Re-uniting While Cooking in Arizona (Feb 22, 2013)

This was my second “cooking reunion” with Maureen and her mother, Therese: we had cooked together two years ago in Phoenix and they were guests.

Maureen, Therese and I had reunited over the burners two years ago in Phoenix, sharing memories of our touring times together in Umbria during a cooking class. This year, another ” cooking reunion”- and Therese and husband Marc hosted the class this time. Maureen and sister Megan joined in with their husbands, aunt and uncle and family friends in putting on a feast. Roxanne and Linda – wishing to join in an Arizona class – were welcomed, too, and made new friendships while slicing and dicing, mixing and mincing. Sicily flavors reigned in this class (many recipes thanks to my mother-in-law, Vincenza) and as she cooked, Liz (of Lebanese heritage) remarked, “these flavors remind me of my childhood”. Not surprising: Arab and Milddle Eastern influences accent Sicilian cooking ( and art and architecture).

Before our class – and before each class – I give a short talk on Umbrian rural cuisine, rural food lore, Sicilian flavors and the Mediterranean diet. Lebanon, Sicily, Umbria: they were all there in Scottsdale.
Mille grazie, Therese and Marc and family, for your enthusiasm and warm welcome to each of us.

A few comments:
“We are so thrilled to have you here! Fun, fun, fun as always and great memories!” Maureen M

“Thanks so much for a fun, food-filled evening in our home” Marc and Therese M

“This was a fantastic evening – (and I haven’t even had the apples yet!” Pruitt

“Grazie for the good food and great memories” Megan and Paul H

“The best way to meet new people: sharing food and wine.” Roxanne R

“Thank you for a tremendous meal and evening – we are sold on Umbrian fare – great!” Don M

“This was great fun – let us do it in New Mexico next year!’ Liz M