Basics & Tips

Basics & Tips

At The Races

A long time Facebook friend, someone I communicate with often, lost her elderly, ailing mom not too long ago.  While spending the last days with her mother, she was sharing her feelings on Facebook.  I private messaged her a few times just to let her know how much I was thinking of her hoping it […]

Basics & Tips, Winter Comforts

Not Parsnips Again??

“Winter” is definitely the key word here! Last weekend we made an unusually short foray to Nat Bailey Stadium where our Winter Farmer’s Market is held each Saturday.  Seems like at this time of year it’s short rations for local veggies…so the trips are short ones! Eating seasonally is a very good thing.  Fresh, local […]

Basics & Tips

Our Never Ending Italian Learning Curve!

Buon anno everyone!  Before next spring rolls around and before we head back to Italy, I better post this! I definitely think I need an eyebrow make-over! Everyone seems to have amazing, immaculately groomed ones, even some of the guys! It seems that one simply has to have amazing eyebrows!  Wonder what the next fad […]

Basics & Tips

Pasta Rules!

I’m beginning to wonder if there’s something wrong with me!  Here’s why… An article I was recently reading in a local magazine included a photo not unlike this one, minus the basil leaf, of white spaghetti topped with a huge dollop of tomato sauce. And as soon as I saw it I had a visceral […]

Basics & Tips

While Visiting Victoria

Last weekend we made a quick trip over to Vancouver Island.  It’s been about three years…far too long! Back in the day, before we really got the travel bug and when we still had a mortgage to pay off, we used to go over quite often.  Vancouver Island is very beautiful and if you get […]

Basics & Tips

My Freezer

We’ve always had a stand-alone freezer. And…FYI… I’ll freeze just about anything that isn’t standing still!  I don’t know how we would live without one! Do you freeze whipping cream? Are you nuts you might ask…hang on…I do all the time and it’s proven to come in handy. Thawed out in the fridge, it can […]

Basics & Tips

Make Some Meatballs

You’ve just have to say yes to these juicy, succulent morsels! When a friend posted that she was making meatballs,  I figured I’d better get busy and make some too! I’ve probably made  hundreds if not thousands of different meatballs in my former chef life! The big plus being, they are easy to eat from […]

Basics & Tips

Sea Change?

I must admit that writing and posting on my blog has not been as productive over the last 6 months or so as I would have liked! For us 2017 has begun with a bang minus the fireworks! My knee replacement surgery, first scheduled for January 19th, then January 23rd has now been changed to […]

Basics & Tips

Happy 2017

Joe and I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year filled with much love, joy and many blessings! A quiet New Years Eve at #5 this year…enjoyed a nice lunch out and then back to our cozy apartment to enjoy Prosecco and appy’s and watch the snow fall. Hope you and your […]

Basics & Tips

It’s Almost Christmas!

Only 5 more sleeps! I want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas/Buon natale, Happy Holidays and much joy during the season, sharing good times, good food with friends and family…a toast to you all!  Here’s to an amazing 2017!