It was very kind and considerate of the organizers of the all-women BlogHer to invite celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito as a guest presenter. Most of the women here were purring his name Rrrrrroco, and I must agree, he is pretty easy on the eyes.
If you were an attendee, and can’t remember what he cooked [...]

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In December of 1989, just after Christmas, my father and step-mother dropped me off at a little pensione in Siena, Italy where I was to meet my study-abroad group. I knew no one. We said our goodbyes, and I watched them fold themselves back into their tiny rented Fiat Uno and drive off. I stood [...]

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The sun has finally decided to show itself here in Seattle, which means the barbecue has once again been hauled out of the garage and has settled back into its usual spot on the patio. At last. What better way to wrap up a nice sunny afternoon than to throw something tasty down on the [...]

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Forgive me, mi scusi, but I can no longer remain silent. I have a burning desire to correct those out there who keep saying, “bruSHetta.” Please, my friends, it’s pronounced broo -SKE - ta. We don’t say shool, do we? Well, we do if we’re Jewish and off to learn Hebrew. No, we say [...]

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No, he’s not a famous chef. It’s Oscar night!!!
Which really has nothing to do with Bolognese, other than the fact that Barnaby created the most delicious sugo di carne today. In preparation for our comfy Oscar party with our dear friends, Barnaby started his all-day-simmer Bolognese sauce this morning at 8:30am. Then, we set out [...]

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Risotto is a difficult and time consuming dish to make, one that all too easily results in a heavy, mushy glob. A good deal of patience is required to stand at the stove for half an hour and constantly stir and ladle hot liquid in small increments. But it’s well worth the effort. I’ve [...]

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We are having near-hurricane weather here in the Bay Area so I’ve decided to stay indoors and break in the beautiful new shiny red Kitchen Aid mixer that Barnaby got me for Christmas. Let’s hope the power can stay on long enough.
We’re visiting a friend in Napa this weekend so I thought I’d whip up [...]

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