Mary Freeland | July 15, 2011
Have you been a victim of “fake” Italian food? If you’ve ever frequented an Olive Garden restaurant and ordered their “pastachetti”, then I hate to break the news to you. The answer is a resounding “si!” Neither the pastachetti, nor it’s sibling the “soffatelli”, were ever made by Nonnas in the Old Country.
Mary Freeland | June 9, 2011
In continuing our conversation about travel to Italy, let’s have a word about words. As a rule, Italians are very gregarious and they LOVE to talk! Sure, half of the conversation is conducted through hand gestures, but the rest is likely to be in rapid-fire Italian.
Mary Freeland | May 4, 2011
Happy birthday little wooden boy! Long before Walt Disney introduced that theory into the collective American lexicon with his 1940 movie, Italian mothers were using that admonishment to keep their prevaricating progeny in line. For you see, that beloved wooden boy was actually BORN in Italy. In Tuscany, in fact!
Mary Freeland | April 6, 2011
So, do your plans for Easter Sunday include church services, egg hunts, chocolate bunnies and big family dinners? Well, if so, you’re obviously not celebrating the holiday in Florence, Italy. Because if you were, pyrotechnics would be involved.
Mary Freeland | March 16, 2011
The impending new bloom and birth of Spring has many folks pining for rustic country cooking. This is the time that lamb dishes appear frequently on many Italian dinner tables. Perhaps one of the most popular of these is a classic Roman speciality, Abbacchio al Forno.
Mary Freeland | March 10, 2011
Already the store shelves have become laden with critter shaped chocolates, fuzzy bunnies and bright spring colors. And while each of those traditions holds it’s place in the hearts of many, what happens to the egg shaped bowls and cute chickadee knickknacks when May comes?
Mary Freeland | February 18, 2011
Few plants are more distinctly “Italian” than fennel. Like the Italian people, fennel embodies some of the most sought after characteristics among humans and vegetables. While fennel is native to many countries throughout the Mediterranean, it’s heart is clearly della’Italia!
Mary Freeland | October 29, 2010
While large, open spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms also have to coordinate with the rest of the house, bathrooms are typically small, contained spaces that leave you free to unleash your design muse and take your Tuscan style to the next level!
Mary Freeland | October 27, 2010
Now that you’ve had a chance to practice making your own macaroni (pasta) dough, the fun starts. This week we bring you a quick and easy, yet complex and flavorful, savory chicken filled ravioli.
Mary Freeland | September 24, 2010
Once you’ve selected the bed and other furnishings for your Tuscan bedroom, it’s time to turn your attention to the homey details. Perhaps the most obvious—and important—way to finish out your décor is with your bed linens, but don’t forget the other decorative touches that will make your newly designed bedroom feel cozy and welcoming!
