“The Stuff That Binds” in Dallas (Mar 4, 2013)

“Thank you for such fun cooking classes in Dallas. Annie, you are the stuff that binds (all of us),” wrote Jon, my Rome junior-year-abroad friend, after this year’s third (and final – for 2013) Dallas cooking class. Jon, your words touched me..but hold on: cooking together, too, links, binds, ties, connects. People of all ages, all backgrounds form bonds, group together as feasts come together.

Vero?

Benita and David, thanks so much for welcoming me once again into your lovely home for a memorable evening of chatting, laughing, cooking and feasting, with new friends and old. Dick (most gracious host, along with Benita), thanks for your note: “You opened up new avenues on food preparation. I thoroughly enjoyed items I do not like – because of your combination of ingredients. This evening was spectacular: I cannot wait until your next visit!”

Maggie, Robert, Janey and Bear, we first met exploring the floral-petal carpet wonders of Spello years ago – how good to share happy moments again, this time in Texas! Maggie (Mom) said it, after all: “I am so excited to be with you again! Wonderful memories of our trip and all you did for us. Our children loved our trip and all the memories. Tonight was magical – and having our children here with us was wonderful.”
Janey (daughter), glad our feast linked you to Italy, as you wrote to me: “Thank you for taking me back to italy tonight. Food and company were fabulous.”

Bill and Kathleen, hope we can do it again and glad you enjoyed the stories of life on the land in Umbriaa: “We loved your stories and the wonderful Italian food.”
Many more stories on our rural life, rural friends to tell – and I’ll continue sharing them on my site. Enjoy reading them, fellow cooks – but come to Umbris, too, for a firsthand experience.
I hope to see you all in Texas next spring – and in Umbria prior!

Mille grazie to all!