Italian Together in Another Lifetime?

What better way to wrap up a U.S. cooking lessons/lectures tour than by cooking Italian flavors with so many who have lived in Italy- or toured there with me (and not just once!)? Ah, those “Italian connections”!

Hostess Leslie put it this way: “I feel as if we knew each other in another life. Perhaps we were Italians together in another life!… a beautiful afternoon… so frantic, so wonderful… so Italian….We love you and the class. Thank you so very much for all.” Yes, a delightful class as you can see on Youtube.

Leslie and husband Ted – now in Annapolis, MD – had lived in Naples, where Leslie was president of the International Archaeological Society of Naples. Their home displays their love of Italy – and Leslie’s love of Italian antiquities – in Leslie’s art, in the Italian ceramics.

… not to mention the limoncello topping off our dessert!

Steve and Jenny, good to cook with you again in the US, renewing the “Italian bond” formed when we toured together in Italy years ago. I’m grateful for your comment, end of class: “Wonderful class, excellent food and spectacular company.”

Marci and Mitch, you also are both enthusiastic participants in my U.S. cooking classes, uniting us again in that “Italian connection” first formed when we toured together. Good news to hear you might be back in Italy next year: “Wonderful to see you again. Good food, good company..as always. Next year in Italy!”

Jenny and Kim, Italophiles, thanks for joining in so enthusiastically and hope the class made you nostalgic for Italy! Mille grazie for your notes to me:

“Even having lived in Napoli, there is always something to learn!” Kim
“Che bella vita! Una buona esperienza. Una buon idea per lavoro” Jenny C.

Ken, another former “napoletano”, glad we met over Italian goodness. “Outstanding food, company and learning! Can’t wait to do it again.”

Jenna, glad you “tasted” our life in Italy as well as the Umbrian flavors:

“What a delightful spring afternoon! Anne, you are brilliant! You’ve brought to our group a taste of your life, of Italy and exceptional flavors…”

Bill and Jeanne, Mark and Carolyn, Deborah and Whitley, thanks to each of you for so enthusiastically sharing in the Umbrian goodness. I appreciate your comments, feedback:

“We had a great time. Great food, great energy! Thank you for a fun experience.” Bill and Jeanne

“Whitley and I had a wonderful time learning of your Italian initiation and subsequent successful transformation to the good life. Thank you for sharing your food and your experiences.” Deborah

“We have had an amazing time and plan to recommend this adventure to everyone!” Mark and Carolyn
“Loved the experience. I’ve been learning to cook this year and this afternoon has been wonderful…” Mark

Leslie, thanks to you for capturing the good times here.

…and again, Italian Notebook weaves connections at the U.S. cooking classes: Leslie has followed my notes on the site and she, too, has contributed articles, both on Good Friday in Procida and on Carnevale in Putignano.
Leslie, were we “Italians together in another lifetime”? Not sure. But Italy has certainly linked us together in this lifetime.