It seems strange that a California would take up surfing in Italy but life is strange that way. My husband and I are both native Californians, born and raised. However neither of us are from the coast. We were both born and raised inland so although we both love to visit the California Coast multiple times a year we have never taken up surfing there.
Grilled artichokes is a family favorite, even the pickiest of my nieces and nephews love the prickly thistle when it’s steamed, marinated and grilled. I can never take the drive to our coastline in Monterey without stopping in Castro Valley for some artichokes. They even have Italy beat in their pricing. Most of the year you can find 10 artichokes for a dollar at the Castro Valley roadside stands. I love the bargain as much as I love eating them!
Seasons are changing and here in Italy fall is in the air. The mornings have that cool crisp feeling and we are starting our day a little later as even the sun wants to stay in bed longer. This slight change is bridging that gap between two seasons: the waning of Summer and the start of Autumn.
Shrimp Tacos originate from California, Baja California that is, and they are definitely my “go-to” dish. I first had them years ago at a restaurant in California and quickly went home and came up with my own version. They are fast and easy to make and I usually have the ingredients on hand.
I love when the cherries ripen and summers bounty begins with a flurry, the first fruits of the season! My parents planted this cherry tree in their back yared 50 years ago when their dreams were just beginning and their lives together were new. Now my dad is gone and my mom holds down the Homestead. Like the tree they produced beautiful fruit in the form a family that continues to grow to this day.
