I love herb blends! Here I am, situated in Italy—with no thyme. (Couldn’t resist the cheesy pun, however, I actually haven’t found fresh thyme easy to find in Tuscany). I love thyme, as does Mario Batali in his Italian Cookbook (Molto Italiano). That might feel like a side-note to you, but it is my main [...]

Christmas in Italy is generally celebrated from December 24 until January 6. So there is still ample time for Italian Christmas cookies! Since I am in Florence for a year, there is no better time or place to uncover the requisite list of Italy’s Christmas cookie (and cake) traditions. This is a quick list, but [...]

It is almost too late to post about food gifts for this Christmas… except that you might want to give some last minute gifts to teachers, friends and hostesses—especially gifts that are unexpected and show how much you appreciate someone.
Many of these are so easy to put together, and if you are like me with [...]

Oh dear. Apparently I have a recent affinity for rubs. It isn’t that they are new to me, but most likely because I find them 1. tasty, 2. efficient, and 3. perfect little gifts.
They are tasty because they add layers of flavor to any number of proteins. Or you can toss a teaspoon or two [...]

I love this new little addition to our family default dinner list. I bought a grill book last summer, and have primarily used it to compile rubs and massage steak accordingly. During summer that meant lots of last minute skewers, but now that it is chilly outside I typically throw the steak under the broiler. [...]

If you know Aunt Vicki—or are my extended family— then you know exactly what cheese ball I am talking about.
We grew up with this appetizer at holiday after holiday party. Christmas primarily. It was its own icon; Aunt Vicki would show up looking splendid, out dressing us all (some have it, some don’t…. she does), [...]