Back from the NIAF Gala and Convention!

Back from the NIAF Gala and Convention!
I couldn't have been happier this year to Washington to attend the 2012 National Italian American Foundation Gala.  I had attended two years ago and made a speech about Italian American youth, but thi...
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At the Seattle Festa Italiana - 2012

At the Seattle Festa Italiana - 2012
Hello Friends! With the cool hints of fall in the air, and with the help of my glorious sponsor, Saeco Espresso , I headed to Seattle for the second year last week to be a part of Seattle Festa Italia...
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A Journey to Puglia

A Journey to Puglia
Sunday February 27 in 2000 is a date forever etched into my memory. I was back in Puglia and for the next seven days my life was one comedy act after another – even though I didn’t think so at the tim...
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A Palladian Connection – Venice to Charleston, SC

A Palladian Connection – Venice to Charleston, SC
  When I first spoke to Cooking with Nonna about writing for their blog I was excited because I knew that it would lead to me looking at my Carolina surroundings with a different eye.  I have been con...
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My Love Affair with Coffee!

My Love Affair with Coffee!
What does one say about an espresso machine? Well, when you have a debatable espresso addiction as I do there is a lot to be said.  I've been drinking coffee regularly for at least 15 years now. Espre...
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La Rificolona or Lantern Festival in Florence

La Rificolona or Lantern Festival in Florence
It is one of Florence's more popular tradition: it is called la Rificolona: Lantern Festival and takes place on September 7.   Coloured paper lanterns are on display in the city center, held by childr...
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Il Palio dei Capatosta in Mola di Bari

Il Palio dei Capatosta in Mola di Bari
By Francesco Di Paolo; Translation by Mauro Miccolis After an exciting performance, the “Contrada della Terra” has been awarded with the prestigious title of “Golden Champion 2012” at the Palio dei Ca...
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Duomo of Siena Mosaics

Siena, one of the top hill towns to visit in Tuscany, has two events not to be missed. First is the exciting horse race for the Palio of Siena , run twice in summer around Siena's main square, Piazza ...
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At the Milwaukee Festa Italiana - 2012

At the Milwaukee Festa Italiana - 2012
Hey Everyone! I wanted to share some behind-the-scenes stuff about my trip to Milwaukee for the Festa Italiana.  Let me tell you, I was completely blown away by the unity of this organization.  This w...
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Nonna Denzio's Ravioli

Nonna Denzio's Ravioli
Culinary influences come in many different forms and sometimes it takes the lens of time to focus all the different influences that make us who we are. I must say that I can draw on a variety of influ...
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Wines of Apulia: The Primitivo from Old Bushes

Wines of Apulia: The Primitivo from Old Bushes
Preserving the old vine bushes has been a major driver for Morella Vini. Behind Morella Vini stands Lisa Gilbee, a graduate in oenology from Roseworthy, South Australia that went to practice in Tuscan...
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Speak to Me

Speak to Me
  I would say that her name is Mary.  Wouldn’t you?  I wish she could speak to me.  In a way she does.  Her upturned eyes and expression speaks volumes.  But there is so much more I want to know.  Det...
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Limoncello Mousse

Limoncello Mousse
    The first time you try Limoncello your eyes will open wide and your senses will overload.  First off the intense lemon hits your tongue.  Next, the slightly bitter tanginess  of lemon rind fills y...
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Earthquake Fundraiser with NIAF

Earthquake Fundraiser with NIAF
  Dear Friends, as you know, about one month ago, the beautiful region of Emilia-Romagna in Italy was devastated by a violent earthquake that took many lives, destroyed many homes and monuments and ca...
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Strawberry Shortcake Goes Italian

Strawberry Shortcake Goes Italian
    L et's take this very American dessert and give it an Italian twist for a simple Summertime treat, especially while strawberries are in season.  Cut up a pint of fresh sweet strawberries into slic...
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A Taste of Italy in Alaska

A Taste of Italy in Alaska
    “Buon Viaggio!”    Now THAT is what we should have heard as we boarded for an Alaskan cruise in Seattle last month.   First of all, we came to find out that our beautiful, 930’ long ship, The Star...
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Grilled Fennel, Orange and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad

Grilled Fennel, Orange and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad
Bright sunshine , olive groves, citrus trees, rolling hills and beautiful beaches are just a few things that I remember about my travels to Sicily.  Small cars and scooters buzzing around the tight, l...
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Infiorata - Flower Carpets for Corpus Domini Processions

Infiorata - Flower Carpets for Corpus Domini Processions
One of the most colorful festivals held throughout Italy is the infiorata , the creation of flower petal carpets or tapestries. Usually the infiorata is held for Corpus Domini, also called Corpus Chri...
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Il Mulino di Firenze, for those looking for somewhere different to stay

Il Mulino di Firenze, for those looking for somewhere different to stay
When looking for a hotel in Florence, you may want to look down river for a little gem. Normally when I stay in Florence I stay in one of the hotels in the centre of the city but this time I thought w...
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Bardolino by the Lake

Bardolino by the Lake
  For many years I have wanted to go to Bardolino and a recent trip back to Italy gave me an opportunity. I would leave a couple of days early and stay in Bardolino before I went to a wine show in nea...
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