This daiquiri twist is another cocktail inspired by my book A MISTAKE INCOMPLETE. I wanted to create a cocktail that could be found on the menu of the birdcage-inspired bar to where Elena leads the crew early on in the…
The Side Eye
The Side Eye is another cocktail inspired by my debut novel THE LOVE FOOL. This cocktail honors the plump black cat that frolicked among the ruins of Largo Argentina. I named it The Side Eye because of the surly look…
We Were Never Together
For this cocktail, I was inspired by my first novel THE LOVE FOOL. This recipe was featured in the book club edition of THE LOVE FOOL, and in the summer 2020 issue of Sip the Magazine. The color of this…
Risotto Beatrice Quasi-Sbagliato
Inspired by a scene in my novel A MISTAKE INCOMPLETE, this was the risotto a hopeless, distraught, and disappointed Beatrice cooked to distract herself from her thoughts. The recipe follows the technique for a classic saffron risotto – otherwise known…
Paccheri with mushrooms, goat’s milk, and thyme.
This dish is my take on the well-known Paccheri with mushroom and cream sauce. But, I swapped heavy (and fattening) cream for healthy and flavorful goat’s milk. The tang of goat’s milk was not as overpowering as one would think,…
Aperitivo: La Bicicletta
Picture it: Italy. Small local bar. Late afternoon. Old men playing cards, discussing politics, and arguing over who-knows-what, all while sipping a ruby red Bicicletta. I won’t be going to Italy this summer, so I’ve been enjoying my aperitivo time…
Fettuccine with Pistachio Pesto
I discovered this recipe in La Cucina Italiana, and made slight adaptations based on ingredients I had on hand. Many have been asking me to share or translate the recipe. So, here it is. What’s interesting about the pistachio mixture…
Sipping at the Algonquin
The Algonquin cocktail brings me back to that time in the mid-90s when I had the pleasure of staying at the famous Algonquin hotel in New York City. I was having drinks in the lobby with a view of the…
Coconut Margarita
I’m setting up my home bar menu – this is a menu that I will offer guests when they come to visit me. I’m just preparing for some much needed socializing for after this devastating global pandemic has been sorted….
Spaghetti alla Carbonara for Two Fools
This recipe is for the most non-romantic dish featured in The Love Fool, and is shared as part of the resources for Book Clubs. (More resources at the end of this page.) La Carbonara is one of the many classic dishes…
The Sage Monkey
This is my really simple twist on a basic Gin Rickey. The gin: I wanted to highlight the delicious flavor of Monkey 47 gin; a small batch gin distilled in the botanical fairy tale woods of Germany’s Black Forest. My…
Italian Jacket Baked Potato
This recipe is inspired by my recent visit to Gialle & Co in Milan. Read more about this fantastic little eatery serving baked potatoes, Italian-style. Of course, there are many ways you can top your potatoes. I encourage you to…