Ciaotraveler

2023-03-09T19:02:00.002-08:00

The Queen Has Gone Home

2022-09-20T17:19:00.007-07:00

Fires in Abruzzo

2021-08-03T17:54:00.002-07:00

Fires have plagued the Abruzzo region of Italy this week.

Close to Pescara on the Eastern seaboard they may have been started by arsonists or fireworks. Investigations are on going. But many of the smaller towns are experiencing these fires.

2021-04-14T18:05:00.002-07:00

My Art now has its own site at ciaotravelerart.blogspot.com

Please stop by and visit...

From the Vineyard Movie

2021-04-14T17:55:00.004-07:00

From the Vine (2019) is a lighthearted drama about a corporate exec struggling with an ethical crisis who travels back to his homeland, Acerenza, Italy. Once there, he becomes one with his grandfather's old vineyard, the local townspeople and reconnects with his immediate family.

The hilltop town commune of Acerenza

Stars Joe Pantoliano

A must see movie (now streaming free on Amazon Prime) recommended by Ciaotraveler!

Ciao's Ciao: Rustic Pork Chops

2020-03-20T09:55:00.005-07:00

Rustic Vermouth Pork Chops and Arugula Salad with Dijon Dressing

I've been on an easy recipe rustic kick for awhile. These are "rustic" style pork chops using dry vermouth and parmesan cheese.

Recipe:

3 or 4 pork chops

1/2 cup extra dry vermouth (wine section at the store store; I keep this on hand all of the time)

1/2 cup cream or milk

Green Olives (as much as you like)

Parmesan cheese (fresh grated found in the cheese section)Olive oil

Lemon Garlic Pepper

Salt Pepper

Lemon juice (one squeeze)

Butter (optional)

Cook pork chops on medium hot for about 3-4 minutes on each side in olive oil.

Remove the pan from the heat and the pork chops from the pan.

Add vermouth, olives and put back on the stove for several minutes. Pour sauce over the over chops and serve.

For my dressing: I use olive oil, several dashes of balsamic, tsp. of dijon mustard, splash of lemon juice and spices of your choice.

Thank you for reading!

Day Trip from Taormina to Lipari Island and Castelmola

2020-01-03T18:51:00.005-08:00

Taormina is a gorgeous, lively hilltop town that is positioned on the sea near the great Mt. Etna volcano. We flew into the larger city of Catania and motored about 40 minutes to the town. The town is full of quaint streets excellent for shopping, dining, and overall people watching. There are perfect views of the sea up and down the coastline from Messina to Catania. One can see the Calabrian coast of Italy on clear days.

One of the main attractions in Taormina is the ancient Amphitheater. We walked the steep scenic winding pathway across from the Commune park up to the theatre. This is quite a hike on a very steep incline but well worth every minute for the views. You can also take the street in town which is flat and an easier walk to the theatre.

This is a pleasant view from the Commune Park towards Mt. Etna and the coastline towards Catania. Mt. Etna was spewing smoke the entire time we were visiting. What a magnificent sight to see right before our eyes.

Isola Bella, located below the town, is the tiny island and beach area where the locals love to sunbathe and swim. Its very busy along the street but worth seeing this area. A Funivia takes you from the top of Taormina to the beach. Its very near the bus terminal.

The main piazza in Taormina has a great view of the sea and lower town.

Busy weekend night on Taormina.

South of Isola Bella

The food is marvelous! We loved the variety of fish, pizza, pastas and wines.

The Italian beers became favorites of ours.

A walk in the Commune park is so serene and peaceful. It has great views of the sea.

The ceramics here are plentiful. I particularly liked these huge wall sconces.

Entrance to the Ancient Amphitheater

Everything grows so nicely in Taormina

One of the main side streets in the town. So many restaurants and shops to visit. Beware there are steep stairs everywhere.

Lots of products and shops to delight everyone.

Aeolian Island of Lipari
(Day trip from Taormina)

We took a boat from Messina to the Aeolian Island of Lipari. It's a lovely town with just several streets to venture out. This will take you the entire day if you also do another island such as Vulcano.

The marina is the main hub where the boats drop off visitors.

We spotted this bridal group along the street.

The main street where you can walk to the castle.

There are beautiful rock formations around all of the Islands. We took the boat to Vulcano next, a popular place for taking mineral baths.

Castelmola
(15 minutes from Taormina)

Local busses and taxis will lead you up to this tiny hamlet. This place is so clean and fun to see. The views are absolutely amazing from the entire town.

Lots of stairs!

The main piazza which has plenty of food and shops.

The main piazza can't be missed.

I love this little kitty that turned up in my "off the beaten path" photo.

More stairs and plenty to eat! So so clean though.

Castelmola view from Taormina

Catania

Catania is the larger of the towns and has one of the main airports.

There are many trendy restaurants in town. This is Via Filomena.

The amphitheater shouldn't be missed however, you can miss it easily from the street. The entrance is an unassuming door that leads back to the theatre but be sure to ask for directions.

Mt. Etna is best viewed from Catania. This was our hotel rooftop view of the infamous volcano.
Catania is also located on the sea.

All of the these places are easy day trips from Taormina.

Ciaotraveler Art

2020-01-03T11:40:00.093-08:00

Oil on gallery wrap canvas 12"x12"

The Lavender Bike of Cortona, Italy

Please go to my new webpage ciaotravelerart.blogspot.com

No new art is added to this page.

Pinterest: Ciaotraveler Art: Paints and Pencils
Instagram: Ciaotraveler Art
Facebook: Ciaotraveler
Email: Ciaotraveler@yahoo.com

Now on Etsy: CiaotravelerArt

Painting is a hobby to me since my retirement from a long career in Education. Inspiration for my subjects comes from my travels to Europe and my love for beautiful things. I've never taken any coursework in colored pencils but I do study up on the methods. More on my art background here .

COLOR PENCIL PAINTINGS

Most artwork is 8"x10" (11"x14"mat & cello wrap)

The Walk in Sicily was recently featured in the

21st Annual Color Magazine Member Show see here

The Victoria Hotel, Taormina, Sicily selected for the Annual Color Pencil Hidden Treasures Magazine Volume 7

CP Hidden Treasures Magazine Volume 7

Magnolias in England

Shabby Blue 182

Courtney's Colours 181

Magnolias 184

Purple Door II

Mooving on...179

The Rose 183

Relaxing in Castelmola, Sicily

Tea Time 188

Pienza Pup (Pienza, Italy) 187

Char'Lee Pickles

Lil Red Age 9

Victorian Garden Tea 186

Vintage Day

For Valentine's....

Cupcakes 174

Peachy Pink Home Ball Jars 170 Rae Dunn Two Tier Valentines

Home Sweet Gnome 171

Old Town Bucket and Pink Lilies

Church in the Cotton Fields Beige Pumpkins

Rae Dunn Tiered Tray Lemon Joy

Porch Pumpkins Lavender Fields Forever

Heart Rae Dunn The Bluebird Shop Display

For Christmas...

Plaid Ribbon and Christmas Balls Ribbon Pinecone

The Gnome Series

No place like Gnome...

Christmas Gnome Sold Christmas Ball Jars

Lemons Cotton Arrangement

Succluents 4 Flower Basket by the Pond

Morning Entry Pink Fiat Party!

The Purple Door Sold Sunny Flowers in Chippy Enamel Pitcher

Sunday Picnic The French Post Box

Mushrooms, Olives, Oil The Fruits of Sorrento

Lavender and Lace

Gary's Toys and Boys (12x17) (For Gary) Commission

Festive Fess Parker Wine Lavender and Linen

Home from Market

Dried and Not Forgotten (11x14)

French Country Blues (11x14)

Sleepy Kitty in the Library Tea & Macaroons and China

Corner Roses

Old Books

Old Rusty

Corner Coffee Succulents in the Corner

Old Stone Building Door

Champagne ("Winsome Nest" Photo Reference) SOLD

Fall Pots & Pumpkins ("Winsome Nest" Photo Reference)

Old Silver Tray and Knife (Winsome Nest Photo Reference) SOLD

Yosemite Valley River

Keep On Travelen' Pink Fiat Traveler

Gavi di Gavi Lemon Wine Cooler

Old Pitcher and Cotton SOLD

Olive Oil, Copper and Wood Textures

A Story and Wine

Edgy Roses

Tulips in Stone Pitcher

Rusty Enamel Pots and Pink Peonies Sold

Big Sur Coast

Bahamas Beach Break Picnic

Berry Berry Good

French Maison

Baby's Got the Blues

Pampered Puppy

Rustic Picnic at Home

Rusty Pails and Picket Fence

Berry Goods

Ciao! (Ciaotraveler Art Show Sign)

Peeping Out the Window

White Dove and Cactus

MANY MORE PENCIL PAINTINGS FOLLOWING

THE OIL AND ACRYLIC PAINTINGS....

OIL AND ACRYLIC PAINTINGS

12x14" Oil on Gessobord

Window Around the Corner in Italy was inspired by posthumous painter Mangliardi.

I've seen hundreds of beautiful windows with flowers in Europe so I devoted an entire post on portals and doors in Europe on Ciaotraveler.

22x28" Oil on Acrylic on canvas

The Church in Cortona

12x12" Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

This is the popular Au Veux Paris shop in France often seen on Pinterest.

I added a sitting bench inspired by Susan Rios for enjoying the setting. Voila!

Paintings Inspired by Other Artists

Here are a few of my oil paintings attributed to Mikki Senkarik:

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Courtyard in Italy

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

The Red Door

Sunny Fields Oil on Gessobord

12x12 Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

The View in Sorrento

Oil on Gessobord

The Poppies

12x12 Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Walk to the Beach

More...

22x28" Oil over Acrylics on Canvas

Morro Rock (Sold)

Acrylic on canvas

Living the Charmed Life

Beach of Blues Acrylic Painting on 18x24 Canvas SOLD

Prim Pumpkin Oil

Oil on Canvas

"Looking at Capri" the rocks on the south side of Capri Island from my visit.

(This photo is distorted)

"Tule River" (Fully Framed)

Out for Repair

18x24 oil on Acrylic Canvas

"Dreamy Village and Lavender Fields"

18x24" Oil on Canvas

"Pienza" a quaint hilltop town in Tuscany that I love.

Gallery Wrap Canvas

"Staci's Wine Room" Sold "Cup and Cookies" inspired by Victoria Mag.

18x24" Acrylic on Canvas

"Cambria View" Sold

Inspired by the "Castle Portovenere", Cinque Terre, Italy.

22x28" Acrylic and Oil

"Teal Tule River"

14x16" Oil on Gessobord

"French BnB"

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

A greeting card and all of the tiny cars I saw in Pienza inspired me to paint

"Little Yellow Fiat in Italy"

Oil on Gallery Wrap on Canvas

"The Water Villa of Tuscany" Sold

18x24" Oil on Canvas

"The Afternoon Break" in Cambria, CA.

Gallery Wrap Canvas

The"Capri Parfumerie" on Capri Island.

18x24 Acrylic on canvas

"Britain's Lavender Fields"

Inspired by Victoria Mag.

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

"Boho Style"

14x16" Oil on Gessobord

"Farmhouse Roses" inspired by a Victoria Mag.

Oil on Canvas

"Stream Behind the Village"

Oil on Gallery Wrap

"Farm House Corner of the Room"

Framed 22x28" Acrylic on Canvas

"The Farmhouse White Room" (Framed) inspired by Victoria Mag. photo

14x14" Oil on Paneled Gessobord

"The Peach Balsamic" from Cambria

22x28 Oil on Acrylic Canvas

Cambria Beach Window.

Inspiration was a poster and looking out my window. Sold

13x16' Oil on Gallery Wrap

Orvieto

A medieval hilltop town, a great day trip from Rome. See my post about Orvieto.

22x28" Oil on Acrylic on Canvas

The dreamy village of "Camogli" on the Italian Riviera photographed by many.

12x12" Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

"Fun at the Beach in Cambria" was inspired by an antique sand pail.

12x14" Oil on Gessobord

"Small Vineyard" with a painted "mat"to frame it.

(distorted in the photo)

22x28" Acrylic on Canvas

Inspired by "Napa" magazine SOLD

Additional Colored Pencil Paintings

Most of my pencil paintings are 8x10, fit an 11x14 standard frame and have acid free mats.

A French Picnic inspired by Victoria Mag (Large Framed)

The Getty Villa Fountain, Malibu, CA. Sold

Blast from the Mary Past

Friends

Life in Lucca

French Staircase Drinks Under the Banana Tree

Fall Colors with Candles SOLD

"Happy Lemons"

Village Wedding Prismacolor

Home Cotton & Flower Jars 9x13 Sold

Romance in France

Inspired by Victoria Mag.

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, Italy

"Netherlands Pond"

"Pink French Macaroons"

Les Fleurs

Lil Shelby Pup Sold

The Vintage Bunny

Retro Baby Blue Camper

Terra Cotta Fountain

Poppies at the Ocean

The Sicilian Blue Wall Pot in Taormina, Sicily

Peggy Porschen Yummies

Wine on the Rocks Prismacolor Pencils

Jo's Butterflies

The Garden Lounge in Prismacolor Pencils inspiration from Pinterest photo SOLD

"French Farmhouse"

Farm Table Macaroons/Prismacolor Pencil

The Flowers SOLD

"French Shopper"

"Terra Cotta Cactus"

Basket Full of Sunshine Sold

"Pomegranates"

"Windy Summer Day at the Lighthouse" 8x10 Prismacolor Pencils

"Water Urn" Framed 8

"The Victoria Hotel"

"French Bread Basket"

Farm Chicks (Rustic Farmhouse Frame)

"Street Cat Named Olive"

"Spello Walk"

"The Bird in Winter" Prismacolor Pencil

Ranch Chicks

New Lemons

"Farmhouse Flowers"

"French Shoppers" Prismacolor

"The Terra Cotta Pots"

8x10 Prismacolor Pencils

A Wine Kind of Day

Prismacolor Pencils 9x13

"Aqua Vase of Pink Roses" 8x10 Prismacolor

"Walking in Pienza" 8x10 Prismacolor

Blue Trailer: Prismacolor Pencils; for my friend and her dog who love to go camping...SOLD

Shabby Blues Room 8x10 (Prismacolor Pencils)

"Making a Splash with Pasta and Salad" 8x10 (Prismacolor Pencils)

Fall Picnic 8x10 Prismacolor Pencils

"A Collection of Olives" 8x10 Prismacolor Pencils

Rusty Bucket of Sunshine

"Taormina Beauty" 8x10 (Prismacolor Pencil)

"While in Taormina" 8x10 Prismacolor Pencils

Lil Foxes SOLD

Love the Whites

Cambria Wines

Southern Porch

Run on the Beach Prismacolor

"Agri di Forza Walkway Sicily" 8x10 Prismacolor Pencils

Hotel Excelsior in Bellagio, Lake Como from one of my visits; Prismacolor Pencils.

"Pondtificate" 8x10 Prismacolor

Succulent Cup 8x10 Prismacolor

Cambria Wine Corks (photo inspiration: Cambria Wine website)

Wine on the Terrace (inspiration: Pinterest photo)

Farm House Tribute to Rae Dunn (inspiration: Pinterest/Rae Dunn ceramics) Sold

"Farm House Buckets" reference photo from Pinterest

Buffalo Checks, Lemons and Mason Jars

Rock Paintings Sold

Pointe Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Sketch with Colored Pencil and Ink

The Little Bird

"The Station House" visit to Malahide, Ireland

"Enjoying Cambria"

Dining in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy (from one of my visits)

Venice Stroll I (from a trip to Venice)

Venice Stroll II from my 2015 trip to Venice

"The Sleeping Cats of the Cinque Terre" Monterosso, Italy, from my visit.

"The Blue Door of Fiesole", Italy above Florence from one of my visits.

"Piazza of Lugano, Switzerland" public square visit.

Blue Bird

English Castle Inn

Yellow Shutters Sold

Easter Bunnies

Happy Fall Y'All

Love Pinterest Plaid

White Pumpkins In Fall

The Old View

Spring Blossoms

Lavender Rose in Shell

Pink Presents

The Italian Shopper

Pond with the Green Pot

Home in Italy

Celebrate with Wine, Cheese and Bread

Peach Lady

Early Oils and Pastels...

Oil on hand-made frame and stretched canvas

Colored Pencil Ferndale, CA. 1989

The Gingerbread Mansion, Ferndale, CA. is older pencil

drawing on paper sitting around the campfire.

Sketch of the Carter House, Eureka CA. around the campfire...

Pen and Ink

The pink Lady Eureka, CA.

Sesame St. water color for my son when he was born (1980).

Colored Pastels on Paper

Probably early 1970, I began drawing and using pastels to paint models from the magazines. I've always been inspired by the fashions of old movies.

Colored Pastel

These "model" drawings have lived through 6 moves I've made!

Pastel

I really didn't know as much about pastels at the time.

I just experimented with the medium.

13x13 Acrylic on Tile

My love of Olives, Garlic and Oil inspired this painting on large tile.

Starting the Water Villa. Olive, my Assistant

Contact LouAnn at Ciaotraveler@yahoo.com

Ciaotraveler Pinterest Boards and Facebook

2019-08-31T20:02:00.001-07:00

Please visit my Facebook travel photos page here

Quick look at Ciaotraveler Paints and Pencil Works here

Ciaotraveler Pinterest Boards here

Ciaotraveler's more descriptive Art Studio here

Ciaotraveler Face Book Page

2019-07-12T18:17:00.003-07:00

Please follow my Facebook page, Ciaotraveler, for homes and beautiful landscapes.

The Waco Silo Bakery Before and After

2019-06-28T19:17:00.002-07:00

That hard working couple, The Gaines, created their Silo's Bakery in Waco, Tx. (bottom) from the old structure (above top). I think it turned out clean and smart looking. Their success is just amazing!

Residents Wanted For Small Island in Ireland

2019-06-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

According to Hot Property, a three-by-five-mile island off the coast of Ireland’s County Donegal is looking for new residents from the U.S. and Australia, Arranmore, population 469, recently became the recipient of Ireland’s first offshore digital hub in an effort to make it attractive to remote workers. “There are … enough musicians and good Irish whiskey to keep the party going well into the night,” officials said in an open invitation letter.
Be prepared to rent, however. All there is to purchase is a one-bedroom cottage listed at about $90,000.

More information about the Isle invitation is available here: reports the Irish Post.

Credit: Google

Pretty isle but very remote with few services; paradise for some people!

Thanks for reading!

The Village of Dolceacqua, It.

2019-06-03T18:58:00.002-07:00

Dolceacqua, Italy is a small medieval village positioned in the mountains above the Liguria sea close to the French border. It boasts a castle and has been famous for its Rossese grape (wine). Its worth a day trip to this "Sweet Water" village near Genoa.

The castle on the hill.

Medieval stone streets

Pretty pastel colors

Credit Google

Another sweet town on the Ligurian sea..

"After Life"

2019-05-31T07:47:00.000-07:00

When I first started watching the comedy series, "After Life", I noticed no credits were given to the charming filming locations. So after some sleuthing and identifying landmarks, I was able to locate the main location plus some of the quaint shops the stars frequent.

The comedy starring Ricky Gervais as Tony and Ashley Jensen, who also starred with Gervais in the comedy series "Extras" is on HBO for one season. I love this show featuring several cuddly animals.

A large part of the series is filmed in the town of Hemel Hamstead near London. Above is Tony's place of the employment, the front door of The Tambury Gazette. Directly across the street is Jordan's Antiques.

Across the plaza is the the Old Town Hall on High St..
Directly across from the Old Town Hall (below right) is the The Old Bell restaurant (below left).

The Coffee Cup is located near Jordan's Antiques. The characters often have their morning Joe there.

The charming town business street including the Coffee Cup can be found on High St.

in Hemel Hamstead

One of the side streets where Tony takes his new date to a restaurant.
Two young bike riders try to rob him.

Tony's home is located on the Vale of Heath Road, Hamstead.
He has one of the few garages on the street.

The cemetery is located at St. Mary's Church, Windsor End Rd. in Beaconsfield, England.

The garage where Tony's "drug dealer" buddy sleeps and the bench Tony sits on...Fast Walk Street.

For complete show information see IMDB here:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8398600/

Credit to the Global Film Site

Newest Porschen Bakery on Kings Road Before and After

2019-05-21T18:56:00.006-07:00

Celebrity baker in London, Peggy Porschen, has opened yet another pretty pink bakery shoppe at 219 Kings Road, Chelsea.

This is how the building used to look before the pretty renovation...

This is the original Porschen bakery on Ebury St. in London.

(Credit Google)

Just love the gorgeous baked goods from this place!

Review Colored Pencil Powder Blender

2019-05-16T19:00:00.005-07:00

Brush and Pencil Products

I'm taking a few minutes to post a review of this art product I recently purchased. I read about it on the internet and couldn't wait to try it out. I purchased the Colored Pencil Blender (from $7-$9.95) and the Titanium White product. Much to my surprise the company also sent along a bottle of Touch Up Texture to mix with the Titanium White and a couple of colored pencils free of charge (who does that these days?). I use Prismacolor Colored Pencils but will try the new pencils, so my thanks to them.

I went to You Tube and watched a video by an artist on how she used the Blending Powder. She prepped her (quality) paper with the Blender product prior to applying colored pencil. I, however, had already sketched with pencil on my Stonehenge paper so I just brushed the Blender on top. Then I blended with the little soft swab that was included in the package. Afterward, I added another light layer of my color which was Cream.

Now again, this is the first time Ive ever used this medium. Prior, I had tried using Gamsol and Alcohol but the results were not as satisfying as this. I think less color from the pencil is needed because it fills in the tiny nooks and crannies of the paper, Subsequently, the colors applied will be smoother and blend more easily.

The left pencil painting with no Blending Powder; right photo with Blending Powder product-same colors. It blends the colors efficiently and evenly! I like it but it takes a few tries to really get the hang of it so just keep practicing with it. I will use it regularly. It reminds me of sanded paper on top.

I've not tried the Titanium White yet but will return with a review when I do. It's used to "whiten" or re paint a surface.

My thanks to the company for this product and I wish it had been my invention!

Ciao's Easy Enchilada Casserole

2019-05-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

Easy Enchiladas

My husband loves this easy peasy enchilada casserole and it really is one of the easiest things I cook. You can use red or green enchilada sauce.

You'll need:

1 (16 oz.can) red or green enchilada sauce;

1.5 -2 lbs hamburger meat;

1 medium onion;

1 small can sliced olives (chop these) and about the same amount of green olives (chop). I use the black olives packed in jalapenos--delish!;

1 pkg. shredded favorite Mexican cheese mixture or jack cheese;

1 small can chicken broth (or make your own with 1/2 cup water and one bouillon);

2 tbsp. flour, cornmeal or masa flour;

Seasonings: several tablespoons taco seasoning or chili powder, 1 tsp oregano; and salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste. Splash of lime juice if using green sauce;

12 corn tortillas;

Some corn chips or tortilla chips for topping;

Place your meat in a deep pan on the stove. While it browns, cut off one small side of the tortillas that will line up to the side of the 9x12 baking dish. Add a little of the sauce directly from the can to the bottom of the baking dish.

Add your seasonings to the browned meat then make a well into the meat at the bottom of the pan. Add in your masa, flour or cornmeal. Add up to one half cup of the canned chicken broth or homemade chicken broth. Stir until thickened and stir the meat all around in the broth. The broth adds good flavors to the sauce.You may add hot sauce if you'd like it hotter.

Add your can of sauce. I don't use the entire can as it can be too creamy, but it's up to what you prefer--more thin or thick. Add the splash of lime juice if you're using green sauce. Let it simmer about 5 minutes until cooked.

Lay your tortillas (cut side against the side of the baking dish) on the bottom of the pan that has a layer of the sauce from the can-about 6 tortillas. Add half the meat sauce on top of the tortillas and add half of the onion, olives, and cheese mixture on top of the meat sauce. Repeat a second layer of tortilla and mixture. You can also top with more cheese.

Bake until bubbly @350° for about 30 minutes. Top with crunched corn chips or tortilla chips for texture and let it rest a few minutes.

Let me know if you do something to improve my recipe. I like trying new ways to serve it.

Buon Appetito!

Ciaotraveler's Photo Contest Selections

2019-05-07T19:23:00.003-07:00

I was honored to be notified that the 2019 Italy Magazine Photo Contest selected two of my photos for their Annual Contest. The first photo selected for the "romantic" category depicts a lovely evening sunset and view from the Mercenate Hotel rooftar bar in Rome. The Santa Maggiore Church is the largest church in Rome (the Vatican is its own sovereign state).

The second photo selected is my "Sleeping Cats in the Cinque Terre" in the category "off the beaten path". I shot this photo on one of my trips to the Cinque Terre and couldn't resist these cute sleeping cats.

I'll post a follow up for the contest results. Thanks for viewing! Ciao!

Hello Spring!

2019-02-16T18:33:00.005-08:00

Time for spring again! We're ready in California are you? Theres so much to do and see all over the world. Late winter is always a great time to plan for the fall.
Please visit some of my posts on France, London, Italy, Ireland....

The beautiful Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo is ready!

Why not visit Malahide Ireland?

Or Positano?

Or Capri Island?

Or anywhere in Italy?

I'm ready to go to Sicily next....see you soon!

Ciao's Chow: Italian Wedding (Meatball) Soup and Sausage Tortellini Soup

2019-02-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Ciao's Meatball Soup

This soup is known as the Italian Wedding Soup but is very similar to other country's favorite soup. There are many variations but the staples are meatballs, greens and spices. There's plenty of room in the pot for anything you have left over. My recipe includes...

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)

1/2 lbs ground sausage (optional if too much fat)

2 cartons beef broth (32 oz. each)

3 stalks celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

1-2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 yellow onion (chop half for meatballs and half for soup broth)

1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup bread crumbs

2 eggs, whisked

1/3 cup milk if needed for moisture

1/3 cup any Chardonnay or red wine

Half bag fresh spinach

2 bay leaves

Dried Oregano and Thyme

Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Fresh ground pepper

Salt

Dried Chili pepper flakes

Olive Oil
(You can omit many of the spices if you use an Italian Seasoning mixture)

Meatballs: Begin by mixing the beef, sausage, eggs, milk, crumbs, half the onions, pinch of salt and ground pepper in a bowl. Roll out the small meatballs and place on wax paper. Heat olive oil on bottom of large soup pan add one batch (10-12) meatballs. Keep turning lightly with large slotted spoon. Remove from pan onto paper towels to drain. Repeat until all meatballs are cooked. You can make a day ahead if you like.

Holy Trinity! Cook the reserved garlic, onions, carrots, celery in the same oil and pan for several minutes. Add the meatballs back into the pan on top of the trinity mixture. Add Oregano, pinches of thyme, red pepper flakes.

Add the wine and some broth just enough to cover the meatballs and simmer 5 minutes. Add the rest of the broth, bay leaves and simmer 30 minutes.

During the last 10 minutes, add any of your leftovers such as raw or cooked pasta (cut up), cut green beans, canned white beans or spinach. Serve with some of that great fresh artisan bread from the store or bakery!

Variations: you can use chicken stock instead of beef stock; if you like thicker broth, add two tablespoons flour in the trinity mixture. No tomatoes were used in the making of this dish, however, you may throw in a can of San Marzanos if you wish.

Prepare all of your ingredients first...my basil plant was a bit spindly but I was able to rescue some leaves.

I roll out my meatballs using about the size of a tablespoon to measure. I place them on wax paper. When cooking I place about 10 at one time in the pan. Don't crowd them as you need to be able to turn them as they brown. Use a slotted tablespoon if you have one and get into an easy scoop and flip groove!

A little tip: throw your cut up veggies into the same bowl you previously mixed your meatballs in to save from using several bowls. I only used this bowl and the pan for cooking the soup. Very simple clean up!

After you brown the meatballs on all sides remove them from the pan. Add the trinity (veggies) mix in the pan and saute. Place the meatballs back on the trinity mixture and fill with broth and wine to just cover the top. Let it simmer about 5 minutes just so the wine can kiss the meatballs. Did you notice my onions are red? I always use the yellow onion for cooking but had none left after I put it into the meatball mixture, so I had to use the red. But it was just fine...add the rest of the broth to simmer.

I happen to have some cooked pasta and spinach (optional) on hand so I add quick cooking items like these at the very last. I used Chardonnay today but feel free to use red wine. It can be inexpensive wine. Remember there's room for whatever you'd like in your pan.

When it's ready, garnish the top with parsley and basil and grated parmesan cheese. I took the photo too quick and forgot my garnish!

Buono Appetito!

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

Try this simple soup so easy to make. I always keep these ingredients on hand. if you do too, all you'll need is the tortellini and sausage.

Ingredients:

White Wine 2/3 cup

Garlic, 3 cloves sliced or minced

Onion, 1/2, diced

Onion soup mix (optional but use about 1/2 packet for flavor)

2 cartons chicken stock

1 can cannelloni beans, rinse and drained (optional)

6 Hot Italian sausages (remove casings)

Dried Basil (couple of dashes)

2 bay leaves

Chili flakes, pinch

Mushrooms

Pkg. of any tortellini

Fresh Parmesan cheese

Olive oil (1tbsp)

Salt, Pepper to taste

On the stove:

Simmer the onion in 1tbsp. olive oil

Add the Italian sausage and onion soup mix (if using), cook until almost browned

Add the wine and simmer few minutes in the sausage mixture

Add the chicken stock

Add all spices, garlic and bay leaves; let simmer with lid on for 15 minutes

Add the beans, mushrooms and tortellini, simmer with lid off for about 5 minutes until tortellini is done.

Serve in bowls and top with some parm cheese. The parm makes it ooey gooey!

Makes about 8 good size servings.

See some of my other Tuscan-rustic recipes under Culinary.

Cups of Cappuccino

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If you've ever been to Italy and experienced the wonderful cappuccino then you know just how special it is to visitors. It's a ritual that we can really identify with as Americans. Italians love their precious resource so its not unusual to serve it in special cups. These cups can be light and graceful or chunky and covered with regional designs.

Unfortunately you're only supposed to drink cappuccino in the mornings. Um, I think I've broken that rule a few times. This is coffee from Al Peck's in Milano...wonderful!

Please enjoy this short article about coffee and the artistic cups we used in Florence and other Italy regions. Heres another article about Italian coffee.

Italian cookies to help us drink our apertif and cappuccinos.

Fresh fruit and Cappuccino at Al Peck's Milan.

I found this cup with a modern design in Bergamo, Italy.

My cluster of cups during a trip to Italy

So if you're interested in purchasing any of these Florentine cups see here

"Caps" in Venice with my Bestie.

The Pretty Town of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain

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Welcome to Favigny-Sur-Ozerain, one of the prettiest small villages in France.

I first heard of this medieval location through the movie "Chocolat" starring Johnny Depp.

Several scenes were filmed here including the Chocolat shoppe and church.

I thought the movie was very romantic and the location scenery just made it "pop" even more.

Hope you enjoy this very picturesque town as much as I loved the romantic movie.

See my older post on the movie here

Street to one of the churches.

This guy is always in the village...

The Church from in the movie

The main Piazza by the church used in the movie.

This looks like the Chocolat signage.

Most residents display the lovely flowers outside their homes.

Original photos by Google

See my Chocolat movie post here

Thanks for reading!

Ciao's Email

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Please email me at ciaotraveler@yahoo.com

Rustic Chili-Lime Chicken Green Enchilada Casserole

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Rustic Chili-Lime Olive Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I've been experimenting with "rustic" dishes that remind me of farm living. Rustic to me means simple, quick, flavorful meals usually created in one pan or dish. The ingredients are fresh from the farm fields. This dish makes two layers in a baking dish. This is an easy chicken recipe and the ingredients can be adjusted to your taste, especially the spices.

So here's the ingredients and portions:

Chili powder or taco seasoning (About 1/4 cup; I have bulk seasonings on hand)
Garlic powder (about 1 tbs.)
Cumin (about 1 tbs.)
Chicken (6 cutlets or 4 regular breasts)
Yellow or white cheese (package, grated)
Green Enchilada Sauce (I used Las Palmas 28 oz. "Hot Picante" but there's also "Medium")
Uncooked corn tortillas (1 package of 24)
Yellow Onion (1/2 chopped)
Jalapeno black olives and green olives (1 can each, sliced)
Lime (1 fresh squeezed lime or about 1 tbsp. bottle lime juice)
Salt
Pepper
Vegetable oil

Pour some of the chili powder into a flat bottom plastic container to line the bottom of the container.
Add garlic powder, cumin, dash of salt and pepper, mix well. Dredge your chicken pieces in the mixture on each side. This will be very spicy so just dredge one side of the chicken if you don't want it too spicy.

Heat some oil in a pan and add the chicken pieces. Cook on each side about 3-4 minutes depending on thickness of the meat. Remove from the pan and cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken pieces.

3 of my 6 cutlets

In the same pan (without the chicken), add the chopped onion and cook one minute. Add the green enchilada sauce and lime juice. Bring to a boil and stir. You may need to add a little water if too thick. Here you may add the chicken back into the sauce or just keep it separate as I did.

Cut enough tortillas into strips to fill two layers in your pan. Mix the olives together.
Add some of the sauce to the bottom of a casserole dish or rectangle pan. Add a layer of the tortilla strips over the sauce. Layer the meat, olives cheese and then the sauce again. On top layer, add the meat, olives and sauce but end with the cheese on top.

Bake in 375° oven for about 20 minutes until bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before cutting. Top with sour cream if desired.

Enjoy! Please let me know your adaptations and I'll include them in the recipe.

See another rustic recipe here

France's Most Beautiful Village?

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Rochefort en Terre, Morbihan, Brittany, France

A beautiful medieval town in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France with lots of good restaurants, craft shops and stunning walks.

Rochefort en Terre

It's been said it's the most beautiful village in France...do you agree?

Morbihan lies on the south coast of Brittany with fine sandy beaches, rugged coastline, rivers, islands and estuaries. The clear waters and natural beauty of this coast draws surfers, climbers, divers and fishermen which is also renowned for its oyster production. Brittany is situated in the North West of France. The region has a welcoming warmth. Its buildings most constructed from local granite, many medieval half timbered buildings and beautiful Chateaux are set in a green countryside, interspersed with rivers.

Paris book at "Stories" at Etsy

With its stunning architecture and floral displays, the village of Rochefort-en-Terre has

more than enough visitors flocking to see it. Hidden from view until you round the final bend in a deep valley of heather, rock and pine, Rochefort-en-Terre is an inconspicuous however visibly pretty. There's an arrangement of the lopsided town houses, picturesque old wells and cobbled lanes. In all there are 31 historic monuments to be found including numerous castles-chateaux within this small village of 700.

Overlooking the Vallée de Gueuzon since the 12th century, Lord Rochefort built his pentagonal castle there. Only the foundations of the towers and buttresses of the original castle remain, but the essence of the church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Tronchaye, with its simple square tower, survives from the village’s earliest days. References and more information: France Mag; gitesandmore.co.uk; frenchconnections.co.uk

Some photos attained on line.

See my Paris posts