Easier Than It Sounds

The Setting: Sunday night. Sick in bed since Thursday. Starving. No idea what may be fresh in fridge, let alone what's in fridge. Really starving.

We've all been there. Out of commission for days and ready for some real food. Diving into the fridge I found arugula that was on its last leg. One orange. And last Tuesday's market radishes in really good condition - greens and all. Mint. Chives screaming "eat me." Who bought strawberries out of season?

A quick trip to the freezer uncovers my favorite secret weapon - Mr. Bill's peeled and deveined frozen shrimp. Pistachios which I know are safe because I've already eaten some pre-scare and am here to tell you about it.

Brain's starting to fire. Reaching for white rice because non-meat eating child will now be covered, without complaints of brown rice. Thinking faster because stomach is growling. Do not want to waste a thing and must move fast. Recall a recent recipe for sauteed radishes with butter, sugar and herbs. Sweetness of shrimp would partner beautifully. Will use local honey instead of sugar and chives and mint. Old arugula, gorgeous radish greens, orange zest and pistachios - YUM! - pesto. I'll throw it into the cooked rice. Makes up for lost fiber in white rice (!). Make supremes with orange segments, add to sliced (and flavorless) strawberries, and boost flavor with fleur de sel and that local honey again.

At table, husband, between large, shoveled in bites, "One of your best ever."

Stay tuned for recipes at an Essen Class soon.

THE Day Has Arrived

Finally! Earl Groff's asparagus is here which means spring has arrived in Lancaster. There're fat, squat and very purple. Better get to Market early if you hope to share in this excitement. How will you enjoy yours? Share with us here and you'll receive a FREE Essen Class.

Italy On My Mind

It was two weeks to the day of our return from an unbelievable family trip to Roma and Tolfa that we heard about the earthquake. Our hearts go out to those suffering around the globe - of course. And when you've just physically been very close to an affected region, when you now have friends that have been affected, well, you feel the pain and affliction that much more. Not that it's right, but it's true.

I haven't heard back from our B&B proprietors, Assuntina and Claudio. Nor have I received a reply from our guide in Roma, bright and elegant Patrizia. Hopefully they're busy, with daily life, and not trying to locate family. I'll keep you posted.

Our visit was simply terrific. We felt honored to spend over a week in a country that savors the good things in life - food and wine, yes, but also people, the arts, and its history. Italians guard their historic treasures with their life - literally. To think of what was lost in L'Aquila and beyond is heartbreaking. To Italians, I hope I better understand the scope of devastation they may be feeling.

To honor our friends in Italy, 10% of all proceeds from Essen Classes and Custom Events in April and May will be donated to Italy's earthquake disaster relief efforts. It's one small way we can help. If we all do the little we can, it'll add up to something much greater than all of us. Viva Italia!