Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
No Comments
This past Mother’s Day, I experienced Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel like I have never seen it before. The traveling Exhibition showcases the awe and wonder of arguably one of mankind’s greatest artistic…
Story
A Lenten Prayer
Loving God, During the sacred season of lent, bring me closer to you. Prepare a place in my home and heart for silence and solitude, so that I may…
Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano, is one of Italy’s gifts to the world of food and is an essential staple in many kitchens around the globe, including mine. It’s unmistakable aroma, milky taste…
Holy Week
During Holy Week, we enter into Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. This is known as the Pasqual Mysteries. We not only commemorate the important events of our salvation in…
The French Market
The historic French Market stands today as an enduring symbol of pride and progress for the people of New Orleans. The first iteration of today’s French Market was erected…
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God acknowledges and celebrates Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus Christ. This holy day of obligation is a liturgical celebration observed on…
Lenten Soup Suppers
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a journey of spiritual growth, requiring fasting, the giving of alms and prayer. Although this is a solemn season more about self…
Epiphany
The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, is one of the oldest Christian feasts. The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning to appear or…
Advent
Advent marks the beginning of the church’s liturgical year. It is a season of joyful expectation, hope and preparation for the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. The traditions…
Thanksgiving
In the United States, many of us learned about Thanksgiving in grade school. We were taught that the fifty-three pilgrims (the only colonists to survive the long voyage on…
All Saint’s Day & All Soul’s Day
In Italy and Sicily, nearly every small town has its own patron saint with their own celebratory feast day. The celebration known as La Festa Ognissante (All Saint’s Day),…
The Harvest
We were the first to arrive. The cool, crisp, invigorating air, typical of a northern California autumn morning, was perfect for a day of olive picking. The sun had…
Almond Flour vs Almond Meal
Almond flour verses almond meal; are these ingredients the same thing? Although, some (myself included) use the terms interchangeably, technically, they are not exactly the same. Almond flour is…
Raw Garlic vs Cooked Garlic
Have you ever wondered why some recipes call for chopped garlic while others list minced, sliced or even whole cloves? When using fresh raw garlic, it’s important to know…
Auguri per San Valentino!
Italy has a long and rich history of famous loves and lovers. Giacomo Casanova, the famous Venetian womanizer and Rudolf Valentino, the Italian sex symbol, are two that immediately…
How to Grate Nutmeg
Nutmeg, the healthy spice that takes a back seat to your everyday spices for much of the year, comes out swinging during the holidays. This seemingly seasonal spice is…
California Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Competition
The California State Fair recently held its inaugural Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Competition, and the winning oils will be proudly displayed during the California Exposition and State Fair – July…
The Religion of Coffee
In Italy, il caffe, expertly prepared, is more than just a cup of coffee, it is a religious experience. In the neighborhood cafe, (called a bar) daily life begins…
Italian Astronaut & Espresso
Samantha Cristoforetti, a thirty-seven year old Italian Air Force Captain and fighter pilot, is the first Italian woman astronaut. Currently working and living on the International Space Station, Captain Crisoforetti,…