michele becci

As spring turns to summer and the days grow longer, life starts to move outdoors to take advantage of the glorious summer season.  We here in America love grilling outdoors and for many of us that love for grilling originated …

I tend to get emotional in spring, especially at the farmer’s market. The colors at the market turn from the winter beiges to the vibrant glorious hues of spring. Fresh picked asparagus. Piles of glorious leeks. Fresh peas in a …

My maternal grandparents were born on the shores of Sicily in the little village of Santo Stefano di Camastra, a sleepy place with stunning views sweeping north across the turquoise blue sea.  They braved the ocean voyage to travel to …

With the season drawing to a close, the bounty of summer is starting to taper off. I still love the juicy goodness of my fresh tomatoes and the crunch of the last ears of summer corn but my palate starts …

With the holidays upon us, sometimes you simply need a good stiff cocktail to ease the stress or wait, perhaps a soothing dessert would better calm the nerves?  Alas, simplify your life by combining the two! These boozy Campari spiked …

The heat of high summer calls for lots of time poolside and as little time as possible in the kitchen. We want meals that are simple, require little or no cooking and minimal effort and time. Perhaps, most importantly, the …

The glorious pomegranate has only recently gained in popularity on our winter tables.  Many are, at a minimum unsure how to peel the cute little fruit; others simply too lazy to make the effort. However, the delectable juicy ruby red …

By this point in summer, most of us are starting to tire of the armloads of zucchini being hauled in from the garden. This abundant summer veggie has caused me to audibly sigh at times as I realize just HOW …

My grandfather always ended our big family meals by slowly rising from the table and carrying a large bowl of fruit from the sideboard to the table.  That fruit bowl was a constant fixture on their kitchen table and the …

Potacchio refers to a traditional style of cooking originating from Le Marche, which involves tomato, garlic, white wine and rosemary.  Variations in the region include the additions of onions and in some cases, potatoes and can be used to prepare …