Sandi is blogging from the WhistleStop Cafe kitchen. It's all about good home cooking; food, family and fun. Thousands of posts . . .

~In the south and around the world.



Saturday, May 31, 2014

PhotoHunt ~Grape

The Saturday PhotoHunt is 'Grape'
In Tuscany . . . I am surrounded by fields of grapes.
Rows of grapes ~ many times with roses planted at the end. The roses are the first sign of any problems with pests. Brilliant.
One Very Special winery I have posted about before is Martin del Nero . Her wines are great, and her story even better.
Now I am settled into a tiny hotel in Montisi... and sipping on grapes.
Ciao y'all,
Sandi

Monday, May 26, 2014

Traveling Tuesday in Roma

It is traveling Tuesday... and actually time for me to travel from Rome to Tuscany.
I have lots of photos but these are two that give the taste of Roma

A city of diversity.

There is always something going on ~ Next is Tuscany . . . camera in hand.
Enjoy the ride,
Sandi

Saturday, May 24, 2014

PhotoHunt ~Yellow

The PhotoHunt for today is 'Yellow'

The color yellow is all over Italy. On the churches, even in the yellow broom on the top of Villa Cimbrone.

I Love the yellow color of the fresh egg yolks.

That Yellow just makes me smile . . . even in the yellow plates at Chez Black.

Color me happy . . . If that is yellow, I'll take it.
Check for all the other Yellow Photos on The Saturday PhotoHunt
Happy Hunting y'all~
Sandi

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Travel Tuesday ~ Serendipity

We are beginning the second week of our  GreatEscape ~ follow us on our Facebook page. The second week is much like the first, starting with views like this. . .
On the first night we go to a special family restaurant just outside of Positano. Giovanni come in his little van, we all pile in for the exciting ride up the hill.
This is such a treat for all of us ~
There is always Singing  ~
and some Limoncello ~
What a way to start a week of exciting adventures.
Y'all enjoy the ride ~
Sandi

Friday, May 16, 2014

PhotoHunt ~Water

The PhotoHunt for today is 'Water' ~
Positano is right on the Amalfi coast

There are so many beautiful shots of water ~ every where we look.

I'm just glad we aren't all packed onto one of these cruise ships . . .

We are enjoying our groups, and about to change the villa over to group #2.
Another week in Paradise.

Happy Hunting y'all ~
Sandi

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Travel tuesday ~ Pinch me!

Pinch me ~ I am really traveling this Tuesday. (not just dreaming)
We are in Positano for 2 weeks with our GreatEscape ~ Follow us on Facebook for all the fun.

Our favorite spot is Albergo California ~ yes indeed. . . that is the Hotel California

Everyone is so friendly, in fact Guiseppe even carried our suitcases up to our villa (ok... with a small bribe) The hotel is in the heart of Positano.

With a view like this ~
Pinch me!
I won't be blogging much while I am here. . . but we will be posting lots of photos on our facebook page.
Ciao y'all ~
Sandi

Saturday, May 10, 2014

PhotoHunt ~Streets

The photoHunt for this week is 'streets'.
While we are in Positano we are lucky to have a driver. . .

I wouldn't want to even try to drive on these streets.

Once we are setttled in we are able to walk, or take a boat anywhere we might want to go. The curvy roads are  Crazy, But I will say . . . Positano is well worth the drive.

Happy Hunting y'all ~
Sandi

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Cooking Light ~YES you MAY

The Cooking Light Supper Club for this month is having a Special Supper for the month of May. We are going to enjoy our favorite indulgences ~ 'Yes . . . You May'
An easy indulgence for me would be a nice filet. Add bourbon, sugar and coffee . . . and that is a stepped up treat indeed. I found this recipe for a Filet with a Sweet Bourbon Coffee Sauce.
Filet Mignon with Sweet Bourbon Coffee Sauce
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons bourbon
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon beef-flavored bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Filet Mignon
Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
Sprinkle pepper and salt over both sides of steaks. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add steaks; cook 2 minutes on each side. Reduce heat to medium; cook steaks 2 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Transfer steaks to a platter; cover and keep warm.
Add bourbon mixture to pan; cook over medium-high heat until mixture has reduced to 1/4 cup (about 3 minutes).
Serve Bourbon sauce over beef.


 

Now . . . let's see what everyone else has brought for our Yes you May Supper.
Jerry has Lemon Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Bluberry sauce
Val is making Salt Roasted Shrimp with Lemon Sauce
Susan is bringing Shrimp, Chorizo and Corn Salad
Sara is making some Garlic Herb Fried
Shelby is bringing Mirin Mushrooms
I am hopping the pond today ~ y'all follow along for my month in Italy!
Y'all enjoy ~
Sandi

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Traveling Tuesday ~ Bags are packed

My bags are packed . . . I am ready to make my Great Escape to Italy ~ I hope y'all are going to travel with me.
First stop Positano, on the Amalfi Coast

A few days in Rome ~

Then on to Tuscany ~

Finally, my favorite city of Florence ~
I'll be posting along the way (time and WiFi permitting)


I am also joining Our World Tuesday
Y'all enjoy the ride~
Sandi

Monday, May 05, 2014

AntiPasti ~ Eggplant

I have been working on a cookbook for our 'Kitchen Capers'. We will be cutting up in the kitchen, and this is one of my favorite recipes. My goal is not to spend hours in a steamy kitchen ~ instead, we will be cooking fresh and enjoying time with amici.

Fresh grilled Eggplant... a take off on eggplant parmiggiano that is more fresh and Positano-ish.

It is more of a process than a 'recipe'
Grilled Aubergine
2-3 small tender eggplant
sea salt
olive oil
2 fresh tomatoes
fresh Basil
Mozzarella or goat cheese
lemon zest

First, slice the small tender type eggplant, Lay salted slices in a colendar to drain off the excess liquid. (time for a glass of wine on the terrace)

Brush each slice with olive oil and sear on a hot grill. When one side is done, flip and cover with cheese. I've used mozzarella balls here, but will use sliced fresh buffala mozzarella when we are in Positano.

Once the eggplant is tender, and the cheese is softened. . . layer with a fresh tomato slice, basil and lemon zest. Finally, drizzle with your best Italian olive oil.
.

Now . . . time for another glass of wine on the terrace.

Y'all enjoy ~
Sandi

Saturday, May 03, 2014

PhotoHunt ~Jiffy

The PhotoHunt for today is 'Jiffy'
I can think of one thing . . .

When I need Breakfast in a jiffy ~

Happy Hunting Y'all ~
Sandi
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