Lidia's Italy

Not that Lidia Bastianich needs any promotion from me....or anyone for that matter, since she and her children are accomplished culinary professionals--Lidia is the owner of several successful restaurants. Stop in to Lidia's Italy, and enjoy all that her site has to offer. Her television show of the same name brings the viewer into her warm kitchen where she shares her heritage and expertise of traditional Italian cuisine. Lidia might even treat us with a song....and she ends her show by inviting her guests: "Tutti a tavola a mangiare!" Everyone, come to the table and eat!

http://www.lidiasitaly.com/

Memories of Mom

Not a day goes by when my beautiful mother's memory is not with me. My mom, Ann, inspired my love of cooking.....but moreso, baking. I can remember standing at our linoleum kitchen table that was surrounded by Naugahyde breakfast-nook seating in the early 60's, as she held my little hands and instructed, "Don't scoop the measuring cup into the flour......you need to spoon the flour into the cup, so that it's lighter and not packed.....then, level it off with the back of a knife." We'd then sit down and shell walnuts or pecans, carefully separating the shells from the meat, then dropping them into our little hand operated chopper.....the one with the plunger handle. I loved to bake with mom, but I believe it was the time spent with her that will live in my memory. Mom taught me patience in the kitchen.....the passion for experimenting......and the joy and pride of successful results.

The Automat

I was reminded today of a wonderful childhood memory: Horn & Hardart's Automat in NYC. The first was opened in Philadelphia in the early 1900's; in NYC around 1912. For those of you who grew up in the metropolitan area prior to the 1970's, which is when fast-food restaurants began replacing this gem of an eatery, you'll remember the unique thrill of the coin-operated slots that unlocked your choice of main course to dessert. My dad worked as a cook in H&H NYC during the 30's. If you missed it.....or would just like to stroll down nostalgia lane, here's a link to a site where a great book honoring this place can be found:
http://www.theautomat.net/

Food Buzz

I've just added a link to "Food Buzz," a website for foodies/food lovers/gourmets/gourmands....you know who you are. I'll be posting recipes on my pages there, under "DessertLady."