So far, my friend, Bob Deyan has been taken by ALS. My brother lost two of his best friends and fraternity brothers — John Conti and John Delserone to this disease. An old boyfriend’s mom, a sweet, smart woman everyone called Toots, passed away due to ALS. I’m sure you know people too. It seems like the worst diseases take only the nicest people. If there was a…
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…
Christmas• Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Family Traditions• Holidays• Main Courses• Pasta, Polenta and Risotto• Seafood• Thoughts on Life
My First Christmas Eve Away – How I Survived
December 15, 2014
I just read an article in the LA Times about an Austrian chef who re-creates Christmas dinners like those in his homeland because he has such great memories. I loved that, instead of sinking into a depression over what he’s missing, he’s re-creating it with braised duck and roasted chestnuts. I remember forcing myself to do that the first year I spent Christmas Eve away from my large,…
GettaSommaDis - Fun Stuff to Buy!• Italian Mom Stories• Thoughts on Life
The Hand That Stirs the Pot, Wields the Power
November 20, 2014
I was on the phone with my sister-in-law yesterday talking about Thanksgiving and what keeps families together over the years. I think witchcraft might be involved. We were lured in like Italian Hansels and Gretels by wonderful ravioli and slow-cooked sauce on Sundays. My mom acted innocent,while enticing us to sit together with delicious meals every night, where the chuck roast or turkey was so tender it fell…
Dating can be so difficult. Does he like me, or doesn’t he? Why doesn’t he call? Should I call him? Why isn’t he emotionally available? As my mom used to say, “Who loves you comes after you.” She was right — and that’s all you need to know about relationships. Unfortunately, this means I am in love with a cookie.…