I thought I understood cicchetti—until my trip in Venice corrected me. Around 5 p.m., tucked along a quiet canal near a gondolier’s workshop, I watched locals gather at a tiny bacaro, Aperol spritzes in hand, moving effortlessly between conversation, cocktails, and small, exquisite bites called cicchetti: not just food, but a rhythm of living well.Often compared to Spanish tapas, cicchetti...[Read More]
Cordyceps mushrooms are a popular natural supplement, often found in energy, fitness, and various blends. Many people use them to support stamina and overall wellness. But what exactly are they, and do they live up to the hype?...[Read More]
Raley's ONE rates a big 10! It is amazing to me that an American supermarket would take such a big step. Years have passed since my first study of health and wellness prompted the process of getting my Naturopathy degree from Trinity College and developing a practice which included nutritional coaching and personal chefing. Trying to teach people who really were never interested in changing...[Read More]
Refusing the coup-up and having more time on my hands when shopping, what great inventions do I find but these higher protein products. Of course you can avoid them altogether to help what I call “the Covid Weight Gain”. However, I’ve also found that recipes with lots of variety and moderation does the same thing and makes life just a bit more interesting. Tired of the same old thing for...[Read More]
Francine Segan’s article in Italy Magazine answers the question as she scours Italy, attends a major event in Umbria and gives us the step-by-step test you can do to tell so-so pasta from artisan. ...[Read More]
Italy Magazine’s article about the multi grain pizza led me to their recipe for fig and honey focaccia. I’m a focaccia foodie and have made it every which way in past years to sell locally as a caterer. Now I hear it was invented by the Etruscans??! My other haunting research topic!? Here is my recipe for fig and rosemary multi grain focaccia. I adapted Bob’s Red Mill recipe using his...[Read More]
Go and get this great recipe from a great magazine!
I was in a quandary since we are headed for Naples, the birthplace of the “magic Italian Pie”. Where is the best one going to be located for us to try? Italy Magazine synchronistically came up with an answer or two, along with a recipe you might want to try.
“Overall, Campania is still at the top with 19 award-winning pizzerie, and...[Read More]
In humble tribute to the 6 million sheep of Sardinia and the rest of Italy, rarely attributed their due. Pecorino Romano, referenced in many Italian recipes, but equally hard to find around my town, is that miracle of ewe’s milk that in Roman times reputedly surpassed cow’s milk because it was thought to “help the stomach”. Like so many Italian Regional topics of myriad variety, this is...[Read More]
With the trip to Southern Italy dawning closer as a “first adventure”, I thought to consult Fred Plotkin’s “Italy for the Gourmet Traveler”, a voluminous knowledge base. Mine resides more to the north. Thankfully, my traveling companion likes to eat good food and wine and even asked me to be sure and get it together in that area. So far, the research has yielded many deep fried...[Read More]
PLAN, PREP AND FREEZE MEALS FOR “The Duration” We call the time I’ll be away on vacation, “the duration”, since my spoiled husband must fend for himself. My solution is to prepare one-dish meals. I allocated the small freezer in the garage to him and shopped carefully to find a lot of healthy meals he can heat up. Soup is a savior. In addition to loading it up with vegetables, cooked...[Read More]
Betty is a California-based writer whose work explores local history, travel, food, and the people who shape community life. Her storytelling is rooted in curiosity, culture, and real-world experience.
Stories of place, people, and culture - told with curiosity and heart - telling stories that bring places and people to life.
Betty is a Gold Country-based writer covering regional history, travel, food, and human-interest stories, with a focus on the people and traditions that define a place.