I am seriously obssesed with gelato. To me strolling around a piazza with a gelato in my hand is the quintessential Italian experience. If you aren’t able to hop on a plane, you can still recreate a bit of that experience at home. (more…)
When it’s this hot, it’s hard to do much of anything. Instead I’m daydreaming about a day at the beach with some of my favorite pics of beaches around the world. I’m imagining cool water, the sound of waves and a salty breeze. Can’t get away for a beach vacation this summer? Click HERE for a playlist designed to help you find your inner beach!
Picture perfect beach on the island of Phu Quoc off the coast of Vietnam
One of the most important words in understanding how Italians view food is ‘tipico’ or typical. Want to learn how to pronounce it? Click HERE
In Italy, each region, each town and sometimes each family has recipes that are ‘typical’ of that area and based on traditions passed down through generations. In reality, Italian food doesn’t exist. Instead there is the food of Sardinia or Rome or Piedmont. In a world where food traditions are disappearing and the same fast food is available from Kansas City to Cairo, I find it comforting to know that food that speaks of a place, that is typical of a region, still exists. (more…)
In order to entertain like an Italian, you have to really embrace using only what is fresh, available and in season. Most Italians shop daily and get what looks best for that day instead of stocking up for the week. They will search out the very best bread by making a trip to their favorite bakery instead of buying it at the supermarket. If you had planned on making asparagus, but it’s not available or doesn’t look fresh….use whatever looks best! For example, when I went to the fish market looking for swordfish but the salmon looked good. If you go to the market and the trout looks good make the recipe with trout instead. Fresh thyme not available? Pick another fresh herb that looks good and that you like. That means that the recipe might need to be tweaked a bit. It’s about learning a preparation and using what’s fresh where you live. Think of this recipe (and all recipes) as just a starting point…and don’t be afraid to improvise! (more…)
Sometimes we all feel like hanging a sign on the door and going fishing. Here are some of my favorite pics from Sicily of fishing boats, delicious seafood and gorgeous ocean views to have you wishing for a seaside escape! Check back tomorrow for a versatile and easy Italian recipe using fresh fish
Traditional Sicilian fishing boats
The perfect Italian word to learn as we head into a beautiful summer weekend? It’s ’bellezza’ or beauty. Want to learn how to pronounce it? Click HERE
‘Bellezza’ is more than just an adjective. Learning to create, embrace and appreciate beauty in even the simplest of things is a way of life in Italy. So this weekend, take the time to set a beautiful table at dinner or to arrange a vase of zinnias from your garden. Pick out the most beautiful peach at the farmer’s market and appreciate how it smells and tastes. Go for a walk and really take the time to appreciate the beauty of a rock formation or a tree. Make space in your life for beautiful music, beautiful art and beautiful food. Life if full of ‘bellezza’ if we take the time to slow down and appreciate it.
Nothing moves me like beautiful music. Here is one of my favorites, Maria Callas singing ‘Vissi D’Arte’ live in 1958 in Paris. Even if you aren’t an opera fan I think you will be moved by the incredible power and expression of her voice. Enjoy! Click HERE to listen
If you are going to entertain like an Italian….the first step is understanding that Italians take their pasta very seriously. Let me say that again. Very. Seriously. When it comes to pasta there are some unbreakable rules. Here are a few tips for understanding Italian’s collective obsession with perfect pasta.
Ok. Ready to make your own pasta course? Here is an easy recipe for your perfect pasta course. This can be one course in a meal or an easy summer dinner. (more…)
This time of year it’s such a pleasure to wander through farmer’s markets and see the bounty of summer. Here are a couple of my favorite pics from markets I’ve been to around the world….make it your summer resolution to get to a farmer’s market and eat local wherever you are!
At the Oxbow market in Napa
At the market in Frascati, Italy
The perfect Italian phrase to learn in preparation for this long, lazy summer holiday weekend? It has to be ’dolce far niente’ or the total sweetness of doing nothing. Want to learn how to pronounce it? Click HERE
So this weekend…embrace your inner Italian. Don’t get the house repairs done. Don’t catch up on work. Set aside time to slow down, sip a glass of cool prosecco and just relax in the sweetness of doing nothing at all. I think that this picture sums up the feeling!
drifting on a boat....enjoying the little pleasures!
