Aperitivo is an Italian concept that roughly means, “happy hour with appetizers”. It is often a time for friends to meet and relax after long work-days or to make merry on weekend evenings before heading to dinner. It can be fancy or rustic, depending on the occasion or locale. The aperitivo can be enjoyed out … More Aperitivo Estivo – Italian Summer Happy Hour
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
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
Italian Inspiraitons hits Port Townsend! Recently, my surf buddy and fellow foodie, Laura, invited me up to Port Townsend for a “Girls’ Night In” that featured dinner and a clothing swap. I decided to take the show on the road (namely my cheesemaking tools, pasta recipe and fresh, local ingredients) and turn the dinner into … More Girls’ Night In… Ricotta & Ravioli
Pasta al Pesto con Patate e Fagiolini – a little background and a recipe I reflect with nostalgia on this recipe, which was first introduced to me by friends in Italia while we were sailing in the Mar Tirreno (Tyrrhennian Sea) off the coast of Tuscany and enjoying lunch aboard their boat, Elixir. We literally … More Pasta al Pesto con Patate e Fagiolini (Pasta with Pesto, Potatoes and Green Beans)
Una Rustica Cena all’Italiana My most recent Italian Inspirations dinner event was held this past weekend and featured some tasty dishes to celebrate the arrival of spring. Here are a few pictures of some of the courses…recipes and more pix will follow 🙂 I had twice the fun teaching my kitchen helpers about la cucina … More Visions of a Spring Italian Dinner Experience
I met one of my new students to give her a packet, so she could begin her Italian language sudies, and she surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of fresh herbs–prezzemolo (parsley), salvia (sage), rosmarino (rosemary), timo (thyme) and alloro (bay leaves)! The perfect group of flavors with which to get excited about some Italian … More Delightfully Fresh Herbs
When I’m looking for exotic culinary inspiration, or if I need supplies for an Italian Dinner Experience, I turn to World Spice Merchants, Paris Grocery and the Spanish Table in downtown Seattle. The stretch of Western Ave. below Pike Place Market has some of the best little specialty shops for us foodies to get those … More Buying Spices
Ciao amici, Being new to the wonderful world of blogging and website creation, please excuse my experimentation… I’m excited to provide information about Italian Inspirations, my new business, and promote Italian Language, Culture & Cuisine through my Classes & Activites. More news to come soon! A presto, Ashlee
Italian Inspirations 