As Italy continues to unfurl it’s natural beauty before our eyes, we slowly see the precious treasures around us. Our Villa in the countryside of Central Southern Italy provides a new and exciting bounty in each season. No need to import vegetables that have traveled more miles than me!
The last night before flying back to Italy after our three month stay in California we enjoyed a family dinner with Jeff’s parents. Family dinners are a favorite pastime on both sides of the family, both mine and Jeff’s. We love gathering around the table over a delicious meal and talking the evening away. My father in law came up with a new recipe to try and us girls got busy in the kitchen to bring it to life.
Many of us in America have never heard of Pavlova, but it is almost the National Dessert of Australia and New Zealand. It has been hotly debated which country invented this dessert but we do know that it was concocted for the ballet dancer Anna Povlova during her tour of Australia and New Zealand. The dessert is a light base of meringue topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It is as ethereal as the dancer herself.
Bagna Cauda is one of our treasured Italian family traditions. It means “Hot Dip” and is from the Piedmont Region of Italy. My family are Northern Italians from Asti, Italy and Asti is smack in the middle of the Piedmont Region. Sitting on the border of France and Switzerland you can see how this unique Italian specialty came to be influenced by its fondue loving neighbors. The northern Italian gave their own spin to the beloved fondue by making it with butter, garlic and anchovies.
I made this dish during my teenage years, long before I knew how to make real Chili Rellenos (click on the link to get the Authentic Version). Since I learned the real ones, I have neglected this recipe and it fell into disuse, way in the back of of my mind with all of the dusty memories of old.
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!
Carrot Ginger Soup has always been the soup I make when I am aiming to impress! I first sampled this soup 27 years ago when I was still a teenager. I was invited to a “fancy” luncheon at a friends house and I will never forget her star studded menu of Carrot Ginger Soup and Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Planning and prepping are key to a successful Keto Diet. Really, it is key to any good eating plan. It’s the biggest mistake to wait until your starving, standing with the refrigerator door open, begging it to miraculously provide something delicious and nutritious and only then to figure out what your going to eat. This usually ends up with cookie dough from the freezer and someone’s leftover pizza being stuffed into your face while you stand over the kitchen sink.
This recipe I learned from my mother-in-law Lynn, she was the first to introduce us to the Keto Diet about a year ago. Back then I barely understood the concept, but she has persevered and lost a lot of weight on the Keto Diet. This past week we visited them and spent a week eating delicious Keto meals. From a Smoked Rib Dinner with all of the sides, to Beef Brisket, Jalapeño Poppers, Scallops, Hot Wings and much more. We never felt like we were dieting and still gathered around the table each night to nourish our tummies and hearts. It’s what family is all about, good conversation, good card games and enjoying time around the dinner table.
This is a great quick and easy recipe for a Keto lunch or light dinner. High in fiber and flavorful with tasty pesto, it will cure your pizza cravings! You can also change it up with a red tomato sauce and typical pizza toppings like pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers or sun dried tomatoes!
