So, yesterday was my birthday. If you noticed the number on last year’s birthday cupcakes, you’ll know what year it is for me (don’t make me say it!) I want to give a big shout-out to everyone who sent me messages and left wishes on my Facebook wall (is the new ecard?) – I feel [...]

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This past weekend I spent in Rome visiting a few friends and just enjoying the last days of summer. Unfortunately, I would say that the days I spent there were the hottest and muggiest that I had experienced all summer! Thankfully, Rome is full of gelaterias to help you stay cool. I made a (few) [...]

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I think peanut butter is about as American as Apple Pie. In fact, peanut butter and apples go really well together (though I’m not sure I’d like the pie). Most Italians are instinctively repulsed by peanut butter, labeling it as “grassissimo” (very fat!) and “pesante” (heavy/rich), and of course, they’re right. But when peanut butter [...]

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This recipe started with a bran muffin. Some days I crave a bran muffin, its texture and chewiness, and dark, almost molasses-like insides. But I didn’t have any bran around and a bran muffin is impossible to find in Italy. But I did have farina di castagne, chestnut flour (note: this is not chestnut puree). [...]

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The weather in Milan has been beautiful for the past week or so. Of course it’s snowing in other parts of Europe I hold dear and now rain is in our near forecast, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying a walk home last night and this weekend wanting a little refreshment in the form [...]

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