May Day and I am here in Greece
Today is May Day, the first of May. My grandmother as a young girl used to go picking new spring flowers with her sisters. They would then leave these bundled…
Palladio-the master of architecture
Quattrocento: Andrea Palladio Andrea Palladio, son of miller, Petrol della Gondola and Marta “la zota” was born in the Padova, the “Saint’s City”, Padova, in 1508. He worked in…
Flavors,spice and life
https://www.marialiberati.com/knives/spices.php Last night, I wrapped up warm on the couch and popped a dvd in with some mysterious title written in Greek. Its cover pictured an older man with a…
Spaghetti..that comfort food of ours
Spaghetti: an old favorite Technorati Tags : pasta, tomatoes, spaghetti https://www.marialiberati.com My sister's big birthday was yesterday. As the youngest in the family she has finally passed that milestone marker…
To Market ..to market..
The joys of shopping local farmer's markets! Whenever I travel outside the States I seek out the local farmer markets in the towns and cities I tour. These open-air food…
The legends of Tiramisu..
This past weekend I dashed over to London to meet an old friend for lunch. Even though it was only my second visit to London, we skipped the usual tourist attractions…
Pasqua. Easter and more Chocolate
Chocolate Italian Easter Eggs As Easter approaches images of the Easter Bunny, pastel colored chicks and duckies, and the marvelous Easter egg in all its glory pop up. As a symbol…
A bowl of pasta..
In our figure-watching, constant dieting society it seems pasta has earned a bad reputation as an evil carbohydrate. But let us remember why pasta has persisted as a dietary staple…
Childhood Memories of parmigiano-reggiano…
As a child my favorite part of our family pasta dinners was the memory of fresh parmigiano-reggiano cheese that was grated generously on my dish. And even though I like…
Pasqua and Pasquetta..chocolate eggs and more…
Today, as I sit here in my office and daydream my way out of dull office tasks that I have been putting off for months-unfortunately life can not be made…
Shipping, Privacy, Return Policy
Shipping: All products are shipped by USPS Return Policy: all items in new, unused, saleable condition are returnable within 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked Privacy Policy-we…
Baby, it's cold outside — Happy St. Patty's Day!
I'm sitting in my office, staring out the window, watching the sleet/snow/rain mix cover the landscape in white. This is so bizarre considering two days ago, yesterday even, the temperatures…
Orpheus Taming Wild Animals — Roman Floor Mosaics
Mosaic is one of the great art forms of the ancient Mediterranean world. Beginning in the fourth century B.C., wealthy Greek houses and tombs were decorated with scenes comprised of…
The History of Biscotti
Do you know what I've really been enjoying lately? A hot cup of espresso with a fresh biscotti. There is just something about rich, smooth, full-bodied Italian espresso juxtaposed with…
Coming Soon | February Newsletter
Hi Everyone! I'll be sending out my monthly newsletter in the next day or two, so keep an eye out in your e-mail inboxes. Be sure to add Maria@MariaLiberati.com to…
Ciao Carnevale | The Story of Arlecchino
Well, unfortunately, Carnevale is over! Yesterday was the official day and closing of the festivities, and it truly has been wild and fun. There were so many amazing costumes like…
Italian Chef's Secrets to Preparing Clams
This month I'm featuring my linguine alla vongole (clams with linguine) as February's Recipe of the Month. The secret to this great pasta is fresh clams. If you're in a…
Visiting Palazzo Liberati (Liberati Palace) in Tortoreto | Why You Should Use Olive Oil
A few days ago, I was specially invited to take an architectural tour of a very small town that is nestled in the mountains of Abruzzo called Tortoreto. A well-known…
Top 10 Things Italians Hate Most About Holiday Family Gatherings | Learn About the Mediterranean Diet
Phew! We are officially into the New Year -- 2007! The holidays were a whirlwind. I came across this funny article in an Italian magazine called Dimagrire. In it, they…
La Befana, the Christmas Witch | The Last Holiday of the Season
Caro Diario, I have had an unbelievable holiday season here at my grandfather's vineyard in Italy. While in America the festivities are over, I still have one more holiday to…
Happy New Year | Nuovo anno felice
Hello! I just wanted to wish everyone a VERY happy new year. Eat, drink, and be merry! Powered by Qumana
Buon Natale!
Merry Christmas, Friends! Right now I'm in Italy enjoying the season and picking up new stories, articles, and ideas to share with you in the new year. Have a safe…
Risotto Parmigiana | Interesting Parmigiano Reggiano Facts and Maria's Favorite Recipe
Probably the most famous of all Italian cheeses is Parmigiano reggiano, a hard, granular cheese native to the Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modina, Bologna, and Mantua provinces. Parmigiano reggiano is made…
My Favorite Things | Ergo Chef Knives and Cooking With the Right Tools
One of the most important tools a chef can have in the kitchen is a great set of knives. Not just any old set will do. You might be able…
My Favorite Things | Flavors of Tuscany Spice Blend & Tuscan Bruschetta
Now that it is December, I really have the holidays on the brain! I love this time of year. The air becomes crisper, the smell of fireplaces burning, and giving…
Festa di Ringraziamento | Expressing Thanks
Festa di Ringraziamento (Happy Thanksgiving)! Italians don't exactly celebrate Thanksgiving -- it doesn't relate to their history. But the word "ringraziamento" means "thanksgiving" in Italian, and Italians use it to…
Stay Tuned | Thanksgiving Newsletter
Hello Friends! This week I'm working on my special Thanksgiving newsletter. I'm dishing out info like traditional Italian-American Thanksgiving recipes and how to easily clean your silver in time for…
Marrons Glacés and Chestnut Truffles Roasting on an Open Fire
To make foods that taste incredible, it is always best to tailor your dishes to what is currently in season. Right now, chestnuts are in full swing, ripe and bursting…
My Fair Ischia | Five Days in Italian Paradise
November 3, 2006 Hello, Everyone! This week has really felt more like spring than a cool, brisk autumn. And these warm, sunny days remind me of this glorious, almost mystical…
Il Perdonanza Celestinia | Medieval Celebrations
October 25, 2006 Cara Diario! I'm sorry I haven't written in so long, but I've had quite the adventure these past few months. I traveled all over Italy from August…
