Save L’Aquila!

Hi Everybody,

Been out of touch breaking…..

Continued promoting my cookbook Breaking Bread in L’Aquila and glad to be back!

I wanted to share an article about the state of the earthquake devastation of L’Aquila and the region of Abruzzo.

Please read this article and support me with the purchase of my book Breaking Bread in L’Aquila.

FT.com/House & Home – Model Village

I was very honored in May when I was invited at Santo Stefano to present my book at Albergo Sextantio. The owner, Daniele Kihlgren restored the character of the village in Santo Stefano. I share the same passion as Kihlgren and look forward to seeing him in February!

a presto,

maria

The net proceeds of this book will be donated to the restoration efforts of the earthquake of L’Aquila.

Book Signing

Come join us at Barnes & Noble in Ithaca, NY on Saturday, November 6th from 2pm. – 4pm. for my book signing event. We (mom and me) prepared amaretti cookies for those attending. I hope to see you there!

Here’s the recipe if you missed out !

Amaretti Cookies
Ingredients:

3 cups almonds, plus an additional 36
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoons almond extract
2 cups of confectioner’s sugar spread on 12 inches of wax paper (for rolling)
Vegetable spray for the baking sheet (though Mom sprinkles the baking sheet with flour)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Using a food processor on pulse, chop the 3 cups of almonds until they are finely ground.

Beat the eggs, sugar, and almond extract. Add the ground nuts and gently fold them together until you have a moist mixture that you can form into balls.

Lightly grease three baking sheets. Using a teaspoon (or your hand), scoop up the batter, form balls, and roll them in the confectioner’s sugar. Place them at least an inch apart on the greased baking sheet. Prior to baking, press one almond into each ball.

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden in color and firm to the touch.

Let them cool before removing them from the pan.

Wednesday, November 3rd

Hi Everybody,

I was be attending Domenic Serio’s fashion show in Toronto this evening at Villa Colombo. I will be giving a brief talk about my book and will speak on food styling and how the aesthetics of food preparation is very important.

I have received great feedback on the photos – and as a first time food stylist, it speaks from passion and heart. Of course, my photographer Carolyn did a great job taking the photos through my eyes. The photography portion will be my next project – in my next book.

In a previous blog titled From Fashionista to Foodista or my upcoming cooking class on December 2nd “Dolci & Maria” always comes from a place of fashion and styling. Not to mention, great food to compliment the styling.

Domenic Serio has been designing Haute Couture for over 20 years – making him a very important name in the fashion industry in Toronto. I look forward to seeing his designs as we eat, drink and be Maria!

The net proceeds of this book will be donated to the restoration efforts of the earthquake of L’Aquila.

a presto,

Maria

Back in Black: Breaking Bread in L’Aquila Aprons!

BBapron

BACK IN BLACK: Breaking Bread in L’Aquila Aprons will be available for the Holidays!
Pre-Order your aprons by 11/15 and save $5.00!

You can never have enough aprons in the kitchen! With holiday entertaining, this black classic features a double pocket and an adjustable neck strap. Now we’re cooking! Machine washable, 22″ x 30″ poly/cotton. This is the perfect hostess and holiday gift.

SALE! Pre-order your apron before November 15 and save $5 off of the regular price! Aprons will be shipped as soon as they become available.

In the spirit of gift giving, a portion of the net profits will be donated to the earthquake restoration of L’Aquila.

a presto,

maria

A Word on Stuff: Use your Stuff!

A quote from the late George Carlin, Comedy Rock Star ….

“A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff”.

I encourage you to use your stuff….
Dust off your stuff and use your plates, linen and crystal!
Don’t clutter your stuff in cabinets….use it!

In my book, Breaking Bread in L’Aquila, I used all of my stuff to food style. It’s important to set a nice table when you have prepared a simple meal! Food looks so much more appealing when it looks good on the plate (your stuff): Tasting with your eyes!

As we start thinking about the Holidays (just around the corner) – dust off your good dishes (stuff) and use them.

If you accidentally break some stuff ….just go out and buy more stuff! ps – you can’t take your stuff with you!

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.

a presto,

maria