By Maria Filice • October 21, 2010 I’m not an ovenologist but ….How many times have you thought to yourself, “I swear that I followed exactly what the recipe called for. Why didn’t the cake rise? How could I have burned the biscotti?” (I’ll get to the biscotti in a minute.) You were sure that you followed the recipe. You bought exactly what the recipe required, with no deviation whatsoever. But when you took a step back to figure out what the heck happened, did it ever occur to you that it might be your oven?
What I mean is, all ovens are different. Some models are gas or electric, and they’re made by different manufacturers. Are all cars alike? It’s gets easier when you know your oven.
Biscotti making is now a pleasure….I have two ovens, one gas, one electric and each time that I made batches, had to regulate my 350F to difference ranges to avoid my fudgesicle disasters.
a presto, biscotti calling my name!
Don’t forget….The net proceeds of this book will be donated to the restoration efforts of the earthquake of L’Aquila. Great gift giving for the Holidays.
maria !
By Maria Filice • July 22, 2010 
My mother planted mint a few years ago and now grown into a healthy mint bush. It just roams and grows – low maintenance. In fact, if you have a pot of mint, it’s very low maintenance all year round. My kind of herb = = low maintenance with dark chocolate on the side please! The smell of fresh mint – so fresh and aromatic! Here are some low maintenance tips:
I like to chop fresh mint with strawberries and add a little fresh lemon juice! A refreshing way to serve a simple dessert with a little gelati or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce!
Make some fresh mint tea. It’s easy to make. Boil hot water and add to a sprig of mint. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Add a little honey and it’s perfect. My first cup was in Morocco – the perfect mid-day relaxant.
My cousin Renee adds fresh lemon slices and mint leaves in cold water. The lemon and mint flavour is a great way to get you to drink your eight glasses/day!
Next week, I will write about my favorite zuccini salad that my grandmother would make during the summer with fresh mint – her southern Calabrese twist.
A delicous cocktail “mojito” with fresh mint, lime and sugar (and vodka) makes the perfect cocktail.
Food and Fate memories!
maria!
By Maria Filice • June 21, 2010 What’s the correlation between my new GPS and my style of cooking? It’s simple and stress free!
Tip of the day: don’t forget to stock your pantry with the basics: canned tomatoes, anchovies, olives, tuna, your favorite canned beans, spices and dry pasta and rice (to name a few).
My book: Breaking Bread in L’Aquila offers simple, rustic and delicious recipes and organized to make your meals a green light success!
maria!
By Maria Filice • April 18, 2010 
What is more delicious and nutritious having a nice dish of steam spinach sauteed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and red chili flakes. It took five minutes to prepare!
Did you know that spinach is a very high nutritional value and rich in antioxidants and sources of vitamic C and the other alphabet of vitamins.
Any leftovers are great for a next day spinach omelette or with a little pasta!
Ingredients:
spinach, bag (washed)
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 cloves garlic, sliced
dash of red chili flakes
salt, to taste
Directions:
Heat 1 tbsp. of the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, red chili flakes, a little salt and sautee the spinach for 2-3 minutes. I also add 2 tbsp. of water and then top the pan with a lid. It steams at the same time and cooks evenly.
enjoy!
maria
By Maria Filice • April 15, 2010 I was watching a segment of Bill Maher’s interview with Alice Waters on HBO.
It makes me realize “What has happened” to our culture? I was raised from a first generation upbringing of organic and ps. no soda pop unless we had company or a special occassion. My God, has it come to this crisis of multi billion dollar education in schools and how to eat?
I am so thrilled that one of my passions is food and sharing with you my first book “Breaking Bread in L’Aquila”. It’s all about simple, fresh, rustic, a touch of elegance – with my a little of this and that (yes, breaking rules too)! Don’t forget to use your linens, dishes and have fun!
I think it’s something everybody needs at the end of day – breaking bread with our friends or family. I think if we do more this, the world would be a much more happier and healthier place.
Here’s to fresh, simple, mindful cooking with a twist of breaking rules!
maria
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