The thing I enjoy most about Summer is the fresh fruits and vegetables that are not only available during the warmer months, but you can buy or pick them at…
I love a good salad! And I am not talking about a plate of iceberg lettuce with bottled dressing! There are a multitude of easy-to-find ingredients that add flavor,…
One of my favorite ways to enjoy pears is the simplest, fresh off the tree with a handful of walnuts. Now, add crumbles of Gorgonzola and a drizzle of…
Dried fruits, nutritious nuts and crunchy granola, all covered in chocolate make for the perfect treat for our after dinner walks in the woods. Many years ago, the year…
There is only one authentic Insalata Caprese and it originated in Capri, Italy. Traditionally, tomatoes are used in the infamous dish. Since it is peach season and I have…
During the 1980’s when I lived in Campbell, California I entered a baking contest. It was for the Campbell Prune Festival held in the streets of our historic downtown. This…
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…
Snacking on dried fruits and nuts (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) is an essential part of the Mediterranean diet and my pantry is generally stocked with a variety of…
This tart has all the flavors of your traditional holiday pumpkin pie but, with an Italian twist. Rather than making a pie with the typical pastry dough, I decided…
I have never tasted better figs than those hanging from the trees in my grandparent’s back yard. Picked at the perfect moment of ripeness, they were soft, sweet, succulent…
My inspiration for this bruschetta (singular) comes from the “small bites” of Italy, known as merenda. The nourishing small meals are defined by the season and since July is…
Pound cake has been around for a very long time, as the original recipe dates back to the early 1700’s. The cake was called pound cake because the only…
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…
Pomegranates, an ancient fruit, dating back to biblical times, flowers between Passover (April 22, 2016) and Pentecost (May 15, 2016) and are ready to pick towards the end of…
A few dried figs with a handful of nuts are a favorite afternoon snack of mine. The natural sugar of the fruit gives me quick energy while the healthy…
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…