brunch

Lavender Scones

After visiting Capay Lavender Farm, I knew the first thing I was going to make with lavender was going to be scones. It was a bit of a no-brainer as…
Ricotta Omelet with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette

Ricotta Omelet with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette

  Frittata is the Italian word for omelette. I often use the words frittata and omelette interchangeably but, technically they are different. A frittata is flat with the ingredients (usually)…
Ricotta “Cake Mix” Cake

Ricotta “Cake Mix” Cake

  Over the years, I have made various types of cakes with ricotta (even pancakes), such as, almond ricotta cake, blueberry breakfast cake and lemon ricotta cheesecake. This cake is…
Potato & Onion Frittata

Potato & Onion Frittata

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  Growing up, I remember my mother making a frittata of potatoes and onions. It was never served for breakfast or a fancy brunch, rather it was our evening meal.…
Asparagus Tart

Asparagus Tart

  Asparagus is my favorite spring vegetable! When tossed with ravioli it becomes a lovely light lunch and combined with lemony chickpeas creates a perfect picnic salad. If I’m in…
Handmade Cappuccino

Handmade Cappuccino

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  In Italy, coffee is more than a beverage, it’s an important part of every day life, a social phenomenon, a religious experience and one more reason Italy is suffering…
Rustic Ricotta Biscuits

Rustic Ricotta Biscuits

  Ricotta is not actually a cheese, rather it is a byproduct of the cheese-making process. The creamy curds of  ricotta are rich in protein, are an excellent source of…
Ricotta Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Ricotta Blueberry Breakfast Cake

  Sometimes I’ll make scones and occasionally I’ll whip up a batch of muffins or biscuits but, as a rule, if I want to serve something sweet in the morning, especially…
Mascarpone Almond Torta

Raspberry & Mascarpone Torta

  Who among us doesn’t enjoy a great pastry or coffee cake? Whether it’s a small wedge with that first cup of coffee in the morning or a generous slice shared…
Peach Bellini

Peach Bellini

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  Venice, Italy, considered by many to be one of the most romantic cities in the world and a favorite honeymoon destination, is where my husband, Jack and I spent…

Eggs in Purgatory

  Because the eggs are cooked in a hot and spicy tomato sauce, this Italian dish is known as Uova in Purgatorio. The intensity level can range from mildly spicy…

Orzo Chicken & Fruit Salad

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  Whether it’s a simple meal for game night, a light lunch with the girls or the solution to what to bring to a potluck pool-party, this orzo salad works…

Carbonara for One

  Pasta alla Carbonara is a simple dish consisting basically of pasta, bacon, cheese and raw eggs. Some recipes (not the original) add cream. The original Roman version is quite…

Sweet Potato & Andouille Hash

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  Hash became notably popular during and after World War II, due to the rationing of fresh meat and for many, it came in a can (Hormel corned beef hash).…

Mozzarella Biscuits

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  Crispy on the outside with a soft crumb inside, these not quite savory, not quite sweet, biscuits are the perfect bite. Particularly tasty with soups and a nice alternative…

Eggs Nola (New Orleans La.)

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  Brunch is just about my favorite way to entertain. It’s both casual and elegant and when the weather is nice, it’s perfect for eating outdoors. Once, for a special…