Author: Italian Inspirations

Ciao, I created Italian Inspirations after living, traveling and studying in Italy for 8 years. Prior to my international adventure, I earned a degree in Culinary Arts from the Seattle Culinary Academy and then set off to travel and explore while I finished my Associates of Arts and took intensive Italian Language courses in Florence. Following this honeymoon-like period of life in Tuscany, I enrolled in Italian university and endured four years of grueling but enriching studies. I graduated from the Università di Firenze in 2007 with a degree in Intercutural and Interlinguistic Studies and have taught English in Italy and Italian in the USA over the past 12 years. While I lived in Italy, I worked in various sectors providing me with an array of formative experiences including: - Il Centro Studi Jorge Eielson - Cultural Association dedicated to Latin American Art, Literature & Cultural exchange with Italy -- http://www.centroeielson.com/ - Gucci Calzature - Shoes Galore! Fittings & Showroom--Firenze & Milano - Baldoria Enoteca - Gourmet Italian Cuisine & Vino - Edison Libreria Bar - Coffee culture - Ferragamo family - Private English Tutor for bambini, including travel and cultural immersion experiences I've been back in the Pacific Northwest for over 4 years now and I'm excited to continue sharing my culinary, linguistic and cultural knowledge and passion with people who love all things Italian! Through Italian Inspirations, I now offer: - private and group language classes and workshops for travelers, foodies and the culturally curious - boutique foodie tours in Italy - personal chef dinner experiences - rustic Italian dishes prepared in your home with fresh ingredients - translation and interpreting services

It’s Official: Culinary Tours of Tuscany are happening!! (November 2013)

February 9, 2013

Travel to Tuscany for an exclusive foodie experience featuring personalized activities guided by Italian Language Instructor, Personal Chef & Translator, Ashlee Redfern! Contact Ashlee of Italian Inspirations directly to reserve your spot in one of the Culinary Tours of Tuscany in November 2013. Groups will be between 8 and 15 people, so the experience is … More It’s Official: Culinary Tours of Tuscany are happening!! (November 2013)

Summer’s Last Hurrah – with crepes, dahlias and friends

September 25, 2012

As temperatures cool and the sun begins to pull us less to be outside, the produce that results from summer’s lingering generosity should be enjoyed! So we did, with fresh pears, chopped pistachios & grated parmigiano filling the crepes that we then topped with blackberry compote. A deliciously simple meal that celebrated some of my … More Summer’s Last Hurrah – with crepes, dahlias and friends

Guided Culinary Tour of Tuscany – November 9-15, 2012

September 10, 2012

Italian Inspirations Culinary Tour of Tuscany – November 9-15, 2012 Get ready to book your flight & meet me in Tuscany, because you’re not going to want to miss this dream-like Italian excursion! Lodging, Tours, Tastings, Cooking Classes & Meals have been hand-selected to offer an exclusive insider’s perspective on Tuscany that few tourists ever … More Guided Culinary Tour of Tuscany – November 9-15, 2012

Cucina Sarda: Pane Frattau – Sardinian Cuisine

July 2, 2012

Pane Frattau:  A traditional dish from Sardinia I first tasted pane frattau in Florence, thanks to some very special friends from Sardinia, and I quickly became addicted. The simplicity of this hearty and delicious fare is only one aspect of its enjoyability. It is wonderfully versatile and can be extremely quick to make with very … More Cucina Sarda: Pane Frattau – Sardinian Cuisine

Bainbridge Uncorked 2012: Island Wine Festival June 22-24

June 15, 2012

Bainbridge Uncorked 2012:  Island Wine Festival Join me Friday, June 22nd at 5pm for an aperitivo and wine presentation at Eagle Harbor Wine Company‘s Tasting Room in Winslow Mall as we kick off a celebratory weekend of activities featuring local wine, food and spirits. I will be there as chef of Italian Inspirations, preparing typical … More Bainbridge Uncorked 2012: Island Wine Festival June 22-24

Pistacchio-crusted Pork Tenderloin with Rhubarb Chutney and Sauteed Green Beans, Arugula Flowers, Kale Buds

June 13, 2012

Pistacchio-Sage Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Rhubarb Chutney Filetto di Maiale in crosta di Pistacchi e Salvia con Chutney al Rabarbaro, Patate Viola e Fagiolini saltati con Fiori di Rucola e Boccioli di Cavolo What’s for dinner? For us last night, it was this beautiful combination of color and flavor elements…I happened to have a farmers … More Pistacchio-crusted Pork Tenderloin with Rhubarb Chutney and Sauteed Green Beans, Arugula Flowers, Kale Buds

Homemade Yogurt

June 10, 2012

Buongiorno e buona domenica! Good morning and happy Sunday! My newfound homemade yogurt recipe turned out so well that I was inspired to have breakfast in bed today… The tray was complete with fresh carrot juice, doppio ristretto (double shot of espresso), buttered english muffins and my new favorite homemade preserve–gingered rhubarb jam–which I confess … More Homemade Yogurt

Bainbridge Island Girls’ Night Out – Fresh Ricotta Recipe & Ravioli in Nettles Pesto

May 14, 2012

Italian Inspirations:  Ricotta & Ravioli demos at The Berry Patch Kitchen Store A few months ago, I finally gave up hope of finding my old citrus reamer and decided to head into Winslow to purchase a new one. As I walked into the Berry Patch kitchen store, I immediately remembered how dangerous a place full … More Bainbridge Island Girls’ Night Out – Fresh Ricotta Recipe & Ravioli in Nettles Pesto