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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)…
Fresh Tomato & Cheese Tart

Fresh Tomato & Cheese Tart

  This savory summertime tart is a terrific choice to utilize the season’s bounty of fresh flavorful tomatoes. The flaky buttery crust compliments the luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling.…

Granita alla Fragola

  History tells us flavored ices date back to ancient China, but the first frozen dessert in Italy actually came from Sicily. Arabs brought an icy treat of frozen water,…
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…
Sicilian Sunrise

Sicilian Sunrise

  A colorful libation to begin a delicious day! Brunch is my favorite way to entertain. It can be casual or elegant, yet the atmosphere is always festive, friendly and…
Italian Apple Cake

Italian Apple Cake

  Like my toasted almond breakfast cake, olive oil zucchini bread and mascarpone souffle, this is another fitting addition to your morning meal. Made with apples and cinnamon, golden raisins…
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…
Orange & Mascarpone Biscuits

Orange Mascarpone Biscuits

  These quick and easy-to-prepare biscuits will add a special touch to your everyday breakfast. And, if you’re having overnight guests for the holidays, it’s nice to have something fresh…

Brown Butter Fig Biscotti

  Toasting the almonds and browning the butter is the key to what gives these nutty, buttery cookies their depth of flavor and richness. Sometimes I add a smear of…

Poached Figs with Ricotta

  I have said many times that dishes do not have to be difficult to prepare nor costly to be delicious. A simple bowl of poached dried figs nestled on…

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…

Baked Broccoli Frittata

  This is an easy frittata to put together and can be prepared in advance. For a simple breakfast or brunch, I cut them into squares and set them out…

Olive Oil Zucchini Bread

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  Summer squash is abundant this time of year. We have eaten it grilled and oven-fried, in a refreshing cold soup and a marinated salad. If you love zucchini and if you…

Blackberry Balsamic Crostata

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  Seasonal fresh fruits are nutritious and delicious any time of the year but, I find the berries of summer to be a special treat. They can be added to…

Avocado Toast

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  When I lived in California, we had an amazing avocado tree that produced an abundance of ridiculously large fruit. Although, I am blessed to have several citrus trees in…