Italian Easter Bread and traditions...

Well it looks like spring is finally here, even though we have snow in the forecast early next week. Last night I stayed up late to make some of this Italian Easter Bread that I had pinned. It looks so good and I always like to make a fresh bread on the holidays. I never had this bread before, nor had I ever heard of it; so I asked around and apparently its a tradition that is taken very seriously in some Italian homes. 

The only traditions that I recall from my childhood during Easter would be the typical church with Mommo, dinner at moms, dying eggs, and let us not forget the awful pink frilly dresses! I used to wish I came from a huge Italian family, something out of the Sopranos' without all the violence and crime. 

Do you and your family have any traditions? 

This bread is fairly easy and it is delicious, the whole process took a few hours. The original recipe called for a pinch of salt, I changed it to 1/4 teaspoon and it still wasn't enough, so next time I would up it to 1/2 teaspoon, it was just a little on the flat side for flavor. 

Easter Cookies and reminiscing my cooking years...

Its so hard to believe that Easter is this weekend, where is this year going? Liam and I will be taking a trip up into the mountains to enjoy time with friends, also known as "our Colorado family". Its always an amazing time surrounded with food, laughter, and great people.

Last week I started experimenting with different recipes for rolled sugar cookies. I have been using the same recipe for years now, its one from my first job out of pastry school; working for Chef Charlie Trotter. The man is a legend in the culinary world and I feel privileged and honored to have worked for him and learned from his team.

This time of year we would be so busy, prepping for both Easter and Passover. Pumping out tons of sugar cookies and coconut macrooons to name just two things. I always loved the rush of a busy kitchen and the comradery of the team. We all had one goal and that was Excellence! If it wasn't delicious and beautiful, it wasn't hitting our guests mouths. I miss working in a kitchen a lot, its something I have always struggled with (passion vs. priority). I do believe one day I will be back with a team, but for now its free lance projects and working on raising Liam.

After testing three new recipes, I came up with this one that I like the best.

Wishing for spring and some patio inspiration...

Over the weekend we had another visit from old man winter, leaving spring just a figment of our imagination. Its hard to believe that Easter is this weekend. Liam and I will be spending the holiday up in the mountains with our "Colorado Family". Its always great to get up there and relax with our friends, something we both look forward to often. 

I have been envisioning what to do to our little patio space, I know I want to plant some herbs, tomatoes, and flowers; as well as have a little seating area. So much to put into the little space.

Here are a few examples of what I'm thinking...

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I also have plans of transforming an old piece of furniture into something special...stay tuned for that!