“Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed pope mobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.” ―Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
Vicenzina’s Biscotti
My ex-husband’s mother, Vincenzina (Vini, as she liked to be called), passed away last April. She wasn’t perfect. Old-school Italian from Verbicaro, a small town in Cosenza, she was stubborn, lied with enviable polish, and was a talented cook.
Blueberry Muffins for Connie
My friend Connie is generous, kind, and loyal. We have been friends since our daughters were babies. Now they’re 37. And it’s her birthday today. Because of COVID19, we can’t celebrate like we used to, and I know she loves blueberry muffins, so I made these for her.
My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie
My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie is full of dark semi-sweet chocolate, buttery, chewy, and has crispy edges. It's also not too sweet, but sweet enough to make you want another.
Diary: Souvenirs
What did we bring home this time? Breaking open the beautiful packaging (always a sucker for something nice on the outside), our souvenir was the nibbling kind.