I like San Gimignano in the early morning, when it is still not crowded with tourists, when you see the local people passing along the streets almost incredulous to have San Gimignano for themselves, yet still for just a few more minutes. I like it when the footsteps echo on the cobbled shady streets, resounding [...]

Posted in Autumn, Desserts, Pies and Tarts, Spring, Summer, Tuscan Recipes, Winter 22 Comments »

My granddad Remigio used to walk with a cane, more for habit than necessity, and often waved it like Charlie Chaplin. He also had the same funny walk, and loved to wear his hat at a jaunty. Once in a while, when mum was at work, I spent an afternoon with him in San Gimignano. Our main [...]

Posted in Autumn, Baked Good, Cakes, Desserts, Pies and Tarts, Spring, Summer, Tuscan Recipes, Winter 33 Comments »

I am fond of hedgerows, they have always had a powerful appeal on me. They grow patiently along the roads, or between the fields, every year they change colours according to the seasons and offer a shelter to small animals. They stand there, casting a mysterious spell on what lies beneath, hidden from the view [...]

Posted in Baked Good, Desserts, Pies and Tarts, Summer 32 Comments »

There are many things that make me happy. An evening spent in a cinema to watch a Hollywood movie, one of those you have been waiting for months and that gives you the shivers right from the opening credits, with a bag of caramel popcorn, your glasses to see clearly from the distance  and not miss a [...]

Posted in Baked Good, Desserts, Pies and Tarts, Summer 39 Comments »

When the summer shines throughout the season with joy and pride, I have just a humble desire: a rainy afternoon. Wait, wait, do not misunderstand me. I love long sunny days, a refreshing shadow under the lime trees and my toes curling with pleasure into the soft sea sand. For all the year I long [...]

Posted in Baked Good, Desserts, Pies and Tarts, Summer 11 Comments »