myTaste.com
ll Cibo é L'essenza Della Vita....

"The rooms that you use on a daily basis are the rooms people will always want to sit in, because they have soul." --Bunny Williams

“VIVERE SENZA RIMPIANTI” LIVE WITHOUT REGRETS

"If you want to live forever and ever, drink wine and eat maccheroni." ~~~Sicilian Proverb

Monday, November 15, 2010

Slowly Healing, Happy to be Back and Celebrating with a Giveaway!






















Oh my gosh! I don't even know where to start. 

First of all, I want to say

THANK YOU

to all of you. I am humbled and amazed by the outpouring of emails, phone calls (I can't believe that some of you actually took the time to look up my number!! You're amazing!), notes, Facebook comments (both to me and on the Bramasole page- Allie has been monitoring both for me). I am so blessed to have the very best friends and readers in the whole world
And to celebrate our return...

drum roll please..................

CSN Stores is sponsoring a giveaway right here at Bramasole!!!!

I LOVE CSNStores!!! With the holidays around the corner, you can find anything from a beautiful leather briefcase to amazing cookware (you all know where I spend hours browsing!)

I know that several people on my gift list would go crazy over a beautiful bag like this


or if they've been REALLY good maybe Santa will bring one of these....




and on MY wish list........


and I just LOVE this platter


So-o-o-o-o-o.....

to celebrate our comeback and to thank you all for the amazing support and prayers you sent my way CSN will send the winner a gift card worth 55 dollars good at ANY one of their over 200 stores!! 

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment for 1 entry and be (or become) a follower for an extra entry (be sure to leave a separate comment letting us know you're a follower- I get confused easily!) 

That's it- just comment and follow if you'd like to. Remember- you do NOT have to be a blogger to follow. Simply register with Blogger.com (free) .  Also, please be sure that you send us an email address where you can be contacted if you win. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator on Tuesday November 23rd. The lucky winner can spend Black Friday comfortably at home shopping CSN Stores from their favorite armchair! A-h-h-h-h-......


A month ago I expected to have a fairly quick recovery from surgery. Unfortunately, there were a few complications and this recovery has stretched beyond what I had envisioned. I'm a bit exhausted but SO anxious to catch up with you all. Posting may be a bit slow at first as typing is still a bit difficult, but I'm looking forward to getting back to my kitchen and design office! I have had a lot of time to think about upcoming posts so I hope you all enjoy!

I'll be doing a guest post on one of my very FAVORITE blogs soon. So stay tuned for THAT!

 I can't even tell you all how much I've missed spending time in my kitchen. I have a wonderful, amazing husband who has taken over during my recovery, but I am more than ready to resume my place as chief cook and bottle washer. Allie has been begging for quiche and my mom has a list of "cravings" she's been having  :) So come back often~ lots of great cooking in our future!  

I know today would normally be our Meatless Monday post, but since I'm still not "allowed" full kitchen privileges I'm just going to share a simple and very traditional Italian "Torta". When I was a little girl, I remember loving  a dessert that my best friend's Italian grandmother made frequently- "Torta della Nonna" - Grandma's Pie. I grew up thinking it was just a cake that my friend's Nonna made. Then when we went to Italy for the summer with my grandparents I saw it on restaurant menus as Torta della Nonna or Torta di Crema (Cream Pie). It's simple, homey, and simply delicious. For variation the pastry cream can be flavored with ground almonds (a favorite of mine), rum, cognac, or lemon syrup. 

Enjoy! Tutti a Tavola!!



Torta Della Nonna (Italian Cream Pie)

1/2 cup of butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 2/3 cups sifted flour + more as needed
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
Cream Filling- see below
Confectioner's sugar for garnishing top of torta

Beat together the butter and sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in the flour till combined- this will be a soft, sticky dough at this point
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 inch tart pan with baking spray and set aside. Turn dough out onto a well- floured counter and gently knead in just enough flour to enable dough to be rolled out- it should be soft.
Divide the dough in half and roll out 1 half to a round large enough to line the tart pan. I do this between 2 sheets of floured wax paper- it makes the soft dough easier to transfer to the pan.
Mound the cream filling into the shell and cover with the second half of dough rolled out. Roll the edges together to seal
Bake for 40-45 minutes till lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack then shower the top with confectioner's sugar. Store in refrigerator





Crema Pasticcera Italiana
5 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
2 cups milk
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
Beat egg yolks and sugar till very pale and thick. Gently stir in flour. Bring the milk to a boil, then remove from heat. Slowly whisk about a half cup of hot milk into egg mixture, then return egg to pan of milk. Return to low heat and cook stirring constantly to prevent lumps. When mixture thickens, remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap on the surface. Cool completely



I am SO happy to be back. I love you all

As Always,

Buon Cibo, Buon Amici,

Pattie and Allie


80 comments:

  1. Pattie,it's so wonderful to hear you are steadily improving. Glad you have a dear family to care for you. Definitely keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. Great to get your posts, but only do this when you are really feeling up to it. : ) Take care.

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  2. Welcome back, Pattie! I'm so happy to see a post from you. Keep up the good work of healing and take time for yourself ;)

    Oh my gosh, your Italian Cream Pie sounds amazingly delicious (but all of your recipes do).

    What a great giveaway! You came back with a grand entrance ;)

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  3. That looks delicious...but the most delicious thing is that you are back on your feet! I kept looking at your blog and thinking, well, it wouldn't do any good to leave a message there..so I have been waiting. It's so good that you are back...do it slowly though! :D

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  4. Happy to be a follower of yours for quite some time ;) CSN is the best!

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  5. Pattie -- I was just thinking about you today and hoping that things are going okay for you -- you have been missed in blogland -- everyone loves your recipes and your friendly ways. So glad you are able to post and your torta looks so fabulous -- I would hope if I made this that the cream would make it onto the torta. Joni

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  6. Pattie: I was thrilled to find your new post and hear your news. I hope you'll continue to take it easy until you are back to your healthy self!! This recipe looks delicious and I am going to bookmark it. I'd love to be a CSN winner but having you back with your delicious recipes already makes me a winner!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  7. i love le creuset!
    shenais
    divertida at fastmail dot fm

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  8. gfc following!
    shenais
    divertida at fastmail dot fm

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  9. I am thrilled that you are doing better. I have missed your wonderful recipes and personality and tales of Italy and your family. Welcome back, dear friend. The blog has not been the same without you.
    xo Yvonne

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  10. Pattie, I am so happy to see you back! Please don't rush things, we won't forget you, just take it easy. The pie sounds luscious!
    And a give away too, wow!

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  11. Pattie! Your back! I am so happy! I know this has been a difficult time but I am so glad to hear you are doing well. Don't rush it girl! Take care of yourself! Your sweet Allie and husband have done a good job. What fun to have a giveaway just in time for the holidays! I'm just so thrilled you are back!

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  12. I'm so glad you are up and around (a bit anyway) and I'm sorry to hear that recovery didn't go quite as planned. Hearts are scary things when they don't tick along as they should (I've got heart issues myself so I do sympathize).

    What a grand welcome back with the giveaway - thanks!

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  13. It's so good to hear you are recovering, Pattie, and growing stronger every day! I'm keeping you in my prayers. {{hugs}}

    I love this cream pie recipe! It sounds so luscious!

    Glad CSN Stores gave you a give away to welcome you back to blogging!

    ♥Pat

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  14. I have been so worried about you, knowing that your recovery should have been quicker. I can't tell you what a relief it was to see your new post on my blogroll. I popped right over! Take it slow and easy.

    Oh, and I love that lovely dessert.

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  15. So glad to hear that you're on the mend! Let other people take care of you for awhile - you deserve it.

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  16. I am so glad to hear that all is well Pattie. You have made a lot of friends in the blogging world so it is nice to hear that we were all concerned, although no news is good news as they say.You will get back to the kitchen all in good time. If I were you I would put my feet up, enjoy the pampering and start that memoir:D

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  17. It's so good to see a post from you Pattie! Glad to hear that you are feeling better. And what a great giveaway!

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  18. Welcome back..I was happy to see you on my blogroll..I hope you become 100% very very very soon..Nonna's pie looks delicious..

    Take care..Monique

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  19. Yay, Pattie, I'm so happy to see you back in our blogging world. I've missed you, girl. I hope you don't rush things and do too much to soon. I can't wait to try another one of your always fantastic recipes. Love the looks of this cream pie.

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  20. I've been a happy follower for some time.

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  21. Welcome back!!! I hope you will feel 100% better SOON!!! The pie looks SO good!Please enter me in the giveaway: I am also a follower!!!! XO, Pinky

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  22. Pattie,
    Welcome back! I am so glad to hear you are doing well and feeling better. You have been in our prayers.
    Wendy & Tony

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  23. we have been faithful followers :)

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  24. So glad to see you back posting! I am wishing you a speedy recovery from here on out!

    What a wonderful giveaway! Please include me.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  25. That pie looks incredible!
    jorossi(at)gmail(dot)com

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  26. I just signed in with GFC.
    jorossi(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. Been so worried about you! been checking the blog daily for any news and was so happy to see your return! Hope your back to yourself in no time!
    Hugs,
    Annette

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  28. Hi Pattie - I've thought about you so many times these past several weeks. I'm so glad to see you back!!! Don't try to do too much!!!

    :)
    ButterYum

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  29. Love your blog! So glad I found it!
    quarabr at gmail dot com

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  30. I am following via GFC.
    quarabr at gmail dot com

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  31. Welcome Back! I'm glad that you are feeling better.

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  32. Oh, Pattie, it was soooooo good to hear from you. Joni and I have been so worried about you. I am glad you are recovering and doing well. We have missed you so much. You are one of my dearest blog friends. Some day we will meet!

    A piece of this lucious dessert would certainly make me feel better. Hope you continue to progress and get all of your boundless energy back.
    Lots and lots of love!
    Jackie

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  33. Welcome back Pattie and Allie, so grateful to see you are on steady road back. In our prayers and thoughts always,Emelia :). oxox.

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  34. Pattie
    it is wonderful to have you back!! We have all missed you so very very much!
    You certainly didn't miss a step with that wonderful torta! I just wish we could share a slice over a nice espresso...
    Take care my friend
    Dennis

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  35. What a wonderful relief to come over and find a Post from you, Patti. Tell your sweet Allie that we sure appreciated the update.
    Go slow and take all the time you need. No such thing as Blog-Police who check our numbers, which is what makes it so fun. : )
    xo,
    Mary Lou

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  36. Pattie, I am so delighted to see you back! Oh, this was great to see this post. I was MIA a few days (have been sick), but I'm thrilled you are doing better! Yea!

    Hugs to you, and of course you know I follow you! Love your blog, but love you more!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  37. I'm enjoying your blog. I shouldn't read it though when I'm out of eggs and it's almost 11 p.m. :-) Gotta get to the store!
    tiedyefrog at gmail dot com

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  38. Following too with GFC.
    tiedyefrog at gmail dot com

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  39. It's great to see you back and here's wishing you the best!!! The pie looks incredibly delicious!

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  40. I've enjoyed being a follower for a good while!

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  41. Pattie, it is so good to have you back. I've been away so missed much of what has transpired. I'm glad you're feeling well enough to resume blogging, Your torta is just lovely. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  42. Welcome back it is good to see your posts! Your torta looks heavenly.

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  43. Welcome back, hope things continue to improve for you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and thank you for the great giveaway.

    Mary L

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  44. Pattie, Your Italian cream pie looks delicious! You're a great cook and food photographer. Thanks for hosting this giveaway, Pattie.
    Hugs, Beth

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  45. Pattie, I'm a long-time follower. Proud and happy to follow your beautiful blog. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
    Blessings, Beth

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  46. the cream cheese pie sounds and looks divine. Thanks for sharing
    Hope you get well soon, was a pleasure reading you

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  47. Yum and double yum!
    So glad you are recovering it always seems to take a bit longer than we think
    Count me in on the CSN giveaway I love that store/stores

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  48. I ma a new follower and am looking forward to it!!

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  49. That pie looks delicious. I'm not familiar with Italian Cream Pie...but I'd like to be. Put my name in the hat for the contest, I love to shop!

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  50. what an Italian cream pie. .I am a fan of
    yours now:)

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  51. Pattie (and Allie) I came on over via More than a Mountful, and I'm so happy I did! I too came from an Italian family (Sicilian and Roman) and miss all that love. I'm sad to hear the troubles you are having, but if you or your family need anything please let me know, I actually work at NC State, so am close by! Can't wait to read more!

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  52. ...and now i'm following! after finally getting a blogger account! we'll see if i can manage to blog with the tiny amount of free time i have!

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  53. I have been a follower for a short time and really enjoy your blog!!

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  54. Hello! Thank you for this offer - so glad to see you back! I love these recipes! It is always a joy to visit your blog!
    Kathy

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  55. Everything looks delicious! Glad to have found your blog through Chef Dennis!

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  56. The pie looks delishious! Love CSN! thanks so much for the chance to win!

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  57. Looks delicious! What a fun idea to have a mom/daughter blog - love it :)

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  58. Great to see you back and that pie is mouthwattering delicious!
    I'd love to have some extra spending money for a CSN shopping trip.
    ~ Sarah

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  59. Yep, I'm a follower! Thanks again!!!

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  60. I would love to do some Christmas shopping over there.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

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  61. I'm a follower.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

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  62. My most heartfelt wishes for your speedy recovery.

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  63. I am one of your current followers.

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  64. Glad you are doing better, the pie looks heavenly!

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  65. And of course, I am a follower.

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  66. SO HAPPY to see you back! Now don't push it too much and do things in stages and rest inbetween!!

    Love the Italian Cream Pie. Well I love any cream pie!

    Michelle

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  67. I'm glad to hear you're healing... Always good news...

    Please enter me into the giveaway too... That sounds spectacular!

    Warm blessings,
    Spencer

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  68. Following too... :-)

    I'm having a giveaway as well....ends tonight.

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  69. meravigliosa questa torta!complimenti!

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