ciao tutti! How are the WFHers faring?

It’s Wednesday! How are the WFHers faring and are you staying safe and sane. Wednesday….hmmmmm. Few other words in the English language give as much trouble as this word when it comes to spelling. Like 6 out of 7 days of the week in English, this word comes from Norse culture. Think of it as…

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ciao tutti…. ah, it’s Sunday!

Ciao to all the WFH’ers! It’s Sunday and that means time for soaking up the deliciousness of the Weekend to read, eat lunch at a civil 3pm or do whatever balances out the working week. It’s overcast here on the Hill, the mock oranges are in flower and it looks as if rain is on…

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ciao tutti….. It’s Saturday!

ciao tutti!! Saturday and the weather is glorious, even if a tad on the hot side. All the more reason for getting outside to stock up on your Vitamin D and N levels. Another post from la cucina: if you haven’t made BAKED RICE for ages, it’s time to make amends. It’s ultra easy, delicious…

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ciao tutti! Hmm …. what’s for lunch?

ciao tutti! Wednesday brings a tinch of cooler weather and thoughts turn to ….. SOUP! The Little Cellar Rat’s suggestion for a hasty, tasty lunch – Jazzed Up Tomato Soup. Start with your favourite tinned soup, grate in some tasty cheese, bless with a sprinkling of Italian herbs, smoky paprika and a kiss of chilli…

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ciao tutti … buona pasqua!

ciao tutti! It’s Easter Tuesday and the sun is bathing us here on The Hill in its buttery creaminess. The days have been warm but that sting of the summer sun has been put to the side. For all the Working From Homers it’s back to the desk/computer. by now you will have worked out…

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ciao tutti! Good Friday menu

ciao tutti! Fish or seafood is most likely on your Good Friday Menu and no doubt there will be a wedge or two of lemon or lime. Before you discard them, use the segments to give the plates and pan a good wipe out. If you have one or two still left over, throw them…

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ciao tutti! caponata coming up

The Little Cellar Rat made ‘caponata’ on the weekend. That’s lunch sorted for a few days. Chunks of capsicum and wedges of eggplant (don’t peel or salt, no need to if they are young with tight skins, just slice off stalk end.) Use an oven pan with sides approx 3cm, give them a massage in…

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ciao tutti! Begone…. cut onion smell on hands!

ciao tutti! The early mornings here on the Hill have a distinctly autumn feel and the Little Cellar Rat is enjoying the freshness and cool that April is bringing. Post for today is a Kitchen tip: finding it a challenge to get rid of the smell of cut onions from your hands? TLCR has a…

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ciao tutti!! It’s SATURDAY.

ciao tutti! It’s Saturday… time to cover the workspace and close the door, if possible. the Little Cellar Rat thinks that a simple frittata would go over just nicely for lunch on this (hopefully) relaxing just-for-YOU day. Left-over sliced or diced English potato, sweet potato, and whatever other veges fit the bill along with a…

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ciao tutti! Friday Morning Magic Moment

Terranzo the Winemaker and Maria the Little Cellar Rat enjoy breakfast 10 months out of 12 on the back deck. It faces north and is the sunniest spot. We have birdsong to lift our hearts and a view to the green hills as a feast for the eyes. Our house was built over a century…

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