As I bask in the warmth of the Arizona sun—the woodpeckers sing, the doves coo their morning songs. Yet, my visions and dreams on this clement, sun-drenched morning reside in Amalfi—the true home that lies deep within my heart….as deep as the depths of the Mediterranean Sea that envelope this exquisite yet, haunting city of my…
Month: June 2014
Spices: The Mystical Magic Potions, Top 10 Kitchen Essentials & More!
If the appearance of spices were to reflect their real importance in the history of the world, the bottles of spices would be filled with brilliant sparkling substances such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds and gold. When you open each bottle, a whiff of vibrantly colored, mystically fragrant, magical smoke would slowly billow softly throughout the…
Sicilian Sausage & Alfredo Cheese Braided Pizza Bread
Another Saturday Night Special at home! I’ve converted Mama Carmela’s ham bread recipe into a “busy chef” version using Alfredo sauce as the base and also for dipping. Most pizzerias will sell pounds of their dough to the public. Find your favorite place and ask for a couple of pounds. This luscious bread is best…
Balsamic Glaze: The Mysterious Dark Decedent Dynamic Drizzler…
Balsamic glaze is just an elaborate way of saying “reduced balsamic vinegar” and is also known as “reduction.” It’s a very simple way to add a lot of flavor to dishes without adding a lot of extra calories or fat. Trader Joe’s offers an excellent brand or you can make your own by simply reducing down…
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
These charming, petite, portable shortcakes are an ideal treat for family get-togethers, parties, BBQs, bridal showers or even an afternoon tea. They are very easy to put together and the secret is to place fresh sliced berries in between the frosting—the sweetness from the frosting serves as the sugar for these luscious cakes so no macerating…
Bento Boxes–The “Lunch” Sensation! A Wonderful Combination of Tastes & Cultures! Molto Bento!
For those not familiar, “Bento” is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine and have made their way into popular US mainstream culture. A traditional bento holds rice, fish or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container. Containers range from disposable mass produced to hand crafted lacquer…
“Wave to the Printer” by Jackson Stones The future of cooking? PRINT your dinner?
“Wave to the Printer” Jackson Stones At this very moment in the history of cooking there lurks a strange object that could change the world. 3D printing awaits the unsuspecting in their kitchen. Some have heard of it, most ignore it, whilst purists fear it’s the Devil’s Spawn and will ruin the world of cooking….
“Allea” Pastel Portraits by Pamela Jaffe
This is “Allea” One of many stunning offerings by portrait artist and Illustrator, Pamela Jaffe. Pamela created the official portrait for Once Upon a Spice and is currently working with Chef Lana to create the illustrations for our upcoming cookbook! Turn a photo of your beloved pet or loved one into a work of art, by pastel artist,…
Quattro Formaggio—4 Cheese Pizza Margherita
The intense flavors of this luscious pizza can stand up to any meat-packed version; the marriage of the essences of these 4 appetizing cheeses are like no other combination. Plus, the subtle flavors of fresh basil and oregano compliment this pie to new heights! Vegetarian pizza at its finest! Ingredients 1/4 cup extra virgin…
Italian Savory Pies–Molto Bene!
Today is dedicated to savory cakes, pies and tarts. In Italy, there are variety of Italian savory cakes, pies and tart recipes for all occasions. They can be served warm or cold, as starter or one-plate meal accompanied with a green salad. The most used ingredients are meats, fish, vegetables and eggs and can be…
Once Upon a Spice 