Back home and I am different

The joy of a bag is understood by girlfriends and my 'Patricia Bag' is one such joy. I even googled it the other day and had a real giggle at this posting.

"Dolce & Gabbana Patricia tote bag may eat flies.....

It's not just me, is it? Doesn't this bag look like a wide mouthed frog? The bulbous eyes at the bottom of the handles and the seam for the mouth? No? Well if you can't see it or if you want a bag that looks like an amphibian, it's available at Neiman Marcus for $785. Ribbit. "

Well mine is dark green and has its own seat in the car..

Coming back has been about chasing after the ingredients to replicate the food experience we had, thank goodness for Cremelat. My approach to cooking has simplified with a focus on fresh and seasonal produce. I made bruschetta for book club on wednesday using fresh broad beans made into a pesto with chocolate mint, handfull of pecorino, glugs of olive oil and fresh lemon. Fresh porcinis are available too and wonderful in risotto.
Next thing is to source local buffalo mozzarello rather than buying the imported ones, looking forward to a summer of caprese salads.

The holiday sits with me, remembering friends, places, walking, eating and the pervading Catholicism of each place we visitied, glorious Renaisance art and sculpture, such a special time.