Spring has arrived and summer is not far behind, so my thoughts turn to eating outdoors, particularly entertaining friends and family. I have always loved a patio party, but the pandemic honed my skills immensely, as it was the only way to have a social life for awhile there. Of course, we did it in all seasons – outdoor fans and firepits, t-shirts and blankets. So that leads … [Read more...] about Italian Platter Salad
mozzarella
Italian Chicken, Pasta and Tomato Bake
I’m not presenting here a recipe that is going to change lives or set the culinary world on fire. But this is the time of year for basics, as we move from the easy days of summer to the frantic start of a new school year and as the fresh summer produce fades before the autumn bounty begins. It’s a great time to gather around the table for a satisfying meal, but not such a great … [Read more...] about Italian Chicken, Pasta and Tomato Bake
Panzanella Bake
Panzanella a genius example of creative leftover usage. It’s a classic Tuscan salad of stale bread and over-ripe tomatoes, tossed with basil and moistened with olive oil and vinegar. But the beautiful colors and bright fresh flavors make it elegantly simple, the kind of food you imagine yourself throwing together if you lived in a stone house in the Italian hills. This is … [Read more...] about Panzanella Bake
Mozzarella in Carrozza
January is National Soup Month and I have been celebrating in style, and passing my favorite recipes along to you. And what could be better with a bowl of soup than a grilled cheese sandwich of some sort. Now, I will readily admit to being a fan of the individually wrapped cheese slice on white bread version, but it is occasionally nice to step out of the ordinary. So here’s … [Read more...] about Mozzarella in Carrozza