Italy, Day 16-Food Trucks and Wine Widows

We got to sleep in for our last day in Italy.  We had a leisurely morning before our driver arrived to take us into Florence.  We checked into a breathtakingly beautiful hotel, Palazzo Guicciardini, and then headed out to explore Florence on our own.

The Fresco on the upper right of the collage was on the ceiling above our bed.  The room was the most beautiful of all the places we stayed, but our bed was very uncomfortable.

Crevettes aux Poivrons #EattheWorld

Shrimp and Sweet Bell Peppers stir-fried up in a savory mixture of onions, ginger, and garlic.  Easy, delicious, quick, and colorful.  A perfect weeknight meal.

Bacon and Cheese Scones and A Book Review

These savory scones are a great grab-and-go breakfast for those busy days and a perfect treat on those lazy mornings when you can enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Italy-Day 15, San Gimignano, Collette Farewell Dinner

This was our final day with Collette Tours.  We spent the morning touring the historic (very) hillside town of San Gimignano, known for its medieval architecture surrounding a triangular town square.  The village is protected by walls and towers built to keep it safe during the Middle Ages.

U is for Upside Down Cake

All the flavor you love in a Black Forest Cake without all the fuss and muss.  This semi-homemade cake is made with canned cherry pie filling, a cream cheese layer, and a boxed cake mix baked up in a cast-iron skillet.

U is for Upside Down Cake.......

Italy-Day 14, Florence

We were up bright and early again to take the one-hour bus trip to Florence for a guided walking tour of the city.

Italy-Day 13, Siena

Siena is a Medieval Town in Tuscany, known for the famous bareback horse race, The Palio di Siena, which occurs each July and August, in the town square, Piazza del Campo.

Italy-Day 12, Val d'Orcia, Artisinal Pasta Factory, Montalcino, and Wine Tasting

 Another amazing day in the beautiful Val d'Orcia.  Today, we started off at a pasta factory that prides itself on using ancient grains that are grown organically and then turned into pasta using nothing more than the ground grains and water.

Heading to the Farmers Market~~Time to make the Weekly Menu

Happy Sunday, Everyone.  We got home last night, and I immediately fell into bed and started snoring.  

That's not entirely true....I did have to give some loving to my babies first.

Leftover Kabob Fajitas #SundayFunday

This delicious meal starts with leftover kabobs.  You can use chicken, beef, or a combination of both.  Slice up the leftover meat and vegetables, place in a crockpot with a package of fajita seasoning and some water, and enjoy your day.  When you are ready to eat, heat up some tortillas, and dinner is served.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are celebrating Crocktober......

Italy-Day 11, Dairy Farm and Pienza

We were up bright and early to head to Pienza.  It was a beautiful morning for a drive through Val d'Orcia valley. The fog hung like a cloud over the valley, below the mountains.

Italy Day 10 - Spoleto and Truffle Hunting

 Day 10 started off quietly.  We got to sleep in a bit. After a leisurely breakfast, we walked into town, passing the Roman Theater that still hosts performances to this day.

Chunky Monkey Muffins #MuffinMonday

Named after a specialty drink from a nearby restaurant, these delicious muffins are chock-full of banana, chocolate, and coconut.  As an added bonus, I also used up some of the zucchini that is taking up space on my counter.

It's Muffin Monday.......

Beer and Garlic Marinated Chicken Breasts #SundayFunday

It is still grilling season here in Michigan, but not to worry if it's not available where you are, because this delicious chicken can also be made in the oven.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are celebrating National Drink a Beer Day.....

Italy-Day 9, Assisi and a Lovely Family Dinner

Another early start to the day as we head to Assisi, home of St. Francis.  We landed in the parking lot for the Basilica of St. Francis. It was nestled high on the hill, offering beautiful views.  

Italy Day 8-Spoleto

We had a lovely breakfast before getting on the bus for Umbria.  It was about a 2 1/2 hour trip to our first stop, the Old Carletti Olive Press.

Italy-Day 7, Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel

We were up bright and early to catch a ride into the Vatican City for a tour of the Museum and the Sistine Chapel.

We were able to get some photos of  the Colosseum while en route.

Italy Day 6-Rome

Hello.  We had such an exciting first day in Rome that I was too exhausted to share it with you.  So I missed posting to you yesterday, but I'm back today to share our adventures.

We hopped onto this golf cart for a tour of Rome at 8:30 am.  We needed to get an early start because we had a very full agenda.

T is for Tomato

Michigan's Tomatoes are prolific and nearing the end of their growing season as summer comes to an end.  Peaches are being harvested, and the last of the Sweet Corn is found at street-side stands.  I took all of this end-of-summer bounty and created this gorgeous salad.

Italy Day 5-Museo San Severo, Rome

On the way to the train station in Naples, we stopped by the San Severo Museum, famous for The Veiled Christ, a statue carved from a single block of Marble.

No photography of any kind is allowed in the museum.  This photo is from the website.  It was amazing to see in person.

Italy Day 4- Isle of Capri

Our day started early with a trip across town to the marina where we boarded a boat and headed to the Isle of Capri.

Peach Bruschetta with Hot Honey #SundayFunday

You definitely want to make this delicious, beautiful appetizer while fresh peaches and tomatoes are still available.  Simple to make, and it's a good thing because they go so quickly, you will need to make another batch.  

Ricotta Cheese base, piled high with fresh Peaches and Tomatoes, then drizzled with Hot Honey.  OH MY YUM!!

Italy Day 3-Sorrento and Cooking Class

Slept in this morning until 8 am.  Had a leisurely breakfast and then a 1.5 mile walk to the town square.  Frank and I enjoyed a glass of wine and some appetizers as the others went on a shopping spree.

Italy Day 2-Herculaneum and the Amalfi Coast

 We were up bright and early to head over to Herculaneum.  Herculaneum was destroyed in the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, along with Pompeii and 3 other towns.  While Pompeii was covered in ash, making excavation a little easier, Herculaneum was covered in molten lava, making excavation much more difficult.

Italy, Day 1- Sorrento

We landed in Naples this morning after a full-day flight, having departed Detroit at 10:30 AM on yesterday.

Adagio Pumpkin Spiced Tea Rubbed Pork Tenderloin #sponsored

 Pork Tenderloin, rubbed in a flavorful Pumpkin-Spiced Black Tea and grilled to a perfect medium.

Crispy Eggplant with Sweet Corn #CooktheBooks

Our Cook the Books Club August/September Selection was the memoir "Coming to My Senses: The Making of a Counterculture Cook" by Alice Waters.

Smoked Kielbasa and Vegetable Skewers #SundayFunday

Smoked Kielbasa, Fresh Vegetables, Ripe Pineapple, placed onto skewers and grilled until warmed and tender.  A quick, easy meal to put a smile on your face.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are featuring Fresh Vegetables today.....

A Wine to Enjoy around a Campfire #WorldWineTravel

Our administrator for World Wine Travel, Camilla of Culinary Cam, asked us to share the sips and nibbles we enjoyed during our Summer Travels.

We recently purchased an RV and have been traveling locally, enjoying time with family and friends.

Mine Frite (Mauritian Fried Noodles) #EattheWorld

 A popular dish throughout Mauritius, this noodle stir-fry is quick, easy, and delicious.  Perfect for a Wok Wednesday, especially when you are traveling to Mauritius as you Eat the World......

S is for Semitas

When I visited Anthony's Key in Roatan, Honduras, we started each morning with a wonderful breakfast.  Staff would greet us with a smile, a hot cup of coffee, a fresh fruit plate, and a bread basket filled to the hilt with donuts, breads, and pastries.  

My favorite was Semitas, the Honduran sweet bread with a crunchy cookie-like topping.  I had one each morning, and a couple of mornings I had two!!

S is for Semitas......

Sourdough Multi-Grain Bread #BreadBakers

I used my Kitchen Aid to make the dough for this delicious bread.  You can also use the stretch and fold method if you prefer.  This bread is great for sandwiches, but we ate it all toasted and schmeared with butter and jam for breakfast.  YUM.....

It's time for Bread Bakers.......

Antipasto Skewers #SundayFunday

These little skewers are a fun, portable treat that packs up nicely in a lunchbox.  Who says lunch has to be boring?

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Lunchbox Favorites today.......

A Mai Tai for The Women and the Weekly Menu

Created by Trader Vic Bergeron, in 1944 in Oakland, California, this iconic cocktail is a blend of two different kinds of rum, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Parmigiana di Melanzane #FallFlavors

Enjoy this Sicilian-style Eggplant Parmigiana prepared without the breading on the eggplant, to bring out the natural goodness of this delicious vegetable.

A perfect, comforting dish celebrating Fall Flavors..............

Preserved Lemon Baba Ghanoush #FallFlavors

Earthy and delicious, this Eggplant Dip, flavored with Preserved Lemons, is perfect served with warmed pita, crackers, chips, and/or fresh vegetables.

Join us as we share recipes featuring the Flavors of Fall this week........

Roasted Beet and Tomato Salad #FallFlavors

Roasted Beets, Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Freshly-Picked Basil, and Tangy Feta Cheese.  If there is any culinary season better than Fall, I have yet to discover it......

Look at how gorgeous and colorful all those Fall Flavors are......

Chicken Fajita Foil Packets #SundayFunday

All the delicious ingredients of Chicken Fajitas, wrapped up in foil, and cooked on the grill for an easy, fuss-free, mess-free dinner, perfect for Eating Outside.

I wrapped mine up like a burrito, so I didn't even need silverware!!  The Sunday Funday Bloggers are Eating Outside today....

The Weekly Menu when it is Suddenly September

Here it is....the end of August.  Where does the time go? 

A Composed Appetizer made For Grace #MoviesandMunchies

This Tunatini is a beautiful, elegant, tasty start to your dinner party.  It could also be served as a light lunch with some crusty bread.

Layers of fresh Ahi Tuna, Cucumber, and Avocado, layered in a slightly Spicy Sauce, in a Martini glass. Compose a dish as beautiful as it is delicious. 

R is for Rustic Rye Sourdough Loaf

A beautiful, rustic loaf of bread with tang from the sourdough starter and a nice texture from the three different types of flour used.

R is for Rustic and Rye........

Gingered Lemon Poppyseed Muffins #MuffinMonday

 Crystallized ginger, lemon, and poppyseeds give these muffins a unique and delicious flavor.

It's time for Muffin Monday.......

Oatmeal Waffles #SundayFunday

These waffles are made with oats, giving them a wonderful, toothsome bite that makes for a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that will last you right up until lunchtime.

It's National Waffle Day and the Sunday Funday Bloggers are celebrating......

Chocolate Almond Truffles Inspired by Vianne

I just finished Vianne, the prequel to the best-selling novel and Oscar-nominated movie, Chocolat.  You do not need to have read Chocolat before reading this novel; however, you will want to read it after reading Vianne.

 

I was sent Vianne by Joanne Harris by Megan Beattie of MB Communications.  I agreed to write an honest review of the novel.  I was not compensated monetarily.

Ham and Cheese PinWheels and the Weekly Menu

These fun and easy Pinwheels or Rollups are easy and delicious.  I served them up as an appetizer, but they are also perfect for packing to take on a picnic or in your lunchbox.

Camping Life-Trip #4- Port Huron, Michigan

Our last RV Adventure to Jellystone Park in Frankenmuth, Michigan, was supposed to include the Angel Face and Little Miss M.  Unfortunately, Little Miss M, was under the weather and couldn't go with us.  

So I decided to make one last RV trip before we leave for Italy.  We packed up and headed to the KOA in Port Huron, Michigan.  Come join us on our Adventure......

Yogurt Bowls with Strawberry Swirl

I made a Strawberry Puree with some strawberries that were no longer beautiful but still perfectly ripe and delicious.  This puree works well in smoothies or stirred into yogurt for a quick breakfast treat.

A perfect way to start your day.......

Sourdough Banana Bread

This tender, delicious treat begins with sourdough discard.  I made mini loaves. Perfect for breakfast on the go, to pack into a lunchbox as an afternoon treat, or to enjoy for dessert after dinner.

Pie Iron Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches and a Book Review #SundayFunday

These delicious sandwiches are filled with thinly sliced steak, colorful bell peppers, tender onions, and Provolone cheese nestled between artisan bread slices and cooked in a pie iron over a campfire.

The Sunday Funday Gang are serving up Sandwiches today......

Butter Roasted Tomato Sauce, The Weekly Menu and a Book Review

This pasta sauce is ready in less than an hour, but it tastes as though it has simmered all day long.  This sauce can be prepared and kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.  Simply rewarm it and toss in a little of the pasta cooking water to loosen it for coating the pasta.

I was inspired to make this pasta dish after reading Under the Knife by Tess Gerritsen....