Luscious Lemon Bars...and more of Italy!

The third day I was in Italy, I decided that I want to make something truly American, since the family was asking me to make a Cheesecake...which I was not too excited about making since its so time consuming and their Philadelphia cream cheese is not nearly as good, as ours and it is way more expensive. I had a torn out page from a Southern Living magazine that had the amazing Lemon Bars and since I had the American measuring cup and spoons there I decided to make it...really well worth the short time and effort.
Never, in my wildest dreams did I think that these lemon bars would be such a huge 'hit' with the family. They have never even heard of Lemon Bars...not alone taste it! I tell you, the butter there is superb and so rich, smooth and naturally sweet. I purchased the 'farmer butter' which was in the local supermarket and proceeded to make the crust first...then the filling with the freshest farm eggs, and fresh lemon juice. This is a 'failproof' recipe if you follow it correctly. For all you 'lemon lovers'...this is a huge treat!

Here's the recipe for the Luscious Lemon Bars from Southern Living

Linking to:Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherines Corner

While I was preparing my lemon bars, Teresa was busy making her traditional Italian Sweet Bread
I can't explain...but this really isn't like a Challah bread, its more of a texture of cookie dough when it is done.
Fresh out of the oven...for every day Teresa would have some kind of breads or sweets done homemade...of course.
See what I mean about the texture? Simple, just the right sweetness...so good with coffee or tea!
Isn't this patio the sweetest and most charming?... with all the potted plants and some herbs. Their condo is so awesome, great patio all around, and gorgeous view of the little town.
Teresa just working her 'magic' in her little galley kitchen...but then she has a larger second kitchen downstairs where she makes her homemade salami and cured hams.
I love this photo...a view from their kitchen window...such pretty little curtains, as well!
 

 
They even have door-to-door delivery for fresh produce by a local farmer.
...and here's the little open produce truck pulled up to the building entrance.
A gorgeous and serene view from the back of the building...neighbor's tree, huge fern tree which is all over growing so high, and so beautiful.
A short walking distance scene from my daily walks.

The little brook, close up!
Such a pretty scene of the brook!
I snapped this photo overlooking from the little bridge in that same neighborhood, behind is the brook...you can hear the water fall over the rocks...such a soothing sound!
 See what I mean?...total awesomeness!



For the 'Love of Foods' in Italy

I did not take a lot of photos of 'foods' ...simply, because the second week when I met up with my daughter. I was the official 'food photographer'...I became the 'annoying paparazzi, and tried to limit my food photos~

nothing like a casual morning walk to the local outdoor market...the freshest fruits and vegetables
grown locally!
Another fruit and vegetable stand at the outdoor market!
This is the local supermarket which is in a mall, and has other great shops as well.
You can try, and win this car while you're vacationing there!
These little mini pull baskets were very convenient!
Awesome seafood section...although I was asked not to take any photos...as in Whole Foods in the U.S. ...so, my store photos ended in the seafood isle; sad to say!
Just look at these lovely fish...all saying "hello"
Wow! Just look at the size of this octopus!
Outside the mall...all cloudy, and later in the afternoon...pouring rain. You can see the mountains in the background!
 

The first day for lunch I just opted for the baked fish and mixed salad...(no pasta for me)
Hard to resist a fresh homemade focaccia...right out of the oven.
Homemade olives from their farm in Calabria...just can't stop eating this, sooo incredibly good!
preparation for the next lunch...fresh farm grown arugula pesto for pasta!
Lots of freshly grated ParmigianaReggiana cheese

See what I mean?...you can't just eat salad? You go to Italy to eat pasta, pizza, and gelato!
...and don't skip dessert. Homemade crostata (tart) filled with homemade apricot jam...yumm!

After a great lunch a 'walk to the playground-park'...reading my novel. Park was empty, kids still in school!

Thank you for all your good wishes for speedy recovery!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! xo

"Stop and Smell the Roses"

 I arrived back late Sunday night, but not a very successful way. The worst summer flu, with a throat infection...a slightly sprained ankle two days before leaving (same ankle that I sprained 2yrs ago) this time missing a step down from stairway ...otherwise, I had the most relaxing and wonderful  amazing time...ever!

I actually do have a recipe for you...Lemon Bars that I made there for my Italian (extended) family and it turned out super luscious and perfect...thanks to the best and natural 'farmer butter' so fresh and sweet.

I took two great soft covered novels with me...which I read in less than one week...took long walks, ate amazing homemade foods. One thing that I took time to notice...take time to 'smell the roses' which are all around Como, and in Aosta (located very, far up northern Italy, abt. 3hrs from Como; surrounded by high mountains that some still have snow on them even in the summer...about 1 hr. drive to Switzerland, and part of France!

I will keep you posted, as soon as I feel better! xoxo









'Stop and smell the roses'... is a cliché that is widely used in the United States. We are all familiar with its meaning, which is, to take time to appreciate a situation or slow down and pay attention to what is going on around you.
'Stop and smell the roses' is commonly used when talking to someone who seems too busy to enjoy life.

Most often, this phrase is used by a well-meaning friend or family member when they become concerned that you are over-worked, or are not taking time to enjoy the pleasures of life.

This phrase can also be used just as a gentle reminder to take a few minutes for yourself each day.


Flaky Buttery Biscuits...and Italy, vacation!

So, this is Lake Como, where I will be staying...in  Italy. Leaving tomorrow morning, but did not want to leave without saying 'goodbye' to you my dear friends!
 
I still can't believe that I'm going to Italy, but I did want to share a last minute recipe, and a 'goodbye'!
I got this recipe from a library book which I can't remember the name, but it is really good, flaky, and buttery goodness!

Flaky Buttery Biscuits
makes 12 small, or 6 large biscuits

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
6 Tbsp.  (3/4 stick chilled unsalted butter)
cut into small pieces
3/4 cups whole milk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Butter or line a baking sheet.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a fork or 2 table knives, combine the butter and flour mixture until they resemble a coarse meal slowly add the milk, stirring with a fork, to the desired consistency.

For softer biscuits, drop 2 tablespoon of the dough onto the lined baking sheet. For firmer biscuits, turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface, and gently knead just to bring the dough together,  Carefully roll out the dough about 3/4 inch thick, cut about 12 biscuits, re rolling any scraps,. Place on the lined baking sheet.

The biscuits can be frozen at this point. Freeze on the baking sheet, then remove to a resealable container or plastic bag for easier storage. Bake the biscuits for 13 to 15 minutes...add 3 to 4 additional minutes for frozen ones...until brown.. Cool slightly, and serve warm.

 
.
See you in 2 weeks...take care, and love you guys! Ciao~xo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bacon-and-Egg Muffins

Just think; you can make these fabulous muffins for breakfast...bacon, lightly scrambled eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese, all rolled into one!

There's about a dozen version of the Bacon-and-Eggs Muffins recipe online, but I found this to be the best, from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. This is what I call a 'hearty' breakfast, or 'snack'
treat. Here's the recipe, just click to view and print it!


Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend! xo
Bacon-and-Egg Muffins

Madeleines

Madeleines cookies are usually on the 'pale side'...as in color; they are also dusted with powdered sugar most of the time. I purposely chose mine with light brown sugar to give it a golden color, and wanted to show of the beautiful 'groove' lines from this awesome nonstick Madeleines baking pan which I ordered from Amazon.com...seems like this online order store has become a very favorite store of mine....that's where I ordered my Nikon COOLPIX L810 camera from, as well.
Would you believe this camera even has a 'food app?'...I mean, seriously! How cool is that?! It automatically sets itself for you for great close-ups on the food, but most of the time you have to do the adjusting, how close you want it. 16.1 MP, and 26X Zoom is great!

Getting back to the Madeleines...they are so buttery, light, delicious, and so easy to make. I found the recipe on...Joy of Baking.com

Here are some series of photos I took this weekend from my condo complex... between 7:00-7:45PM

















 


 


Love my new Nikon COOLPIX camera

It may seem that I'm giving up blogging...which in actual reality sure looks like it; but the 'truth of the matter' is, I'm going through so much issues with all the new technical stuff I acquired all at once...is a bit 'overwhelming'!

Not only am I dealing with technical issues, but planning a nice little trip to Como, Italy on the first week of June for 2 weeks.

I had to return my new Canon Power Shot to exchange for Nikon Cool Pix (love both)...but can only afford one...one, that you can easily install the software and upload your photos for Windows 8.

Hope all of you moms had a wonderful day on Sunday...as my daughter and I had, as well! xo

 
No...this is not laundry hanging on an indoor drying rack...its really pasta sheets... oh, the doggies' food dish on the floor in the background; Way to go, Elisabeth...you're doing a 'bang up' job with your new camera...LOL

my homemade pasta...made with the old fashioned 'cranker' kind of machine! 


Easy recipe for homemade pasta...for each 1 cup of  all purpose flour, add 1 egg. For a generous portion to serve 4, I used 3 cups=2 1/2 lbs of flour, 3 extra large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, and 1 Tblsp. olive oil. You can add all these ingredients in your food processor, or mix by hand to make your dough. Divide in 3 or more portions and feed them through the machine to a desired thinness, and attach the cutter for spaghetti, or fettucine. Let the sheets dry for about 20 minutes before you start cutting the pasta. Cook in rapid boiling water, and drain pasta as soon as it comes to the surface.

Just to let you know...I did a little editing, cropping, and retouching in the original photos!
Can you tell what's been edited, and fixed?



 
 

 





Blueberry recipes

Still having plenty of issues with my new Windows 8...new camera, and now I purchased a new HP printer/scanner to be compatible with the new PC. Will just have to have patience in getting all the equipment together and will create a harmonious effect...as soon as it is all completed.

In the meantime, I will be posting a couple of old favorites from my blog, and a new one that I just discovered through Pinterest!

Click on the title to find this gorgeous Blueberry Mini Tart with  ... mascarpone cream filling!

I've been buying so much blueberries lately, just enjoying them sprinkled on my shredded wheat cereal in the morning, but will be making some nice desserts soon. I saved this gorgeous mini tart on my Pinterest board...the photos are amazing; professional photography...no doubt!
Always curious to find the actual source it came from, and I found it! Gladly sharing it with you!






Photo and recipe from a previous post of mine

LEMON BLUEBERRY BREAD
adapted  from The New Basic Cookbook

TOPPING (Streusel)
 1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup un-bleached all purpose flour
4 Tbsp=1/2 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
1  teaspoon ground cinnamon

Stir the topping ingredients together in a small bowl, and set aside.

For the Bread/Tea Cake:

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
4 Tbsp=1/2 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 eggs
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh blueberris
Zest of 1 lemon
after zesting lemon, use the juice from it

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x5inch loaf pan with cooking spray
In a medium bowl, stir the sugar, sugar, milk, sour cream, butter, and eggs together, until smooth.
In a larger bowl, toss together,. the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir the wet ingredients into it, and add the juice of the 1 lemon.
Carefully, fold in the blueberries, and the lemon zest, to combine.

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle with the topping, carefully patting it down a little.
Bake on 375 degrees for the first 30 minutes...lower the temperature to 325 degree F. and bake for an addition 25 minutes until topping is deep golden, and has formed a nice crunchy and thick crust.
Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes on a wire rack and transfer the loaf pan to continue cooling. Makes 1 loaf

 I would like to show off my new thrift find...a "fire king" oven proof blue glass loaf pan that I purchased at Goodwill, for $1.99. It's not as deep as your "pyrex" glass loafpans, but it really is pretty, and has a nice design on it. Besides the fact that it's such a bargain, this seems to be an antique from the sixties, or seventies. Have not seen one like that at all.







Sicilian Puttanesca Sauce 
my own recipe (recipe by Elisabeth)

(photo and recipe from a previous post of mine)



4 large ripe tomatoes
1/2 cup of white, or red wine ( I used white)
8 oil cured olives, or other black olives, pitted
4 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
also, extra for drizzling on top
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 anchovies, rolled in capers (optional)
a handful of white mushrooms, sliced (optional)
12 fresh basil leaves
a handful of Italian fresh parsley (optional)
1 lb. fusili lunghi, or spaghetti
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
grated Parmesan cheese

First thing you must do, is to drop whole tomatoes in boiling water, to blanch them, just enough to see the skin loosening, and taking them out of the boiling water with a slotted spoon. Add more water to the large pot that the tomatoes were blanching in, to boil the pasta. Run tomatoes under cold water to remove the skin, easier. Chop the tomatoes into small chunks, removing the hard core.

Heat the garlic an the crushed red pepper in a large skillet, adding the olive oil, over medium-high heat. Add the wine, let it cook down a little, and add the mushrooms, and cook until it sweats, and liquids released. Add the  chopped tomatoes, and cook for a few minutes. Do not let the tomatoes get soft, leave them in chunks. Add the olives, and anchovies with the capers, stir and heat though until it comes to a boil. Turn off heat, and cover, until you are ready to incorporate with the pasta. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water, to add to the sauce if needed. Serve pasta in a large pasta bowl, adding the sauce on top, and drizzle with additional olive oil, and snipped basil, and parsley. Pass the Parmesan cheese. Serves 4. Absolutely divine pasta, you will ever taste!



Cleveland Winter 2017

Hello my friends, I hope you all had a great holiday. I just got back from Ohio and I thought it would be nice to put together a post to s...