words to live by

Oh, sweet Italia ~

A friend recently wrote of her biking excursions through Aviano ~ instead of feeling jealous, I was so happy that she has embraced the lifestyle of this amazing country. I closed my eyes and imagined a jaunt down Viale S Giorgio, to the Tuesday market for cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, fragrant flowers (roses,…

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. Audrey Hepburn

Rustic Flavors

If you are fortunate enough to live within 30 minutes of a farmer’s market, for goodness’ sake, GO! Enjoy the journey between the stalls; smell the fresh herbs, warmed by the sun, their perfume gently caressing the air. And when you spot that one stand, you’ll know the one, the fruit will beckon – the…

Lavanda

There’s a few things I’ve learned in life: always throw salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for good luck, and fall in love whenever you can William Shakespeare We recently attended a sweet lavender festival just outside of Boise Idaho… With the windows open, the 100 degree temperature…

Coastal Friends

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. Jacques Yves Cousteau For my friends near the shore: Tweed Kettle Pie 2 lbs potatoes salt 8 oz cream cheese, softened 2 T butter 1/4 c fresh chives or scallions Good quality bacon (I prefer peppered turkey) 6 T butter,…

Victory Garden

plant a victory garden. Our food is fighting. A garden will make your nations go further. From a National Garden Bureau poster, circa 1939-1945 In wartime, patriotic families cultivated “Victory Gardens” to promote self-sufficiency and help the war effort. Backyard Salad 4 c greens 1/4 c fresh dill 1/4 c fresh flat-leaf parsley 4 large…

Sharing

Make your world, however large or small, a better place – give, learn, share, teach, love… V Pacific Rim Chicken Burgers 1 ¼ lbs ground chicken 2/3 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs) 1 egg, lightly beaten 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Asian hot…

Berries, bread, blessings

We recently went to Ohio to visit family and… well, family. The DaBramo family has been in my husband’s life for a long time – with Christine being the loving, caring chauffeur, cook, confidant, counselor to a group of kids who at one time or another, needed at least one of these services! When Tony…

Ahhh, Italia

Tony’s cousins would make a cake very similar to this one… Lucia served it with fresh panna (lightly sweetened whipped cream), and Fabrizia used a vanilla confectioner’s sugar gently sprinkled over the top – oh, summers in Italy! Plum & Polenta Cake 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely ground cornmeal or semolina flour 1 cup…

Happy Wednesday

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Helen Keller Have a wonderful day – may we find the courage and strength necessary to be kind and gentle to one another – v

Leaving Home

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. Walt Disney Once again, I will be without a computer and more importantly, without cookware, kitchen and ingredients… But, not to worry, we should be setting up home around around the 17th, so…