Posts By: admin

Venire A Visitare!

The Taccini family of Vinci, well known in Tuscany, has been making ceramics for the last 500 years . They have major works of art that have left their bottega outside of Vinci, for countries around the globe. I met the 4 Taccini brothers and their father soon after arriving to Tuscany in 1985. Our… Read more »

Meet Lucia

As a first-generation Italian, born in Connecticut and raised in a European household where old traditional values and customs prevailed, making fresh pasta was a daily activity. With an extended family of relatives from Italy, traditional food habits prevailed in our household. Fruits and vegetables grown in the family garden were canned every summer, and… Read more »

The Coops

Each Lodge can be rented individually for one couple, or together. Perfect for two couples, or a family of 4 or 5. Both Coops are attached and have parking behind the units. The Chicken Coop -The Chicken Coop is situated on the property with its own spectacular view of the valley, and includes a large… Read more »

Men in the Kitchen

Time to give some attention to the men in the kitchen after devoting so much time to children and lady friends. There may be other ways for them to relax but seeing immediate results from one’s labor especially while working with others can be very rewarding, relaxing, productive and fun.  

Italians will make Love anywhere!

Driving two couples back to the farm after an evening of culture,  one gentleman  expressed his need for a rest room. I could not think of anything available as we drove through the countryside.  I suggested to go behind an old farmhouse by the side of the road, which he agreed to do. Shortly afterwards,… Read more »

Great Guests in our Tuscany Kitchen

Every week is fun that it is hard to determine any particular group that is the best.  Our October cooking group of fifteen has to be one of the top for the year. Great people, lots of laughs,  good food, great wines and  stimulating conversations is hard to beat.  Tom, one of the  guests, shared… Read more »

Fun in Italy with my Sister-Friends

Just spent  two wonderful weeks  traveling alone with my 13 year old granddaughter Laila. From Rome to Abruzzo to our Tuscany farm followed by a  fabulous week with friends at their Tuscan seashore home before going  off to romantic Venice. Their daughter Michelle joined us and then led us to a new and exciting  experience … Read more »

Basket Weavers- Artisan of the Month

Basket weavers,  the  artisan of the month, came to my mind when in need of a particular basket to carry 2 liter size  bottles.   When I began to fix our abandoned 500 year old house in Tuscany years ago  I questioned  my neighbor  where was the  best place to buy baskets.   I was surprised when… Read more »

OOPS!!! This week’s blog took off without picture captions!!!

OOPS!!!   This week’s blog took off without picture captions that would help  demonstrate  next week’s blog of neophilia versus neophobia .  Children raised with food culture, experiencing new foods  and  helping with food preparation are more likely to enjoy these experiences  in their adult life. Next Wednesday’s blog, neophobias versus neophilias.