If you are like me and you like a spice to your dish, then perhaps you need to try some of the wonderful recipes from Basilicata which are renowed for their fire and flavor, with the liberal use of peperoncini. The peppers from this region can be found in...
The Casa de las Chimeneas (House of the Seven Chimneys) is one of the rare intact dwellings in Madrid that dates back to the sixteenth century. Until almost a century ago, a dark legend surrounded this building, which today houses the Spanish Ministry of Culture. It is said...
I love cooking dishes that are designed to be shared and if there is one reason above all others why I love Spanish food is that it so easily falls into this category. Of course, that reason is really just an excuse to prepare Spanish dishes as quite frankly...
There is much that is strikingly beautiful about this painting, The Venetian Paolo Veronese (Paolo Caliari) (1528-1588) is said to have painted this c.1580 and it is currently held in Room X of the Pinacoteca at the Vatican. Here we see Helena (ca.248/50 – 330) adorned as a noblewoman, and...
“Our deepest fear is that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? Your...
I recently read an article which said that returning to a favourite poem, story or game from our childhood, can help relieve stress and worry. To that end I have decided to share with you my favourite poem from my childhood and the first one I learnt to recite...
Here is a little treat from Don Quixote about Sancho Panza’s wine-tasting kinsmen. I love it!! Enjoy….. “It is with good reason, says Sancho to the squire with the great nose, that I pretend to have a judgment in wine. This is a quality hereditary in our family. Two...
I do love to collect cookbooks associated with my love of the food of the Mediterranean. I particularly love bar or tapas food – there is nothing better than to sit down in the afternoon with a carafe of wine or an Aperol Spritz and leisurely graze on morsels...
Wine ceramic pitchers, known as boccali, had been in use in Italy since the end of the Middle Ages, with many of them decoratively painted. However, by the 16th century, a variant on this common piece of tableware emerged in the form of the puzzle or trick jug. The...
Long attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance sanctuary of Santa Maria alla Fontana is one of the most secret and poetic places in the city. The site was originally in the middle of the countryside, beyond the Porta Comasina city gateway, and the sanctuary was founded in 1507...
Welcome to my love affair with the food, wine, history and culture of the Mediterranean, past and present. Here you will find not only recipes, drinks and fabulous products, but the history of the food and culture of the Mediterranean.
My purpose is to get you to explore and experience new tastes and along the way to immerse yourself in the wonderful history of this diverse and wonderful region – from Venice to Istanbul, Rome to Dubrovnik, Athens to Crete and all places in between and in the surrounds. Be prepared to be surprised, delighted and enthralled as you take this trip with me.
