Au revoir Paris, Bonjour America!

I feel so absolutely blessed to have experienced the past ten weeks abroad! Life in Italy was amazing and I ended my time on foreign soil in simply the most beautiful city in the world... Paris! The City of Lights welcomed me with open arms and I felt so very much at home.




Two things made this trip very special! First, a very old and dear friend of mine, who now lives in Amsterdam, met me there. Second, I had planned to attend a class at Le Cordon Bleu!



Craig and I had gone to high school together and best we could recall it's been about fifteen years since we have seen each other. Both of our lives have taken twists and turns we had not planned and still I believe we are both better off for having lived through some challenging life experiences. Within hours of reconnecting it was as if I had seen him only yesterday! He had lived in Paris for many years and so I had my own personal tour guide!





We rented this lovely apartment near the Effel Tower in the 15 arrondissment ~ Vaugriard. Our little place was at the Dupleix stop on line 6 of the Paris Metro. Apartment renting is absolutely the way to go! When I go again, AND I WILL GO AGAIN, I'll find a similar spot. The biggest "challenge" (and it really was more funny than anything) was the elevator. Old building, old & little lift ... many things in Paris are old and little (duh!)! One of those cage types that you have to open the exterior door and then the inside swinging doors of the compartment. The thing claims to hold "3 Personnes". We decided that it clearly meant only French Personnes as we two large Americans were all that was squeezing into that thing! My luggage had to go up and come down all alone as I could not even fit with it!




I am not too familiar with Flat Stanley but it is a series of adventures about an all flat boy. The book was written in 1964 and I am rather amazed that I don't recall reading any of them! He goes to space, becomes invisible and befriends a magic lamp. Anyway... Flat Stanley Cup went to Paris with us! You see, the Chicago Blackhawks had WON the Stanley Cup. The Chicago Tribune created a cut-out available on line and encouraged fans to take Flat Stanley for adventures! He went with us on our walks through Paris and even made the newspaper! http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/chi-flat-stanley-cup-ugcpg,0,6237948.ugcphotogallery . It's a similar concept to the George Clooney movie "Up in the Air" where he takes the cut out of his sister & soon-to-be brother in law on his travels for photo ops. Rather a fun and funny concept!





We strolled in the Tuilleries, walked along the Seine, looked at the beautiful people on the Champs Elysees and ended up near the Arc de Triomphe. Walked the streets in St Germain-des-pres and peeked into the shops along the way. Enjoyed a dinner of steak and pommes frites at one of Craig's favorite little spots. Went to La Madeleine on Rue Royale and around the old Paris Opera House. We ate lunch in the old stable area of the palace (now le Louvre) and enjoyed the garden areas. Paid our respects to Jim Morrison of the Doors, Edith Piaf & Chopin at Pere-Lachaise cemetery. Tons of amazing history in this peaceful space surrounded by the bustle of Paris. The Effel Tower was near our apartment so having a look at that was a daily pleasure! The dancing lights on the hour at night is expecially exciting!



I have been to Paris before, twice actually, but never for more than 3 days at a time. So, each time I had missed the Musee d'Orsay... NOT this time! And let me just say that I was not disappointed, it houses some of the most beautiful and famous Impressionistic Art in all of the world. Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet... not to mention others such as VanGogh, Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse and of course works from Toulouse-Lautrec. The beauty and wonder of these creations take your breath away. I was awe struck the entire visit to this lovely old neoclassical building which used to be Gare d'Orsay (train-station). The builders of the city certainly created large and beautiful monuments, castles & churches throughout the city proper. I wonder how much the people that live in Paris take the beauty and splendor of it for granted? I am sure they must as we all take the things in our back yard for granted.





On Sunday morning in the 15th arrondissment there is a market beneath the elevated train. We left early for our adventures that morning so that we were sure to not miss anything! Fournisseures de fleur (flower vendors), fromage fournisseurs (cheese vendors) , les boulangeries (bakeries) and fournisseurs de viande et de poisson (vendors for meat & fish) were everywhere! You'll see when you view my photos that there were pigs feet, tripe, some of the biggest beef cuts I have ever seen & plenty of shell fish available. This is the place were everyone came to meet and mingle on a clear and bright sunny Sunday to purchase delicious treasures for the week. If the Parisian wants to shop at a market like this every day of the week, they can! These markets travel from arrondissment (neighborhood) to arrondissment daily. Just learn the schedule and walk or grab the train to the next available one. It is an amazing way to shop!





I felt very honored to walk the halls of Le Cordon Bleu Paris where Julia Child had studied. The facility is amazing and the experience was one I won't soon forget. During my two day class on La Boulangerie Traditionelle I baked 13 different types of bread formed in to 16 different shapes! We had plenty to eat and I do believe that man could live on bread alone if they were eating what I prepared those two days! Here was the breakdown...

• Baguettes
• Batards
• Pain de campagne Rustique ~ Rustic country-style bread
• Pain Tradition ~ Tradition bread
• Brioche
• Croissants
• Pain de mie aux epinards ~ Spinach sandwich bread
• Pain complet ~ Wholewheat bread
• Baguette viennoise ~ Milk bread baguette
• Fougasse
• Onion Bread
• Quing Aman ~ a sweet version of croissants, dusting with sugar as you roll the butter rather than flour
• Pain de champagne sur levain naturel ~ Country style bread using a natural leaven

I caused a bit of a stir on the train with all this wonderfully smelling warm bread! Upon my return to the apartment a photo shoot was set up and the fruits of my labor photographed and then devoured. You see Craig is a professional photographer and everything must be recorded. It's a blessing that I didn't have to "afford" his daily rate and he would work for food!

For a few fleeting moments while in Le Cordon Bleu Paris facility I was really miffed at myself for not having the hupsa (sp?) to have made the French connection for my studies this past year. I was then reminded of the reality of what that would have been like during the class when the instructor spoke only French! We did have a translator to relay the points of the lecture & demonstration but I am certain some things were lost in the exchange. Oh the night-mare I am sure I would have encountered trying to learn the language as well as the technique's!

On Tuesday, June 15th, I boarded Delta flight 29 to return to the States. It was with slow & heavy steps and bittersweet emotions that I walked down the jet bridge for the 10 hour flight to Atlanta. I had been somewhat ready to leave Italy the week before, but Paris... there was still so much to see and I felt really comfortable in the City of Lights. I suddenly realized that with this departure REAL life was about to set in....

My flight to Italy in April had been quite comfortable. The bulk-head isle seat, plenty of room to stretch out and a very nice young lady & sleeping infant next to me. The child was an angel! I should have known that the trip home would not be as peaceful. My assigned seat was the row behind the bulk-head, which was fine as I still had the isle and plenty of leg room. The window seat next to me was empty and I was crossing my fingers, toes & what ever else I might maneuver in hopes that it would remain so. Three minutes before the doors closed a mom and three little children rushed on to the plane in a furry. I am sure you can see where this is going... In the isle seat across from me there was a young girl (traveling alone with a Delta escort). The bulk-head row (two seats) in front of me ... empty. It seems that this mother and three children were in that row and the window seat next to me. One of her three was under the age of two and therefore didn't require a seat as he was to be held by her the entire time. The lead flight attendant approached and asked if the young girl would mind moving to the window seat in that bulk-head row and if I would mind moving up to the isle seat. He offered to buy me a cocktail (only beer and wine are free) if I would do so. This way the family would have the three seats across. I agreed and relocated and settled in. The young girl, traveling alone, was heading to Atlanta on an exchange program. She was 12 and would be in the States for 6 weeks. She was very sweet. I think we were in the air all of about 20 minutes when the kicking from the seats behind us started. She turned to me with wide eyes and sort of grimaced. While hoped that was just a fluke I secretly knew we were in for a very long 10 hours!

After the kicking happened 3-4 times I very nicely asked the mom if she could please have her child stop kicking the seats (and pulling on the tray tables!)? My free cocktail came, then another & soon wine with dinner. I was hoping to have just a little nap because I didn't want to be totally strung out upon my arrival. My "Favorite Lawyer" was planning to fetch me at the airport at 8PM Atlanta time and I wanted to be awake and alert and try to get back to EST timezone as quickly as possible. About 4 1/5 hours into the flight I put in my ear plugs, put on my eye-nap gear and snuggled in for some shut eye (please note... I did not even lay my chair back). And then it happens, just as I doze off... furious kicking from behind and it continues for several minutes off and on. My request was polite, "please try to get him from kicking. I know it's a long flight, blah blah blah".... my next one was "if you don't stop them from kicking I will". Now what I would have done I am not 100%... not like I could have spanked a child that was not mine even if I had wanted to! Needless to say my ability to relax and sleep was shot. For the remainder of the flight I attempted to read, watch another movie & write in my journal. I am sure, even though I don't have any, that traveling with children is not easy. But over my many years of traveling for work and pleasure I have encountered families with children who are well behaved, follow instruction and mind their parents. Too bad for me & my seat companion we didn't have one of those families!

My flight landed in the middle of a rain & thunderstorm. My bags were delayed in customs and my "Favorite Lawyer" had vehicular trouble. A cab ride to my apartment was not my idea of the perfect welcome but .... what's a girl to do? My little nest was clean & comfortable and wrapped me with the warmth of familiar things. My bed felt perfect and while I didn't sleep much at all there really is "no place like home".

Pain de mie aux epinards ~ Spinach sandwich bread

Yield 2 loaves 450 grams each

350 degrees for 20-25 minutes

• 500 grams Bread Flour
• 300 grams Spinach (no need to chop)
• 10 grams Kosher salt
• 20 grams sugar
• 20 grams fresh yeast
• 63 grams unsalted butter

Add first five ingredients to mixer fit with a dough hook. Mix until a ball forms and pulls away from the sides. If it's too dry add a drop or so of water. Add butter and mix until the ball forms again and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Form a ball and let it rest for 15-30 minutes

Punch down. Measure out two loaves at 450 grams each. Roll inside out to form a smooth exterior to the bread. Spray two loaf pans with cooking spray and place the loaves inside the pan. Let the dough rest and rise in a warm place for 40-45 minutes.

Wash the bread with an egg wash to create a shiny crust

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Slice & enjoy!!

Torna a Sorrento

Ma nun me lassa.



Nun dame stu turmiento!



Tomo a Surriento



Famme campa!







Please don't say farewell



And leave this heart that's broken.



Come back to Sorrento



So I can mend!







My time is very limited here in Sorrento..... in less than 24 hours I will leave this magical place. I have taken the last 24 hours to return to all of my favorite places in the city.

• Bellview Syrene Hotel & Memorial Park




• The alley to the laundromat to see my little kitty friends




• The old city walls




• Tasso Square to people watch




• The view of Mt. Vesuvius from the overlook on my walk home from Il Buco




• Il Buco

Chef Biagio asked me what I wanted for my last dinner, I chose rabbit... coniglio. It's braised in genovese sauce. Onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes & wine. We also had sorbeto (sorbet but in the gelato form) in a brioche like an icecream sandwich! I shared two bottles of wine I had picked up over the last few weeks with my fellow students. We had a very nice meal on the patio. Sorry to say there are no photos of my last dinner.... we neglected to take any! UGH!

This last week has been amazing! Since my last posting I have visited two Olive Oil fabrica's & tasted oil! Had a chance to see mozzarella cheese being made, tasted wine, eaten some really great food and determined what things needed to be tossed before I leave Sorrento so my suitcase weighs in under the regulation MAXIMUM weight for Delta.

First things first....

Last Wednesday I attended an Italian tri-fecta! Tasting Olive oil, Cheese & Wine! With some some young ladies from Holland we began our adventure at a local mozzarella cheese factory in Sant'Angello. This very small company has only three employees and produces cheese for the local Sorrento market. The milk arrives daily to this plant a 4AM. The crew works to separate the solids from the liquids and begins to cheese making process. It takes 250,000 liters (65,975 gallons) of unpasteurized milk to make produce 250K (550 lbs.) of mozzarella cheese & 12.5 k (27.5 lbs) of ricotta. I have an entirely new view on eating cheese knowing the volume of milk required to produce such small amounts of cheese. We were able to watch the cheese being poured into the machine that then heats and stretches it, forms it into the famous balls of mozzarella and then quickly cools those balls in cold water. It is then "rinsed" in salt water and packed. Tasted the cheese in various stages, just after being separated, before and after it is salted. The flavors were amazing and fresh! The morning had a bit of drama when I squatted down to take a photo of the cheese selection in the case and managed to loose my balance and wobble like a weeble and FALL down!! Camera flies, butt onto the milky wet floor that is everywhere in this place and a bit of bruised pride! The cheese followed us for the next several hours as my pants were soaked.......

From the cheese factory we made our way to a little Olive Oil facility in Piano di Sorrento. The olives are not in season so the factory is closed. We did get to see how the production line works and each of the processes for producing that great Extra Virgin Olive Oil we love to eat! The EVO oil comes from the earliest harvest. The olives are all still very green on the trees and it requires a very large volume of olives to produce EVO. Those olives must be pressed within 2 days of being picked. 100K of olives yields 13L of oil.... 220lbs. yeild 3.4 gallons. The acidity level must be below 1% to classify it in the EVO status. I have a much better understanding to why Olive oil costs what it does!!

Then we were on to one of the oldest lemon groves in Sorrento and to taste some wine from the grove owner. He makes a very small amount each year. His family consumes it, he sells it to some small restaurants & we drink it here at Mami Camilla's if we pick rosso wine for dinner! The wife of this grove owner prepared bruchetta, sat out assorted cheeses & meats for sampling with the wine and welcomed us into her home. It turns out the lady that shuttled us to on the tour and translated for the cheese & oil proprietors grew up on this lemon grove! She shared some wonderful history regarding Sorrento, the wines & the people of this area. What a morning!

I ended my time at Il Buco on Friday. The restaurant was very busy those last two nights and I continued to be amazed at how quickly the evenings went. Also how the "hot" menu item of the evening is ever changing! Pasta with Clam sauce one night and octopus the next. It was difficult to say good bye to this amazing group of people. Even with the language barrier we formed a good working relationship and the beginnings of friendships. One young man is coming to the states in the winter (Chicago... Ouch!) and shared his email so we can maybe connect when he arrives. Ciro, my chef, refused to say good-bye and made me promise to come to dinner before I departed Sorrento. SO... just Tuesday evening I had dinner and let the chef decide my menu. The photos are posted and you can see what my seven (yes 7) courses were! Upon my departure from dinner Tuesday there were hugs and kisses, promises to return & a reminder that the keys to the restaurant would always be available & that I had a new family there at Il Buco! My cup (and my heart) runneth over!

The weekend involved a 10 mile hike with one of my fellow students. We departed Mami Camilla's at 10:30AM to begin our journey. The Sorrentine peninsula is really rather small and manageable. The tourist office offers hiking path suggestions for those who wish to discover the area by foot or bicycle. We chose route 1A to Massa Lubrense. After a uphill climb through crooked narrow streets (upon which I was certain this 45 year old body was going to give out) we arrived in the charming little town of Massa. We treated our selves to some lunch and gelato and then set out again. This time we hopped a bus to Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi and planned to hike back down the hills to Sorrento. Sant'Agata is THE MOST IDYLLIC little town! It name comes from being the highest town on the Sorrentine peninsula and due golfi literally means both the bays can be seen from the town. The bay of Salerno & the bay of Napoli. We wanted to bring route 3A back into town but had a difficult time finding it so we followed the main road. We could see our destination at the bottom of the hills but the road we were on seemed to be leading us away from there.... eventually we were in areas that seemed familiar and arrived back into town. We hit the door at Mami Camilla's at 6:30PM. Best I can figure we walked for 6 hours! What an afternoon! I exercised my body, took in an abundance of fresh air & learned a good deal about a new friend....Galley (She works as a chef in the yachting industry)!!

Sunday Galley and I had yet another adventure. The island of Ischia has been of interest to me since arriving here & I wanted to make the trip before my time ran out. I was up and ready early and she asked if she might join me for the day. Absolutely! The boat to Ischia departs Sorrento port at 9:30AM (only once a day) and returns from Ischia at 5:30PM (again only one boat!). We arrived on the island without a set plan so our first stop was the tourist office then on to grab a caffe to plan our day. I knew there were wineries on the island as it is an old volcano & the soil is rich for grape production. We grabbed a bus and took the 30min ride to the opposite of the island to a little town called Forio. After a brief visit with the bus driver (she speaks better Italian than I) he agreed to let us know the stop we needed. It was an adventure! We managed to locate Pietratorcia (rock-smasher) Winery. For a small fee we tasted 4 wines each (she ~ rosso's / I ~ bianco's) and tasted some great olives & cheeses. This little winery still makes wine in the old fashion way. They use the Pietra (Stone) and teeter totter method to crush the grapes. The vineyard is only 8 acres big so the production is very small. The wines are great and they ship to America!! Wahoo! Check out the website if you are interested in Ischia wines! http://www.pietratorcia.it/. We then took the young ladies suggestion for a restaurant in the next town over. Seafood antipasta, Fish for main course and some wine... We met the chef, sang with the waiter & singing stroller. We escaped just in time to make the last bus that would get us to the port to catch the 5:30 ferry.... LITERALLY just made it! I ran as fast as these legs would take me to the dock while Galley was tripping along behind. We decided there may have been something more in that wine than wine .... an Italian mickey perhaps?

My chef from Il Buco had set up an Olive Oil tour and tasting at Olio Gargiulo! I arrived at 9:30AM and toured the plant and tasted 7 different oils. This facility is much larger than the one from the week previous & they produce and ship oils all over the world. Out front they have the original stone & crushing mechanism from 1847 on display. The process has changed a great deal over the years I can't imagine how hard the donkey turning the stone had to work to produce 1L of oil in those days!!!

It's early in the morning the day of my departure from my home in Italy. I am melancholy. Ready to go but wanting to stay. I pray that someday I will be blessed and able to Torna a Sorrento.....

Things I am missing....

I woke up Monday morning and decided that I was a bit homesick... It had finally happened. I realize that for many of you this may seem odd. She is in a beautiful place, a foreign country that conjures up all kinds of romantic thoughts about art, history, food, men... what could possibly make this woman homesick? I miss my stuff, my family, my little furry friends ~ George & Olive, my people friends.... These longings for the familiar bring me also to a list of other items I miss about America ... home.

• Venti sized Starbucks Coffee (Italian Roast of course)


• Chips & Salsa


• Guacamole!


• Ranch salad dressing


• Driving my car


• Hamburgers with MUSTARD!


• Ice Cold Skim Milk!

It's odd that such silly things could be so easily missed. Honestly, Ranch Dressing? Last week I was really hungry for a big tossed salad (yes, a bit tired of pasta & pizza) and went to the local market to pick up some veggies. I then stopped by the grocery store to grab some croutons & dressing. NOTHING in the way of dressings beyond vinegar & oil!!! I was so distressed! Not even any mustard to concoct something in the kitchen here. How can it be that Italian's don't enjoy any type of salad dressings beyond the olive oil & balsamic vinegar so prevalent in this country? It's likely another reason why Italians seems so much healthier.

One thing I have not missed is "Patatine" or potato Chips! They remain a weakness of mine, even in Italy! I continue to indulge and nibble on them from time to time. Chef Biagio likes to tease me by attempting to take them when I am not looking. He's such kidder! If he only knew that getting between me and my chips could mean war!

My time at the restaurant has been enlightening. I knew from the start that working the line in a high pressured restaurant was not what I wanted from this career change. This experience has simply confirmed that fact. I would like to do some catering, work for a country club, teach some classes & maybe work with recipe testing and such. There are so many other things involved with food that it is silly to lock into the restaurant when that is not your passion. If I were 20 years younger my perspective on this might be different but some how I don't really think so. The high pressure of the "rush" has never been interesting to me. I remember my food service classes at Purdue 25 years ago and experiencing this same reaction. My hat goes off those those who do choose this path with a Culinary career! They are the ones who make it happen when we all head out to our favorite restaurants.

Il Buco (The Hole) is a wonderful restaurant. The team there has been very kind to me. Only one Chef there speaks fluent English & while my Italian classes did help me with some basics they were not enough to prepare me for the whole experience. I find myself constantly asking for more explanation and "piano, piano" ... "slowly, slowly" so that I can get a better understanding of what they are attempting to tell me. It's frustrating for me & I am sure for them as well. If I am sent to the cooler for something that I am not 100% sure of I may come out of the walk-in with two items and give the "this or this" hand motion. There have been times when I am sent to retrieve something and simply can't find it. I'm generally in there longer than normal and Uri (the young man who is in training in the kitchen) is sent to find me & the item I am to be getting. It can be embarrassing and I just shrug and hand the needed request over to the chef. I am learning a ton and grateful that they are patient with me. The Chef will say "Darling, can't you stay and work until September" (the end of the tourist season) .... I must be doing somethings right!!

"Darling" ... "Girl" ... these are common terms I have heard since being here in Italy. I can't begin to express how lovely it sounds with an Italian accent so you'll just have to take my word on this one! To some it may seem condescending but I hear it as a term of endearment and simply accept it. The thing that can be rather un-nerving is the frequent slowing down of cars and the staring that occurs as they drive by, the beeping & the waving of Italian men at American women. Sometimes I feel as if I am from another planet ... I don't think that I look all that different than any other girl that walks through town. Nor do the other girls from Mami Camilla's. Perhaps it's simply obvious we are tourists and they want to make us feel welcome...?

On Saturday I went to Napoli (Naples) for the day with 4 other students. It was a girls day out and we had a ball! We took the ferry across the bay into the city and using a guide book took a walking tour through one of the oldest and most historic sections of the city. We traversed past Castel Nuovo and Fontana di Nettuno, Naples' finest baroque fountain, and on to the narrow streets of the city. If you take a moment to view my photos you will see shots of Basillica di San Giorgio Maggiore, the Duomo, Cappella Sansevero & Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo. After a little nibble on baba and other local pastries we took a trip through Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground). This underground world had once been the aqueduct water system for the Romans & those who resided in the city of Napoli until the mid 19th century. During World War II this space served as a bomb shelter and "home" for many of the Italian refugees.

After a long day of walking and seeing the sites we stopped at Pizzeria da Michele for a bite of their famous pizza! You get two choices at this vintage spot, Margherita or Marinara. We showed up, took our ticket and waited our 30 minutes hanging around outside until lucky #73 was called! I have to say that the pizza was good but it's not the best I have had since being here. It was a bit too soggy in the center for my taste as I like my crust crunchy and crisp.

There is a "wanta be" romance going on here at Mami Camillas Cooking School. A young woman arrived from Chicago 2 weeks ago and one of the guys who has been here since April has become rather smitten with her. In all honesty they would make a cute couple but the problem is she is not at all interested. Because this place is small and everyone is generally together ~all the time~ doing something ~ it's hard to escape the ensuing drama unfolding before me. He is talking with her room-mates to work that angle. She is asking her room-mates what to do and how to dis-interest him? She doesn't encourage him but she doesn't go out of her way to be rude either. That may be what happens next as he just isn't getting the hint!

My experience here is reaching the end. It's hard to believe that in less than 3 weeks I will wake up in my own bed in Atlanta, GA. I'll keep you posted on my final adventures here in Italy! There are still things to see, things to eat & wine to drink!

Ciao!

Arancini di Riso

• 500 grams rice (use Arborio, type for risotto)


• 60 grams pecorino cheese, grated


• Saffron


• 3 eggs


• 100 grams fresh peas or frozen peas, blanched


• 20 grams fresh mushrooms, chopped fine


• 1/2 liter bechmel sauce


• 5 T fresh basil, chopped


• Salt to taste


• 120 grams mozzarella cheese (diced into cubes)


• Flour for dredging


• Egg, beaten for dredging


• Bread-crumbs for dredging


• Vegetable or Sunflower Oil

Make the risotto rice using water or vegetable stock. Add Saffron. When rice is done add bechmel sauce. Allow it to cook a bit then pecorino cheese & beaten eggs. Mix well.

Form balls using your hands (2" diameter). You may want a bowl of water to help limit the stickiness and to create the smooth ball. Using your fingers make an indentation in the center of the ball. In the center of the ball stuff a few peas, chopped mushrooms, mozzarella cube & basil. Seal the ball back up.

Dredge the ball in flour, dip in mixed egg and roll in breadcrumbs.

Fry the balls in hot oil. Either using a stock pot full of oil or a large amount in a frying pan. Fry them until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towel and serve while hot.

Serving options:

• Topped with a bit of tomato sauce


• Chopped tomatoes, basil & olive oil


• Cheese sauce using a bit of remaining bechmel sauce

Buon Appetito!

A-M-azing!

A-M-azing is a term created by fellow student here at Mami Camillas. I borrow it to reflect upon few things these past several days.... amazing....

A-M-azing morning sky's

A-M-azing views of Sorrento and surrounding areas

A-M-azing experience at Il Buco

A-M-azing culinary nibbles

I have mentioned time and again that I think the skies here are the most lovely and blue I have ever seen. I am greeted daily by this glorious site! I must wonder if it is the reflection of the water combined with the sky that causes it to be so blue? The honeysuckle has bloomed and everywhere I walk I air is bursting with this wonderful spring fragrance. The mere smell of it takes me right back to being a very little girl and playing in our drive way on Ridge Street, we had honeysuckle growing near our side door to the house. It filled the kitchen and TV room with such a sweet fresh aroma.

My walks through la citta (the city) have taken me to new places I have seen from a distance but had not traversed. I happened upon the series of steps that send you to the bottom of a gorge area and down to Marina Piccola. I then walked the winding via L. de Maio back to Piazza Tasso. I have walked the small side streets off of Corso Italia to find new and interesting ways back to my home away from home. Each excursion sprinkled with the vibrant culture of this small town and these people. You have to get off the main roads to see the real people of Sorrento and Sant'Angello as these are bustling tourist locations... and the season had definitely begun! It seems that 2-3 ocean liners arrive weekly and bus loads of folks come from the surrounding cities to see this little slice of heaven on the Bay of Napoli.

My experience began a week ago at Il Buco. Let me just say that the Italian class I took didn't help too much with my preparations for kitchen communication! Ciro (Cheer-O) is the main chef that I work with, he is also incidentally the only one who speaks fluent English. But hey, I am the stranger in their kitchen and so it weighs on me to be very good at sign language and such in order to understand the tasks I am to complete during my time there! As well as using my little dictionary as much as possible to "get it". They are WONDERFUL!! Each of the Chefs (there are three) and the line cooks are willing to show me what they do, how they do it and to let me help out.

I could not have drawn a more lucky straw with my assignment to Il Buco. This restaurant is a Michelin Two Star and the kitchen is BEAUTIFUL!!! Unlike many restaurants in the US (those I have seen anyway) the investment has been equally dispersed between the dining room and the kitchen. American restaurants tend to lean to more dining room space to account for more tables, in theory more revenue generation. Il Buco has an intimate dining room and a decent sized kitchen complete with a custom built Molteni range and Electrolux commercial products. Having worked for Electrolux I am familiar with both lines, Molteni is owned by Electrolux and is far and away the preferred chef chosen equipment. The Molteni unit is roughly 15 feet long and includes a 3 basket hot water bath for cooking pasta, a flat top griddle & grill, 6 large cook anywhere Induction burners, steam table for baine marie's & large work area. The kitchen also includes a salamander, a deep fry station, 2 steam convection ovens & 4 portable induction burners. Marble and stainless steel counter tops, numerous refrigeration drawers, a walk in, smaller built in refrigerator units and freezers. It is a chef's dream kitchen and I have been given the opportunity to experience this luxury! How lucky for me!!

The schedule is mine to make. If I work in the mornings I arrive at 9:30am and assigned any number of various tasks. Here is a list just to name a few...

Clean Squid ... three step process, turn the head inside out, remove the brains and other organs; turn it over and slice the heart/gland area to release the black blood type liquid, then flip over again and remove the mouth.

Chop parsley

Peel lemons and julienne the rind for the lemon risotto

Form small bite sized "hamburgers" out of ground veal & pork

Slice the buns for bite sized "hamburgers"

Slice cherry tomatoes into thirds for bite sized hamburgers

Slice mini cucumbers (pickles) for bite sized hamburgers

Quarter cherry tomatoes

Remove pits for olives

Clean anchovies .... separate with fingers & remove the bone, divide in two slices, soak in olive oil

Dinner shift begins at 6pm and we set up the stations for service. I have worked the pasta line and the grilling station. During these events I assist the chef and have gotten to prepare a few dishes on my own to send out. Now... I think that only being there a week is pretty cool! This is a very exclusive and expensive restaurant. It's all built on consistency and quality. I am thrilled to simply be involved in the process. I can't even list the things I am learning regarding the workings of this A-M-azing kitchen!!

Meals for the workers are cena familiare (family style). We all sit down around 11:30am and 7:00pm to enjoy a meal together and prepare for service. The food is really plentiful and delicious. On average there are anywhere from 10 to 16 people at any given time. The majority of us are kitchen staff and the balance is made up of dishwashers, servers and the owner. It's a very family atmosphere and even though I don't speak the language well enough to regularly participate in conversation I am very welcomed and feel very comfortable and very much a part of the group. On my third night there I was offered a ride home by Ciro on the stipulation that I stop with the group for a beer at a local watering hole. Very fun! The next two weeks here will go very quickly as I work one or two shifts a day, taking the opportunity to learn all that I can in this experience and wish I have been grated!! A-M-azing!!

Just after my last post our little group of culinary students made a trip two hours into the mountains to a little village called Avellino. We went to an A-M-azing winery called Mastroberardino. It is one of the oldest and most respected winery's in southern Italy and it's still being run by the 10th generation of the Berardino family. We tasted 3 wines; a white, rose & a delicious red. I wanted to purchase some and send it home but because they distribute in the states... that was not an option. So... I had to buy some to pack in my suit case... afraid I would not find it in Atlanta!? Regretting that plan and considering consuming prior to my departure! This is what happens when you taste/drink wine and then immediately head to the winery store. A lesson I should have learned in France and Napa Valley....

I know that some of you are missing my stories about fellow students... there simply have not been an abundance of ones to share. However, a new fella has arrived from Chicago. He is an older student and a bit of a neck (red that is). This is all going to sound rather judgemental and much like the story I will share but in reverse.... but here goes! A young lady arrived last week and her luggage had been lost in transit to Italy. One of those character building experiences she was handling the situation really well! The airline did have a bead on her items, they had been left behind at JFK and were in route to Sorrento and due to be here within 24 hours. In my experience, since 9/11, it's really unusual for items to not STAY with passengers. But it does happen... Anyway, in discussing the situation Hip shared a story about having to wait for passengers that didn't show up for a plane and when they didn't get to the plane having to wait for their luggage to be found and removed from the plane storage area. The young lady commented in wonderment as to where they were, I laughed and said probably in a bar enjoying a beer and Neck says... or in a Mosque. And right there I had a complete and total view of this man's opinions .... I just looked at him across the table and said how totally inappropriate that comment was. He has made several other comments that continue to solidify my initial perspective. Needless to say, I steer clear and am SO thankful to NOT be in the kitchen with this group!!

Yesterday after working the morning shift I took a little walk and ended up at Bellevue Syrene. This lovely old hotel rises from the foundations of a Roman Villa dating back to the II Century B.C. and had been owned by an Emperor of Rome. This villa was built on that foundation in 1750 as a summer home for the Count Mastrobuono & his family. In 1820 it became a small hotel. There is a lovely restaurant bar that overlooks the bay and Mt. Vesuvius. Just breath taking!

Wednesday I decided to take my evening meal at a lovely little spot in Sant'Angello. Ciao Toto is owned by a young man and a friend of the family here at Mami Camilla's. I had an A-M-azing meal! Beef Carpaccio, Branzino (Italian Seabass) and Panacotta were my choices along with a great bottle of wine. Unfortunately... my system is not used to raw meat, especially beef and I have felt the effects for several days. As wonderful as it was the evening of dinner, I won't be choosing that antipasto choice again any time soon! UGH!

Prior to dinner on Wednesday a few of the other girls and I made a trip to Herculaneum. This little village was also destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on August 24, 79AD along with Pompeii. It was buried in superheated pyroclastic material that solidified into volcanic tuff and changed the landscape forever. The ocean beach front is now roughly 1 km farther than it was in 79AD. The town is preserved much differently than Pompeii and the place was A-M-azing! Enjoy the link and walk through this bit of history with me.

My time is drawing to a close... only a few weeks left. Many things to see, much food to eat and TONS of things to learn in the Kitchen!!

Ciao, finche la prossima volta!

An unfortunate happening....

Salve! Come stai? I hope this finds you better than I have been feeling the last 12 hours. As you likely have figured out, I love animals. They love you unconditionally, most love to be petted & made over and are simply tender little souls who require humans to thrive in this sometimes unkind world. Those unfortunate ones who manage to survive on the streets without the love and attention are the ones that truly tug at my heart. And here in Sorrento... there seems to be several.



Last evening after class and before dinner, I went with a fellow student to the little corner store to pick up some wine. On our way back and less than 30 feet from the front door of Mami Camilla's a kitty was struck by a car. The driver of the vehicle kept on going ... a hit and run. I quickly put my items down on the sidewalk and ran into the street to help the little friend. I scooped her up to carry her to the side walk.... she died in my arms. I don't think I have cried like that in weeks. I gingerly laid her down on the sidewalk and ran to my room for a towel. With her wrapped up, I simply held her and cried for this little lost love. With the help of one of my class mates (who volunteered to climb the fence to the lemon grove next door) we buried her. I am not sure but she may be one of the little pals I met my first day here. A black and white and very friendly friend. If it wasn't her, she was her twin. It doesn't matter, all I know is that she left body in the arms of a loving pet owner. My heart is broken.



On the weekend I had the opportunity to spend some time in Positano... if you have seen the movie Under the Tuscan Sun you might recall Marcello asking Frances ... "What brings you to Positano?". She had made the trip from Tuscany to the coast to see him and he was otherwise engaged... D'allora, my reasons for heading to Positano was simpler; I went to see the sites, eat the food and enjoy the beach.

I have come to the conclusion that the most heart healthy and fit people must live in Positano! There are stairs EVERYWHERE!! And I don't mean 7-10 here or there... I mean some 400+ from the street I stayed on to the beach! If you ever have the opportunity to visit this charming Italian city bring your walking shoes & walking STICK! Because of the stairs the general mode of transportation is walking. My little hotel .... 73 steps from the street level to the lobby. The view breathtaking... the knees a little sore!

As I watched people throughout the weekend I had to wonder about the logistics of life in this little slice of heaven. There is no way the 7 bags of groceries from Martin's or the laundry basket and box loads of items from Sam's club would make it up those steps!! Not to mention attempting to deliver furniture or appliances. How does it happen? It's pretty impossible not to mention expensive to build a lift on the side of a mountain simply to deliver a new sofa!

Life in general is simply different here in Italy. First of all, as Americans, we are so programed to driving everywhere. People walk here, ride scooters, bikes or take the bus. Stopping once at Walmart or Target for our items and making 2-3 trips from the car trunk to the house 50 feet away. The stores and grocery stores we shop at are owned by faceless people hundreds of miles (maybe thousands!) away from our cities. No longer do we visit la macelleria (the butcher shop) for our meat, la panetteria (the bakery) for our bread or mercato del pesce (the fish market) for our fish & seafood. Not to mention that those businesses are no longer owned by Mr. Jones or Mr. Bennett. We no longer know our droghiere verde (green grocer) but purchase vegetables from some supermarket that provides "fresh vegetables" that were not picked at the peak of freshness but earlier than when ready so they can be shipped from Mexico to appear fresh in the produce section of some store in the Midwest! My grandfather was a green grocer, he had a little shop down town LaPorte, IN in the 40's called Bilger & Sons... I wonder what he would think of all this progress that would have ultimately put his family out of business had the tradition of the store continued...

As a society we have lost touch with those simpler times of life. And trust me... I am as guilty as the next person regarding the things we call the conveniences of life! But what is really happening with all of this progress? We no longer are involved in peoples lives and livelihood. On the theory of seeking value we are trading our dollars out of our local neighborhood and into the pockets of large companies (read the book Big Box Swindle ~ S. Mitchell if interested in learning more). Food picked before it's ready and shipping in time to look pretty sacrifices taste and nutrients. As we continue to purchase from large producers and have less and less control over where and how our food is grown the less healthy a nation we will become. The less and less connected we will be as a community......

Wow... not sure what prompted all that but thank you for hanging in!

Today I went to the local market here in Sorrento. Sorrento is a tourist town and many things are rather expensive. The market is where the local residents seek out many different items from clothing to shoes to electronics; cosmetics, fabrics and food are also available. It occurs every Tuesday morning from around 9AM to 1PM or so. It was great! I picked up a pair of jeans for 10 euro and a pair of cheater reading glasses for 3 euro!!! OUTSTANDING!!

Then on the walk home the meat packers were delivering meat to a local macelleria! They were so tickled that I was snapping photos of this seemingly crazy event that they posed! When we initially saw this and before I could pull my camera out of the bag, the fella in red outside of the truck was carrying an entire side of pork on his shoulder! It was wild!!

So today ended my time in the kitchen cooking at Mami Camillas. I begin in the kitchen at Il Buco here in Sorrento on Friday. Il Buco is an interesting, upscale restaurant in the heart of Sorrento. It is the only Michelin Star restaurant in the near area. I am nervous and excited to begin the final phase of my externship. It's hard to believe that four weeks have passed already and I am moving into the home stretch here in this beautiful country.

Take a look at the newest photos and enjoy the sites. Be sure to check back to albums you have already viewed as I add photos to "In the kitchen" and "Dogs & Cats" regularly!

Ciao!

To Market to Market to buy a BIG FISH!!!

It was a weekend full of experiences!!! Capri & the Napoli Fish Market!!





Sunday morning I was up at 3:30AM to hit the road for the Napoli Fish Market!!! Chef Biagio, a guest of the B&B as well as two other students and I left Sant'Angello at 4AM to drive the curvy roads and head through the tunnels to see what kind of treasures we could find. The market is open from 2 to 6AM. We were there in time to pickup a bag of clams, a tub of razor shell clams, mussels, oysters & a few large snapper for our Sunday afternoon and evening meals. The adventure ended with an outstanding cup of cappuccino and a cream filled croissant. The industrious deli owner who owns the little place at the end of the market has a gold mine! His offerings were Delicious and he captures all the traffic of the market early every morning!





With much encouragement (that overcame my hesitation) I sampled my first raw razor shell clam & raw mussel at the market. Chef said that is really the only way to determine the freshness and certainly flavor! So... before 6AM I was sampling raw shell fish!! I suppose I can no longer truly beg off when offered sushi on the pretense that eating raw fish is "not my thing".





We were back in Sant'Angello at Mami's by 7AM before the rest of the house even began to stir. For lunch we prepared fresh pasta and steamed up all the clams & mussels. The oysters were devoured raw, on the half shell. It was an outstanding meal shared with all of didn't make it up to join the party. For dinner we enjoyed the snapper fillets.





Saturday I made the trip to Capri on the Capitano Ago boat .... what a remarkable place! You'll see from the photos how incredible the water is and the views! They are even hard to describe. The photos will tell the story! I enjoyed my favorite treat.... gelato... pistachio. It was a rather small cup and it was 5 euro... so roughly $7! But, it was really just about the best gelato I have ever had in my life. Not a drop was left in the cup!!





I began my last week in the kitchen here at Mami Camillas and next week will be moving to a local restaurant in Sorrento. I am a bit nervous about the transition because my Italian is SO rudimentary. The 3 weeks I have had have in language class have not been enough to get me ready but at least I know the critical kitchen terms so I can understand if I am to boil water or cut up an onion! We'll just have to see how that goes!!



There is so much to see and do here and the time is flying by! Heading to Positano this weekend and I am certain that I'll have wonderful photos and food stories to share!



Torta Caprese.... almond torte!



500g sugar + 1 T

250 g margarine

500 g white chocolate (chopped and broken into small pieces)

12 eggs ~ separated

100 g flour

500 g. roasted almonds

Zest of 5 lemons

pinch of vanilla



Cream the margarine & sugar.

Add the white chocolate, blend until mixed

Add egg yolks and mix thoroughly

Once almonds are roasted, chop finely in food processor

Add the almonds to the mix and blend well.



Whip egg whites and 1T of sugar



Fold the egg whites & flour into the batter

Add the pinch of vanilla



Bake 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes (until knife comes out clean)



Sprinkle top with powdered sugar & serve on a plate dusted with cocoa.

Lo Chef del Gatto Nero

"The Black Cat Chef" in Italian!!! Just in case you wondered... this is a new photo of her too!

Ciao from Italy! I am mid-way through my third week here in Sorrento and finally working into a routine. We began our Italian speaking classes last week and I am not catching on as quickly as I would like. Italian is a beautiful language and every time I attempt to say something I just feel like I am butchering it. Those who are forced to be on the receiving end of my utterances must be thinking the same! Most of them simply smile and nod.... I often wonder what exactly those reactions might mean...... I am getting along OK if I read it. Just don't make me respond! My brother picked up this groovy hand electronic translator for me. It works well and has helped with my ability to pronounce some of the standard phrases.

Daily I rise and open my drapes to take a peek and see what the weather might hold for the day. The past few mornings have been crystal blue sky shining back at me. I clean up and head to the breakfast room. My morning meal consists to brioche, butter, cheese & thinly sliced ham or salami. The last few mornings have also included caprese salad... tomatoes, basil & mozzarella cheese. Occasionally, I'll change it up and have a medium fried egg and bacon. Caffe American & orange juice. I really love breakfast in Europe. I wonder WHY don't I prepare and have these delicious choices in my refrigerator at home in America everyday? I fell in love with these offerings during my first trip to Germany in 1993. While there my favorite meal of the day was fruhstuck.... it's prima calazione here in Italy! I am making this vow to myself. Upon my return to home I will more frequently indulge in this type of start to my day rather than the cereal, toast, oatmeal or eggs!!

As I mentioned in my last blog, I had an incident with my glasses & have been forced to wear my "cheaters". They are working OK but I am finding that I have a few headaches.... on Tuesday I was forced to tape them together!!! I wear them only here at the B&B, not out in public. Don't want to look too odd! But all of this taping of glasses recalled a story from years ago when I had my little shop (Esprit Decor) in downtown South Bend. I had a few local characters that would frequent the store and just want to hang out and visit. One such individual lived near the store in a rented apartment. He would take his afternoon meals at the local Mission or soup kitchen and then come by to visit. He wore glasses..... One Saturday morning a friend of mine was there to help me and he was at the counter while I was helping a customer. This local came in and my friend simply greeted him and said "hello, how are you today?" The response... "Well, look at me... LOOK AT ME! How do you think I am?" And here was this fella with his glasses all taped together with black electrician's tape!! My friend wanted to bust out laughing.... and we did once he left. It was NOT funny that his glasses had been taped together, he had actually been beaten up the evening before. But the reaction, the total incense that the tragedy of taped glasses had gone un-noticed!! That was what was so very funny. So, as I taped my glasses together (with clear tape) I could only chuckle at that memory ... and wonder how that fella might be doing?

I have fallen in love this Lola the resident dog! She follows me everywhere and jumps up on my lap to snuggle nearly every time I sit down. There are animals all over this town! Most have collars and assumable therefore homes. A few don't but still seem well fed. There are also kitty's.... yesterday on my way home from another trip to do laundry I met a whole slew of them! There had to be 10-12 cats living in this apartment complex and they all came out to meet me as I walked by. I have established a photo album entitled "The dogs & cats of Sorrento" on the photo link. You'll be able to see all the friends I make on my daily walks to and from town!

The solitude I have created for myself these past months is being invaded and I find that it's problematic for me! The beauty of the situation surrounding the knucklehead brigade in Atlanta was that I could go home to my little nest and escape them.... NOT the case here in Sorrento! We all live and work at Mami Camilla's and there is little ability to escape them. The way things are set up here, the internet does not work in our rooms. We must be in the common areas of the house (lobby, back and front patio) to pick-up the wireless connection. I have managed to find a little nook here and there to carve out some quiet time to read/write email, talk on skype with family and friends, search for employment in the states & write to you on my blog! It is becoming more challenging to find those places as every-time I find one... one of my fellow students also thinks it's a cool idea and location and then they all invade. UGH! The madness! It's a challenge to be an adult surrounded by 20-somethings who have the mentality of 15 year olds. Thank goodness for earphones and classical & jazz music on my computer!!!

So here is what's been happening in the kitchen. I think I mentioned that we have two different chefs ... Augustino & Biagio. They have very different teaching styles and while they both have a fiery Italian temper, Biagio's is a slower burn ... Augustino just let's you have it! Fortunately for me, I have not been on the receiving end on any of the tirades. While I am always in the kitchen when they happen, I am minding my own job! The guys have a tendency to chit-chat in the kitchen, actually they chat more than girls do! The other students who are working in town sometimes hang around while we are in the kitchen and "watch". But, this causes a distraction for the chit chatters. So, here's what happened last Friday.... one of them dropped a bowl of chopped chocolate & butter on the floor. Another didn't add enough flour to the pasta while rolling it out and it was sticky and uneven the other burnt the garlic .... I was just doing my job of frying potatoes for the potato Parmesan. Allora, this series of events simply put the chef over the edge. I am not 100% sure what he was saying as it was mostly in Italian. But, he made it clear that the chatting needed to STOP! We needed to pay attention to what we were doing and that this experience is for us, he knows how to cook! We paid money to be here and that we need to be making the most out of everything! For the first week he was pretty easy on us and now we are thinking he is an ASShole ( it's great how the Italians say this word, all the emphasis on the front half of the word & the back half just falls off) but that's too bad. Either be mentally in the kitchen when you are here or don't come back!

Please don't hear me say that I am always doing things the right way. I don't! But, I am paying attention, taking notes and asking questions. If the chef tells you how to make pasta & shows the proper way to roll it out. He does not expect to have to tell you again. As a chef we are to be responsible for writing things down, be it measurements, techniques, or hints for ourselves to recall the process. Once you are in a kitchen "working" it's expected that you come with the basic knowledge required to do the job and your own process for solidifying the new things required to work in that kitchen. It's really no different than being a Brand Manager, as Sales Executive or a Lawyer. You know how to perform the job, you simply need to understand how the new companies process work. While things are very relaxed here it doesn't mean we are to be relaxed and on holiday!

I went to Naples (Napoli) last weekend. I took in the art at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, the National Archaeological Museum. It was amazing to see the sculptures and artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as other parts of Italy. For the last two weeks of April all the museums and historic sites have been free. I was able to save a few euro on admission so I rented the audio guide to make my experience more enjoyable. The only thing I didn't like about it was giving up my ID (passport) in order to rent the silly little machine. I guess that it is a hot item and this is the only way the museum had decided they can safe guard themselves from theft! TOTALLY uncomfortable with that process but when I attempted to decline the use of the machine the man behind the counter got all huffy and showed me a whole file full of the ID's and acted as if I was being unreasonable..... So, off I went without my passport to view the stone and marble statues larger than the average sized human.

Napoli.... if this is the first and only city someone sees upon arriving in Italy they will be very disappointed. In my opinion, it is the dirtiest city I have ever seen!! Before traversing to the train station here in Sant Angello that morning the folks here at the B&B made a point of telling me to be sure to mind my belongings, not to wear any jewelry, and not to buy anything from a street vendor! I understand that the architecture is fabulous but I can honestly tell you that I saw nothing beyond the museum and the train station. I will not be going back alone either. So, if I am to see any of the architecture I'll need to make some friends who will want to go with me!

One of my favorite sauces is "puttanesca". I asked Chef if we could possibly learn this sauce and he said "remember me" which is the term used frequently in Italy for "remind me"! So, this week we prepared Spaghetti alla Puttanesca. Now, there are several theories as to how this sauce came about. It origin is Campania, which is the state where Naples & Sorrento are. It reflects the common things in the market rather than the garden. Loosely translated it is called "whore's spaghetti". One story goes that the inspiration came from some people arriving at at restaurant late when the kitchen was low on ingredients. The hungry men said to "facci una puttanata qualsiasi" which means to "make any kind of garbage". Puttanata is a noun meaning something worthless or something easy to prepare. It also is a derivative of the Italian word for whore... puttana. The chef in this instance had only tomatoes, olives and capers. Another story goes that it is also known as "spaghetti alla buona donna" or "good woman's spaghetti" because it contains of ingredients found in most Italian pantrys. Personally... I like the first story because it is more colorful and Puttanesca is a fun word to say!

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

3 Tablespoons Olive oil

1 Anchovy

4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

2/3 cup capers

1 cup kalamata olives (pitted)

2 - 15oz cans of peeled tomatoes

24 oz of halved cherry tomatoes

**You can use all of one kind of tomatoes if you prefer. If using just fresh cherry tomatoes you may need to add some liquid.

small handful of dried oregano

small handful of fresh parsley, chopped

black pepper (salt to taste)

Add the oil, anchovy & garlic to pan. Let the garlic begin to brown. Add the capers, olives, tomatoes, oregano & pepper. Let this cook down a bit, 20-30 minutes. Stir in the fresh parsley & season with salt if needed.

Using store bought spaghetti is OK with this dish as the flavor of the sauce is so powerful it would overwhelm the fresh pasta flavor.

Toss the sauce with the pasta. Spoon out in large ball onto plate. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve. You don't need cheese on this sauce! It totally changes the taste and you lose the true flavor!!!

You are all just rising in the US as it is 6:10AM Friday morning when I am publishing this. Enjoy your day and your weekend. I thing that tomorrow I will head to the island of Capri and Sunday perhaps to Herculaneum. There are so many things to see and experience that I don't want to miss a thing! It's hard to believe that I am ending my third week here already!

Ciao!