Amish Simplicity, Italian Abundance (Mar 16, 2013)

2013 U.S. Tour, U.S. CookingLeave a comment

It was a rainy day in Leola, Pennsylvannia but we still saw a buggy or two along the highways – and across the fields, an indomitable Amish farmer plowing his fields behind his team of huge mules inspite of the steady drizzle. My host Jerry took me on an area driving tour of Amish country – including a stop to see the quilts – before we headed home to cook. Table all set, wife Cathy was busy in the kitchen setting up for the arrival of our cooking guests.
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No “Malocchio” on This Pennsylvannia class! (Mar 15, 2013)

2013 U.S. Tour, U.S. CookingLeave a comment

Like arriving home in Italy as soon as I walked into Frank and Sharon’s welcoming Malvern home: chatter filled the kitchen as Frank’s sisters washed a colorful array of fruits and vegetables for our class and in the corner, a pizza oven’s cheery flame warmed all. Pizza was not on our menu but southern Italian foods highlighted our feast: a good culinary match for Frank’s family of pugliese origin and guests with Sicilian ties – like Ed. And they all knew about the need to keep away the malocchio or evil eye- and the right gesture to do it.
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