Archive for 2009
Holy Mackerel! Look at Those Altocumulus Clouds!
Yesterday while walking the dogs, I looked up and saw this:
My mom’s friend Kitty (she of the unique tea strainer and adorable heart bracelet) once told my mom these were “mackerel clouds” because they resembled the fish’s scales. Of course we both thought this was an old wives’ tales, and maybe it is, but it also made Wikipedia, so there.
They’re actually called “altocumulus” clouds (thus the title of the post), just in case you didn’t remember from elementary school science class.
So I smiled as I photographed the sky, thinking it was rather fitting that these clouds would be over me this week. Kitty’s 87th birthday would have been on Saturday the 17th–a day before mine–but she passed away two years ago.
The mackerel clouds, however, will always live on–and always make me think of our Kitty.
Had you ever heard of mackerel clouds?
Do you have strange things that remind you someone special?
Love Is…
Remember those old comic strips with the adorable pudgy couple so very much in *in love*?
I used to wait impatiently for everyone in my house to read the newspaper every day so I could cut them out (my grandmother, bless her soul, took over doing this for me even after I was in college!).
I’d deposit them in a big ole envelope and then on crafty-feeling days, would pull out the envelope, color the strips in with colored pencil, glue them to color-coordinated construction paper so the colored edges framed the comic, glue the whole thing onto cardboard, punch a hole in the top, laminate them using lamination sheets (not the machine), carefully cut out the hole, and then braid a selection of three colors of yarn at the top for the tassel.
Voilà! Lovely homemade bookmarks something like these at Petitt’s Creations!
Goodness knows where that stack of lovelies is today, but how fun–I just found a site where I can relive those Love Is moments!
And why am I thinking about this today?
Well because a friend in California sent me this gorgeous photo of a bookstore display window:
So lovely! And thank you for reminding me of some wonderful memories.
Happy Love Thursday* everyone!
*Make that Friday. This got auto-published a day late…so…
Happy Love Friday and buon weekend!
Mudslides in Messina: Thanks for Not Getting in the Way Berlusconi!
*UPDATED BELOW*
We’ve had a lot of nasty weather lately and even had damage in Calabria, but nothing even close to the mudslides in Messina, just across the Strait. The death toll is expected to reach at least 50 and the number of homeless 400, making these mudslides the worst in Italy since 150 people were killed in mudslides in Naples in 1998.
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has reportedly called off a visit to the area so he doesn’t get in the way of rescue efforts. How considerate! What a nice vaffanc…erm…thank you to the South who continually puts this man back in office.
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano did tour the affected area, however, and had this to say:
There is a situation of widespread hydro-geological instability and that’s mainly because of unauthorised buildings in the Messina area, and many others in Italy. A serious plan is needed, rather than massive prestige projects, to invest in the safety of these zones, or other disasters will happen.
Nice to see someone in power at least looking toward the future and how to prevent something like this from happening again, although in Berlusconi’s defense, perhaps he has more important things to do like try to break up “Cloonalis” and wrestle showgirl Elisabetta Canalis away from George Clooney or something.
What, you think I’m being too harsh? Check out these 19 Unbelievable Berlusconi Quotes and get back to me.
Anyway, you may remember I visited and loved Messina, and also that P has a sister living there (she and her family are fine). As far as I know, there is no government or other organized special effort to help the victims in Messina, but if you know of something please let me know, and I’ll post it here.
In the meantime, the Comune of Messina has established a bank account accepting donations:
- C.C. IBAN IT 91Y0102016598000300034781; C.C.P. N. 1406398
Payments can be made to “Comune di Messina – Servizio Tesoreria” specifying “pro-alluvionati” in the memo section.
And of course you can always donate to the Italian Red Cross.
Siamo con voi, Messina!
*UPDATE: Apparently Berlusconi changed his mind and showed up in Messina today to promise affected residents they would be exempt from taxes and added: “Reconstruction is too expensive and cannot be assured, so we will do like in L’Aquila: new homes in other areas, but still within the urban fabric.”
Nice thought, if only this actually was being done in L’Aquila….
And while I’m picking on Berlu, did you know the law that granted him immunity from criminal prosecution while he was in office (that, of course, he pushed through) is up for review by Italy’s Constitutional Court this week? Pins and needles here!
Winners of 2nd Annual O Foods Contest for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
As promised, today we’re announcing the winners of the 2nd Annual O Foods Contest for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! Check out all the great recipes at the roundup:
Below you’ll find the Grand Prize Winner and the Awareness Prize Winner; head to Sara’s Ms Adventures in Italy for the 2nd and 3rd place winners.
Gina DePalma picked all three recipe winners, and we’re including her personal commentary so you can see her thought process–and just how hard it was to pick among all your fabulous creations!
Without further ado…
The Grand Prize Winner…
as chosen by Gina DePalma…
who will receive her very own signed copy of
Gina’s fabulous book Dolce Italiano: Desserts from the Babbo Kitchen…
is…
Well, here are Gina’s words:
Ohgodohohgodohgod….
Really, this is so hard. I’ve been looking at these for days now. I feel super guilty that I can’t award a prize to every single person.
Can’t pick my cousin, that’s nepotism.
That’s the only one I can rule out.
But, if you had to go on which recipes truly made my mouth water, there are FOUR top contenders in my mind, and I might add that unfortunately, except for one, they all take advantage of the fact that all I do lately is crave ethnic foods from other cultures.
But eventually, I had to pick one.
MY TOP CHOICE: Judith’s Olive Spread [at Think On It!] really stopped me in my tracks.
So simple and perfect from a minimal amount of ingredients with maximum flavor and impact. It is easy to throw together and it keeps well. And it is endlessly versatile. Truly the kind of recipe that everyone should have in their war chest – it reminded me of something I would find in a classic cookbook, that you pull out and make over and over again. I love it! Kudos, Judith! And thanks for a great recipe…
Yes, congratulations Judith! I know I’ll be making this one just as soon as our olives are ready!
Now for the randomly drawn Awareness Prize Winner of a Teal Toes tote bag full of cool ovarian cancer awareness gifts:
Jen really did an amazing job spreading the word about our contest and about ovarian cancer awareness, and I know she’ll do wonderful things with her new Teal Toes goodies as well. Thanks Jen, and congrats!
Thanks so much to everyone who participated, and remember you can still donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at our Firstgiving donation page! We need to raise awareness year round, so anytime you see a chance to raise ovarian cancer awareness, please take it! Women everywhere thank you.
Buon weekend a tutti!
2nd Annual O Foods Contest for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Roundup Part 1
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the 2nd Annual O Foods for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Contest by donating, posting the announcement, and/or submitting fabulous recipes.
In these two years, we’ve raised $600 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, gathered nearly 100 fabulous O Food recipes, and hopefully reached many women with important information about ovarian cancer, particularly regarding signs and symptoms.
Remember, you can still donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and here are another 5 ways you can contribute to ovarian cancer awareness through jewelry. Other posts related to the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month events include:
- Interview with Gina DePalma whose battle with ovarian cancer inspired this event
- Angela Moore Jewelry for Ovarian Cancer Awareness
- Information on Teal Toes
Remember Gina herself will be choosing the grand prize winner this year–and winners will be announced on Friday, so be sure to come back then!
And now, it’s time for Part 1 of the roundup (as I remind you that I made the classic, tasty Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino for this year’s O Foods Contest); Sara has Part 2 of the roundup at Ms Adventures in Italy.
First I want to thank those of you who posted the contest announcement and are eligible for the Teal Toes gift bag prize (if you’re not listed here or at Sara’s place, let us know!):
- Jen of A2EatWrite
- NYC/Caribbean Ragazza
- Italytutto
- Girasoli at Shave Ice and Gelato
- Maria at My Place in the Sun
Now, let’s start off with some appetizers, soups, salads, side dishes, savory tarts, and even some “first dishes” as we’d call them in Italy:
This Insalata Calda d’Orzo comes from a very special blogger close to this cause–Gina DePalma’s cousin Nicki who blogs at Color Me Inspired. I’m especially loving how the colors of the Italian flag shine through here. Such fabulous presentation! Thanks Nicki!
I’m including pesto here since it can be used as an appetizer, but of course you can always mix it up with pasta as well for a snazzy primo piatto. Check out Ivy‘s Mint Pesto with Almonds and Graviera at Kopiaste. Mmmm I can taste that minty goodness from here! Grazie mille Ivy!
Here is a fabulously healthy and tasty way to enjoy the beloved potato. Diana of GardenCuizine shares her recipe for Oven Roasted Rosemary Potato Fries (which, by the way, features yet another “O” if you consider the rosemary is “rosemarino” in Italian). Thanks so much Diana!
Next up is Amy‘s Tomato Salad with Asiago Cheese over at Tomato Hill. I must admit that the tomato and any kind of formaggio are two of my very favorite “O” foods. Great combo here, Amy! Thanks for participating!
The Food Hunter contributes Orrichiette with Ragu alla Bolognese over at the Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine. You’ll often see this adorable ear-shaped pasta paired with greens like broccoli rabe, but I agree with the Food Hunter that it’ll work just fine to catch up tasty bits of bolognese as well. Thanks Food Hunter!
Oh wow. Check out Elle‘s Greek Omelet for Breakfast, which has pine nuts, oregano, spinach, feta, and oh I’ll just stop there before you make a drooling mess on your keyboard. Elle blogs at Feeding My Enthusiasms. Thanks for participating Elle!
Our dear friend Judith of Think On It! sent in this wonderful Olive Spread with just three ingredients that all incorporate the “O”: olives, peperoncino, olive oil. I *know* this will be a huge hit at my house when I make this. Thanks so much Judith!
And while we’re talking olives, be sure to check out the Olive Focaccia over at La Vita è Bella! Thanks for sending this in Grace!
Another dear friend in Italy, Michelle of Michellanea, sent in this Spelt Salad with Fennel and Pomegranate, which in Italian is Insalata di farro con finocchio e melagrano. Helloooo O’s! This sounds delicious, awfully pretty, and great for fall as well now that our pomegranates are coming back into season. Thanks Michelle!
Jen of NJ Epicurean serves up a hearty Onion Soup with Loads of Thyme and Giant Gruyère Crostini. The recipe comes from Epicurious, but Jen makes it all her own even serving it up in an adorable heart-shaped bowl. Thanks so much for sending this in, Jen. I imagine quite a few fall and winter days will be warmed up thanks to you!
Lavanya at Pieces of paper, squiggly lines shows there’s much more than writing in her bag of tricks. Check out this Orange and Tomato Rasam, an autumn twist on her prized Pineapple Rasam, which she notes is “something of a south Indian ‘delicacy.'” I’ve never had any rasam, but I’d love to head over to Lavanya’s for my first taste. This looks amazing. Thanks Lavanya!
Now back here in Calabria, we have Cherrye‘s Wild Mushroom Risotto over at My Bella Vita. OK, the recipe is really her husband’s, but it hardly matters when you have a plate of creamy porcini risotto in front of you. Seconds please! Thanks for sending this in, Cherrye (and Peppe)!
Girlichef contributes these Stuffed, Wrapped Jalapeno Peppers. Um, did somebody say cream cheese *and* bacon? Wow. I’m *so* in, girlichef. If you click over, you’ll find a whole series of droolworthy photos, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Thanks girlichef!
Palma at Palmabella’s Passions sent in this lovely Onion Fig Tart. Sounds like a gorgeous combination with the onions and figs, two of my very favorite foods. Palma created this based on a tart she saw at a bakery in Washington; excellent work! Thanks Palma!
Lisa is Cooking sent over this refreshing Mango Salmon Salad. Salmon is one of my very favorite foods, and I don’t eat it nearly enough. This salad is tossed with a lime shallot vinaigrette and a little arugula. Yum! Thanks for showing us another way to enjoy salmon, Lisa!
Erika at Sweet Pea sent in her Avocado, Goat Cheese, and Quinoa Salad. I’m not sure it gets much healthier and tastier than this…and you *know* I’m all about the goat cheese! Thanks so much for contributing this fabulous recipe, Erika!
Now for some hearty main dishes:
Maria of My Place in the Sun sent over some Chicken Fricasee Abruzzi Style, which translates to Pollo all’abruzzese coi pomodorini e le olive, i.e., lots of “O” love in Italian. This looks like something that could easily be served on a Calabrian table too–so of course I love the looks of this. Thanks Maria!
Jerry of Jerry’s Thoughts, Musings, and Rants! sent in an appetizer and main course all in one–Onion, Potato, Pancetta, and Rosemary Pizza. Some of my favorite foods combined all on a pizza? Yeah, that’s pretty much heaven right there, Jerry. Thanks so much for sending it in!
And last but certainly not least, dessert:
Deeba of Passionate About Baking sent in these Cappuccino Buttermilk Muffins, which you *know* I’m all over. You may be wondering whether cappuccino is really a food. Well it certainly is in my book but in any event these are also loaded down with chips made of cioccolato. Yum yum yum. Thanks Deeba!
*UPDATED: Two last O food recipes that slipped through the cracks:*
Noelle of An Opera Singer in the Kitchen submitted a gorgeous Chilean Charquican and Tomato Salad. That’s pronounced Char-KEE-can, and Noelle describes it as kind of like a pot pie and great for hiding veggies (plus it has potatOes!); the tomato and red onion salad goes beautifully with it. Thanks Noelle!
The Happy Cook‘s gorgeous Brazilian night cocktail made of Batida de Coco, vodka, and Blue Curacao over at My Kitchen Treasures. What a way to wrap up the roundup. May I have another?
Thanks so much for all these great O Food recipes!
I know there are a lot of recipes (and we’re very grateful for the wonderful response!), but don’t be overwhelmed! Simply bookmark the round-up pages (and Stumble too if you like!) so you can come back when you have a few moments here and there.
Remember the second half of the round-up is over at Sara’s Ms Adventures in Italy, and be sure to come back Friday for the announcement of the winners!
Michelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived.
Calabria Guidebook
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