If you like spaghetti alla puttanesca, tartar sauce or chicken piccata, then you must be partial to the taste of capers. Those tiny little dark green things are small in size and big in flavor. They are actually unopened flower buds of the caper plant which is a shrub-like bush that grows, primarily, on two tiny islands in the south of Italy. A few years back, Doug and I went on a trip to one of them, Pantelleria, which is a gorgeous fleck of land closer in proximity, if not culture, to Africa than to Sicily. We enjoyed the clear blue water, explored the beautiful beaches, ran into some old friends from London and learned a lot about capers. They were everywhere! Come and cook with us! Continue reading “The Caper Caper”
What is an Heirloom Tomato Anyway?
This week Jessica and I spent a day at the National Heirloom Exposition in Santa Rosa, CA. I’m always thrilled to see her, and the festival was a wonderful event and a perfect reminder as to why it is so important to support efforts that promote and preserve our agricultural and culinary heritage. I didn’t exactly know what the definition of heirloom was so I decided to dedicate this week’s post to biodiversity and why it is important to choose heirloom produce, when you can. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “What is an Heirloom Tomato Anyway?”
A Strudel a Day…
In our house it’s often strudel time. My mother, my sister and even my nephew have always been very proficient in strudel making, an art that is well established in my home region, South Tyrol. With the apple season upon us, a few constantly hungry boys in the house and my strong conviction that strudel-making should be part of my skill-set, I thought it was time to dive into this very traditional dish and tell you more about apple strudels. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “A Strudel a Day…”
Let’s Keep Things Simple, Shall We?
My friend Arantza’s motto in life – and in the kitchen – is “back to basics”. Sometimes this way of life is a must, like when you are cooking with limited ingredients or are on a strict budget, but at other times it’s just a good reminder that when it comes to regular, every-day, nutritious food, much ado will not always result in better food. Seeing my friend’s approach to food has been an inspirational reminder that while food is sustenance, nutrition, and key to our health, it does not always have to take center-stage and take over your life. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Let’s Keep Things Simple, Shall We?”
Add some Chives to your Lives
Since returning to California this past week, I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about our trip back to Italy. Whether enjoying time with family, hiking in my beloved mountains or catching up with friends, it feels a little like turning the clock back to my happy childhood. Of the many exciting things we did, our annual ritual visit to our “back-to-basics” hut high up at 7,000 feet was among the best. A wooden stove, a few pots and pans and the most majestic view are enough to turn every day into a unique and memorable experience. Apart from milk and butter provided by three cows who graze the steep hills surrounding the neighboring farmer’s hut, we have to carry up everything we need for nourishment. That is how we learn to make the most with what little we have. One of our most successful menu items, apart from crêpes and buckwheat riebel, are the impossibly simple but unbelievably delicious butter and chive sandwiches. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Add some Chives to your Lives”
Come and Cook with Us 