photo courtesy Roseann Tully Tomorrow is Mother's Day. We all know this. And, we spend an incredible amount of time, thought and industry in creating ways to honor and enshrine the contributions of our Moms to us, our lives, the world around us and to how we view the way we do or don't want to execute this performance in the next generation. Even if they are no longer with us, we devote much sentiment to their memories. Moms are known … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2014
Special Delivery: A Cake for My Mom – The Orange-Scented Earl Grey Layer Cake with Orange Curd/Mascarpone Frosting
I think one of my Mom's very favorite things in the world to do was to bake a cake. She made birthday cakes, cakes for friends and family, cakes for holidays and cakes to take into work. If a friend was feeling poorly or someone had a sadness or loss occur, she'd bake them a cake. She loved to offer her love and support through the fruits of her oven. I loved her for this gesture of kindness and love and watched her for years perform this … [Read more...]
Sorry Folks
Just a note: Sorry Folks - that draft of Biscuit, Cookie, Crumpet, Scone was published in error. You'll see it again when it's all done! Marianne … [Read more...]
In California, They’re Jammin with the Fresh Fruits, Right Now!
image courtesy califapricot.com Obsessed - according to the free dictionary online is defined as : to preoccupy the mind of, excessively; hmmmm this is surely me- but in the best of all possible ways!!!!!! :) :) :) But, you knew that already……. I obsess over food, flowers and farms - mostly, but not limited to, but in this time of year, well, yes. Only when I'm not busy obsessing over Italy…… but, I digress. Two news items got me going … [Read more...]
Celebrating California Cherry Season from 2500 miles Away – Fresh Cherry and Marcona Almond Scones (The One-Trick Pony Rides Again)
I've been bemoaning the harvest of the first Cherries of the season in and around Bakersfield, Califonia, haven't I? So, yesterday, when I was in Whole Foods and spotted the first batches of California Cherries - at $9.99 a pound, I pounced - I made believe I was at the Farmer's Market in CA! Yikes - the price though! But, they have lost 70% of their crop according to some estimates, so well, prices rise when supply falls…….. I bought some … [Read more...]
Memories Grown From Grandma’s Basement
circa 1968 When I was a kid, I found the aura of a basement alluring - in certain instances. Ok, is that bizarre to anyone? It's not to me for, in the Italian-American household of that generation, the basement was often a beehive of activity and in some ways, a place central to the operation of the household. In our house, we had a tiny room which was referred to as the wine cellar. There was no wine in there, just a mish-mash of old … [Read more...]
Unforgettable Footsteps – In Italy Last Year
blissful and like no other My family keeps accusing me of being forgetful. They say I don't remember lots of little things. I say, I don't remember little menial things, allowing the irritatingly trite and mundane to easily slip away. But, my memory is completely intact when it comes to what I want to remember, down to every minute detail and moment - those moments of time which will never slip away, ever………. It's funny when one … [Read more...]
Rose Petal Jam
ROSE PETAL JAM – courtesy Valentina Harris 8 oz edible (non-sprayed) pink or red rose petals 2 cups sugar juice of 2 lemons Discard the bitter bottoms front the rose petals, snipping them off neatly with scissors. Gently rinse the petals under cold running water, then drain. Put them in a large, shallow bowl and sprinkle enough sugar over to coat each petal. Cover and leave to stand overnight. The following day, put the remaining … [Read more...]
Can’t Wait Forever – Lavender and Peach Scones
Lavender and Peach Scones - um, sub-lime! Today is May Day. I remember when I was a child, participating in the May Pole celebration at St. Virgil's Church in Morris Plains. We got to wear rings of flowers in our hair, and circle the pole with ribbons. Today, at least in this country, this ceremony is largely forgotten. In Europe, in many venues, today is a celebration of Worker's rights. That's all good and I definitely support worker's … [Read more...]