What a tribute to a legendary Italian cook – her recipe included in her obituary in the New York Times.

In Emilio Romagna last summer we had many versions of the pasta from the region she was raised in.

Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce

What a tribute to a legendary Italian cook – her recipe included in her obituary in the New York Times.

In Emilio Romagna last summer we had many versions of the pasta from the region she was raised in.

Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce

Adapted from “Spoon Fed” by Kim Severson

By KIM SEVERSON

 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups tomatoes, with their juices (for example, a 28-ounce can of San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes)
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, peeled and cut in half
• salt

PREPARATION

1.

Combine the tomatoes, their juices, the butter and the onion halves in a saucepan. Add a pinch or two of salt.

2.

Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, mashing any large pieces of tomato with a spoon. Add salt as needed.

3.

During our month of days in Italy we literally stumbled on this lovely restaurant on Sirmione. An old castle town on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Guarda, with a view of the lake on both sides. We were walking along the old cobbled streets when we spied this niche in the [...]]]>

During our month of days in Italy we literally stumbled on this lovely restaurant on Sirmione. An old castle town on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Guarda, with a view of the lake on both sides. We were walking along the old cobbled streets when we spied this niche in the ancient stone wall that was in fact the entrance to this splendid terrace. First impression is the very white of the terrace, against the very azure blue of the lake.  Detailed with crisp white umbrellas shielding tables multi layered in white linen cloths and  large white napkins to fill one’s lap.  White white railings and lanterns, even the floor was white marble. And so the setting for a most beautiful and delicious lunch and lovely wines.

Each course as well as each complimentary course was exquisitely presented on or with lovely old Italian silver plate,  not only the salt and pepper shakers but the bread baskets and tiny silver egg cups filled with a delicate whoosh of creamy cheese and tiny spoon on a silver tray. The final swoon was the coffee served and a silver tray presented with 4, yes four silver sugar bowls, each containing a different kind of sugar.

As I always say, presentation is king, it makes every meal a special occasion and great fun to collect the odd pieces and put it together on your table. With the sea salt craze now reaching its zenith, I’m serving different kinds of sea salt in different charming bowls collected on my travels. French Quimper, Italian pottery, Asian laquerware and blue/white porcelain for a start.

Today is the first day of school in our area but just 2 short weeks ago we were enjoying long summer days in our rented house on the beach. For a few years now, we’ve chosen this house for its ramshackle charm, huge front porch, [...]]]> Our Beach House in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Today is the first day of school in our area but just 2 short weeks ago we were enjoying long summer days in our rented house on the beach. For a few years now, we’ve chosen this house for its ramshackle charm, huge front porch, and private sand beach right in front and the gorgeous blue ocean and white sands just beyond our dunes. With our caravan of people driving from Washington DC area, and the equipment we carry with us, from large tent to beach toys we cater to all ages. Memorable days as the August weather changes to allow autumn its appearance.

And today the first day of school which I always think of the year’s beginning remembering my own school days both as student and teacher. Still enjoy gathering freshly sharpened pencils and the black and white composition book to begin new projects and lists.

On my list is Freshening up the garden. Filling in grass seed, feeding plants that will  benefit til frost, and starving the weeds hoping they won’t win. Planting some fall annuals in my front door urns, now running rampant with overgrown coleus at 3 feet high. Who knew? Adding some throws to our comfortable glider on the porch for chilly days and evenings. And making sure plenty of candles for dinners at dusk on the porch. As for the rabbits, I surrender, they eat what they will and are so bold that I understand we are sharing my garden.

On my list is also Freshening up indoors. Always inspired to change arrangements from shells and crystals  to old beaded fruits and gilt fragments for example, on old ironstone white platters or vintage silver trays. Adding pillows always a good way to make a fresh start. I think 22″ square the most versatile but mix them up with some rectangulars and even round. Painting as you know, the biggest bang for your buck. Choose a room and give it a jewel tone, dining room for romance, or powder room for drama. Or go white, where you’ve always had color. And change the accessories accordingly. Don’t forget your front door. On a larger scale if you’re thinking of renovating a kitchen, bathroom or powder room, now is the time to meet with your designer and bring your wish list, your heart’s desire, your ultimate fantasy,  and then you two can get down to work and see how you can incorporate as much of these as possible and make the most of  your space.  Beauty and Function go hand in hand.

Use your sharpened pencils and copy book to begin those lists and have a head start on the holidays

Why are kitchens so big in America? Research shows as kitchens get larger with every possible appliance and convenience, there is muchless cooking happening.  We spent a month in Italy, our house was quite large but our kitchen was tiny as are most in Italy, and Europe for [...]]]> Tiny Kitchen Big Flavor

Why are kitchens so big in America? Research shows as kitchens get larger with every possible appliance and convenience, there is muchless cooking happening.  We spent a month in Italy, our house was quite large but our kitchen was tiny as are most in Italy, and Europe for that matter. And they cook! It was amazingly efficient, refrig, sink, stove on one wall and directly opposite with just enough turning room an island with ample surface and cabinets underneath plus room for 2 stools. True, a dishwasher was not included but could have been with a sacrifice of cabinet space. Nor a microwave, more easily fixed by including under the hood. Had some nice details, like the cabinet above the sink held a drying rack that dripped directly into the sink. Perfect, and kept the counters free. And a large window on the side that allowed plenty of light.

Here we prepared typically Italian summer meals. Fresh from our market,  Tuscan melon,  (our cantaloupe) prosciutto and salamis seemingly unending varieties, those delicious huge green Italian olives, cheeses like Parmesan, (dolce which is sweeter for us) again so many varieteis,  capra which is goat, pecorino which is sheep and those just a start. Bread from our bakery each morning. Lettuces, fruits and of course tomatoes in shapes we had never seen. Exploring the markets in each town, the danger was always in buying more than we could possible eat. Confession here, we didn’t cook our own pasta despite the infinite selection of boxed. We couldn’t resist the handmade in every restaurant. On our own square, made by the mother of the owners, who would come in daily and prepare tiny tender filled morsels. Confession #2, sometimes we had pasta twice a day.

Off the beaten path, just Italians and 2 Americanos. Our house on the square, where daily life took place. Each morning we would see the Apennines from our window, still green since the blazing sun was late in arriving after long long [...]]]>

We spent a wonderful month in Vernasca, Italy.

Off the beaten path, just Italians and 2 Americanos. Our house on the square, where daily life took place. Each morning we would see the Apennines from our window, still green since the blazing sun was late in arriving after long long rains. Beginning the day with our morning walk, up and down the hill roads and then to our trattoria for cappuccino and croissant. Walks got shorter as the days went on and cappuccino time grew longer. Tuesday was market day, each day a market in a different town. The size of market depending on size of town. Ours small but always mouth watering fruits and vegetables, a cheese/salami truck and  rotisserie chicken truck as well. Tables with some clothes, shoes and home goods. Packed up and gone by early afternoon. We explored the local hill towns and their markets, none exactly close due to the winding roads through the hills. Some days further on to larger cities exploring noting their architecture and fabulous medieval towers and churches. And always the food. Filled pastas always home made, light sauces, none tomato based, platters of Tuscan melon, our cantaloupe and prosciutto, and an array of local salamis.

After our townfolk got used to the idea of Americanos, and how and why we would ever end up there, we became part of the fabric of the community with not much Italian or English among us. Festivities on the weekends, most memorable the Silver Flag hill races. This year honoring the Italian cars of the fifties. The highlight when they parked these priceless vintage cars in the square for all to see closely at heart’s content. Fascinating. Also a biker exhibition race, all Harley Davidsons, and bands, and puppet shows, and wine festivals. In surrounding towns much the same.

How could a month of relaxing, driving, eating, exploring have gone so fast. It did and we are looking forward to next summer. Will stay longer if possible.

Some people are happy with one of a thing, then there are the others, who find that one leads to many because there is something interesting and unique about each one, and let’s face it, just can’t have too many. Like my collection of globes, [...]]]> Where in the world are you collecting?

Some people are happy with one of a thing, then there are the others, who find that one leads to many because there is something interesting and unique about each one, and let’s face it, just can’t have too many. Like my collection of globes, started with one at my Flea Mkt, circa 1950. Loved finding the countries whose names have changed and dating the globes. Then there were so many changes and so many countries and there you are. Or there they are, sitting atop my bound collections of Gourmet magazines. And the collection spills over into my library where there are several more.

And the Gourmets are a collection too. I use them stacked as small tables and as pedestals for globes of course.  I also have collections of blue and white plates, and ceramic pieces most from England but also from many countries I have traveled.  And Burmese offering bowls from my trips to Burma. And mismatched china settings that complement each other but are not the same. And  antique sterling silver topped dressing table jars. And victorian crystal celery jar. And old silver flatware which I keep in celery jars on my counter and use every day.

If you would like to start a collection, find something that appeals, all white stoneware pitchers, maps of places you’ve been (easy to travel with) anything you like or already have few of. Massing them in one place makes them more interesting and then you can add at your leisure. Can be pieces all the same color like or all the same genre like teapots or hotel silver. And don’t forget to use them. That’s the best way to enjoy and appreciate them.

Now is a perfect time to enjoy our porch. It is the original veranda on our circa hundred year old house. 2 sides brick and the rest open, no screens, just wide open spaces overlooking the herb garden and down a few more [...]]]>
Summer’s End for Christina Haire Interior Designer

Now is a perfect time to enjoy our porch. It is the original veranda on our circa hundred year old house. 2 sides brick and the rest open, no screens, just wide open spaces overlooking the herb garden and down a few more steps to the rest of the garden. One end for dining and the other for sitting reclining on vintage glider filled with pillows made from Malaysian batiks, found when living in Singapore. I use some for tablecloths too.  This summer’s scorching heat and relentless mosquitoes made it virtually impossible to enjoy the lazy afternoons and eves, rocking on the glider alone or with friends. Long lazy afternoons with my glider and a good book. Dining outside similarly challenging. But this glorious turn of pre fall weather is perfect for early morning coffee, picnic lunch and candlelight dinners as dusk comes early. As the chill moves in we add sweaters to enjoy this lovely phase of the garden and the evening candlelight dinners as long as possible.

As an avid world traveler I have been to more countries than there are states. But not so many states, a sad commentary. Trying to rectify that and planning a trip to the Grand Canyon on our way to visit our daughter in Los Angeles. [...]]]>
Grand Canyon Here I Come

As an avid world traveler I have been to more countries than there are states. But not so many states, a sad commentary. Trying to rectify that and planning a trip to the Grand Canyon on our way to visit our daughter in Los Angeles. Not as easy as one may think, at least not as easy as I thought. But anything is doable when it comes to new travel. We will fly to Phoenix from Washington DC to begin our journey. From there or rather Flagstaff we will drive to the Grand Canyon seeing the South Rim, North Rim and the fabulous rock formations and sights therein. We’ll stop a night in Las Vegas (another state) and then drive onto Los Angeles. I expect to be inspired, overwhelmed by the scale and beauty and  have wonderful photos, will pass along some thoughts.  Stay tuned.