Since it’s the day before Thanksgiving, tying on an apron is what most suffering, red-blooded Americans will be doing. I'm one of the ones crazy enough to enjoy spending days in the kitchen.…
Last week I was at work getting coffee, talking about wanting to lose weight with a co-worker. I was saying how frustrating it was that I haven’t been successful. She’s one of my favorite co-workers. She leaned over to me smiling and said, “Sometimes Miss Fran, you just have to buck the f__k up,” which made me laugh so hard I almost spit. She would know, she’s been…
My son told me this morning how helpless he feels. His father (my ex) has to have have triple bypass surgery. My son is worried and I wish I could tell him something that would make him feel better. But I can’t, except that most people come through the surgery with no problem. I even know a few. I felt the same way when my mom had her…
I’ve been listening to the little voice in my head for the past couple of weeks. No, I’m not schizophrenic, (although nothing would surprise me). You probably have a little voice who says things to you too. For most of my life, I didn’t even notice her. But a couple of years ago, I was working with a very astute woman named Barbara, who said something that really…
I had every intention of posting a picture on Match.com. Really I did. Then I looked at the pictures my daughter took of me yesterday when I was feeling brave, with a blow dryer and mascara wand standing by, and I have to tell you, it sobered me right up.…
I know, I know. I went on and on about how the lemon ricotta cookies were “the ones,” but I’ve found a new love; Toasted Panko. I feel bad being fickle, but the Panko toasted up so nicely and gave my broccoli such a nice crunch, I was helpless. This happened to my mother too. She went through many phases where she loved one thing and started using…
Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Pasta, Polenta and Risotto• Vegan• Vegetables• Vegetarian
It's Polenta Time!
January 24, 2015
In Pennsylvania, in the depths of January, when it gets so cold you can see ice forming on the insides of windows — it’s time for polenta. Here in California, once it hits 60 or under, we shamelessly jump on the polenta bandwagon.…
Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Main Courses• Poultry• Side Dishes• Vegan• Vegetables
Italian Turkey Meatloaf – Oh Baby Baby
October 28, 2014
I’m a week behind on my blog because I’ve been working like a maniac on my new internet store. It’s going live this week (if the computer gods are with me) and I can’t wait to share it with you guys! There’s some fun stuff, so don’t do all your holiday shopping yet. I’ve been cooking this week and have a couple recipes to share. Remember a few…
Italian Mom Stories• Salads• Side Dishes• Vegan• Vegetables• Vegetarian
How My Italian Mom Weeded Out Prospective Suitors
August 8, 2014
It’s no surprise that I was 32 when I married. Frankly, I’m amazed I was that young because my mom had a way of winnowing out the weaker prospects pretty quickly. Any suitor who visited had to be warned about her because her childlike frankness left people stunned. To protect myself, I sat at the table with her, laughing too loud so whomever she was talking to knew…
Beef• Main Courses• Side Dishes• Vegan• Vegetables• Vegetarian
Seeing Blessings, Not Curses
January 27, 2014My friends, Bob and Debra had everything a year ago. A thriving business, a gorgeous new home, and tons of friends. They still have the friends, the business and the home, but Bob can only see it from a hospital bed now. ALS is ravaging him. In less than a year, he went from being healthy and vital, to looking gaunt. He’s unable to move and barely able…