Things are looking up! 14 days until spring. The sun is setting after 6 pm (ok, 5:57 but close enough). And the week ahead promises to be warm here in the eastern US – woohoo! I feel like a kid waiting very impatiently for Christmas. The promise of spring has my pandemic-weary soul flying high in anticipation. Soon, my east coast amici, soon!

Until spring springs forth, I am keeping myself busy in the kitchen.

Continue reading Roasted Garlic Focaccia at Our Italian Table.

Even though the weather here in LA is still plenty hot, this year’s home gardening tomato season is drawing to a close. Each year I learn a bit more about getting maximum yield from the plantable urban garden space we have. I had an abundance of cherry tomatoes (both gold and red) this year, so making an extra-special season finale dish was in the cards. I’ve always loved the rustic simplicity of a dessert crostata, so I thought that making a savory one (just without sugar) could be interesting.

Continue reading Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Roasted Garlic Crostata at Our Italian Table.

You may remember my post of a few weeks back regarding my very cool new workstation atop my treadmill. What great fun to walk, talk and work at the same time.  I have decided I need a goal which will keep it fun – something that will keep me motivated.  So I have decided to walk to different destinations in Italy (virtually of course)! For my first quest, I have decided to walk from Taormina in Sicilia to the top of Mount Etna – a mere 61.4 km (126.7 miles) – a cakewalk I think!

Continue reading To the Top of Mount Etna! Pizza with Roasted Garlic, Parmigiano and Basil at Our Italian Table.