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I’ve been thinking a lot about Rome lately in anticipation of our upcoming trip to Italy. As J. says “Rome is like an onion. You just keep peeling back layers and there’s always more to discover.” Of course there are endless sights that I hope to some day see, but I can’t help myself from […]
I’ve been looking for an opportunity to use this box of puff pastry that I bought at Surfas-the restaurant supply store. Since it was sort of pricey I was hoping that it would be a step above the Pepperidge Farm brand that I usually pick up at the grocery store. I was cleaning up some […]
Earlier last year I had the opportunity to do some recipe testing for Paola from one of my favorite blogs-Italy On My Mind. I had success with both of the recipes I tested and looked forward to the publication of her book. I was enamored with the lemon ricotta gelato and the ease of putting […]
I realize that empanadas are not at all Southwestern (more Latin American), but I thought that it would be nice to have a little hand pie before our posole dinner last week. Various countries have their own version (think Cornish pasties or Italian  panzerotti) and you can certainly put your own spin on this recipe. […]
Our tomatoes are in, despite the constant battle with the squirrels who seem to think they are entitled to first choice. Thankfully our plants are flourishing and we have plenty, even if we have to share with these annoying intruders. We’ve been eating caprese salads, tomato sandwiches, and bruschetta. I’ve been sharing bags of […]
I think tomatoes are absolutely my favorite thing about summer. I can’t seem to get my fill and never tire of serving them at every meal. As soon as they start showing up at the farmers’ market I go from stand to stand buying more than I probably really need. I just can’t help myself. […]
Don’t you just love a recipe with four ingredients? This savory cookie comes together in mere moments, so you can whip them up in time for cocktail hour. I was lucky to have a jar of homemade fig jam in the cupboard. Most likely you’ll be able to find it in a cheese shop or […]
Looking for an easy do ahead appetizer? Well here you go. What I love about this recipe is that you use rice paper rounds. In the past I thought this incredible product was relegated to Asian food, but not so. This simple appetizer bears little resemblance to what you’re probably thinking of as a spring […]
First an upside down cake, now a cheese ball. What’s next-tuna noodle casserole? You will never see tuna noodle casserole on this blog. I never liked it, not even as a kid. Does it seem like I have a retro thing going on here? Bon Appetit featured three “cheese balls” back in October and from […]
I first discovered my passion for these tiny pastries when I lived in Arezzo for a month while attending language school. As luck would have it there was a pasticceria located across from the entrance to my apartment. I made a point of stopping there each morning on my way to class and would buy […]
Panini Girl 