Author: Betty Albert Chronicles

California-born Betty Albert is a certified Naturopathic Doctor, author (“Lost in Italy and Loving it”, Amazon/Kindle), freelance writer, and speaker/presenter on health/wellness/longevity topics. She holds dear the art and science of proper cooking and healthy eating, and works as a lifestyle coach even in retirement. Past history include 20-year careers in corporation, professional photography and natural health. Her website is www.bettyalbertchronicles.com, and she can be reached at balbert7072@gmail.com.

Little Known Cocktail Trivia

LITTLE KNOWN COCKTAIL TRIVIA Just short of 90 proof, Angostura bitters is now available on tap in Chicago’s Best Intentions bar (best patio bar in 2015). Who drinks that stand-by dash provision to the Old-Fashioned? By itself? Bartenders world-wide apparently are consistently searching for the new, unusual, best and most creative uses of ingredients to… Continue reading Little Known Cocktail Trivia

OUR ROOTS, OUR HUMAN SPIRIT, Italian or Otherwise

L’Italo-Americano on-line newspaper celebrates “The #1 source for all things Italian since 1908”. In their recent articles, I especially appreciated the exclusive interview with Superstar Chef Massimo Bottura, “Knowing the Past to Shape the Future of Italian Cuisine.” By SILVIA GIUDICI | OCT 19, 2018.  The article seemed more to do with the spirit of a successful… Continue reading OUR ROOTS, OUR HUMAN SPIRIT, Italian or Otherwise

Trendy One-Sheet Pan Dinners without a Sheet Pan

Very trendy right now is the concept of the one sheet pan dinner. I remember our family using this idea ever since I was old enough to shell peas. For one thing, there was hardly time after a busy day in the restaurant, in the house, in the garden, wherever the chores may be, to… Continue reading Trendy One-Sheet Pan Dinners without a Sheet Pan

The Wonderful Fig

Fig Cakes with Vanilla Glaze

Each season, the overwhelming harvest of figs makes me frantic. They are at the farmers’ market, the orphaned neighbor’s tree, and in my own yard, bursting forth on a daily basis in tantalizing shades of greens and purples. Plump and juicy they are too delicious and voluminous to be left untended. So I pick and… Continue reading The Wonderful Fig

Sirmione on Lake Garda

Debbie did such a fine job describing this spot in Italy we visited on our tour that I want to share it with you. She really captured it! Bagni di Lucca and Beyond Sirmione is a beautiful town built on the edge of Lake Garda in northern Italy. We visited in late spring to find a… Continue reading Sirmione on Lake Garda

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Categorized as Venice

Where have all my flowers gone?

That’s it deer. Feast upon the summer bounty of delectable flowers, tasty shrubs and tempting trees. This year, the resident deer in the neighborhood are more than tame, coming as close as my outstretched hand, but yet to nibble from it. Several seasons ago, mama dropped her newborn in the corner of our front porch.… Continue reading Where have all my flowers gone?

The Glorious Gondolieri

Gondolieri steer on the right.

It occurs to me that most of the culture in Italy is built in layers, upon layers, upon which its truths become known. We see it in art as the stiff figures of the 14th century transformed into more human forms in which beauty could be brought forth and appreciated in the natural landscape not… Continue reading The Glorious Gondolieri

Summer Zucchini Pizza

THAT UBIQUITOUS ZUCCHINI It’s the season, they are everywhere and can be used in sautés, cakes, muffins, ragouts, stews, soups and now……..PIZZA! INGREDIENTS Round pizza pan 1 large globe zucchini sm. disk of Brie or other melting cheese, thinly sliced 2T  fresh chopped herbs (thyme, basil, lemon balm, etc.) 3T tomato paste I sheet puff… Continue reading Summer Zucchini Pizza