Flavor First

March 2024
Peperonata (“stewed peppers”) is one of the most popular recipes found throughout Italy.

February 2024
After selling our farm in November, we took a chance and decided to enjoy the December holidays in Italy.

August 2022
When I travel to a new country for the first time, I always prepare by familiarizing myself with their cuisine. I spend more time than most people I know reading menus. Having researched local dishes before I arrive helps me narrow down the choices.

May 2022
Traditionally, Ratatouille is a slow simmer of sweet onions, peppers, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes with garlic and herbs, melting into a stew. This chilled interpretation adds a hint of smoky flavor from roasted peppers and a fresh zing from grated lemon peel.

July 2021
July is the height of tomato season, and about the time I start running out of ideas for new ways to serve them. When we have a big crop, I tend to make gallons and gallons of tomato sauce.

June 2021
Exploring ethnic cuisine can be tricky, especially if it entails using unfamiliar ingredients. Thai cuisine is a perfect example because its complex flavors are, in part, attributable to components that are not a part of mainstream American pantries.

March 2021
La zuppa, il brodo, la minestra – there are lots of ways to say soup in Italian.

September 2020
Even though I have lived in California for most of my life, I cannot seem to let go of my Midwestern roots. 

June 2017
I love talking about the benefits of fresh produce. We all know it’s loaded with nutritional goodness.