Monthly Archives: January 2009
Mangiare i fagioli! Really be like a Tuscan?!?
The food companies and marketeers know that if you want Americans to like something, call it Tuscan, or put Tuscany in the name. I should start a contest for the most absurdly non-Tuscan item that one can find in American … Continue reading
Father In Law is Famous?! Or Infamous?!
Here is a recent photo of my FIL. It was taken during the Christmas holidays. He’s a bit of a quirky guy, with a wide range of interests. He is pleased that his research is now available on the Internet, … Continue reading
My Round Birthday
I recently had a birthday that ended in zero. My dear friend B says that the Scandinavians refer to this as a Round birthday, and don’t focus so much on the number as we do in the US. My birthday … Continue reading
Torta di Cioccolato Caprese con Crema di Mascarpone
Here’s what will unofficially be my birthday cake. This is an almost flourless chocolate cake with lovely flavors of toasted almonds. When I have made the mascarpone crema, I used espresso. The crema is as much of a hit as … Continue reading
Quilt Guild Year Begins. Quietly.
On Monday night, due to a snowstorm, our first quilt guild meeting of the year was very lightly attended by the few diehard officers and people who had an agenda item. And Gail, who braved the elements with us. This … Continue reading
Every Cook Needs an Apron
Here’s my first sewing project for 2009- from the Friday Night Apron pattern from Vanilla House Designs. This was quick to make, and used less than 1.5 yards of fabric, total. I might make the apron skirt a little wider … Continue reading
More Bread Without Major Effort
As someone looking for “real” food, i.e. not processed food, but yet someone with a life outside my kitchen, I’m always looking for recipes and techniques I can fit into my life. The No-Knead Bread craze, altered by Cook’s Illustrated … Continue reading
Almost No-Knead Bread
From Cook’s Illustrated Magazine, January 2008 Since the dough can be left alone for 8 to 18 hours, it’s easy to mix this up in the morning (or the night before) then bake it for dinner. The baking method (pre-heating … Continue reading
Ocean Liner Food, a.k.a Crown Roast
When I visit my in-laws for the holidays, I have an urge to make The Big Classics. I think it is because we didn’t necessarily have the big classics at home growing up, and I want to know how to … Continue reading


