IN OUR OWN BACKYARD! (well sort of)

Every day brings an opportunity to learn something new-yesterday my husband and I visited a vineyard in Ramona... Chinook Vineyards and then lunch at Salerno Winery, also in Ramona. First, We were educated by Elaine and Norm on how they planted two thousand vines of Petite Syrah and Zinfandel grapes only 4 years ago, and all the hard work that goes into it...it was truly eye opening! I really had no idea how much work it takes to make sure your precious plants thrive and produce, despite the gophers, rabbits, wind and fires that may come your way....Much success to them. We had a delightful lunch at Salerno Winery owned by Herman and Rose Salerno...he is originally from Calabria, Italy and she from New York...tours were given and then we were treated to a lunch of sausage of peppers, pasta, mixed greens with balsamic dressing AND then Delicious homemade pizzas made by Herman himself in their outdoor brick oven...and of course a few glasses of their award winning wine. There was an Italian singer serenading us, and then Herman burst out in song...he used to be an opera singer! Who needs to go to Italy when only 40 minutes from my home I get to enjoy lovely Italian food, music and drink amazing Petite Syrah...

OK, I need to go to Italy, but this was a great substitute!

Sedona IS a sacred place....

And a beautiful place to spend a few days of our Easter vacation....there is a serenity and spirituality in the air-amazing red rock views everywhere you look...great Italian food...had to mention that...a rugged and very bumpy tour up in the hills in a Hummer, some good wine and cheese, and then a trip to the Grand Canyon, where the temperature dropped to 38 degrees-my capris and jean jacket did not cut it...more photos to follow.

You know those throw away cameras don't take a bad picture!

RISOTTO WITH SPRING VEGETABLES

Obviously, being Italian, I have enjoyed cooking and eating pasta dishes my whole life, but there is something so comforting about stirring a pot of risotto for 25 minutes, then adding lots of fresh vegetables in season to brighten it up. I found this recipe in the May issue of Cooking Light..

2 cups shelled fava beans
1/2 cup fresh green peas
4 cups chicken stock
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped shallots
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1 cup uncooked aborio or carnaroli rice
1/8 t. saffron threads, crushed (I didn't have any)
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Rggiano cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 t. salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Cook beans in boiling water, 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, drain. Remove tough outer skins from beans, discard. Cook peas in boiling water 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain well.
2. Bring chicken stock to a summer in a small saucepan(do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add shallots and carrot to pan. Cook for 4 minutes or until tender., stirring occasionally. Addd rice and saffron, cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, cook 30 seconds or until liquid is absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup stock, cook 4 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until each portion of stock is absorbed before adding next (about 25 minutes).
4. Stir in fava beans, peas and asparagus with last addition of stock. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, parsley, salt and pepper.

Believe it or not, I used to be afraid to make risotto! The photo is not from my camera, still working on that little problem!!

AM I TOO LATE FOR THE PARTY?

I just finished reading "A Homemade Life", by Molly Wizenberg, the creator of the amazing food blog - Orangette! What a delightful book, and so easy to read...You have all probably read it, especially you food bloggers, so you know what I mean...it contains her cherished recipes, stories about her father and her extended family, her love of food, Paris and how she met the love of her life - through her blog!! There are so many interesting recipes to try and the first one I will definitely make is called "The Winning Hearts and Mind" cake, which ended up being her wedding cake...whenever I get that darn camera fixed you might actually see a photo! Oh, the cake is chocolate, so it has to be good.

In other news, my blog is two years old, hard to believe - I just wish that I made more time to post. I am sure you all have times in your lives when other "stuff" is occupying your thoughts, and this for me is one of those times...enough said!

EASTER "EYE" CANDY

Spring break is almost here - we are off for an adventure in Arizona...heading to Tuscon to spend Easter with my brother, then Sedona to enjoy the red rocks and then a quick peak over the Grand Canyon..since my camera is broken I won't be getting any great pics to share...hope everyone has a very Happy Easter!

THE LEUCADIA FARMERS MARKET

I am three weeks into my farmers market experience - so far very positive responses, many of my friends have stopped by and graciously purchased the limoncello cheesecakes and/or the nutella brownies-THANKS!! Last week I added a pasta salad with asparagus, spinach, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and sliced almonds in a lemon vinigarette, and this week I am going to try a mixed baby greens salad with pears, walnuts, red onions and gorgonzola cheese..

Variety is the spice of life so this Sunday I am offering samples of an orange cheesecake with a chcocolate biscotti crust..

The Leucadia farmers market is literally a 1/2 mile from my house, and it takes place on the elementary school grounds that both of my daughters attended. There is such a variety of vendors offering crepes, African food, vegetarian food, organic honey, specialty teas, abundant organic produce, jewelry, worm castings and balinese clothing just to name a few.... Who knew back then when I was waiting in the car pool line that I would be selling cheesecakes right next to the playground that they enjoyed during recess!

Its a learning experience and there is much to learn, but its all good and I can't wait to see what is around the corner...

I FINALLY "JUST DID IT"

If you visit Janie's blog, Panini Girl, you will find out after much procastinating and hemming and moaning, I decided to start selling some Italian treats at our local Farmers Market...It has been in the works for a while, and as Janie says, there are lots of steps one must take before they can hang a sign that says "Cucina Cara Mia" .....Artful Italian Food.
It was a fun, exciting day, I sold a number of individual limoncello cheesecakes, and the Nutella brownies were a hit too. Granted, I gave out lots more in samples, but according to my husband, those can be written off as an advertising expense! I ran into a few neighbors and had some wonderful friends (like Janie) stop by and give me support. The sun was shining, I was doing what I love, and felt proud that i finally JUST DID IT!


As long as we are persistent
We will continue to grow
We cannot choose the day or time
when we will fully bloom
It happens in its own time

Dennis Waitley