DIY Hostess Gifts!

Looking for something a little different than the proverbial bottle of wine to give as a hostess gift this holiday season? I was too, when I stumbled upon sweet little Box Wood plants and an idea hit me! Why not find a lovely way to present these plants, which happen to also be a favorite of mine. Being unconventional, which you can read about in a previous blog post, I love thinking outside of the box, which is why I am always pleased to see these plants in places other than outside a home as a shrub. I love them as table top arrangements for not only the holidays, but I think they are especially lovely as wedding center pieces.

 

                                     

Next I found these copper colored miniature market tins at Target, made by Smith and Hawkins, purveyors of garden supplies. I then cut a burgundy ribbon to tie on one of the handles with an accent bow of black and white checks, which just happens to be my all time favorite pattern! So much so, that I have a Pinterest board dedicated to all things black and white checked, titled, "Check, please!" Next I placed the plant in the ribbon garnished pot and for a "professional floral" touch, I like to add moss around the topsoil, so it is peeking out from the pot. 

                                      

               Voila! Hostess gift sits on a side table, ready to accompany me to a Christmas party! 

Thus, when you're out and about among the hustle and bustle of shopping. It might be tempting to pick up a bottle of vino to give your hosts. However, just a little imagination and creativity will linger longer than wine on the palate!

Cheers! 

Transitioning from Fabulous Fall to Happy Holidays!

Being that I love all things autumn, each year I can hardly wait for the fall season to arrive! And as I sit in the shade of a sweltering summer day, what gets me through the heat of hot August nights, are visions of princess pumpkins dancing in my head. So, it is no surprise that afterThanksgiving, I have a hard time parting with those glorious gourds. Thus, I incorporate them into my Christmas decor!

                                    

                                                                Deck the Halls, 2013!

Believe it or not, one year a beloved princess pumpkin lasted an entire year! ...Or so I thought. When I went to replace it with a new one, it was a bit mushy on the bottom. Nevertheless, if you are like me and adore fabulous fall, there is no reason to toss those lovely, "potirons," as they are called in French. Simply weave them into your decor... Until they rot, that is! 

Cheers! 

A Rose By Any Other Name Would Smell As Sweet!

                                         

                                                                         A picnic and a play!

This summer I gathered a group of girlfriends and after packing a picnic, we packed ourselves into one of their Suburbans and made our way in the San Francisco East Bay to an outdoor production of Cal Shakes' Romeo and Juliet. Gathering around one of their many picnic tables on the sprawling wooded grounds, we waited for the sun to exit stage west, so the actors could make their grand entrance at dusk in the nearby outdoor theater. In the meantime, we spread out a table cloth and shared our morsels; Some brought deli sandwiches, others a salad, cheese and crackers and one friend even made "hand pies" to eat in our seats after the sun set and the play began. I threw together a "charcuterie," which is just a fancy French name for a variety of cured meats layered on a serving board along with the "cornichons" and Dijon I placed into little glass jars. The key word is "presentation" folks! I could have just as easily opened up packages of salami and twisted open the jars of pickles and mustard, but that's just not how I roll. I like to take simple occasions and make them a little more memorable with little touches that say, "We are making a special memory," which is exactly what my friends and I accomplished. Carefully tucked in the basket were petite wine glasses I found at a Hospice Shop earlier in the week and I wrapped each one in a cloth napkin so they wouldn't break on our ride to the play. Cloth napkins for me are standard fare any given day of the week, whether it is "take out" on a Tuesday, Thanksgiving, or simply hosting a group of my sons' fraternity brothers for a summer BBQ. Growing up we used cloth napkins and I carry the tradition over to this day. 

                                        

                                    Beyond the stage, the sun shines the last of day's light on the hillside.  

Full from our lingering picnic and finally snuggled in our seats, I reflected on plays past. I am not a Shakespeare snob by any means. Yet, having grown up about an hour from Ashland, Oregon, home of the world renowned Shakespeare Festival, it is not boasting to say I was accustomed to the grand theatrical productions with elaborate costumes and performances in the incredible outdoor Amphitheater. Nestled among the trees and overlooking Lythia Park, the nearby stream ran swiftly by while we sat completely still in our seats, taking in every scene as the actors led us away to another place and time. All the while locals in the quaint town below continued about their business of closing up shops and meeting friends for dinner, tucking into cozy restaurants dotting their charming town. My mother and I would see many glorious plays, but especially anticipated Romeo and Juliet making the rotation and we were thrilled each time it was included in the summer line up. This tradition continued until I moved away to attend college and later that same year my mother passed away. Having lost her at the age of 19, many years later I was finally ready to continue with the tradition and arranged a trip to see Romeo and Juliet with two incredible people in my life, one was the wonderful woman my dad remarried after losing my mom and the other was my sweet mother-in-law. It was very special and bittersweet at the same time.

Still, all those lovely recollections of plays that I've relished over the years, didn't inhibit me from wanting to check out the Shakespeare theater in the East Bay nestled in a hillside and hidden from the hustle and bustle of the freeway below. And each time I made my way to the City and passed the exit, the Shakespeare sign beckoned to me and I made a mental note that someday I would indeed go see a production there, but at the same time I experienced a slight hesitation. What could be more special than memories of venturing to Ashland to take in a play, I pondered? Alas, after all these years, I was excited to finally be checking out Cal Shakes and just as Shakespeare wrote, "A Rose by any other name would smell just as sweet!" How true! Be it Ashland or Orinda, I regret wholeheartedly that I didn't take in the experience sooner, having lived nearby all these years. And so on that recent summer night before we made our way to our seats, we toasted a perfect evening for an outdoor play, life long friends and a new tradition in the making!  

Cheers,Caterina

Revisiting Column About A Best Friend... "Molly and Me!"

                                                             Hillary and her friend, Molly

There are a handful of favorite newspaper columns I've written over the years, which are tucked neatly in a file cabinet in my office and will forever be logged in my memory. One in particular especially tugs at my heartstrings. It was about a woman who stumbled upon a special friendship with a dog, quite by accident, all while missing her own beloved pooch she'd recently lost at the time. I am happy to report that today the woman and her current furry friend are as close as ever and so, here the story begins and happily continues to this day...

There's a reason dogs are called, "Man's Best Friend" and just as sure as their damp little noses nudge you for attention, so will they make their way into your heart, leaving a permanent paw print. Nearly everyone has a story to tell about their special family members and such is the case for my friend and neighbor, Hillary. They say you can't choose your neighbors, just your friends. I am blessed to have Hillary as both. Our husbands golf together and we've taken joint family trips over the years and watched our children grow up. So, naturally we were all sad about their family dog passing away. This is Hillary's story of "Molly and Me," which is about love, loss and filling a void after saying good bye to her treasured companion. 

However, let me start by first introducing you to a lively Golden Lab named, Bailey. It has been more than a few years now since Hillary lost her beloved little buddy, but the multitude of wonderful memories of their adventures and time spent together will remain forever embedded in her heart. A familiar sight around town was a cheerful Hillary driving her bright red Jeep with an equally happy canine, secured in the back and taking in the passing scenery. You could almost depict a smile also on Bailey's face as her tongue dangled out, trying to capture the breeze as it flowed through the open vehicle. Often times, Hillary would scamper across the street to my house for a chat, only to have her golden shadow soon following pursuit, which in itself is unusual since Bailey, upon discovering Hillary's absence, knew exactly where to find her sidekick and tracked her down time and again. Incredible still, while outside my front door, Bailey raised her big paw and was able to pull the latch down to let herself into my house, thus taking to heart, the open door policy good neighbors share. 

This was the pair's blissful routine, whether it was scampering over for a visit or zipping down to the village, Bailey kept up with her partner's stride ever so faithfully and they truly were two peas in a pod. However, as time went on, it became harder for Bailey to keep up and after a long and happy life, filled with love and the simple pleasures of being together each day, Bailey's life on earth with Hillary and her family came to a sad end.

And so it was, a couple summer's ago while still missing her best friend and family member when Hillary noticed a sweet little visitor on her front lawn, which just happened to be a Golden Lab and her heart skipped a beat. When she beckoned the gangly creature over to her, she read, "Molly" on the tag of the collar and noticed she belonged to a family around the corner. A hop in the Jeep, which was a little bittersweet as it felt like old times, and soon Hillary and her new friend were back at Molly's house and after dropping her off, it was back to life as usual, or so Hillary thought. However, a couple days later, guess who was back to say hello again? Hillary caught sight of the canine explorer sneaking through an opening in the fence, which not only divides the two streets at each end, it just so happened that it was a fence on our property through which Molly was escaping! This time Hillary did what any good neighbor would do, she invited Molly in for a sip of water and a visit! Afterwards, she and Molly jumped back into the Jeep for the short ride back to Molly's house. This went on several more times until Hillary came up with a clever solution, which didn't include my husband finally fixing our fence!

                                                        Molly with her family's children

                                                  Molly with her "second" family's children

Hillary decided to make Molly's family an intriguing offer. She explained that since she was mourning the loss of her beloved sidekick and wasn't quite ready to jump back into a full time committment of raising another dog, would it be alright if Hillary borrowed Molly from time to time for a little walk now and then? Molly's family liked the idea and were happy to "share" Molly, thus a friendship blossomed! 

Today, Hillary and Molly can be spotted around town in the red Jeep or out for a walk, side by side and Hillary even watches the pooch when Molly's other family goes out of town. This lucky dog has a bed at both homes, food, dog dishes and when she is with Hillary, Molly even has a separate collar and dog tag with her address, so if by rare chance she would happen to wander away while her other family was out of town, Molly would be returned to Hillary. Most importantly though is the love for Molly which is shared by two wonderful families! Therefore, I am toasting our collective good fortune! Had I naggged my husband to fix that hole in the fence, these two families and one sweet dog, may otherwise never have crossed paths! 

Cheers, Caterina

Consistently Unconventional!

  

CONSISTENTLY UNCONVENTIONAL

I've been described as quirky and eccentric, so it is no great mystery that I carry these traits over into my surroundings. I like taking something ordinary and common, turning it into extraordinary and exceptional by finding a way to showcase items uniquely around the home. Take for instance, my rusty copper tiered dish rack with a rooster nesting on top. It held dishes for all of about two days, when it occurred to me that this dish holder could be put to much better use as a fabulous display for some of my favorite cookbooks, which if you're like me, were mostly hidden away in a cupboard high above the oven. Now, each time I breeze in and out of the kitchen, I have a boastful reminder of all the recipes I have yet to try, along with a few I actually have sampled, which are now proudly displayed in my converted "cookbook holder!" 

These sentimental books now command a presence, just as my cherished framed family photos. They represent wonderful memories, including some of my favorite restaurants, such as Robert De Niro's Tribeca Gill, Balthazar and Carmine's in New York City. Although it is always fun to try new places, we always set aside one evening to stroll into Carmine's late after a Broadway play, hoping that our table is not quite ready, just so we can belly up to the bar and order their fabulous baked oysters as we wait for our name to be called. Whiffs of garlic and the clattering of pans seep from the kitchen into the restaurant, adding to the bustling ambiance as we chat with our favorite bartender, who patiently listens to us as we tell him all about the latest production we've seen and how much he looks just like Nicolas Cage. Bet he's never heard that one before! One time we threw in an extra tip after asking him to sign our Carmine's cookbook, which he obligingly did, "Come back soon-Anthony," he scribbled inside the cover. 

Taking center stage of the rooster rack is Thomas Keller's Bouchon cookbook where I've marked the page containing the House Vinaigrette, although I'm not sure why because it only contains three ingredients, so I know it by heart now! Being that the book is oversized and sturdy, it also doubles as a leaf press and storage for all the leaves I've collected over the years, including some from a weekend at a dear friend's Michigan lake house, along with a few that made it home on the plane from Italy, where my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Each fall these leaves come out of hibernating between the pages of Bouchon and grace my harvest table. Other seasons, the flattened brown foliage greets me as I skim through the book, as if to say, your favorite season will soon be here! The collection of recipes in Bouchon reminds me of lovely jaunts to Napa Valley, just as The Winemaker Cooks, makes me think of Sonoma. The author, Christine Hanna, signed a copy for guests at a special dinner not long ago at a private home, which was orchestrated by the owners of a favorite East Bay bookstore, Rakestraw Books. Looking through my signed copy of Monday Night at Narsai's, I'm taken back to the time I did an internship at Channel 2 television station in Oakland.  Narsai always prepared something delectable live on the air and the staff and interns were lucky enough to share in his scrumptious creations after each segment. His inscription reads, "For Caterina, My favorite 'Mornings on 2' intern and chef! Bon Appetit!" 

I also was able to snag a first addition of James Beard's Menus for Entertaining, at my college campus for just a few bucks. Score! Not sure how much it is actually worth today, but probably wouldn't part with it anyhow. Alas, turning the pages of my inherited copy of Mastering The Art of French Cooking, I hear whispers of, "Hi Sugar!" as I recall my mother-in-law and how she always greeted me. Although she is no longer with us, she lives on in the recipes she passed on to the family, which I hope to pass on to my future daughters-in law someday. 

Alas, a lifetime of accumulated recipes and memories, which this collection represents to me, would perhaps be be tucked away in the back of my memory bank, like the cookbooks previously shelved away in the kitchen cupboard, had it not been for simply thinking unconventionally!  

Cheers, 

Caterina

God Bless America!

                                                       

GOD BLESS AMERICA

When conjuring up images of this great nation of ours, there is nothing more nostalgic than celebrating the 4th of July! All across the USA, folks will be gathered for picnics and parades, proudly displaying the American flag, our symbol of freedom and the greatness that is our country. It used to be that our family would retrieve the flag from the hallway closet around the first week in July and it would adorn our front porch for about a week or two. However, after 911, the flag has become a permanent fixture not only outside our house, but the majority of homes and businesses around town and all across America. 

When I was a little girl in Northern California, block parties and fireworks were the norm and I remember one of those holidays in particular, because it was 1976 and along with all the neighbor kids, we decorated our bikes with flags and crepe paper in glorious red, white and blue and after dressing up ourselves, joined in the parade to celebrate our 200th birthday! 

Raising my own family, we've participated in a block party or two for the 4th of July and often rode our bikes to a neighboring town to watch the annual 4th of July parade. First, it was with babies in bicycle seats attached to ours and then when they were old enough, they rode along side us as we peddled down the shady bike trail. Parking our bikes and settling the kids at the curb, we watched as the marching bands, floats, dignitaries with their political party affiliation attached to the sides of antique cars and policemen hoisted on horseback, all pass by. The children would sit mesmerized, absorbing the sights and sounds, waving their little flags to the beat of the festive music. That is, unless candy was thrown from a float and then they'd make a run for the pavement. 

Over the years the sentimental allure of this special holiday remains unchanged. However, as the kids have grown up, traditions and celebrations have taken on a different form. We've spent 4th of July visiting friends at their lake house, watching the festive boat parade during the day as decorated vessels circled the shore followed by a grand fireworks display at night, lighting up the summer sky over the lake. We've also traveled to my folks and participated in patriotic festivities in their new hometown. One 4th of July found us in Arizona, where my youngest was to show up for football at ASU. I hid my tears as we parted ways the next day and I will always remember that this particular holiday was bittersweet, as it meant that my husband and I were officially empty nesters. 

Other years the kids have come home from college to join us house boating on a California Lake or perhaps we stayed home and gathered with long time friends and neighbors in various back yards for a classic burger barbecue. Such was the case a few years back when a neighbor boy, Jeff, whom we'd watch grow up alongside our own boys, had just graduated from Marine boot camp. We hosted a special backyard BBQ in his honor, after he'd participated in the 4th of July parade with other Marines who were dressed in their finest. We are so proud of him and appareciate all our men and women serving and pray for our troops to come home safely! A song comes to mind, by the Zac Brown Band called, "Chicken Fried," which contains lyrics that sum it up best!

"I thank God for my life.

And for the Stars and Stripes.

May freedom forever fly, let it ring.

Salute the ones who died.

The ones who gave their lives

So we don't have to sacrifice

All those things we love."

Happy 4th of July!  

And so, be it on this special holiday or any given day, remember to thank members of the armed forces for their commitment and dedication to our wonderful, amazing country! Acknowledge them at the airport, grocery store or even a parade and let them know we are eternally thankful! I never pass up an opportunity to thank someone dressed in their military uniform and their reaction is always gratitude. However, I am the grateful one! 

God Bless America!

Cheers,

Caterina

An Italian Makes Enchiladas!

Shhh... Don't tell Papa!  Although I made Nona Giardino's gnocchi for my full blooded Italian father last week, truth be told, I absolutely love all things ENCHILADAS!  Well, actually, I love all things CHEESE!  And so, when my neighbor Maria and her daughter, Jaime, who was in town visiting, wanted to learn how to make my cheese enchiladas, I was happy to teach them my recipe. I've cultivated this dish over the years and now I am just as happy to share this recipe with you!  However, here is the part where my Italian roots kick in... I am never one to measure, thus you will also never catch me baking, because I just can't grasp the idea of meticulously measuring a teaspoon of this and a cup of that.  I simply don't have the patience or focus, which so many cooks take for granted, yet I view as a true gift and talent. I also would never claim to be an extraordinary chef, just someone who loves to cook for my family and friends!  Measuring is not in my genetic makeup (or other makeup for that matter, which is why I never use a mirror to apply my lipstick!) Rather, I have all the ingredients set aside and go with what "just feels right" and run with it!

This blog will be about so much more than recipes. Ironically, it just so happens that this is what my first post is about! That being said and keeping in mind my method of madness, here is what works for me and as you perfect this recipe to your liking, simply add more or less of any of the ingredients to suit your personal tastes.

Caterina's Cheese Enchiladas
Feeds 10-12

• Corn tortillas (package of twenty or so)
• Shredded cheese (about 2 lbs, blended Jack/cheddar or Mexican)
• Sliced black olives (I like a lot, so I use several cans)
• Chopped white onions (I find that a bag of Trader Joe's brand saves a lot of time and tears)
• Sliced green onions (I like a lot and use some for garnish afterwards, so a few bunches)
• Large can of enchilada sauce (I actually don't have a favorite brand and some are more bitter, so I actually buy two different brands and mix them)
• Minced garlic and olive oil (Alas, the Italian in me HAS to have a say in this!)

1. In a LARGE bowl, mix together cheese, olives, both kinds of onions, a couple table spoons of chopped garlic (the jar from the store works great!) And reserving some cheese and green onions for garnish, set bowl aside.
2. Spray a couple Pyrex baking dishes with cooking oil, such as Pam and then coat the bottom with just enough enchilada sauce to cover the bottom of the pan.  
3. Heat a LARGE pan with olive oil, enough to coat the pan very generously. When heated, place in a couple, or several tortillas if your pan is huge like mine, and cook until just bubbly, but not stiff, turning once to coat both sides. With tongs, transfer tortillas onto a cookie sheet that has been covered with paper towels, to absorb extra olive oil. When cookie sheet has tortillas covering single layered and not touching each other, cover them with more paper towels and repeat process, adding more oil to the pan as needed.  
4. When all the tortillas are cooked, take the cookie sheet full of lightly sautéed tortillas to the counter where you've placed the cheese mixture. I find that my center island works best for this, which leaves room for assembly. I then take a tortilla, and place it on the plate and grab a big handful of the cheese mixture and roll it as tightly as I can. The ends inevitable don't quite meet up, being that it is so stuffed with goodies. So, simply lay that side down on the Pyrex dish, so the opening is bottom down. 
5. Repeat until tortillas or mixture is used up. Sometimes I find that I have just enough left over to fit into a tiny Pyrex dish, which holds a couple or a few enchiladas and is perfect for either my husband, when I scamper off to book club or bunco, or for me, when it is poker night for him!  These enchiladas freeze beautifully, folks! Before placing them in the freezer or oven, I spoon down the middle a little more enchilada sauce, cheese and green onion because presentation is everything, darling! Cover with aluminum foil. Preheat oven to 400 and bake until hot and bubbly, (like my husband!)  Save the extra sauce by freezing in plastic bags or containers in the fridge, to spoon on after the enchiladas make their piping hot, bubbly appearance from the oven.  You don't want to ladle too much sauce in the beginning, because they become soggy.  Alas, this will be trial and error, as it has been for me.  So, come up with your own version and enjoy!

Jaime took a photo of our work in progress!

Cheers,
Caterina