Several years ago, I read an article in Forbes magazine about a place on the Florida Panhandle called Alys Beach. Situated between Panama City and Pensacola, this area is called the Emerald Coast, named for the breathtaking calm turquoise sea known as the Gulf of Mexico.
Read MoreAs we roamed through the maze-like streets, we discovered “La Casa del Mojito.” I curiously became captivated by the two older women that were picking mint off its stems outside the bar. When I think of Italian cocktails, it is not the Mojito that comes to mind,
Read MoreThe phone isn’t ringing as much; appointments canceled; commitments, parties, and holidays postponed. I am equally as afraid of watching the News, as I am of not watching it. I choose not to complain but to utilize this time to take care of my mind and body. It is a well-known fact that our thoughts create our feelings.
Read More“Monsieur, too much wine, too much cheese here in France, I need a bigger size.” I see my husband look away; he is smart enough not to engage. He reminded me every day that we were overindulging. I couldn’t help it; this was France for God's sake. The shopkeeper calmly retorted, “Madam, if not to eat, why to live?” I replied, “thank you, Monsieur, next size, S’il Vous plait?”
Read MoreHolidays are like a giant storm encapsulating us. Time stands still while we make merry inside our snow globe with friends and family. During this season, much is forgiven, and more often than not, more is expected. On New Year's Day, the “snow” begins to melt and real-life resumes.
Read MoreI look at Valentine's day as a time to stop and acknowledge where love has happened in the “crevices” of the life I share with my husband. The expression of love and caring can be a simple gesture like bringing me my morning coffee or, placing gloves in my car anticipating that I might feel cold.
Read MoreMy Nonna loved to sit at the window of her house in Brooklyn patrolling “her” street. She made sure no one touched or scratched her sons Cadillac, supervised the children playing ball and watched the comings and goings of the neighbors. She always hoped that one of her grandchildren would stop by for a visit, at which point she would drop the keys from the second story window so that we could let ourselves into the house. Her memory was even better than that of our parish priest. Nonna knew precisely how long it had been since our last visit.
Read MoreIn recent years, Prosecco, the sparkling Italian white wine, has gained popularity around the world and is now known to be outselling Champagne in several countries. Although both Prosecco and Champagne are similar, they are produced from different grapes and have different bottling and fermentation processes.
Prosecco is made from Glera Grapes and goes through a two-step fermentation process. The second fermentation takes place in a pressurized tank known as an Autoclave, where it stays for up to four months. It is important to remember when shopping for Prosecco; the label will refer to two designations, Brut or Extra Dry, the Brut being the drier choice.
Read MoreWhile enjoying some local cheese and figs picked that morning, my husband expressed his love of figs, fichi, in Italian. The men at the table vigorously agreed, with a lot of head shaking and snickering! Not being aware of the “double meaning,” my cousin whispered in his ear the definition of the “double meaning.”
Read MoreThe tomato became popular in Greece somewhere around the mid-1800s. The tomato is ever present in this delicious, fresh, and healthy cuisine. I would feel remiss not to mention that the study of the popular “Mediterranean Diet” began in Crete. Because of the blaring sun and the scarcity of rain, most of the Island’s vegetables are small in size but incredibly flavorful.
Read MoreWhile visiting friends in Palm Beach, Florida, I was introduced to Via Capri; a shop where you can have customized sandals personalized, designed and fitted for you — located on a side street off Worth Avenue. It was the first of several purchases made by me over the past few years. Upon meeting the proprietor, Francesco Pasta, yes that is his real name, we came to chatting about Italy. The conversation quickly turned toward food. What else?
Read MoreI was inspired to replicate the pan seared scallops that my husband and I enjoyed at the Oyster House in Boston. We dined at the marble-topped counter, watching the chef prepare these jewels of the sea from our barstools. Upon the first bite, I experienced the flavor and texture of this crusty browned mollusk. The flesh inside was tender and untainted. Just a squeeze of lemon was enough. Inspired, I couldn’t wait to get back home to replicate them. I found this recipe, and I have been using it for years. It’s an excellent, simple technique.
Read MoreMany years ago, canning was necessary, as there was no refrigeration. I find it much easier to prepare the tomatoes as in the recipe above, and then store the sauce in quart or pint size heavy duty Ziplock bags or containers. After tightly sealing them, I put these sauce laden pouches to lay flat in the freezer. They will last for 10 to 12 months when stored this way!
Read MoreMany people share the belief that the history of the tomato originated in Italy. Understandable, as the tomato is the core of southern Italian cuisine. So, in truth, the tomato (tomatl) was introduced to the world via South America where it grew wild on vines. When European explorers set sail to discover new lands, the tomato was introduced to Europe. Next stop Mexico, Central America, and then back to Europe. The tomato gained popularity in Spain, and when brought over to Italy, it was eagerly embraced in Naples.
Read MoreHere in New Jersey, where I reside, we eagerly await for our very misunderstood “Garden State” to green up. My serotonin levels rise, as I watch the local farmers tilling the soil and planting the seasons crop. It reminds me of the days leading up to vacation, when “it just can’t arrive soon enough”. The farmers ready their roadside stands in preparation of what they hope to be a good year.
Read MoreMy friend Carol and I first met working at a youth camp, run by the NYC Parks Department during the summer of 1977. Our days were spent trying to occupy the kids with the limited resources we were provided. During the downtime we spent hours talking about our lives, interests and our futures. Carol was an aspiring artist and different from most of the gals I was mixing with at school. We did two summers in that park and became very close.
Read MoreDuring a recent trip to Italy, I made some observations that helped me to fill in the blanks on the “food rules” observed by my family during my childhood. Every trip I have taken to Italy seems to have shed light on my upbringing in one way or another. My Mom was one of seven children born to Italian immigrants. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York during the 1960s was a head-on collision of both American and Italian cultures. Grandma brought these rules over from the old country, and, they were strictly followed “just because” or sometimes the result of religious observance.
Read MoreEastertime always brings back great memories of visiting my Nan Mary. Immediately after Mass, all the family would congregate at her house for a lovingly prepared meal to celebrate the Resurrection and of course, to feast. On Easter Sunday, we were expected to visit Nan and present to her the palm we obtained while attending Palm Sunday mass the prior week. Hopefully, you followed this pre-requisite.
Read MoreWhether pronounced in French or English, Mise en Place is an important part of meal preparation. Technically, this French term is for all the prep work that is carried out before the meal. For us, home cooks, it is a great way of keeping organized and accurate when following and preparing a recipe. It also helps create a “flow” so you can keep moving without stopping to chop, peel or dice… It's efficient.
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