Happy Birthday, Renee

Sweets for my friend

Dulce Italiano, I think.

Not being fluent at all in Italian, I’m guessing at that title. However, you don’t need to speak anything other than, “mmmmm” when you talk about Tiramisu and Cannoli.  The history of Cannolo, per Wiki:

Sicilian cannoli probably date back to the time of Arab domination. Cannoli are sometimes called cannolis, however this is not the correct term. Cannolo is the correct terminology for a single pastry and cannoli is the name given to two or more pastries.

As far as Tiramisu goes, well, it doesn’t seem to have been around as long. Here is the Wiki regarding it:

In the original recipe, there was no liquor as the cake was originally aimed at children and the elderly, and the original shape was round. The phrase tirami su literally means “pick me up” or “pull me up” in reference to the effects of the sugar and espresso.

Different folks have claimed to have created it but whoever really did, well thank you! I’m sure that some Italian grandma was just looking at a way to use up some really cool ingredients and made a custard with some cookies or perhaps biscotti, dipped in coffee. That is my theory and I’m sticking to it!

I went to a class at Mario’s hosted by Anthony Daniele. He did the video presentation on making these two delectable desserts. I mean, come on, there is sugar, chocolate, cheese, booze, fried shells with lots of butter…all the good stuff of life in a few simple steps. Too bad that bacon would have just put it over the edge! I’ve got lots of photos to share. Anthony is so gracious to let me indulge in my snapping away as he talks. Kudos to him and the incredible staff at Marios. Really, I did feel like a “special guest”.

Mia

I know I should be posting on the new blog. However, there are people who are linked to this one. Here is the address for it. I’ll post on both for now.  http://katpilato.blogspot.com/

In the meantime, here are a few shots of Mia. A friend and coworker’s granddaughter. she is a blast to photograph but boy, do I need the practice for this fast-moving tyke!

golden sun

Believe it or not, America, the sun is peeking out someplace in the USA. It was on Treasure Island, Florida, near John’s pass. It makes me all warm and smiley when I see this. I was playing with sunflare technique but am not sure if I have it down yet! More practice, I think. Get the sunscreen on, folks, it is right around the corner!

Free Wheelin’

I think this is the best way to see a beach community. Just needs a bell and a basket!

bicycle blues

John’s Pass

We spent the week in Florida. Frank went to Daytona and I beelined over to St. Pete/Treasure Island area to see my cousin, Karen, and her family. It was chilly, but at least we didn’t see the snow that most others were seeing. While I was enjoying a sunrise at John’s Pass, near Madiera Beach, this brown pelican zoomed on by.

Pelican in flight

More macaroni madness

I just had to post a few more. If you do get a craving for some great Italian, Mario’s would be a great spot to find it. More photos from the class, featuring Anthony Daniele, co-owner:

Macaroni Madness

For a Christmas gift, my husband gave me some gift certificates to a wonderful Italian Steakhouse, Mario’s Via Abruzzi (name may be modified from this now) www.bazilrestaurant.com. There is also a less formal restaurant that is like the little sister: Bazil’s. Anyway, with that gift certificate came a few vouchers to indulge in your hidden Guido-ness. Well, not to have the ending vowel in my last name go to waste, I jumped at the chance. Anthony Daniele, the co-owner, entertained and informed us of many things macaroni. Including some of the instruments used to make this wonderful staple of life. I’m sure some of those instruments, in the old days, would have inflicted alot of pain on a wayward husband, should he miss the 5:00 meal, served promptly and piping hot. The lighting was a little contrasty for my camera but I am going to post a few for you to enjoy. Pass the Mopina, eh?

Anthony, a great host and teacher

This is the instrument panel for the extruder. The uber macaroni bender!

This little model is in many Italian (and not) kitchens. Oh, I'm sure that play dough has made a few passes through there. Could get ugly, though!

 

This will keep passing through, getting thinner and thinner, as you tighten the knob.

 

brrr kinda night

I wanted to get some slow-shutter shots of downtown Rochester. Unfortunately, a lot of the traffic was at a standstill because of the snow. It still made for an interesting perspective of the view down Clinton, heading north. Love the skyway that is there, when the mall was active, you could walk through without getting outside! Now, without the mall, the skyway is seriously curtailed. Oh well, hoping for new and better replacement of the mall.

Here is a nice view: bw and color, I’m not sure which I prefer.

conference room with a view, BW

this view is looking in the opposite direction, south west. It was as the snow band was getting ready to drop it’s load. It looks like something out of the 1800′s of a dreary city. All grey and ghostly:

Looks like London of the 1800's

Puppy Love

I know that these two dogs aren’t puppies but when I was photographing their little “sister”, Reese, I just had to take a few shots of these dogs! Great personalities and I’m not normally a dog “gush about-er”. Hendricks and Trixie, I think, were their names. I think the chiwowwow is the boss, though.

I think this little one is the boss!

Tasha, the ear licker!

the ear licker, extraordinairre