Don’t be Fake Italian-ed

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.

Buon’ Compleanno, Pinocchio!

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!

A One-of-a-kind Easter

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.

Casa Cristina: Inspiration Springs Eternal

Mary Freeland | February 24, 2011

From blooming bulbs to sunlight streaming through open windows, spring brings beauty and inspiration. Here at Tuscan Home we’ve decided to pay homage to spring by bringing in some of our own muses from the Casa Cristina line.

Zuppa di Broccoli e Patate

Mary Freeland | January 14, 2011

Few things warm the soul on a cold winter day better than a steaming bowl of hearty soup. This week we give the classic Irish tradition of Potato Soup a bit of a Tuscan twist. Not only hearty, this soup also freezes well and is even better on the second day.

Amaretti

Mary Freeland | December 3, 2010

Simple to make with a big flavor punch these little cookies are great nestled next to a hot cup of cappuccino or hidden under a layer of marscapone in a Tuscan trifle.

Tuscan Outdoor Living: From Dining Rooms to Sitting Areas to Kitchens, the Sky’s the Limit for Tuscan Design Outdoors

Mary Freeland | November 20, 2010

Today’s outdoor rooms move far beyond typical patio or lawn furniture, mirroring the comfort and design possibilities that are available for the inside of your home. With Tuscan décor, you can create a huge variety of outdoor living spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

Tuscan Design Adds Performance and Beauty for Outdoor Rooms of Any Kind!

Mary Freeland | November 5, 2010

Outdoor living is one of the biggest trends in home decorating and landscaping today, and Tuscan design is one of the most logical and functional styles for your outdoor room.

Ravioli di Zucca

Mary Freeland | November 3, 2010

Welcome to Autumn! Tis the season for warm spices and hearty dishes. This week our macaroni adventure takes us to the pumpkin patch with pumpkin filled pasta. Ravioli di Zucca 1 small – pie pumpkin (approx 2 pounds or 2 1 lb cans of pumpkin) 2 tbsp molasses or dark Karo syrup 2 tbsp unsalted [...]

Love Tuscan Style? Bathrooms Offer the Ideal Space to Take Your Tuscan Décor to the Next Level!

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!