Finally there is a school that is dedicated to teaching both amateurs and professionals how to make beautiful plant based foods that in Mark’s words is “good for you and good for the planet”. Chef Mark Reinfeld is best-selling author of numerous award winning Vegan cookbooks, including the recent 30 Minute Vegan series,... View Article

November 3, 2015

Milan for foodies – the food emporiums: Peck and Eataly

If you are a foodie visiting Milan there are a couple of places not to be missed. In the center of town, within a couple of minutes walk from the Duomo on Via Spadari 9 (Google Map directions were confusing, just take Via Torino from the Duomo and turn right on Spadari) you will find Peck, a high end gourmet food store and restaurant that is rightly described as a gastronomical temple celebrating the best foods... View Article

November 1, 2015

Fast food Milan style – the Holly Trinity of Luini, Spontini and Cioccolati Italiani

The last thing you expected to hear from me is about fast food in Italy, right? Well, I am full of surprises. I was going to write about some of the restaurants we tried but gave up (I may try again later) because, really there is no need to chase specific places as almost any place you walk into will serve good food. Before we came here I researched and listed a few places that... View Article

October 30, 2015

How about lunch in St. Moritz?

We have been in Milan for a week and haven’t left the city, loving every aspect of this beautiful place, but one out of town excursion was too fun to miss. How about a train ride to St. Moritz for lunch? The train ride through the Swiss alps seemed appealing, as did a visit to one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, tucked some 1900 meters above sea level in the south Swiss alps... View Article

October 29, 2015

Roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts and onions

Brussels sprouts begin to appear in the market at the end of the season, still clinging to their long thick stalks. It’s a thing of beauty and although I know not everyone likes them, I can’t resist them, they are so delicious. they are also pretty versatile and can be used raw in salads thinly sliced or with their leaves peeled pulled apart. They can be sautéed in butter or oil and served with lemon... View Article

October 25, 2015

La Bella Italia

The much anticipated trip to Italy is underway and we are now well settled in our apartment in Milano, minutes away from all the main attractions that come to mind when you think of Milan. The trip across the pond was, you know, air travel, with all the associated indignities. Take you shoes off, take the computer out, take a picture with the big camera to show it is really a camera, wait in line,... View Article

October 25, 2015

Roasted heirloom rainbow carrots with caramelized hazelnuts

When you read this I will be in Milan beginning our 4 month adventure in Italy, but for now, yup, still clearing out the fridge before we leave and scheduling a few posts so you have something to look at while we are in transit. Always thinking of you:). I still have these beautiful heirloom rainbow carrots form Sunshine Farm Seeds, those that didn’t get roasted for Thanks Giving, so I am roasting them now... View Article

October 23, 2015

Roasted red pepper hummus

Here is another pre-scheduled post because I am either en route to or just arrived in Italy and wanted to keep you entertained and informed. I made the recipe just before I left for Milan, with only you in mind:). This is an easy hummus, or a sandwich spread, or a vegetable dip that is worth having in your repertoire. I make it with canned organic garbanzo beans and one roasted red pepper (freshly roasted... View Article

October 21, 2015

Cauliflower and Romanesco soup with gorgonzola

There is nothing like a warm, fragrant soup on a cold day and I have been whipping up soups here lately that are much appreciated by my husband, thankfully. With only the two of us at home, he is the main audience for my cooking frenzy. With the trip coming up am trying to get away from the kitchen so I can start packing my suitcase and make the final arrangements before we go away... View Article

October 18, 2015

Roasted acorn squash with thyme and balsamic crema

Cut the squash in half and remove seeds and pulp. Cut the squash into wedges. Place the wedges on a foil lined baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the sugar and salt. Roast in a preheated 400F oven untilk the flesh is tender and golden. Remove from oven and arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle thyme leaves over and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar or crema. Serve warm.