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CHRISTMAS SEASON CELEBRATED IN ITALY
Ever give any thought to how the Christmas season was orchestrated in Italy! Gift giving was always a big deal for Italians—something many still enjoy during the holiday season. But they also exchanged little New Year’s gifts called strenae, a term still occasionally used in Italy, though it feels a bit old-fashioned. These gifts were simple, Continue reading
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At Christmas: Poems, Plates and Baked Rigatoni
At Christmas….our hearts growtender with childhoodmemories and loveof kindred, and weare better throughoutthe year for havingthe spirit to becomea child again,at Christmastime! Laura Ingalls wilder CHRISTMAS PLATES Eons ago when our children were young, I would make Christmas plates that we would use at Christmas time and always for Christmas morning breakfast. As the years Continue reading
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Christmas When I was Young
No matter where you live or how old you are, at this season Christmases from the past come to mind and have different meanings for each of us. For me it is mostly about food and aromas. We were a family of extremely modest means. We always had a tree and there were always presents underneath. Continue reading
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CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS
May you haveWarm hugs to greet youFun times to meet youJoy in whatever you doGod’s love to guide youGood friends beside youAnd Happiness all the year through! Drinking from the Grolla Cup has been a tradition in our family when we can all be together for a holiday or a special occasion. Hope you will try to Continue reading
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A Gluten-free Almond Chicken Recipe
The best chicken recipe ever! Almond crusted chicken that’s crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside and it’s gluten free. INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 375º Note: this is the gluten-free version. If you would like to make this a breaded almond chicken, you can substitute 1/4 cup of the almonds with breadcrumbs to add Continue reading
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Cannoli Poke Cake
Christmas truly is a wonderful time of year. It is a holiday filled with joyous celebrations and traditions that engage all of our senses. There’s shopping and wrapping and decorating and baking. You’ll deck the halls, walk the malls, trim the tree, bake cookies and write Christmas cards. So in the midst of all the Continue reading
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CHICKEN THIGHS PASTA SAUCE
The blessings of peace,The breath of hope,The warmth of love,The comfort of faithMAY THESE BE YOUR GIFTSTHIS CHRISTMAS! 4 Chicken Thighs – 1 1/2- 1 3/4 lbs2-3 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil3-4 Tbsp. Butter – unsalted1 Onion – small, coarsely chopped1/3 C. Carrot – finely chopped1/3 C. Celery – finely choppedSea Salt Black Pepper – freshly grated6 Continue reading
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IT’S STILL DECEMBER AND WE ARE IN FESTIVE MODE!
Christmas activities just seem to joyously pile up like softly falling snow; it just piles up soundlessly until we can’t see beyond tomorrow. But to me that is a gift. I love all the hustle and bustle, the comings and goings of our family. There will be time enough in January to enjoy a little peace and Continue reading
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CELEBRATING SANTA LUCIA
(And Remembering My Little Nonna) December 13th is a special day in Italy and it was in my home also when I was growing up. Twelve days before Christmas is St.Lucy’s Day. Symbol of light and hope, parts of Italy celebrate her legacy with feasts and gifts in many differ styles. Bergamo in particular makes Continue reading
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TRIPPA alla FIORENTINA
Tripe, I think, is an acquired taste and sometimes even the sight or thought of it is offensive to many people. However, growing up in the 40’s we had to eat whatever was put on the table and tripe was sometimes on the menu….. so, I acquired a taste for it! Fortunately, my Dad made the Continue reading
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