May 07, 2018
When was the last time you fell in love with something so much it consumed you? Did it change your life and propel you into an unknown universe? Did it become an intense hobby, work or the very essence of you? I was reminded through out the week of when work is love ... it is one.
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April 22, 2018
We didn't ever intend on commuting 6,000 miles to work, but this is the new normal for me and my husband
Michel. A sabbatical in Italy during the summer of 2012 turned into an international move that would take us on a roller coaster ride of a lifetime.
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November 24, 2016
Today is one of America's greatest holiday's when workers get the day off, cooking and eating is main stage, and prods us all to give thanks. Here in Italy, I'm in Milan and the holiday is barely noticed and everyone is bustling about their normal day. What I would give for a big piece of pumpkin pie right now! But instead, I'll be making pumpkin gnocchi tonight with cream sauce for dinner. But this Thanksgiving is not particularly a normal one for me, as I am away from my beach town Porto San Giorgio (PSG) and my children so I can attend to some medical issues.
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July 12, 2016
Italians have mastered the art of dining alfresco with incredible simplicity, but yet sophistication. It comes down to having the freshest and best ingredients available. You don't need more food, you need better food that will leave your taste buds singing and your body fueled for all the fun things you want to do this summer!
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January 24, 2016
The ideal place for a better life includes days filled with sunshine, but a year with four distinct seasons; an area with easy access to big cities, but not so close population, traffic and pollution infringes on your daily life; a place where old traditions still reign while new technology is catching on; acres and acres of farmland secure fresh, clean food to eat within zero kilometers....and the best Italian extra virgin olive oil!
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April 22, 2015
Everyday is Earth Day at Casal Cristiana Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil here in Italy ..... There is no excuse to not conserve energy. It's practically handed to us with this climate, Italian ingenuity and common sense. How can we not celebrate?
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February 01, 2015
Cook like the Marchigiani. You may be asking yourself .... who or what is the Marchigiani? It is the people of the Italian region of Le Marche of course! Now that we have that cleared up, the one thing culinary enthusiasts know about Italian cuisine is that top quality and seasonal ingredients are critical for simple, but spectacular meals. There are actually very few rules when it comes to cooking Italian food, however a tremendous number of opinions exist depending upon who you ask, what region you are sourcing, and of course, tradition. This may have you contemplating methods and ingredients but as far as I'm concerned, that's what makes cooking fun! It's a shame when dishes become so complicated it puts you off and even in Italy, we don't have all day to cook.
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January 06, 2015
So, when someone asks me, what's different about your life in Italy and how has it changed? The following comments are a few indicators in how I may answer that question ... "You know your life has changed when ........"
Your favorite thing to do is the laundry. Nothing beats a warm, sunny day overlooking the Adriatic Sea .. clothes hanging in the sun with a gentle breeze against a medieval wall.
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September 01, 2014
In honor of the American Labor Day this weekend, I am dedicating this blog to my Italian friends, who continue to work, seek employment and strive to be resourceful in the midst of Italy's continuing financial crisis and to compete in a global market while protecting their country's heritage and traditions. Italy just would not be the same without slow food, regional cooking, musicians, and artists of all kinds. I hope they can keep it alive as the world becomes smaller with technology.
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August 25, 2014
It was a whirlwind and fantastic 30-day trip to the West Coast this summer visiting friends and sharing Casal Cristiana Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (CCEVOO) through numerous events, dinners and tastings. The cool, green forests and valleys of vineyards of the Pacific Northwest certainly contrasts with our life in the sub-tropical Italian region of Le Marche where it is blue as far as the eye can see with little separating the Adriatic and the sky. The air, energy and vistas are charged so differently.
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July 16, 2014
This summer marks two years living in Italy and this July is the First Year Anniversary for Casal Cristiana Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (CCEVOO)! We embarked upon our new venture with great enthusiasm, aiming to share our love of real extra virgin olive oil and to bring the Ponzi Italian-American connection full circle. From the Balcony of the Adriatic to the Heart of Oregon Wine Country, Join us on Saturday, August 2nd for our 1st Year Anniversary Celebration Dinner at The Dundee Bistro.
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June 23, 2014
Everything is better in the summer; the sunshine and warmth, colorful flowers, blue skies and explosion of fresh fruits and vegetables! It seems everyone is happier with beautiful weather and food that flourishes so easily for our enjoyment. It's not a chore to make healthy and delicious meals when flavor is at our fingertips.
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