Mmmm, Nutella

Why would Italian (European) Nutella be any different than the stuff manufactured in the good ole USA? There is no vanillin in the euro stuff, but added as a way to disguise msg here. why have we evolved in so many areas, but not when it comes down to the natural taste of food, or…

Celebrations ~

                It’s coming down to the wire folks!  The packers will be arriving in 2 days, thus starting the Lombardo family’s next big adventure: Mt Home Air Force Base, Idaho! This weekend, as we prepped the patio furniture and pizza oven, I stopped so I could keep a…

Dunk Me!

Biscotti:  a crisp cookie or biscuit of Italian origin that is flavored usually with anise and filberts or almonds —usually used in plural History of Biscotto: Biscotti was originally made as a”long-shelf-life” food (very dry and containing no fats) for travelers and was carried by the Roman Legions to battle. Today’s biscotti are a far cry from…

Food for Flowers

  I have taught cooking classes to many people in my kitchen throughout the years; taught large groups at military spouse functions, but today was the first day I have taught a guy aside from my boys, Andre & Toren; and it was at his request! Adam was a quick learner, even though his…

Go Nuts!!

        “I’ve seen a look in dogs’ eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts.” ― John Steinbeck I love pistachio ~ I go through about 48 oz every four days… by myself! Hey! When I was in the hospital last month,…

hoppy, fluffy, marshmallow

If you have ever received a Christmas platter from me, you’ll have discovered my toasted coconut marshmallows nestled in with the fudge, thumb print cookies and sunflower-pumpkin seed brittle ~  but marshmallows for Easter?!?  I am so excited to give these lemon jewels a try!  I hope you enjoy these variations from Epicurious.com ~ and…

chocolate-peanut butter goodness

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. Charles M. Schulz In search of the perfect cake?  Looking to impress company?  Maybe you just want to treat your family to a chocolate-peanut buttery piece of culinary genius ~ this is it!  Look no further!  Since 2006 (when I picked…

a baking fool ~ a perfect marriage of Italian and Danish

        fool  (fl) n. 1. One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding. 2. One who acts unwisely on a given occasion. 3. One who has been tricked or made to appear ridiculous; a dupe. 4. Informal A person with a talent or enthusiasm for a certain activity. 5. A member of a royal or noble household who…

Gluten Free-Baby Cake!

A lot of people are going gluten free… whether self-imposed or by doctor’s orders.  I thank my lucky stars I can still use the unbleached whole wheat flours ~ but every once in a while I come across a yummy recipe using almond or coconut flour (two flours I use a lot) ~ This is…

Ultimate Cake

A dear friend has asked for a recipe that my family adores… even Mikaela, who despises peanut butter! (love you Mik ~ enjoy Spooner Family!) enjoy ~ v Who can go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter? Remember, “hey! you got your chocolate in my peanut butter!” “NO! you got your peanut butter in my…

Paradiso

Sicily is at the very heart of my family… we feel the beat of daily life, breathe the culture of the people, soak in the very essence of the place ~ Sicily is to Italy as the genteel southern US states are to the faster-paced northern states.  There is a sensual slow-down that occurs almost…

Cold comfort ~

Growing up, my favorite go-to comfort foods were Mom’s chicken and dumplings, and hot chocolate and buttered toast. Yes, hot chocolate and buttered toast! Deep, dark, rich and creamy chocolate ~ crispy, salted-butter triangles of toast… that first dip was heaven, the last was like a punishment.  Today, here in San Antonio, Texas, I am…