The invitation read: “You’re Invited to an Evening in Tuscany.” No, I did not go to Italy for dinner but enjoyed a glorious evening in the U.S.A. celebrating food from that country. I believe it was the best Italian food this side of the Mediterranean.
Tuscany is one of twenty regions in Italy. It is located north of Rome and south of Genoa. It has mountains to the north and east and is bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west. Florence and Pisa are two of its major cities.
Continuing on with our cookbook tour of New England, let’s daydream for a while. It’s summertime and the living is easy!
If you could take a trip “out east” (that is, if you don’t live there now), what state would you want to visit? What city would you want to visit? What would you like to eat once you get there?
A little investigative work can help you continue daydreaming about places and food. You can look up the states or cities on the internet or write to the chamber of commerce of that city. Ask for travel brochures. See what places of interest they have and what activities are in store for this summer. Plan an imaginary trip. Maybe someday you will really travel there. . .
I’m reviewing a cookbook project that a publisher wants to have available this year and I need your help. This new cookbook takes you on a journey from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, across the wide prairie, to the mountains, and Pacific Ocean. It is called “Cooking Around the Country – Holiday and Seasonal Food and Fun”.
Doesn’t that sound like an exciting trip? Especially is this a fun trip where you not only hear about the land but also the food for which it is famous.
The chef is feeling so good about himself! Sigh! Sigh! I just used Power Point for a meeting and it worked!
You young readers won’t think this is a big deal – but for those of us who haven’t always used computers or cell phones, anytime the machine works – that’s a good thing!
I attended a meeting over the week-end and now wanted to share the information with my staff. I decided the best and easiest way to do this was to make a Power Point presentation.
This is the day we honor all fathers. We show them how much we care and how thankful we are for all they have done for us.
Traditionally Fathers are the ones who protect and guard the family. May they always love and protect and care for their children. And God reward them for all the good they do!
Here is a breakfast dish you can make tonight and enjoy tomorrow on Father’s Day! Dad’s like to be remembered, too, and they like to eat! So get your kitchen team together and get this going tonight and SURPRISE! It will be ready for breakfast tomorrow!
 Cheesy Egg Casserole
1 pound ham, cubed
8 slices American cheese
8 slices bread, cubed
6 eggs
2 1/4 cups milk
1 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Grease 13 x 9-inch pan. Reserve 1/2 cup of bread cubes. Place remaining bread cubes in pan, then ham cubes, and top with cheese slices.
I want to start out the week announcing a first place winner for one of Snaptail Press books. The Littlest Christmas Kitten by Lee Jackson received First Place from (MIPA) Midwest Independent Publishers Association in the Children’s Picture Book category.
This is the story of a Mother Cat looking for her kitten on Christmas Eve. The wood-cut illustrations by talented artist, Kelly Dupre, are big, bold, and beautiful. If you like cats, kittens, and Christmas, you will love this book!
As you work in the kitchen, think of simpler ways to do things. But, at the same time, don’t take shortcuts that may hurt you or others. You don’t want to endanger the health of those who eat the food either.
Here are a few hints:
Table manners are very noticeable in a restaurant or any public eating place. Perhaps you have been around children who were much too noisy at the table. It was hard to enjoy your food.
I had dinner with my 14 year old nephew at a nice restaurant recently. When we were shown to our table, he stood behind his mother’s chair to seat her. He told the waitress “yes, please” and “thank you” when asked a question. I could tell that the waitress was surprised and very impressed. I had the feeling she didn’t hear this very often.
Some people like to eat in restaurants or buy frozen foods to quickly pop into the microwave. But what I like best of all is cooking meals at home and enjoying the preparation.
Nothing is better than going out into one’s garden for fresh lettuce or green onions for a salad. When there isn’t a garden or any home-grown foods we can find fresh produce in the market. Farmers’ markets will be opening soon in many locations. And there are so many choices at grocery stores!
