Rosanna's Table Talk

La Vie en Rose

2012-03-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

Feeling inspired? Be sure to check out the Parisian-themed post over at Girly Obsessions. Our friends there are showcasing the Petite Patisserie plates and a delicious macaron recipe! Girly Obsessions is a wonderful blog about all things pretty, cute, and fabulous - what's not to love?

Last month I had the immense pleasure of exhibiting at the Maison Objet Show in Paris, France. It is one of the most influential design shows in the world and designers exhibit their wares by invitation only. Being invited to the show was an incredible honor and compliment to the Rosanna brand.

We had a fantastic booth set up in a French style showing off all our new Spring and Summer lines.

One of the best parts of the show was getting to meet people from all over the world who really understood the Rosanna mission and philosophy of tradition, love, and connecting with others. Some of the customers we spoke to were from places such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Austria, and Portugal, to name a few. It was wonderful to hear about our products are being sold in such culturally diverse places. I am fluent in French, too, so being able to communicate with France's people directly was a treat.

Of course being in Paris in and of itself is always amazing. I have a handful of shops and cafes that I go to every time I visit. There's a bakery called Poilane that has the most incredible bread - it's all whole grain, hand-made, real artisan-crafted bread with no additives. I love the concept of eating soulful, healthy food wherever I am. I also spent a whole day in the Paris flea markets taking in the culture and being inspired by all the lovely items the merchants were selling. I took back suitcases full of treasures!

As luck would have it, we were there the week before Paris' Fashion Week, and got to peek at the trends to come. For most of the time we were there, Prada had paper covering the display windows so no one could see in. On the last day, they tore down the paper to reveal a beautiful display full of bright, colorful tones and lots of pastels. Spring had certainly sprung at Prada!

I'm always overflowing with creativity after a visit to France and the City of Lights. Everywhere you go there are beautiful pieces of inspiration: the food, history, ambiance, and fashion of Paris are unparalleled.

J'Adore Paris!

With love,

www.rosannainc.com

Spring Decor and a Special Spring Recipe

2012-02-29T09:06:00.001-08:00

We're partnering with Social Couture this week! Stop by and read their post on hosting a lovely spring brunch!

Spring is almost here! Freshen up your home with springtime decorations. Each spring festival has its own set of symbols we can use to decorate our homes, but in general I decorate my home with green boughs, branches, potted spring flowers, and all the symbols of rebirth: bunnies, eggs, chicks, and ducks.

In your garden, find a nicely shaped barren branch or a spring branch with budding flowers. To preserve freshness, smash the bottom of the branch with a hammer so it will better absorb water. Place the branches in a tall vase of water. Decorate the branch with tiny symbols of the season: blow out eggshells and tie them with a ribbon, tie skinny pastel ribbons in bows with long tails, and set tiny figurines of bunnies, chicks, or ducks amid the twigs. Display in a hallway or on a mantle for a striking spring statement.

Find a hand-hewn willow basket about five and a half inches (14 centimeters) high. Line it with plastic and set small, colorful spring plants still in their containers inside the basket. Between the containers, put moss from a floral-supply store or home-decor store. This makes a charming centerpiece on a dining room table or as a beautiful explosion of color anywhere in the home. Be sure to water it regularly, misting the moss occasionally to revive its bright green color.

Find unusual vessels like 1960's Danish modern coffee pots or tall heavy cut crystal vases and fill them with branches or pussy willows.

Fill old silver-plate trays that are about ten inches (25 centimeters) long and about three inch (7.5 centimeters) deep with faux moss or grass. Nestle some pale-colored faux eggs in the moss and place the trays around the house.

Find some fun, vintage-looking bunnies, eggs, or birds and create a small tableau on an old silver tray. Pair with votives or a dramatic par of candlesticks to center the scene. Place in a prominent spot such as on a sideboard, the center of the dining table, or on a kitchen island.

Coconut Cream Pie

This delectable cream pie is a wonderful mixture of lightly toasted coconut and dense homemade cream base with hints of velvety vanilla. I love the combination of the slightly salty crust, the creamy filling, and the crunch of the toasted coconut. This pie makes a lovely spring dessert and a culinary treat.

MAKES 1 (9-INCH) (23 CM) PIE; SERVES 6 TO 8

1/2 recipe (1 ball) My Mom's Extra-Flaky Pie Crust Dough (see below)
1 1/2 cups (114 g) shredded sweetened coconut
5 large eggs, beaten
2 1/2 cups (592 ml) whole milk
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) fine sea salt
3 to 5 tablespoons (52 to 70 g) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 1/2 tablespoons (22 ml) vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 F (177 C) (Gas mark 4). Roll the dough out to a circle 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick and fit it into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie pan. Trim and flute the edge. Line with parchment paper and fill with dried beans, rice, or metal pie weights. Bake for 20 minutes, until browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Lower the oven temperature to 300 F (149 C) (Gas mark 2).

Spread the coconut on a baking sheet. Toast until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool at room temperature.

In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs until light yellow. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, bring the milk to the scalding point; you'll know the milk has reached the right temperature when a "skin" forms on top of the liquid.

In the top of a double boiler off the heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt, then whisk in the heated milk until thoroughly combined. Put the pan over simmering water in the bottom part of the double boiler, then gradually add the beaten eggs, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat and blend in the butter with an electric mixer. Stir in the vanilla.

Stir in 1 1/4 cups (127 g) of the toasted coconut, then spoon the mixture into the cooled pie shell and top with the remaining coconut. Cover with wax paper and refrigerate until cold. Serve.

My Mom's Extra-Flaky Pie Crust Dough

Make sure that you don't work the dough too much or the crust will be tough and not flaky.

MAKES ENOUGH FOR 1 (9-INCH) (23 CM) DOUBLE-CRUST PIE, OR 2 (9-INCH) (23 CM) SINGLE-CRUST PIES.

4 cups (512 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (6 g) finely ground sea salt
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) (340 g) cold organic unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/8 cup (28 g) cold organic vegetable shortening
1/2 cup (125 ml) ice water

Put the flour and salt in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter in small pieces and shortening and pulse until the mixture resembles fine cornmeal.

While pulsing the motor, slowly add the 1/2 cup (125 ml) ice water through the feed tube. If the dough has not formed a ball, add a little more water, pulsing until the dough forms a firm ball. Do not overprocess or the dough will be tough. Divide the dough ball in half and wrap each ball in plastic wrap. Set aside in the refrigerator for 1 hour before processing with the pie recipe.

Happy Spring!

With love,

www.rosannainc.com

Back to the Basics: The Importance of Small Gestures

2012-02-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

I read a wonderfularticle in The New York Times the other day. It was a small ode to JeffreyZaslow. He is a recently deceased author whose writing centered on the themesof love, commitment and living in the moment. Jeffrey is best known for co-authoring The Last Lecture with Professor Randy Pausch, who gave a poignant TED Talk about what truly matters in life, clarity he received after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The people and stories Jeffreywrote about were not sweeping. The ideas in his work were not revolutionary. Infact, some might even call them timeworn. One story Jeffrey wrote told thestory of a judge who always made sure to tell his family “I love you” beforewalking out the door. Another op-ed for TheWall Street Journal focused on raising our sons to be considerate inromance.

The article quoted Jeff in why it’simportant to write about the basic tenets of a good life. His reason is worthsharing:

“What I like about my job issometimes I’m just writing about the obvious. By doing that, you can touch alot of people and tell them things that will change their lives, even if it’ssomething simple.”

I feel the same way about this blog—thethemes and suggestions I post here are nothing new or astonishing. They’resimply important ideas worth revisiting every now and again. Writing about obviousideas and small gestures can remind us how important they are.

Small Gestures That Go a Long Way Towards Love

-Picking a single flower and givingit to someone you care about

-Writing a small note—one or twolines long—to a friend or family member you don’t talk to very often telling them you’re thinking of them and wanted to say hello

-Making a cup or tea or coffee for someoneyou live with at the end of a long day

-Paying a compliment to a strangeron the street

-Making eye contact, saying hello,and genuinely asking, “How are you?” to your clerk next time you buy somethingat the store

With love,

www.rosannainc.com

Extending Childhood and Revisiting Childhood Pleasures

2012-02-22T16:25:00.001-08:00

Make sure to check out the blog Moore Minutes' post on family dinner show and tells here! What a fantastic way to re-establish family connections and help extend childhood.

I find that one of the biggest challenges of rearing an elementary- or middle-school-age child in today's world is figuring out how to slow down the breakneck speed of growing up. Everything is amped up in school. Children are immediately enrolled in activities and have a heavy homework load, oftentimes within the first week of school. I'm constantly looking for ways to slow things down and allow my daughter to be a "little girl," unburdened by stress, for as long as possible.

I remember carefree afternoons spent in unstructured play as one of the best parts of my childhood because the magic of that time in one's life is based on an ability to play creatively. Spring offers us a variety of ways to change our old habits. Lightening our cuisine and eating more vegetables and less meat can be very satisfying - as well as an opportunity to lose any extra weight we may have put on during the winter months!

As the weather changes, it also means we're able to spend much more time outside - walking, exercising, and simply playing. Taking a short half-hour walk around your neighborhood is a great way to take note of nature's beauty. Another way to take advantage of the weather with your family is to play the outdoor games from your childhood - structured ones like softball or capture the flag, or more casual activities like kick the can or throwing a Frisbee. Doing something fun outdoors is quality time that also helps you stay in shape.

As the days lengthen, it's fun to incorporate games into an early evening on a weekday or a quiet Sunday afternoon. It's a lovely way to feel young again and pass on the notion of free play to our children.

During the summer months, I purposely avoid scheduling "play dates" in advance, and instead let them happen naturally. If my daughter wants company, we simply pick up the phone and see who's around. Luckily, one of her closest friends lives across the street. This is one way I try to revive the bygone tradition of spontaneous play and unstructured free time.

To encourage play that doesn't involve computers or electronic devices, I keep a large closet stocked with old clothes and costumes from my older daughter's theater days for dress-up. I also have an open kitchen, and I invite the children to cook when they feel like it. A real childhood, rather than a never-ending preparation for adulthood, is the greatest gift we can give our children. Childhood is a time in life to protect and nurture. Encourage kids to slow down. They have their whole lives to be adults. For the time being, let your children be children.

With love,

www.rosannainc.com

Throw a Child's Springtime Birthday Party

2012-02-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

This month we're partnering with Pizzazzerie, a wonderful entertaining website and blog focused on various party ideas, DIY holiday and party decor projects, recipes, and wedding advice. Head over to read more tips about children's parties and some amazing ideas for throwing your own soiree for your favorite little ones! Check out the article here.

My older daughter Alessandra’s birthday is in May, and my younger daughter, Francesca, has a birthday that falls right after Christmas. Because the holidays are such a hectic time, I always throw Francesca’s birthday party in March. Although it’s still officially winter, I try to put a spring twist to the theme to transform the environment into a fun, colorful, light celebration that contrasts with the lavish decorations and extravagant mood of the winter holidays.

A few years ago for Francesca’s twelfth birthday, I re-created a party from my own childhood. I chose color combinations that were popular in the 60’s, and we made posters and decorations reflective of the era. Vases of hot pink gerbera daisies filled the house, trays piled high with homemade cupcakes graced the table, and in the background played the music from Across the Universe. Her guests even played vintage Barbie, a board game from my childhood. I also invited the mothers of Francesca’s friends over for a pre-party glass of Champagne. I served homemade stove-top popcorn along with pizza and a variety of organic “junk food.” We watched Francesca and her friends on what was probably the last year of their official “girlhood” and sang Francesca “Happy Birthday.” Then the girls headed downstairs with sleeping bags in tow, ready to enjoy their first independent sleepover.

Rosanna’s Tips on Planning a Child’s Party

Over the past twenty years that I’ve thrown birthday parties for my daughters, I’ve learned some important lessons for how to make a birthday party successful.

Pick a theme. We chose the 1960’s because we love the colors and design elements of the era. It’s often easier to come up with fun foods, decorating ideas, and party activities when you have a framework in which to brainstorm.
Design a fun invitation on the computer or craft handmade invitations that define the party. Let people know that this is an event to look forward to!
Play a variety of age appropriate games; the most popular at my daughter’s twelfth birthday party was the vintage Barbie game, and we also rented movies like Big, Mamma Mia!, The Parent Trap, and Grease.
Provide food that’s easy to deal with and at least somewhat healthy. To accomplish these goals, I ordered pizza from a restaurant that uses fresh, local ingredients, and I made my own cupcakes from a good boxed mix that had no preservatives or additives. I made big bowls of homemade popcorn and served fun snacks like Smart Puffs and Hava Corn Chips form San Francisco (another throwback from the theme era), and for an indulgent treat, I set out bowls of colorful M&Ms.
Set up a space that takes into account the interests of your child and his or her friends. For the sleepover in our basement, I piled up lots of blankets and set out big puffy floor pillows and beanbag chairs for easy movie viewing and late-night chats.

Sleepover Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These pancakes are the perfect breakfast for a pre-teen sleepover party. They are homemade and deliciously decadent served with pure Vermont maple syrup. After a long night of chatting and girl talk, this breakfast is the perfect food to accompany the last bit of silliness and joking before everyone heads home. To offset the rich, high-carbohydrate breakfast, I serve tall glasses of ice-cold organic 2 percent milk (then leave the girls to enjoy the meal on their own). Use several skillets so guests are not left waiting for their breakfasts.

MAKES 8 (6-INCH) (15 CM) PANCAKES

1 cup (142 g) all-purpose flour

¼ cup (49 g) sugar

1 teaspoon (6 g) fine sea salt

1 teaspoon (6 g) baking powder

1 cup (250 ml) whole milk

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

3 tablespoons (42 g) butter, melted

Canola oil

1 (10-ounce) (284 g) bag semisweet chocolate chips (you want to add about 7 or 8 chips per pancake)

Real Vermont maple syrup, for serving

Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together in a large mixing bowl and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold to just combine.

Brush a large, heavy skillet (or several skillets) with oil, then place over medium-high heat. Using a ¼-cup (12 ml) measuring cup, scoop the batter into the skillet to form 6-inch (15 cm) pancakes. Cook until small bubbles appear on the top of the pancake, then sprinkle with chocolate chips. Flip the pancake to cook the other side until lightly browned or golden, about 4 minutes per side, or until the top is bubbling and the bottom has solidified. Serve hot, with syrup.

Have fun!

With love,

www.rosannainc.com

More Valentine's Day Love

2012-01-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

Still thinking about what to do for Valentine's Day this year? Take a look at the Family Eats blog. They have a great post very much in the Rosanna spirit called "Celebrating Love and Creating Traditions." They've also put up some delicious treat recipes to share...

With love,

www.rosannainc.com

A Feast of Love

2012-01-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

Our hearts are large. Soul mates and kindred spirits of allkinds enter our lives every day, and the day to celebrate them is coming soon: Valentine’s Day. Even if we don’t have a significant other, we’re all lovers in some way--of ourfriends, children, or family. This year on Valentine’s Day, honor the many lightsthat illuminate your life with a Feast of Love.

Here are a few ideas to help you plan a celebratory mealoverflowing with love.

-Find every dish, piece of flatware, candleholder, vase,napkin, and tablecloth in your house that’s pink, red, purple, or white. Createyour tablescape from these assembled items. If you come up short, keep thecolor scheme in mind and poke around the house for vintage figurines, toys,objets d’art, and other unexpected items to help you fill out the aesthetic.

-Buy pink, purple, red, and white construction paper. Cutout hearts of all different sizes and scatter them down the center of thetable. This effect looks especially striking against a clean, white tablecloth.

-Set a construction paper heart at each place setting. Oneach heart, write something that person brings to the table—something you loveabout him or her. It could be something like “You do pitch perfectimpersonations,” or “Martha Stewart has nothing on you; you make the best upsidedown pineapple cake known to man,” or "When you’re around, everybody laughs themselvessilly.” If you want, you can even make it a game—leave the name off the placecardand have each guest guess which card is meant for him or her.

-Pick a meal theme. Foods you loved as a child. Foods fromfamous love stories. Foods with love-related names. Or, maybe just make some food that everybody loves.

-Make sugar cookies for dessert (see recipe below). Insteadof using Valentine’s Day-themed cookie cutters, find alphabet cookie cutters.Typically your local kitchen store is a good place to start. If not, try Sur LaTable, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, or Fish’s Eddy if you’re in Manhattan. Cut outcookies in the shape of the initials of each guest, plate the cookies and servewith a scoop or two of delicious ice cream. Or, spell out a message of love incookies on the cleared table or a banquet after the meal is over.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to spread lovefar and wide. Create a space for friends and family to share love on a granderscale than lover to lover. After all, there’s no such thing as too muchlove.

Rosanna’s SugarCookie Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

red, pink, orpurple sprinkles and silver or gold dragee balls optional

Instructions

1. Sift dry ingredients together.

2. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and add the sugar.

3. Add the egg and vanilla to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat well.

4. Add the dry ingredients a little at a time and mix until wellbalanced.

5. Wrap the dough in cloth, pastry paper or aluminum foil. Chill for atleast 30 minutes before rolling.

6. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

7. Grease one or two baking sheets and set aside.

8. Roll out 1/3 of the dough and cut with cookie cutters into desiredshapes and letters.

9. Optional: Sprinkle the cutout cookies with of colored sugar crystals or decorate with candies.

10. Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes. Watch tomake sure they don’t brown!

11. Remove the cookies from oven. Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove cookiesfrom sheets with a wide spatula leave to cool on cookie racks.

www.rosannainc.com

What're You Doing New Year's Eve?

2011-12-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night when the clock strikes twelve, we’ll wavegoodbye to 2011 and welcome in 2012.

On New Year’s, everyone gets caught in the notion that the right way to celebrate is at a fancy,expensive dinner or party. But even when we’re at a party, we often still endup feeling like we’re missing the party. The last night of the year doesn’t have to be complicated, oreven all that expensive. In my book, New Year’s Eve is yet another opportunityto create a tradition, with friends or family. And doing that will feel morefulfilling than any swanky party ever could.

Plan a Simple yetSpecial Meal

A special meal doesn’t have to be elaborate; it just has tobe out of the ordinary. I take advantage of the bounty of the Pacific Northwestand serve Dungeness crab with a big green salad. This meal is fresh, delicious,and requires barely any prep. Serve a dish that is unique to the place you live,but that you won’t break your back preparing. If you’re on one of the coasts,maybe that means oysters. If you live in the Midwest, maybe that means a reallydelicious cut of beef, simply grilled or cooked in the oven.

Whatever you decide to make, don’t forget the champagne! Poppinga bottle or two of good quality champagne makes New Year’s Eve feel special.For a pre-dinner Pacific Coast treat, my family also enjoys fresh caviar.

Decorate with Silverand Gold…or Silver and Red, or Gold and Green…

Make your New Year’s table festive. Silver and gold aretraditional New Year’s colors, but don’t be afraid to incorporate some otherhues into your tablescape if you have special dinnerware of a different colorthat you love. Mirrored or metal platters or candleholders that reflect andrefract light are another great way to add some glitter to a New Year’stablescape.

Find Silly Favors

Silly hats or crowns are a great way to get everyone feelingfestive. Masks are also a fun option. Party favors that guests can wear to feel“dressed up” get groups in a celebratory mood.

Make a Plan forMidnight

When I was a little girl, my mother used to take us outsideat midnight laden with pots and pans and wooden spoons. When the moment came,we all rang and banged in the New Year together. Other ways to make the firstmoments of 2012 feel special might include a dance party, a polar bear jump intoa nearby body of water, or singing a song together (it doesn’t have to be AuldLang Syne, but take a look at the lyrics; it’s not a bad choice!) accompaniedby lit sparklers.

Whatever you decide to do this New Year’s Eve, my bestwishes for a sweet and satisfying evening spent with people you love.

Cheers!

www.rosannainc.com

Holiday Decorating Ideas

2011-12-19T09:40:00.000-08:00

The winter holidays have arrived! One of my favorite parts of the season is transforming a space into something festive and new with holiday decor. Whether you’re decorating simply to capture the holiday spirit, or preparing for a special event, here are some holiday decorating techniques equally lovely for both:

Light the lights! Set a mood.

’Tis the season when candlelight shines brightest. Take advantage of the winter dark to play with light. Scatter candles of all sizes all throughout the house—pillars, votives, and tapers. Place a few big candles in glass hurricanes in your entryway, or line your mantel with a flickering row of tiny votives. You can even bring the candlelight outdoors. There’s a long tradition in Santa Fe of Christmastime farolitos (Spanish for “little lanterns”). These brown paper bags, weighed down with sand and each containing a small lit votive, line the streets and buildings. I love farolitos because of the special warmth they add to even large outdoor spaces. Set out some farolitos out this Christmas and add a new tradition to your holiday repertoire.

Ornaments: Not Just for the Tree

As the years go by, many people end up with more ornaments than can fit on a Christmas tree. To display Christmas ornaments in beautiful and unexpected way, arrange a variety in a compote, large bowl, or glass jar.

Holiday Décor Clusters

I’ve long loved collecting traditional Austrian snow globes. Rather than scattering them throughout the home, I like to arrange all of the globes on a large silver platter for a striking visual display. Another idea: intersperse the globes with candles and let the light play off the beautiful glass orbs.

Good luck with your own holiday decorating. Be inventive. When displayed in a new way, even old decorations can take on new life.

Happy holidays,

www.rosannainc.com

Holiday Gift-Giving Etiquette from Anna Post

2011-12-15T14:21:00.000-08:00

Recently I was able to meet Anna Post. Naturally our conversation turned to the similar philosophies of etiquette, entertaining, and creating traditions. I am honored that she accepted my request to write a guest post for Table Talk about holiday etiquette. Her advice is both contemporary and timeless. Thank you Anna.

Compliments of the
Emily Post Institute

It was my pleasure to recently visit Seattle for the first time while thereto promote my new book, “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18^thEdition.” One of the highlights was a trip to Rosanna, Inc. and the wonderfulopportunity to sit down with owner Rosanna Bowles. Rosanna was kind enough toshow me her world—and I found our opinions on entertaining, traditions andkindness to be very much in tandem. Rosanna’s beautiful creations represent easyelegance, entertaining for the pleasure of bringing people together and thevalues of tradition. These are also the goals of etiquette.

Rosanna asked me to share with you, her readers, what interests people most at thistime of year. Not surprisingly, I hear lots of questions about gift-givingetiquette, so compiled here are some of the most popular—which I hope will helpyou enjoy your holiday season.

Should Ibring a hostess gift to a holiday cocktail party? What would be an appropriategift?

Hostess gifts are totally optional for a cocktail party. A bottle ofwine or a batch of blueberry muffins for the next morning are both appropriate.You might also get in the festive spirit of the event and select a holidaygoodie or an ornament for your host. Always enclose a small signed gift card asyour hostess will want to know whobrought the gift and may not have time to receive it from you—much less open it—atthe party.

Rosanna's French Perfume decoupage
make beautiful hostess gifts

Should Ibring a hostess gift to a dinner party?

Yes. But keep it simple. Anything that distracts your hostess from thetasks at hand may be a nuisance. Food or flowers that need to be tended to arenot the best options. A candle or soaps and a soap dish, a small potted plantor flowers already arranged in a vase, are better bets. Wines or chocolates arealso nice, though don’t be surprised or offended if your host saves them toenjoy later, as he or she may already have their menu for the evening planned.Overall, keep it uncomplicated and under $20, and base your selection on your host’staste.

Is it necessary to write thank-younotes to family members?

If you’ve sincerely thanked someone in person for a gift, a thank-younote isn’t obligatory. But, it’s never wrong to write a thank-you note. If youreceive gifts from friends or family that you won’t see to thank in person,write them a thank-you note—both to let them know their gift arrived and thatyou appreciated it. Keep thank-you notes or personalized stationery and stampson hand to make it easy to check them off your list.

Since I'm single, my brother and his wifeonly give me one gift, but I buy one for each of them as well as gifts fortheir two children. It's a bit much for my budget. Would it be inappropriate ifI gave them just one house or family gift?

Not at all. Tell your brother and sister-in-law that your affection forthem remains the same, but you're planning to adjust your gift giving thisyear. A house or family gift is a great idea. Other suggestions: some familiesadopt a “kids only” present policy; or, they draw names out of a hat so thateach person concentrates on buying only one gift for one person. Discuss yourideas in advance—they may even welcome the news. And there’s more to theholiday season than gifts. Spending time with your brother’s family instead ofshowering them with gifts may be just as enjoyable for all involved.

I have a friend who's unemployed. I don'texpect or want her to spend money on a gift for me, but should I buy a gift forher? I don't want to make her feel guilty.

If this is someone that you usually exchange gifts with, she’ll probablywelcome a gift hiatus this year. It may be uncomfortable for her to discuss herfinancial situation, so you may want to bring it up yourself. Suggest anafternoon or lunch outing—on you—instead of the traditional gift swap. Ofcourse, there’s no rule that friends must exchange gifts of equal value, soyour friend may opt to continue the tradition—with homemade or less expensivepresents.

Every year I get at least one party invitethat asks guests to dress “festive”. What does that mean? Would it be rude tocall the hostess to ask?

"Festive dress" usually means dressy with a nod to whateverholiday you are celebrating: something a little more fun than what you’d wearto work, something not quite as fancy as what you’d wear to a black tie event. Bringin the holiday element with color or something shiny or sparkly. It’s certainlyfine to call the hostess and ask her intentions, too. Who knows? Maybe she’sthinking Santa hats and elf shoes. . .

Formore on partyattire, visit the Emily Post web site.

If you've only been dating someone a shortwhile, how do you decide how extravagant to be with your holiday gift?

The amount you spend on the gift should be based on your affection forthe person and your budget, as well as the seriousness of your relationship.Anything too expensive or extravagant would probably be awkward at this point.Don’t let something like a holiday gift get in the way of a new relationship.There’s no downside to keeping things simple. Think little things for thekitchen or house, something to do together like games or outdoor equipment, oreven tickets to an event or dinner out.

Should I give a seasonal gift to the mail carrier?

It’s a nice gesture. The U.S. Postal Service has rules about holiday gifts, though: No cash and thevalue of the gift can’t exceed $20. Also, be sure to enclose a thank-you noteand say something like, “Thanks for all you do throughout the year.” It’s okayif you don’t know their name.

For more information on holidaygifts and tips for service providers visit the Emily Post web site.

www.rosannainc.com

My Holiday Rituals

2011-12-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

In the third of our Holiday Entertaining Series Collaborative posts between Rosanna's Table & Family Eats, we look at the Tradition of Christmas. Be sure to gather ideas and delicious recipes from the Family Eats article, Celebrating the Art of Giving: Gifts from the Kitchen.

The winter months give us many opportunities to establish traditions that can last for generations. The repetition of traditions and rituals helps us grow roots; it allows us to take part in the legacy spanning many generations. When we practice a tradition, we are in fact linking ourselves to the chain of human history, providing a continuation of the kind of life that humans have lived since the beginning of civilization.

Our family traditions begin when we decorate the Christmas tree. I make hot toddies (see recipe below) and my mother's Christmas sugar cookies. I play a variety of Christmas music, including jazz renditions sung by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, and classical pieces by Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo. For my family, this night represents the beginning of winter holiday festivities. Together we transform the house, and when we're finished, we find ourselves surrounded by the magical beauty of the holidays.

Another special tradition is to prepare a special Italian dinner every Christmas Eve: risotto with osso bucco. My family looks forward to the evening not just because it's a holiday, but because they know we'll be eating one of their favorite meals that comes around only once a year. When I set my table, I always use the same Rosanna holiday dishes that I've used for years. Sometimes I also mix in my mother's vintage silver and porcelain serving pieces, which in turn came from my grandmother's china cabinet. I incorporate these family heirlooms to create a table that shows the layers of our family's history.

My daughters always look forward to gathering by the tree after dinner to open one Christmas gift. The room is lit by tiny lights and candles, and perhaps a warming fire. In these moments we share memories of past holidays and fond memories of the past year.

There are many ways to celebrate the holidays of the season as there are many nationalities and religions and cultures. (Family Eats shares a recipe for Grandma's Bohemian-Czech Hoska Bread.) With such a variety of ceremonies and rites that have been passed down through the ages, you can simply choose to continue with established cultural traditions or create brand-new traditions with special significances that are distinctly yours. Tradition is the glue that binds us together and makes the holidays a time that everyone looks forward to celebrating.

Rosanna's Hot Toddies
They are very simple to prepare and warm the body as well as the heart when the festivities are taking place. Make sure to use good-quality lemons and oranges; they make a difference in the flavor of the toddy. The oranges should be sweet and juicy. I prefer Cognac, but brandy, rum, or Irish Whiskey would be delicious, too. For children's toddies, simply omit the liquor and add an extra slice of orange.

serves 1
3 strips lemon zest
1 slice of orange
1 sprinkle of cinnamon
1 sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg
1 jigger Cognac
Boiling water

Muddle all the ingredients except the water in an oversized porcelain Rosanna holiday mug. Fill with boiling water and let steep for a few minutes.

www.rosannainc.com

Thanksgiving Entertaining: Making A Healthy & Cherished Tradition

2011-11-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

In the second of our Holiday Entertaining SeriesCollaborative posts between Rosanna’s Table & Family Eats, we look at theTradition of Thanksgiving. Be sure to gather Thanksgiving ideas from Family Eats article, Planning for Success: Making the Thanksgiving Meal A Happy Tradition.

Every agrarian (orformerly agrarian) culture has some version of the celebration of the harvest,an important seasonal marker throughout the world. American Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the beginningsof the nation, but it’s also a time to be thankful for the bounty nature bringsforth for our sustenance and enjoyment, to pay homage to the gradual passagefrom fall to winter. It is also,perhaps most importantly, a time to share, to open our hearts, to be generousas well as thankful for the generosity of others.

For most Americans, Thanksgivingdinner is a tradition that lingers easily in the mind throughout the rest ofthe year. Below are a few tips tohelp you make you meal memorable and delicious.

Treat The Turkey

Choose an organic localbird, preferably free-range. Theflavor will be more interesting than the usual frozen grocery-storevarieties. Make a paste of freshherbs, olive oil, and garlic and rub it under the turkey’s skin the day beforeThanksgiving, allowing it to marinate overnight in the refrigerator; this willmake the meat succulent and juicy.

Select Your Sides

Take your cue from thedelicious variety of fall vegetables available in your local market and roastthem in the oven as the turkey cooks; with extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt,and fresh rosemary and sage.

No Thanksgiving meal iscomplete without the old favorite of mashed potatoes and homemade gravy. But consider adding in somethingnew. Cook local squash instead of sweetpotatoes, if you’d like a change of pace. (See my recipe below). Oradd a dish to your Thanksgiving table that is distinctly yours; it could evenbe a food from another culture. Family Eats has some wonderful recipes forother side dishes that you’ll want to check out.

Keep It Fresh

At Thanksgivingespecially, I strive to make sure everything on the table is homemade and makea point of using only natural ingredients. No margarine, no cranberry saucein a can, and no instant gravy. This meal is as much about the time, effort,and love it takes to prepare as it is about the actual eating of it.

Growing up, I remember mygrandmother made every single Thanksgiving dish from scratch. If you don’t knowwhere to start with from-scratch cooking, you don’t have to look much fartherthan two generations back. Refer to old family recipes from your grandparents’generation, before ready-made, instant food became widely available. Duringthat era, there was nothing but homemade.

A Thanksgiving made withfresh ingredients from nature instead of from a can make for a meal that hassomething special. The extra effort and mindful attention to detail set thisdinner apart from the everyday meals. The long hours in the kitchen aresomething to take pride in and to cherish. Cooking, after all, is one of themost basic and intuitive expressions of love.

Invite Your Guests

Bringing together familyis an important part of Thanksgiving. Being around loved-ones is heart-warming and comforting. Consider inviting someone to share yourThanksgiving who is alone and far from family. Sharing the bounty of the season is the spirit in which thefirst Thanksgiving originated.

Set The Table

Decorate the table withsomething that comes from nature. I like to use grapes and vines from our grape arbor. The gorgeous green leaves that havechanged colors are beautiful accents for a fall table. I like to personalize the table with homemade place cards fashioned from heavy paper. It not only adds warmth and texture to the table arrangement, but also make each guest feel important. If you have a set of dishes you use aspart of your family traditions, make sure to include them. If you haven’t started a tradition, nowis the time. A few years back I created theFloriography Collection as a set I wanted to adorn my own Thanksgiving table,and it has become part of our family tradition.

Finally, don’t forget toenjoy the holiday. It’s very easyto get sidetracked and focused on what needs to be finished than the people youget to spend time with. Let someof your focus be on connecting with others. After all, these are the moments you will want to remember.

Rosanna’s ThanksgivingSquash

One of my favorite dishesfrom childhood was my mother’s roasted acorn squash. The preparation was simple, but the flavors were complex anddelicious. The squash’s bare hintof sweetness and spice makes it a sophisticated but crowd-pleasing substitutefor the traditional yams.

Ingredients

4 acorn squashes, halved,seeds removed

8 teaspoons unsaltedbutter

8 tablespoons brown sugar

Ground cinnamon

Preheat the over to 350degrees.

Arrange the squash halvescut side up on baking sheets. Ineach squash half place 1 teaspoon of the butter, 1 tablespoon of the brownsugar, and a dash of cinnamon. Bake for about 1 hour, until the flesh of the squash is soft whenpierced with a fork and the sides look slightly caved in. Let the squash rest for 15 minutesbefore serving.

Note: Recipe from my book Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions.

www.rosannainc.com

Caramel Cake

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

By Rosanna's eldest daughter, Alessandra Wollner

For my 13th birthday, mymother made an extraordinary cake. I can’t recall why she decided to make thisparticular cake for that particular birthday, but after she did, there was nogoing back. Since the advent of my thirteenth birthday, I’ve had a decade toexplore the vast realm of birthday cake prospects. Despite the staggering arrayof options, I’ve stayed faithful to one cake. Without fail, I have demanded andenjoyed the same extraordinary cake on every birthday since my 13th.

What makes this cake specialis the pitch perfect way in which the flavors harmonize with each other. The salty,sweet, buttery notes of the caramel frosting melt into the slightly savory,nutty essence of the cake crumb. My mother has awarded this cake with thehighest accolade she bestows on food, calling it “Ambrosia of the Gods.” Mygreat grandmother just called it Caramel Cake.

The cake itself is densefrom the addition of ground walnuts. It tastes like fall; never mind that mybirthday comes at the end of May. The frosting is what my friend Emilie calls “notallowed.” What she means to say is that this frosting is the most delicious anddecadent frosting she has ever tasted. When people ask me what the frosting ismade of, I tell them broccoli and flax seed. I tell them it’sdefinitely not made with butter, brown sugar, confectioner’s sugar, and heavycream.

The recipe for CaramelCake came from my great grandmother, Grandma Edwards. She died soon after mymother made Caramel Cake for the first time, and I never did ask GrandmaEdwards where she got the recipe. All I know is that she grew up in Kansas, thoughher family had immigrated to Virginia a few generations before. We think thecake must have its origins in the South. When my mother went on a trip toCharlotte, NC, last summer she excitedly called me to report Caramel Cakesightings on restaurant menus and in bakery windows the city over.

Obviously, I’m not theonly admirer Caramel Cake has seduced into its thrall. After my mother made it thatfirst birthday, Grandma Edward’s Caramel Cake became legend among my friends.Throughout the year, my mother would be repeatedly begged to make the cake,though there was no birthday to celebrate. My friends never did get my motherto make the cake just for kicks. But, since moving away from home, whenever animportant birthday arrives, I seize the opportunity to treat my friends toGrandma Edward’s Caramel Cake.

Each time I make thecake, I consult my mother’s book Coming Home for the recipe. Whenever I do this,I feel proud.

I feel proud becauseeating Caramel Cake creates what I call a Transcendent Food Moment. This is acake so delicious that, after the first bite, it forces you stop talking. Thedeep and pervasive satisfaction that arises from eating Caramel Cake mirrorsthe deep satisfaction and pleasure I take from my relationship with thebirthday celebrant, making Caramel Cake an ideal birthday gift.

I feel proud to make CaramelCake because when I make it I know I’m following a recipe with a long andstoried history. I am keeping alive a recipe alive that has, over the course offour generations, migrated from the American South to the Pacific Northwest,across the country to New England, and made its way back again to its current residencein Northern California. I carry Caramel Cake with me, and by doing so I carryon my family’s heritage as well.

When I make my greatgrandmother’s Caramel Cake, I proudly share a treasured family tradition. I’mproud because I know that to do so makes mother very, very happy.

Recipe for Caramel Cake
For the yellow cake layers
2 2/3 cups cake flour, plus more for pans
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely ground walnuts
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups sifted sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk

For the brown-sugar frosting
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more if necessary
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Make the cake layers: Preheat the over to 350 degrees. Butter 2 (8-inch) round cake pans and dust them with flour. Grind 2 cups of walnuts in a food processor, or chop as finely as possible.

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground walnuts together into a medium bowl. Set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until soft. Continuing to beat, add the sugar slowly, then beat until the mixture is very light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture and stir to combine, then stir in the milk.

In a separate bowl, using a whisk or clean beaters, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter. Divide between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center come out clean. Let cool in the pans on wire racks for 5 minutes, then invert the pans and remove the cakes. Let cool completely.

Make the brown-sugar frosting: Combine the brown sugar, 1/2 cup cream, the butter, and the salt in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture just comes to a boil. Remove from the heat, transfer to a mixing bowl, and add the vanilla and confectioner's sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too dry, add a bit more cream. It should be thick and easy to spread.

Assemble the cake: Put one cake layer on a cake stand and frost the top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides. Serves 6 to 8.

For more delicious recipes like this one, check out my mother's book, Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions, where she has over 50 recipes divided by the four seasons, but perfect all year-round.

Women In Business

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I did some simple math, and I made ashocking discovery. I have spent just about half my life as an entrepreneur.When I look back at the trail I’ve blazed since starting Rosanna Inc., I seethe hundreds of experiences, lessons, and people who have helped me pave myway. In reflecting, I also think about what the world looked like nearly thirtyyears ago when I began my business. Back then, it was no small feat for women to find a job. And a womanbecoming an entrepreneur? Nearly unheard of!

Photo compliments of
Shelly Oberman Photography

All of this musing wasn’t simply for the sake of takingstock. I was revisiting my memories for a reason. A few months ago, I became afinalist for a business award specifically for Northwest women entrepreneurs.The nomination presented me with a privilege and a challenge: to craft aninspirational speech addressed to my fellow women entrepreneurs.

And so I was left to tackle the big question: What did I want to say?

I started by looking to my roots. I singled out the womenin my family who inspire me, and identified exactly what it is about theircharacters and stories that I find so motivational.

Once I answered those questions, my speech wasn’tdifficult to compose. As the strength and clarity of the piece grew, so did mysense of urgency regarding my message.

I want to empower women. It is as important today as itwas when I began my career. My goal was to remind the women I was addressingwhat we are made of. Whether we are frontierswomen, CEOs, or steel magnolias,all women have a special kind of strength that allows us to weather the stormsof life.

What follows is an excerpted version of my speech. If youare a woman, I hope it prompts you to reflect on the unique strengths youpossess.

. . . . . .

My favorite word these days is GRIT. I keep the word asmy touchstone for whenever life’s challenges come knocking at my door.

I started Rosanna Inc. shortly after I finished graduateschool. I couldn’t find my dreamjob, so I created it. With a$15,000 home equity loan, I began my business in the small bungalow where I lived. I have done everything in my businessfrom washing my first shipment of 10,000 dishes by hand to hand-deliveringorders to sitting in factories and painting prototype designs myself. I have sold, shipped, packed, designed,promoted, acted as foreign agent, and managed the finances during the earlyyears of the company.

The years since then have presented me with manydifferent kinds of challenges. Every time a new one occurs, I remind myself ofthe resilience of women and of our amazing capacity for getting throughcrisis. I say this because I knowall of you women here understand what it means to have your back against thewall.

In times of crisis, I call upon the legacy of the women Imost admire, the tough and tenacious women of my family—my mother andgrandmother.

Their stories are timeless and enduring. They survived the Great Depression,World War II, and the oppression of women in the 1950’s. Both went on to becomesuccessful career women in the 1970’s.

I envisioned them during each period of history and whatthey did to survive. Mygrandmother plucked chickens for five cents a chicken during the Depression, andworked as a Rosie the Riveter for Boeing building airplanes for combat.

In 1954, my grandmother was working at Fred Meyer whenshe lost her son in the Korean War. She suffered greatly and returned to work only after when Fred Meyerhimself came to her home pleading for her to return after a period ofgrieving.

You see, in the 1950’s, there was no medicine fordepression. There was only one waythat women got through tragedy—that was with their grit and guts and old-fashionedvalues of self-fortitude, ideals that have never been more relevant than today.

Both my mother and grandmother fought cancer. One survived, the other did not. Tenacity is the common character traitthat both possessed. I know thistrait is in all of you too. It iswhy you are here tonight. It iswhy you have accomplished what you have. Don’t forget who you are and what you are made of.

The resources we hold as women are limitless. We can effect changes in theworld.

We are capable of moving, shifting, and creating newmodels for old ideas because we put our egos aside, roll up our sleeves, andget to work.

I call upon all of you to take what is innate in yourcharacter and reinvent yourself. Idid it and so can you.

I went outside my comfort zone and decided to write alifestyle book, Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions. The book represents the heart and soul of who I am and who we are as acompany. Our products are designed to be simple pleasures. They also serve as prescriptivesto help people get back to the traditions they crave. Authoring the book put this philosophy in writing.

The book further defined the lifestyle associated withour products. No longer were our products just products; they became a way oflife.

I went out on a limb as an author. If you want toreinvent yourself, go to a place you have never been before. Try on a newhat. Don’t be afraid to fail. If you do nothing, nothing will happen.

So, treat your life like a start-up business. Dig deep. Lookto old-fashioned values and role models who give you the strength to movemountains. Reinvent yourselvesdaily and try a new way of doing things.

Effect change. The result will amaze you. You have it inyou.

You are women!

www.rosannainc.com

Diner En Blanc

2011-10-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

As the last traces ofsummertime disappeared into the fast approaching autumn, a group gathered in historicGasworks Park for a magical evening of food and friendship. The ingredientswere unusual enough catch the attention of a few hundred Seattleites: secrecy, creativity, synchronization, camaraderie,delicacies, and champagne. We were also instructed to dress a certain way: allin white.

I’m talking about Seattle’svery own, and very first, Dîner en Blanc(French for Dinner in White). The original Dîners began in France in 1988. Sincethen, Dîners have been happening all throughout Paris. Recently, food andperformance art enthusiasts have orchestrated their own Dîners, far from theSeine and the clanging bells of Notre Dame Cathedral. The New York Times even ranan article about the event, “How 10,000People Keep a Secret,” which came to Seattle, WA this summer.

Though the Dîners appear spontaneousto the uninitiated onlooker, this gastronomic flash mob in fact requires quitea bit of planning. In past blog posts and in my book, I’ve sung the praises ofspontaneous dinner parties. However, a Dîner en Blanc is essentially theopposite of a spontaneous gathering. Unlike a spur-of-the-moment get together,a Dîner can’t happen without foresight and coordination. But all the planninggives the event a Byzantine, theatrical charm all its own.

The New York organizerDanile Laporte said it well: “Part of the event is the journey there. Tothink ahead, to get ready, to get the table, to prepare your picnic, to chooseyour outfit. Not making it easy is part of the allure.”

These dinners, with theirsecret locations and semi-costumed festivity, unfurl much like a piece oftheater. They create the same magical, exuberant, unexpected, co-createdspectacle, both for the participants and the observers. The magic is the resultof the preparation, born of the desire to set apart a space and time to createsomething extraordinary.

The scale of this Dîner wasquite large. But that doesn’t mean you can’t arrange a similar type of “happening”in (or near) your home. All it takes is a little initiative and creativity, whichbecomes a reality with the collaboration of a group. A group, by the way, couldbe as tiny as three people. So, I encourage you to gather your friends to createyour own Dîner en Blanc…or rouge (red,) vert (green), or bleu (blue)!

A little something out ofthe ordinary goes a long way. A special night like this creates not just amemorable evening, but a sense of wonder and a childlike delight that lastslong past the last guest vanishes into the night.

Read about Seattle’s Dîner enBlanc in The Puget Sound Business Journal: “Elegant FlashMob Dîner en Blanc a Success.”

www.rosannainc.com

Halloween Entertaining For Kids & Adults Alike

2011-10-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

Many of you have already been introduced to our friends atFamily Eats. Today we’ve partneredwith them to create blog entries about Halloween Entertaining. Please make sure to read the Halloween Entertaining: Slow Sundays Goes Halloween post on their blog. It has great tips for planning party food, setting the mood, and getting your kids involved in thepreparation. There are some greatfood tips & recipes. Look forus to partner together again in the near future.

Halloween Décor

There are so many ways todecorate for Halloween beyond putting a jack-o-lantern on the stoop. The natural beauty of the fall seasonis plentiful and easy to infuse into your décor. Select beautiful gourds, squash, and fall leaves to adornyour home. Haystacks, kindlyscarecrows, and lush fall wreaths can also be added into the warm earth tonesof the season.

Calacas, from Mexico

Around my house we have asomewhat non-conventional Halloween tradition. Years ago I started bringing back Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) decorations as presents for mydaughters when returning from business trips to Mexico. I have always enjoyed teaching themabout different cultures and traditions. On one visit I picked up a few small calacas(skeleton figurines). Theyreally liked the cute and decorated skeletons, and each time I have returned toMexico I have brought home a few more. Over time our collection of calacas hasgrown, and each year we mingle them with our other Halloween décor.

Consider adding in amulti-cultural theme into your own Halloween celebration. Whether it’s the Celtic All HallowsEve, Christian All Saints’ Day, Mexican Day of the Dead, or any other, allhumanity shares similar fascinations with the beyond.

Tricks & Treats For Snacking

After the fun-filledPumpkin Carving Party you partook in following the tips by Family Eats, savesome of the pumpkin seeds for roasting. They make great snacks for children and adults alike and are easy tomake.

I like to useextra-virgin olive oil and fine sea salt. Here’s my recipe:

Preheat the over to 250°F.

Put the pumpkin seeds ina colander and rinse and use your hands to remove all the orange pulp from theseeds. The seeds will be veryslippery.

Lightly coat a bakingsheet with oil. Spread the pumpkinseeds out on the baking sheet and toss to coat them with oil. The seeds should not be floating inoil, just covered lightly.

Season the seedsgenerously with sea salt.

Bake for 2 to 3 hours,until golden brown, turning them occasionally so that they brown evenly. The seeds should roast veryslowly. Remove from the oven andtaste for salt. If needed, addanother sprinkling of sea salt. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

Owl Cookies from "Coming Home"

Another recipe that yourchildren can help you with in the kitchen is Owl Cookies. Growing up, my mother made these owl cookies everyHalloween. Charming and delicious,they were always a hit with my friends. The dough is a basic refrigerator-cookie dough that is made ahead oftime and can also be frozen. Children love to assemble and decorate these cookies, which featurechocolate chips for eyes and a giant salted cashew for a nose to make up theperfect owl face. The Owl Cookiesare perfect for Halloween school parties or can be done at home with thechildrens’ help as part of their festivities. (The complete recipe is published in my book Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions.)

Halloween Isn’t Just For Kids

Whether you have childrenat home or not, consider staging an adult dinner party around Halloween thatsets the produce and bounty of the autumn season as the centerpiece of thecelebration. Serve baked squash,hearty roast chicken with porcini mushrooms, wild rice, and a delicious redwine.

For a less formalget-together, invite your friends over on Halloween to watch a classic scarymovie and enjoy great finger food while you greet the trick-or-treaters. My favorites are the 1979 version of Dracula and the 1963 version of The Haunting. Choose some classical music to play when you’re not viewingthe movie. The “Dies Irae” ofMozart’s Requiem is appropriatelyspooky, as is “O Fortuna” from the CarminaBurana by Carl Orff or Bach’s Toccataand Fugue. Serve a variety offoods that can be easily enjoyed during the movie. Set out a selection of cheeses on a rustic cuttingboard. Fill bowls with saltednuts, flatbreads, and olives. (Family Eats also has some great snack food ideas including HomemadePretzels and Pumpkin Bread). Drinka really great blood-red wine. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween as an adult.

Whatever it is you decideto do, Halloween is a time of nostalgia. Whether you’re continuing traditions of Trick-or-Treating startedgenerations before, throwing an adult get-together or starting new traditionsof your own, the magic and mystic of Halloween has potential for spooktacular connections with loved ones.

For more tips on Halloween Entertaining for children's parties, as well as adult get-togethers, see Episode 3 of Rosanna TV, or listen to my recent Halloween radio interview with Amy Tobin, available on my YouTube Channel.

www.rosannainc.com

Pasta Bowls & Healthy Foods Make Easy Entertaining

2011-10-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

With fall comes cooler temperatures and a desire to prepare our nest for the cold winter months. We have a natural tendency to want to stay inside more as the days get shorter. Being inside doesn't mean we need to feel isolated or away from the world. In fact, now is the perfect time to have friends and family over for an informal gathering.

Rosanna Canvas Totes

As the summer growing season comes to an end, we must take advantage of our last opportunities to find local fresh fruits and vegetables. Fall is a great time to head to the farmers market. Recently I made a trip to my local farmers' market and filled my Rosanna Canvas Tote with delicious fresh tomatoes. I like to prepare fresh tomato sauce for my pasta when local tomatoes are at their peak, then freeze it in individual containers for use during the winter months. It makes a quick go-to meal for my family, and gives me the assurance that it is healthy too.

Pasta sauce is easy to make. (In a previous blog entry I shared my basic tomato sauce recipe.) Italians make their pasta sauce with whatever they have in the kitchen. My basic tomato sauce allows me to add in meats, vegetables, or turn it into a vodka sauce, depending on what I currently have in my kitchen. It makes an easy start to the tradition of a Family Pasta Night. If you don't have a Family Pasta Night yet, starting one will give your family a ritual to look forward to, a way to create memories, and a chance to sit together around the table and connect.

Pasta Italiana Collection

You might decide to have friends over for Pasta Night. This is one of the easiest ways to entertain. You can make dinner at the last minute, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests. It was this idea that inspired my Pasta Italiana Collection. Each of the 4 pasta bowls features one of my pasta recipes you can use for an upcoming Pasta Night. The Pasta Italiana serving bowl makes it easy to serve family style meals and allows guests to serve themselves a second helping of the delicious pasta.

Farmer's Market Collection

Pasta bowls are fun, unique, and great for casual entertaining. They can bring a splash of color to your table. I've also made my pasta bowls instructional. The Farmer's Market Collection is a set of 4 pasta bowls that are also ideal for soups, salads, and vegetables. Each of the four bowls features one of the four seasons--spring, summer, fall, and winter--and is adorned with colorful seasonal vegetables that can be found at their peak in the specific season, making them not only beautiful and utilitarian, but also instructional. I use the large serving bowl nearly every day in my house.

An important part of living healthy is knowing what to eat. Studies show that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest diets to follow. (See previous post for details.) Fill your table with healthy whole grain pastas, fresh salads, ripe tomato sauce, and don't forget the olive oil. The Farmers' Market dipping dishes are perfect for dipping your bread in healthy olive oil.

Start a weekly tradition of Family Pasta Night or invite friends over this week for a Pasta Night. The warmth you feel from the food will be matched only by the warmth you feel from connecting with others.

For more tips on Pasta Night, the collections in this post, and my tomato sauce recipe, watch Episode 2 of Rosanna TV, available on my YouTube Channel.

www.rosannainc.com

Life Mirrors Art Mirrors Life

2011-09-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I was contacted by a creative food artist who calls herself "Fairly Odd Mother". She had an ambitious idea that really sparked my imagination, to replicate my Tea For Me, Too teaset using food. I'm always one to foster creativity, and I was very interested in how my colorful stoneware mini tea set would translate into an edible food medium.

She posted her creation on her blog yesterday, and the result is certainly something that I had to write about. Using everything from ice cream cones to chocolate, and fondant to gum paste, her interpretation of Tea For Me, Too is spot on.

Read about the creation of the Fairly Odd Mother's Tea For Me Too set at her Once Upon A Pedestal blog.

Creativity is something that sometimes lacks in this automated world that we live in. With computers performing complex algorhythms, programs that auto-correct, and a barrage of mindless entertainment being thrown at us, we move along in this fast-paced world sometimes jumping from one thing to the next. When we slow down, connect with the present, and live mindfully, our minds open and our creative spirit is allowed to grow.

The Fairly Odd Mother is a great example of this. Take a look at her enthusiastic description of the process on her blog at Once Upon A Pedestal. I'm confident that it will put a smile on your face, just as it did mine.

www.rosannainc.com

5th Annual Tablescape Contest Honorable Mentions

2011-09-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Tablescape Contest produced so many wonderfully inspiring stories and photos this year that I couldn't let an opportunity pass to share many more of them with you.

Adelle Belnap's Treehouse Teatime is imaginative and provides a touching story. In her words:
"I spend every day with my children. We rarely have time apart. Yet there are days when I find myself watching them but not really seeing them. I work around my little ones on the tasks I have on my "to do" list and forget that the most important people on my list are being overlooked.

"Over the past few months, my daughter has been asking to use the tea set her Great-Grandma painted for her as a gift when she was born. My response was always, 'No, not today' or 'Maybe later'.

"After reading the theme for the Tablesetting Competition, something inside me clicked. I realized that the most important guests that will ever sit at my table can barely see over it right now. They might not appreciate the beauty of the platters or the symmetry of the centerpiece, but they will feel the love that spending special time together around the table brings.

"So, this time when my daughter asked about the tea set, I dropped everything else and said, "Yes."

One Night With the Queen: a midsummer night's tea by Lisa

When the Queen comes to town, naturally we want to have her over for tea!

Here in our backyard in Hawaii, we have a flowering cactus plant which blooms with a very large white blossom called a Night Queen. So-called because it opens only in the middle of the night, and by morning, she's gone.

Late last night, we found the one such blossom had just opened, and it was time to celebrate the arrival of the Queen, with a tea party held in her honor.

Kristina Kellett's breakfast in bed reminds us that it's the little moments that count. There's nothing sweeter than a quiet weekend breakfast in bed; whether it's shared over good conversation with a loved one, or relaxing and unwinding with a beloved book.

Kate Snapp loves a royal wedding. She invited 7 of her girlfriends to come by for a Royal Wedding Breakfast. They brought 4 of their little ones to the early morning event., who arrived in tiaras to a thoughtfully decorated "kids table."

Seeing their delightful faces is enough to bring a smile to mine.

Nazra Knutsen's story is another one that reminds us of the impact Spontaneous Gatherings can have on our lives. In her words:

"My husband's immediate family lives on a small island named, Karmoy, in Norway. It is truly a beautiful place - with rolling hills of snow surrounded by the rolling waves of the ocean. There are no coffee shops to sit and chat with friends at. It is also pretty expensive to eat out. So when we were there visiting, we had MANY spontaneous gatherings at home with friends & family. It is normal to just "pop" on by for a cup of coffee without notice...and if you do give notice, it's not more than a few hours in advance! It's very common for people to have cakes or pastries in their freezer or cookies on hand...with the expectation of people dropping by! One (of the many) times that we stopped by for a visit with my husband's grand-mother, she pulled out her finest china, lace tablecloths, the prettiest carafe, and her special silver dessert forks and enjoyed talking over coffee or tea & special dessert cakes. We always felt like the "guests of honor" - as each person we visited always made us feel so special & appreciated that we took the time to visit with them! What a different mentality we have here in the US! I'm always making plans a week or two in advance (at least!) and if we have people over to our house, I always give myself plenty of time to make sure my house looks totally put together and that I'm prepared to have guests (are my toilets clean & the floor vacuumed!?) I'd love to always be prepared for someone to drop by for a coffee & some cookies! I'm definitely going to have to work on this."

Nazra is right! We've somehow turned a spontaneous visit into an inconvenience in this country, and it's time for all of us to work on bringing back the joy and simplicity of connecting.

Speaking of that, I really liked the American feel of the Tablescape and story submitted by Dawn Grisham. She mentioned how the oppressive summer heat caused her and her family (including their golden retriever) to wait until dusk to have an evening picnic. She made a delicious pineapple pie from her late father-in-law's legendary recipe and had a memorable family evening with dinner and games at the park.

When I came across this entry from Vanessa Vanhille, I was moved by how impacted she has been in such a short time. In her words:

"I first discovered Rosanna last month and have embraced her philosophy and creativity. I have purchased and read her book, Coming Home, which has helped me establish and plan family traditions with love and wholesome food at its core. My family now has three evenings a week that are our family "events." We come together around a beautiful table, eat home-cooked wholesome food and dine (no rushing allowed). It has been transformative for me. So, understanding that I am an amateur and new to the Rosanna philosophy, here is my submission:

"I recently returned from a trip to Nice, in southern France. My next door neighbor wanted to hear all about it. I invited her to come over to to my front porch to share some hot chocolate. The tray and its decor are souvenirs I brought home with me that typify that region of France. I have sprayed some perfume (also a souvenir from the Riviera) on the skewers that are in the vase. Even the candy has France ties. I wanted everything about our spontaneous gathering to speak of my recent trip.

Another European-inspired idea came in from Ginger Mokher. She shares, "An Italian-themed menu and tablescape is one of the easiest to pull together when hosting a sponteanous meal. Rosanna's Pasta Italiana Collection features recipes for different Italian meals, and was my inspiration to acquire a repertoire of Italian recipes that are easy to prepare in advance with larger quantities. I usually prepare enough so that at the end of the evening, my guests have not only the fresh memory of rich, relational connections, but also a full take-home container of this soulful meal."

I was thrilled to see more men entering the contest this year as well. Bryan Harber prepared a beautiful tablescape for entertaining with elegant dishware and the Kings Road Collection.

Again, thank you to everyone who entered this year's Tablescape Contest. As you can see, choosing the winners announced earlier this week was a very difficult task.

As a result of this contest I hope you've found inspiration in the stories and photos shared, and that you can find your own ways to continue to make family traditions and connect with others through spontaneous gatherings.

SPECIAL INFO FOR FEATURED ENTRIES

Those entries that have been featured on this blog entry will be notified by email by a member our customer service team with details on how to claim a small token of our appreciation. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email info@rosannainc.com.

www.rosannainc.com

5th Annual Tablescape Winners

2011-09-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

When we decided on the theme of the "Spontaneous Gathering" for this year's Tablescape Contest, our hope was that it would inspire people to invite loved-ones by for an improptu dinner, snack, or visit. We wanted to remind people that it wasn't too long ago that having someone drop in was a celebrated event, and that gatherings didn't need to be planned out weeks in advance. At Rosanna, we have truly been moved by your stories and elevated by your decor ideas. As always, it was very difficult to choose winners among the dozens and dozens of entries received. We are thrilled to share with you our picks and their stories.

FIRST PRIZE

Our First Prize winner is Kendall Weldon, age 11. There was something about many of the entries this year by young people. They were so fresh! Kendall's design design, theme, and story truly moves me to be inspired by the rising generation.

Kendall chose Rosanna's Red Dots and Jolly Holiday
pieces as part of her tablescape.

Kendall's Story

My name is Kendall Weldon and I am 11 years old and have been part of your table setting contest for 3 years. I get together with my mom, aunt, and grandma and your table setting contest has now become a family tradition. I have such a fun time coming up with a table setting and love hanging with my family too!

My Spontaneous table setting comes from watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas and thinking it would be fun to have a "WHO" inspired party. I would invite my 3 best friends for tea, dessert, and lots of giggles!

Kendall's tablescape is adorable, and I especially love how the tablescape contest has become a family tradition. This Oregon family--comprised of matriarch Tresa Nichols, daughters Brooke Weldon and Ashley Nichols Lee, and now granddaughter, Kendall Weldon--truly embody the "Spirit of Rosanna" by making this an annual family ritual. Husbands and brothers prepare the yard beforehand for the pictures, carry the chosen dishes outside, and do the photography. As Tresa states, "We laugh, we fuss, we run in and out bringing the dishes outside and have a blast!" Truly connecting with each other as part of this family tradition earns them this entire family the "Spirit of Rosanna" award. Other family entries can be seen below. (Click on the photo to enlarge).

Rosanna's Artist's Loft & Victoriana Noir products are featured.

SECOND PRIZE
I loved the originality of the Spontaneous Gathering of our Second Prize winner, Andrea Spencer. The youthfulness and joie de vivre of these young adults sitting down to a table together, without electronic devices, to enjoy each other's company is uplifting.

Andrea's Story
When we heard about the contest we decided to throw an UN-expected UN-birthday party. Everyone had only days to get their costumes together and then we jumped down the rabbit hole to our own Wonderland. The tablescape was a fun collaboration; with everyone contributing their tea pots and candlesticks. The party was a big hit with mini iced-cupcakes with the words "eat me" on them, and a recitation of "The Jabberwocky."

Andrea's party will certainly not be soon forgotten by her guests, or by us here at Rosanna!

THIRD PRIZE
Lisa Moore's entry reminds us to enjoy life and all that surrounds us. Her spontaneous picnic brunch in the mountains had, in her words, "all the pleasures of the stunning surroundings, quality food, and good hearts. Picnics are a top passion of mine. It's a way to escape the rush of our circular lives and step away to appreciate the beauty that is always there, but often forgotten." You're right Lisa! Thank you for sharing this reminder, and beautiful tablescape with us!

Lisa showcases Rosanna's La Vie Boho & Parisian Glass Collections

FOURTH PRIZE
With the end of our contest coinciding with the unofficial end of summer, I felt a longing for wanting more time outside near the beach. Pia Vanhanen's entry really connected with me. She said, "I have created a natural coastal theme for our table, using rocks from our local beaches as napkin weights in case of light evening winds. I have collected shells and use them also as personal butter/oil dishes for each guest. Driftwood and Japanese fishing floats add to the relaxed coastal charm." Pia's tablescape reminds us all that spontaneous gatherings, like this table, should develop organically.

Pia's tablescape includes Rosanna's original Boho collection.

TABLE OF THE WEEK DRAWING

This year we also featured a Table of the Week on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We looked through the entries that came in each week and chose one to showcase. Last week we placed each of those entries in a drawing for a Rosanna Gift Certificate, and Bryn Howell, won the drawing.

Bryn threw a Bridal Shower recently for her best friend and mixed in some vintage pink depression glasses in with items from the Rococo Noir Collection. It's evident that the "love" and thought Bryn put into her tablescape made for an enjoyable shower.

INSPIRED GATHERINGS THAT CREATE TRADITIONS
Among the entries, there are quite a few honorable mentions that we know would inspire our readers---possibly in their design, their story, or their beauty. We will be sharing those in a future blog post later this week. Congratulations to all our winners, and a special thank you to everyone who entered our contest this year. I hope that you will continue the tradition of having "Spontaneous Gatherings" with friends and neighbors and continue to truly connect with those around you.

www.rosannainc.com

PRIZE INFO FOR WINNING ENTRIES
Those entries that have been chosen will be notified by email by a member of our customer service team within the next week with details on how to claim their Rosanna Gift Certificate prize. Please be patient, our website at www.rosannainc.com will be relaunched during this timeframe with an all new look, new shopping experience, and new products as part of our Fall/Winter Collection. We want to make sure that your Gift Certificate is compatible with our new website. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email info@rosannainc.com.

The Bowl: A Vessel For Tradition

2011-09-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

Bowlsare among the oldest vessels found by archeologists, dating back thousands ofyears, and continue to be used daily across the globe, from morning mealsthrough evening dinners. Because bowls are the items we use mostin the kitchen, I designed two sets of daily bowls, with the hopes that youcould use these bowls to begin family traditions and rituals.

The Comfort Food Bowls Collection

TheComfort Food bowls are a hearty bowl, perfect for serving vegetables, grains, popcorn, and everything fromhot soups to ice cream without any worry of cracking or crazing. They are made of a sturdy stonewarewhich is dishwasher and microwave safe, great for everyday family use. The colors are rich, earth tones and remind us to eat healthy.

Idesigned the Comfort Food bowls while thinking about the Lentil Soup my motherused to make us from scratch when I was a child. I felt my mother’s care and love each time she made thesoup, as it warmed my body and my heart, and gave me proper nutrition.

Falltemperatures are just around the corner, and most of us crave warm meals as thetemperatures drop. Use these bowlsto start your own family tradition of a Soup Night, by making your ownnutritious soup from scratch, and gathering the family around the table to share it.

Anotherchildhood tradition that I’ve carried on to my own children is Family MovieNight. When I was younger, mygrandmother would make popcorn the old fashioned way on the stove in a pan,while we watched a movie. I wanteda bowl that was the perfect size and perfect portion for Family Movie Nightwith my daughters, so I created the Rosanna Bowls.

The Rosanna Bowls Collection

TheRosanna Bowls can lead to a variety of family traditions—whether it is a PopcornNight, Ice Cream Night, chips & salsa, berries, or another tasty snack—makea tradition around coming together as a family, eating healthy, and spendingtime together.

Thesebowls were so important to me when I designed them that I named them TheRosanna Bowls, as a play on my name, Rosanna Bowles. They are my go-to bowl in my own kitchen, and over the past few years have been brought back season after season due to their popularity.

So as fall signals a return to our daily rituals of work and school, let it also signal a time for new and continued family traditions. You can make every day special by starting your own family traditions today!

www.rosannainc.com

Note: Ifyou’d like to try my mother’s delicious Lentil Soup, you can find it on page131 of my book, Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions. Also, my Homemade Popcorn in aPan recipe can be found on page 49.

If you'd like to findout more about my Comfort Food & Rosanna Bowls, as well as tips forcreating family traditions, visit Rosanna TV: Episode 1, on my YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/RosannasTable.

Traditions Transcending Generations

2011-08-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I always looked forward to my father’s New York business trips. He never returned home empty-handed. Without fail, he came bearing treats from Veniero’s.

Veniero’s Pasticceria and Caffe opened in 1894 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. My father grew up in Stuyvesant town around the corner. His Italian mother passed her love of Italian confections early on to him, and as a result, my father haunted Veniero’s throughout his childhood and young adulthood. In turn, my father passed this taste onto his daughters.

Although we lived all the way across the country in Portland, OR, Veniero’s became an important fixture in our family life. My father's favorites became our favorites, which we then passed on to our children. To this day, extended family Christmas celebrations are not complete without Anise Toast, Pignoli (pine nut) cookies, and the famous Veniero’s cookie tray.

I cherish Veniero’s. This old world café, with its stamped copper ceilings and long glass display cases filled with ornate Italian pastries and the scent of freshly baked biscotti, has played an important role in the story of our family. This place was part of my father’s, my own, and now my daughters' childhoods. It is a place that connects us to the life my grandparents lived in old New York. It is a place to take a small family pilgrimage. For the sake of my family and the many others for whom Veniero’s has a similar significance, I hope their business continues to flourish for generations to come.

Passing rituals down through the generations is a vital way to keep family bonds strong and healthy. If your family has a tradition already, continue to carry the torch. If not, take some time to reflect on some thing or place you cherish, and consider introducing it to your family, thereby making it a part of your family story.

www.rosannainc.com

Come Together. Right Now.

2011-08-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

With the economy swinging high and low once again, the United States finds itself uncertain about which way the financial situation is going to go. The result? Much anxiety and increased stress.

These emotions can be traced back to one fundamental emotion: fear. Fear is amplified by isolation—keeping feelings inside, withdrawing from the people who love us and losing ourselves in our problems.

So, I think it’s time for us to take a cue from the Beatles. We need to come together. Right now.

The importance of coming together is nothing new. Those of you who follow my blog and collect Rosanna product know that I always have been a staunch advocate of coming together and creating community.

In this post, I want to suggest a few specific ways to come together that reveal the resources and community available right at your fingertips.

Courtesy: John Granen Photography

Visit Popular Public Spaces

I don’t mean shopping malls or downtown centers. Find the place in your community that most closely resembles the Italian piazza—a place where people gather to visit with friends and neighbors and spend time in the company of each other.

In Seattle we have Greenlake, a green space constantly peopled by joggers, bikers, roller-bladers, strollers, and plenty of babies and dogs.

University campuses are also often lively, featuring free concerts, lectures, performances, and readings. The presence of students lounging on the lawns and playing Frisbee can be a heartening sight.

Attend summer concerts or plays in the parks; also look out for outdoor movies.

Take advantage of the warm weather and visit a local beach! Lakes, rivers, or the ocean are full of good feeling, places where people lounge, visit, swim, and play.

Create Community

Bringing friends and neighbors together doesn’t have to entail a full-blown dinner party. To create an impromptu get together, try hosting a low-pressure gathering—

A glass of wine or beer and snacks at sunset

A bonfire after dinner

An ice cream party (which requires no cooking or prep work!)

If you do decide to host a meal—make it a BBQ. Encourage everyone to bring something to grill; with each guest pitching in, you’re more like a facilitator, freed from burdens of a full-blown host.

Carve Out Family Time

Come together with your family by starting a tradition. It could be something as simple as reading a chapter book to your children at bedtime. The longer story guarantees continuity. The activity can be just as soothing for parents as it can be for children.

It’s extraordinary how comforting a little bit of support can feel. All you have to do is ask for it, or offer it yourself. Be proactive about creating a space where connection can happen for yourself and others. Take the first steps and come together. We all feel better when we do.

www.rosannainc.com

Homemade Noodles Made Our Perfect Pasta Night

2011-08-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

A few evenings ago, we were hosting relatives of my husband, visiting from Italy.

They insisted on preparing an authentic Italian dinner. I knew I was in for quite a treat—both in the food, as well as the time spent together during the preparation.

Sara began by making homemade pasta noodles from scratch. Using the simplest of ingredients—flour, egg, and a lot of love---she carefully created the dough.

My daughter, Francesca, assisted by rolling the dough flat. The preparation of this dinner quickly became a family event, and allowed us time to converse and laugh together.

When it was ready, the dough was cut into perfect fettucini-size pasta noodles.

I decided to get involved by making a delicious tomato sauce from a family recipe.

After warming everything, we married the pasta and tomato sauce together and refrains of "manga, manga" were being spoken throughout the kitchen, as everyone was eager to sit together and eat.

The time we spent together preparing the meal, as well as enjoying it was sublime. Connecting with family in the kitchen during the preparation of any meal, and then sharing that meal together around the table, truly creates memories and meaning.

While not everyone has Italian relatives with a family pasta recipe or the preparation time to make homemade noodles, fresh noodles can be found at nearly every grocery store and at many farmers markets.

I encourage you to have a family pasta night. Get the family involved in making a salad, some garlic bread, and setting a beautiful table. That's exactly why I designed my Pasta Italiana Collection. The large serving bowl and pasta bowls make it easy for families to start the tradition of "Pasta Night". The 4 individual designs on the pasta bowls include hand-scribed pasta recipes. The greens, reds, and whites in the design combine beautifully with the colors of your family's favorite pasta.

To help get you started, I'd like to share my homemade tomato sauce recipe with you. Enjoy!

Tomato Sauce
serves 4

1 large carrot

2 ribs celery with leaves

1 onion

4 cloves garlic

½ good-quality extra-virgin olive oil

2 (28 ounce) cans San Marzano Roma tomatoes

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon sugar (if necessary)

½ cup heavy cream

Pinch of pepperoncini, or hot red pepper flakes

Dice the carrot, celery, onion, and garlic (this can also be done in a food processor).

Put the oil in a large saucepan and place over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped vegetables to the pan and sauté over medium heat until just soft, about 5 minutes.

Puree the tomatoes in a food processor, then add them to the pan. Add the salt, and sugar If necessary (I find that the San Marzanos are usually sweet enough on their own). Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add the cream and simmer gently for 30 minutes; do not boil, or the sauce could curdle. Add the pepperoncini, then serve over pasta.

Note: This sauce is a great base sauce that can also be modified with meat, other vegetables, or vodka for variation.

www.rosannainc.com

Blackberry Biscuits--A Perfect Summer Treat

2011-08-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the blog’s recent theme of healthy eating, I wanted to share a summer dessert recipe for Blackberry Biscuits that hit the Big Three:

It’s easy,

it’s local,

and it’s healthy.

…and did I mention it’s delicious?

This is a dessert that can be prepared in the time it takes to wash the dinner dishes, put away the leftovers, and make tea. It’s a very low-maintenance endeavor.

Picking the blackberries yourself fulfills the local part of the dessert. Substituting whole wheat mix for white flour mix, and a dollop of luscious non-fat Greek yogurt for whipped cream makes this dish delicious without the guilt of over-indulgence.

The perfumey delicacy of the blackberry compote pairs perfectly with a cup of lemon verbena-lavender tea, which you can make by simply boiling some lavender blossoms and verbena leaves over high heat.

Have I sold you yet? In case you need more convincing, here’s the recipe:

Blackberry Biscuits

INGREDIENTS

For the compote

3 cups ripe blackberries

1/4 -1/2 cup sugar, honey, or agave (the amount of sweetener will vary depending on the ripeness of your berries)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the biscuits

1 package whole-wheat biscuit/pancake mix

Milk

Butter

(read the back to see what your specific mix calls for)

For yogurt

1 container plain 0% Greek yogurt

DIRECTIONS

-Prepare biscuit batter according the instructions on the package

-Put in oven to bake

-Wash berries

-Pour into to a small saucepan over med-low heat

-Stir in sweetener, lemon juice, and a little water

-Simmer gently until the berries liquefy and begin to thicken, 10-15 minutes

-Slice baked biscuits in half, place one biscuit in a bowl, ladle yogurt in and pour the blackberry compote on top.

-Savor or devour, according to your preference.

www.rosannainc.com

Teaching Children Healthy Habits

2011-08-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of

John Granen Photography

Can you hear it? The wind of change is rustling the branches of the apple trees and garlic shoots in backyards across America. Our county is thinking seriously about the connection between living well and eating well. If you aren’t convinced that this phenomenon is indeed a national one, look no further than the White House. At the helm of the movement is Michelle Obama who is educating the nation about childhood obesity with Let's Move! Campaign and getting her hands dirty with the White House garden. The New York Times is running articles about the Permaculture movement, organizations like Family Eats and Oldways are going full steam ahead, and Edible Schoolyards are popping up in elementary schools across the nation.

New ideas are fluttering and buzzing through America’s cultural consciousness like so many brightly colored butterflies and busy bumblebees. As promising as all of this is, how do we net these ideas and transform them into action in our daily lives? It’s not hard at all. There are any number of (figurative) seeds you can plant to help this movement grow, many of which can involve your children.

Bring Your Kids to the Farmer's Market

Teach your children that produce doesn’t grow in the supermarket. To really drive that point home, have your children talk to the farmers. These individuals are not only food cultivators; they can also function as teacher for city kids whose experience with gardens may be limited to the 2^nd grade field trip to a farm or the county fair.

Take a Field Trip to a “Pick Your Own Berries” Farm

Small farming communities exist an hour or so away from many large urban centers. Make a day trip to one of these regions and spend an afternoon harvesting blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries with your children. Go home and bake a pie, or cook up a batch of preserves. Outings like these help our children develop a more meaningful connection to the food they eat.

Plant a Garden

It’s not too late! If you don’t have a yard with space to garden, consider container gardening on a terrace or a windowsill. Buy semi-mature vegetable plants and herbs at your local nursery, or even at the drugstore. Now is the perfect time to start planning your fall/winter garden. Look up which crops grow well in your area and are good to plant for the fall and winter. Gardening with children and watching plants grow together can be a great delight and invaluable bonding activity.

Have Healthy Snacks On Hand

During the summer months when school’s out, stock your fridge and pantry with healthy snacks for hungry kids. Kids especially love crunchy foods—carrots, celery, apples, cucumbers, and snap peas can be big hits—especially when paired with hummus or a creamy yogurt dip. Salted nuts and seeds are great for satisfying a salt craving. Take advantage of the summer bounty and introduce your children to nature’s candy—peaches, berries, plums, apricots, and all the delicious hybrids under the sun. You can even puree these with yogurt and a little honey and turn them into ice pops for hot days.

Teach Kids to Cook

Introduce a few healthy recipes featuring fresh produce as a fun summer activity. Hummus is an easy, quick recipe, as are smoothies. Involving your kids in cooking is another great bonding activity. I remember “cooking” with my mother when I was a very little girl, and how the thrill of being fed little nibbles of raw vegetables with a grind of sea salt even made raw cauliflower seem like a Big Treat.

Incorporate Veggies into Tasteful Meals

Trick little ones into eating their vegetables! Well-seasoned veggie stir-frys, summer pastas with sautéed vegetables, and fruit salads are wonderful ways to introduce fruits and vegetables to picky eaters.

Fruit is in the trees, vegetables are on the vine, and change is in the air. Summer is here. The time is ripe for you and your children to reap the benefits.

Here are a few recipes to help get you started.

Yogurt Dip

3 cups whole-milk yogurt

1 cup packed fresh mint leaves

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon honey

Drain yogurt in a paper-towel-lined sieve set over a bowl, chilled, 3 hours.

Pulse all ingredients in a blender until mint is finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and chill, covered, at least 3 hours.

Hummus

Makes about 1 cup of hummus

1 cup canned chickpeas

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)

1 small garlic clove

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cucumber, sliced

Cherry tomatoes, quartered

Carrot sticks

Process the garlic in the food processor until it's minced. Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and pulse until the hummus is coarsely pureed. Taste, for seasoning, and serve chilled or at room temperature with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and carrots for dipping.

www.rosannainc.com

Family Eats--Encouraging Healthy Family Eating Habits

2011-07-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Credit: AP/Meredith Corp.

This past week I have noticed many articles about eating healthy. This past Sunday, the New York Times had an article in their Sunday Review about what it will take to get America to eat healthier. This month’s Better Homes & Gardens featured First Lady Michelle Obama with ideas on helping children eat healthy. This seems to be a growing trend, and over the last few months I have connected with a few organizations that I believe echo the same philosophy that I spoke of in Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide To Creating Family Traditions; those of sitting down together as a family for dinner, living mindfully, eating locally produced seasonal foods, and truly connecting one with another.

Family Eats & I connected to share ideas recently, and I’m proud to introduce them to our readers.

Rosanna: Much of the Family Eats mission is to help others learn about the importance of sitting around the table as a family during mealtime. What advice do you have for people trying to start this daily ritual?

Family Eats: Numerous studies have confirmed that families who eat together at least once a week are healthier – both physically and emotionally. But despite this, many families continue to be caught in an endless cycle of running, running, running. Running to work. Running to a soccer game. Running to everything except dinner with the family.

Our goal at Family Eats is to help readers reconnect with the food we eat and the families we love. But it takes a commitment to do so. It takes a commitment to slow down and make the effort to gather around the table, whether it is for dinner, breakfast or lunch.

Photos Courtesy of
John Granen Photography

Because the transition from eating on the run to eating around the table may seem daunting, Family Eats suggests taking ‘baby steps.’ Choose one day a week to sit down at the table for dinner, and keep that ‘date’ for several weeks running. Be it Sunday dinner or Friday night (homemade) pizza and a movie, after a few weeks, it will become a habit. Then you’ll be more likely to take another small step to gather for another meal together. Eventually, gathering around the table will turn into a great family tradition.

And, if dinnertime is too much of a commitment, then try something else – breakfast on Saturday morning, teatime on the weekends, or a packed lunch enjoyed in the park mid week.

Yes, memories can be made on the soccer field, but true connections are made at the table. Start the tradition today!

Rosanna: In the olden days neighbors used to stop by for a cup of coffee and for a visit. Our lives seem so fast-paced that this practice has nearly disappeared. What recommendations do you have for “spontaneous entertaining”?

Family Eats: Just the other day while Greg was out front watering the garden, he ran into some friends returning from the library and invited them to come on in. When I offered them something to drink and eat, they refused, saying that they didn’t want to intrude.

The ritual of dropping by – or spontaneous entertaining – shouldn’t be an intrusion, rather it should be treated as a celebration, a time to connect with friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, I think the joy of spontaneous entertaining is something our society has lost.

Gathering with friends and family on a moment’s notice is about building community, building relationships and building memories. When it comes to offering food for guests, it doesn’t have to be anything complicated requiring much preparation, just something simple such as crackers and cheese, premade pastries or cookies that are stored in the freezer, or chopped fruit and nuts. My mother always has some sort of baked goods in the freezer ready for whomever it is that stops by, even it is me.

Welcoming guests into your homes for a bit of spontaneous entertaining doesn’t require too much effort – just a bit of planning. If you routinely keep your home stocked with healthy foods for yourself and your family, then you’re all stocked and ready to welcome whoever may stop by.

Rosanna: Please share some practical tips on how to integrate healthy eating into our children’s everyday menu?

Family Eats: It is very hard for parents to fight the ‘healthy eating versus junk food’ battle with their children. But a lifetime of healthy eating habits starts at home, which is why a discussion about food needs to be a continual discussion you have with your children.

We don’t lecture our kids about food, demonizing snacks and candy, but rather make them aware of the goodness that can be found in certain foods, and how they can help the body grow. (You know, the old ‘carrots are good for your eyesight,’ type of discussion.)

It is also important to surround your children with good food choices. Having a kitchen stocked with healthy choices, and making meals at home is a great way to involve the children in the discussion about foods. Because children learn from all their parents do, it is important to make healthy choices yourself, so that you send a message to them that food is important.

And, when it comes to snacking, we don’t keep cupboards stocked with an endless supply of boxed cookies, crackers, chips and other convenience foods, allowing them to grab a handful whenever they want. Instead, we have set specific times for meals and snacks. I plan what and when snack time will be, then give them a specific portion of snack.

Because my children are young, I feel it is essential that I make the choices for them, guiding them to make better decisions. And, yes, I do allow them to enjoy ‘unhealthy’ snacks from time to time. It just isn’t an option on a daily basis.

We always have fresh fruit available, and prepare cut vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumbers or red peppers ahead of time, and place them on a plate with a dipping sauce or hummus and crackers during late afternoon snack. On occasion, I make muffins or scones in the morning to serve for both breakfast and as an afternoon snack.

We talk about choices, we offer variety, and make healthy food choices a part of our every day lives. Now I find the kids starting food conversations among themselves at the dinner table. They ask for olive oil to dip their bread into instead of butter. They participate in a “Who can make the largest crunch with their carrot” competitions, ask for juicy apples in the afternoon, and tell me that they’d like my homemade granola bars in their school lunch the next day.

I feel that this is because we have had discussions about food on a continual basis. And by making the connection with food a positive experience, I feel confident that they will be equipped to make better decisions when they are away from home.

Rosanna: How often do you serve your family vegetarian meals? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

Family Eats: We try to incorporate vegetarian meals at least once a week into our menu. However, it doesn’t always turn out that way, partly because I don’t always have it in me to fight the vegetable fight with the kids.

With that said, we have made an effort to cut back on our consumption of meat, trying new recipes with the goal to incorporate more meat-free meals each week. In the process, the family has enjoyed more grains, beans, and vegetables. And, I haven’t heard them comment, “Is this all we’re having?”

It was hard to do at first, but once we made the decision to do so and followed through with it for a few weeks, it became habit. It is still a challenge from time to time, but it is a challenge that I think is well worth it.

Family Eats' delicious Greek white
bean soup. Click photo for
recipe.

Some of our favorites are quick, easy and familiar meals such as a vegetable stir fry, a Greek white bean soup, and Grilled Cheese with Smoked Mozzarella and Basil.

Another one of our favorite recipes is for Spicy Peanut Sesame Noodles, and one I have enjoyed ever since I interviewed Helen Chen for Family Eats. It appears in her book Easy Asian Noodles (John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2010). It is a quick and easy recipe to prepare, and one that is a hit with my peanut-butter loving kids.

1 lb. Chinese wheat or egg noodles, or thin spaghetti

3 tbsp sesame oil

3 tbsp raw sesame seeds

½ cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup canned chicken broth, warmed

3 tbsp light soy sauce

2 tbsp Chinkiang or balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp chili-garlic sauce, or to taste

1 tsp sugar

3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions

1 tsp peeled and grated fresh ginger

½ seedless cucumber, shredded

¼ lb snow pees, ends snapped off, strings removed, parboiled 15

seconds, drained, rinse in cold water and shredded

1 medium carrot, shredded

¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil and stir in the noodles. Cook until a little more tender than al dente. Drain and rinse noodles under cool water. Drain again and toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil, place in large bowl, and set aside.

Toast sesame seeds in ungreased pan. Transfer all but 1 tbsp of seeds to a mortar and pestle and crush until most of seeds are broken.

In a small bowl, blend the peanut butter with the broth, soy sauce, vinegar, chili-garlic sauce, and sugar into a smooth paste. Stir in 1 tbsp of the scallions, the ginger and crushed sesame seeds. Cover until ready to use.

When ready to serve, gently toss the noodles with the cucumber, snow peas, carrot, peanut sauce and cilantro, if using, and the remaining 2 tbsp scallions. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with reserved sesame seeds.

Note: I leave out the chili garlic sauce and allow anyone who wants, to add to bowls individually.

Rosanna: Your recent blog post is titled, “Gathering Around The Table in Style: The Table and its Cloth”. Share with our readers how your use of table setting has encouraged family traditions.

Family Eats: The ritual of setting the table – with dinnerware and not to-go containers – is an essential part of creating a family tradition. Even if you bring a take-out dinner home, transfer the meal to serving dishes and set the table.

Simple table decorations set the stage for a pleasant dinnertime experience. Whether it is the everyday placemat with the day-to-day dishes, a holiday table decorated with Grandma’s tablecloth and set with themed dinnerware, or a small vase filled with flowers, creating an enjoyable atmosphere in which to eat is important.

I love my collection of tablecloths, but we don’t always use them (I’d be washing it every night!). When not covered with a cloth, I try to have something on the table that has a story to it. Sometimes it is a vase filled with flowers cut from the garden. Other times it is a casserole served in the cazuela I bought while in Portugal years ago, my grandmother’s covered glass bowl in the shape of a chicken, or olive oil and vinegar cruets from Italy. These little appointments make the table feel like home – and that is a wonderful tradition to have.

Rosanna: What are your must-haves in the house for healthy eating?

Family Eats: A well-stocked pantry is essential for healthy eating. If you’ve nothing in the cupboards, then you’ll tend to grab whatever you can find to munch on – and most likely it will not be a healthy choice.

I am a perimeter shopper, buying a lot of bulk foods – from rice to beans and grains. They are a versatile way to mix things up for dinner – and, when you have these items on hand, you’ll be ready to create a wide variety of healthy mealtime options from bean soup to barley salad or quinoa cakes. Other essentials for the kitchen include a healthy dose of olive oil, garlic, and spices, which can also help transform the mundane dinner into something different. As well, I keep a couple of cans of San Marzano tomatoes on hand. They are great for making a quick salsa when you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, are the perfect addition to a slow cooked pot roast tacos, as well as the go-to choice for creating great sauces, including my new favorite, Rosanna’s Tomato Vodka sauce.

Don’t forget the produce aisle. Although perishable, it is essential to have a healthy dose of fruits and veggies on hand, especially when they are prepared and ready to eat. If you shop on Saturday, make Sunday the day you wash up the veggies and chop them for the new few days. When they’re prepared and ready to eat, you’ll be more likely to grab them for a snack or a meal.

Finally, and perhaps the most important ingredient to have on hand to ensure calm nerves in the kitchen, is some chocolate. I enjoy breaking off chunks from a bar of bittersweet chocolate, or, when I find some time alone, I indulge in one (or two) of Fran’s Chocolates Smoked Salt Caramels.

While we were talking, Family Eats also asked me a few questions. To read their interview of me, and find my delicious and healthy vodka sauce recipe, visit the Family Eats blog. For more information about Family Eats, visit their website at http://www.familyeats.net/. They also have a Facebook page and a Twitter page.

www.rosannainc.com

A New Discovery of Oldways

2011-07-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: what we eat, how we eat it, and with whom we eat have a significant impact on our health, well being, and sense of community. These notions have provided the foundation for our design philosophy at Rosanna from the start. They are also the heart and soul of my book, Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions So imagine my surprise when I discovered the same core values in another book, The Oldways Table: Essays and Recipes from the Culinary Think Tank by K. Dun Gifford and Sara Baer-Sinnott. These two founded and run Oldways, the self-described “food think tank.” I was intrigued by their work, especially as it applies to the Mediterranean Food Pyramid. The book was so compelling that I contacted Oldways to find out more. Dun passed away last year, but Sara continues with Oldways and was gracious enough to grant me an interview to explore their approach to eating well. I hope you find these answers as educational and inspiring as I did.

Rosanna: What is the bio mission of Oldways? What is its purpose?

Sara Baer-Sinnott: Oldways was founded by K. Dun Gifford, a food enthusiast and advocate in 1990. Dun began Oldways as an educational organization to combat the rising prevalence of “pseudo foods” that were taking over the marketplace. He saw that poor eating habits and chronic disease were spreading he wanted to change the way people ate—the base of our mission still today. He began with the idea that if he could bring people back to the table, reintroduce them to the ‘old ways’ and revive the healthful pleasures of real food he could make a difference and collectively we could change the way people eat.

Although Dun passed away a year ago and many things have changed since 1990, our work continues and his mission lives on through our educational programs including the Whole Grains Council and Mediterranean Foods Alliance.

Rosanna: What is the Mediterranean diet? Why is it beneficial to one's health?

Sara: The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating based on the traditional foods (and drinks) of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Diet is not a diet, as in “go on a diet,” even though it is a great way to lose weight or improve your health. Rather, it is a lifestyle – including foods, activities, meals with friends and family, and wine in moderation with meals. It has been consistently reported to promote good health. The health benefits are endless, from cardiac to brain function, this tried and true way of life looks at total health and well-being. U.S. News & World Report recently announced their ranking of top diets and named the Med diet as one of the best overall diets. The Traditional Mediterranean Diet, has at its core vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, peanuts, herbs, spices, and healthy fats such as those found in olive oil; fish, poultry and lean red meat; cheese and yogurt; and moderate amounts of wine. Other vital elements of the Mediterranean Diet are daily exercise, sharing meals with others, and fostering a deep appreciation for the pleasures of eating healthy and delicious foods.

In 1993, as a way to help people bring this diet to life, we developed the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid. Throughout the years we have introduced modified versions of this pyramid. And have developed alternative traditional diet pyramids for other cultures including an Asian Diet Pyramid, Latin American Diet Pyramid, a Vegetarian Diet Pyramid and we will actually be introducing an African Heritage Pyramid this November, which is very exciting for us!

Rosanna: What are the most important steps to take to begin eating more healthy? Is there a step by step plan? Are there specifics--i.e. what does one need in their refrigerator and pantry to start this process?

Sara: Taking small steps can be the best way to make positive, healthy changes. We are all creatures of habit so it is important to not let yourself feel overwhelmed by an instant overhaul, you should nurture yourself and enjoy the process. At Oldways we offer simple steps to help with better health. It's important to keep meals simple and easy, aim for making every meal taste great, and to eat nourishing foods that promote satiety. We outline these 8 simple steps to help people learn how to adopt the Mediterranean eating pattern: Eat lots of vegetables; Change the way you think about meat and if you eat it, add small amounts to vegetable sautés or use as a garnish for a dish a pasta; always eat breakfast; eat seafood twice a week; cook a vegetarian meal one night a week, and then aim for two nights a week; use healthy fats in daily meals, especially extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, peanuts, seeds, olives, and avocados. In addition, we encourage consumers to discover the wide variety of delicious Mediterranean foods at the supermarket and learn how to routinely break old habits and make healthy substitutions. For example, buy Greek yogurt and use that instead of sour cream; sample different varieties of hummus, find your favorites, and use that in place of mayonnaise.

Rosanna: I’m very intrigued by the section on moderate alcohol intake, especially since many in America are over-drinkers. Explain the health benefits of alcohol intake. Define "moderate."

Sara: The definition of moderate in the Mediterranean diet is they idea of enjoying a glass of wine with dinner. Studies show that this type of moderate alcohol consumption with meals – one glass for women and two for men – has cardiovascular benefits.

Rosanna: Because we design dinnerware with the explicit purpose of bringing people together, this last question is one I attempt to answer every day: How does eating well build a sense of community and bring people together?

Sara: When I learned about you and your work, I was so excited to hear that you’re is so committed to bringing people together to enjoy food. If you're enjoying meals with others, you aren't inhaling a quick meal. And if you eat in the presence of conversation, you're not mindlessly eating in front of the TV. The Mediterranean Diet is grounded on the principles of enjoyment and pleasure. Foods, drinks and meals are especially enjoyable if eaten with others, when possible, and savored. Research is even pointing to more health benefits gained when meals are enjoyed together. From the food to the ambiance to savoring the taste of food and wine to the company we keep while eating—this is all part of the total experience.

What the world needs now, more than ever, is to think like Oldways. We need to come together, eat together, and turn our attention towards the total experience of breaking bread as a community. I second Oldways' ideals, and truly believe this is one of the most important ways to live well.

While we were talking, Oldways also asked me a few questions. To read their interview of me, and find a delicious healthy pasta recipe, visit the Oldways blog. For more information about Oldways, visit their website at www.oldwayspt.org. They also have a Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

www.rosannainc.com

Preparing An Independence Day To Remember

2011-06-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

The USA has a birthday that’s just around the corner, and it’s time to think about how we’re going to celebrate.

Here are some tips to help create a delightful and delicious 4^th of July gathering.

Decorate with Vintage Americana

I like my 4^th of July decorations to make a statement. Over the years, I’ve acquired a collection of vintage flags and Americana, which I mix and match with newer decorations and dinnerware. I find that incorporating vintage and antique decorations into the mix adds some soul to the aesthetic of the event.

There are numerous inventive ways you can decorate with your flags—place smaller flags in a vase as a centerpiece on your table, or use an extra large flag as a tablecloth.

You can collect vintage flags and decorations at flea markets or your local vintage store. You can also find some gems online at sites like Etsy and even eBay.

Tablesetting

Always have a set of 12 white dinner plates and 12 white napkins. This is one of my little secrets. Doing this allows you to mix and match salad plates to create hundreds of possible tablescapes, depending on the occasion. For Independence Day, choose a patriotic-looking or an Americana salad plate. If you don’t have one, find red or blue---after all, you’ve already got the white in your dinner plates!

Coordinate Your Costumes

To create a more festive feel for the event, encourage your guests to wear red white and blue clothing. The sillier, more flamboyant, and outrageous the clothing, the better.

Make One Special Drink

Make sure to have all the usuals—juice, beer, wine, water, and soda—on hand. In addition, make one special, summer-themed punch. This one drink can bring a surprising amount of cohesion to your meal and the event as a whole. Drinks that feature a refreshing summer fruit like peach, watermelon, or strawberry are always well received on hot days.

American Food with a Twist

Because the 4^th of July is all about celebrating America, and America is famous for its cultural and ethnic diversity, take a truly American approach to the holiday by incorporating your family’s food heritage into traditional American dishes. Make hamburgers with the spices traditionally used in your ethnic background. The same thing goes for pies, ice cream toppings, and fruit salads. Prepare a traditional side dish unique to your family’s heritage. Better yet, ask your guests to showcase their heritage through a side dish they prepare.

Honor US History

When my children were little, one of the things they loved most about the 4^th of July was putting on an annual play. In the play, we reenacted important moments in US history. We performed Paul Revere’s famous ride, a scene in which George Washington asks Betsy Ross to sew the American flag, and the Martin Luther King Jr I Have A Dream Speech. We interwove these important events with the story of our own family in America, starting with our ancestors’ arrival to Ellis Island. We always ended the show with a rousing rendition of “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Putting on a play can start with a fun brainstorming activity in which you ask children to think of important events in America. Later you can turn these into the plot for the play. Pick up a few white wigs and tricorn hats at your local costume store to add to what you have at home, and costumes won’t be too hard to devise.

Good, Old-Fashioned Games

Organizing a few games throughout the day, like croquet, bocce ball, Frisbee, softball, or charades, brings guests together and creates a spirit of conviviality. On those sweltering Independence Days, have a water balloon toss with the kids.

Fireworks

Every state has different laws when it comes to setting off fireworks, but no 4^th of July celebration is complete without a few flashes in the night. At the very least, make sure to have some sparklers.

Family Tradition

Whatever you decide to do, make sure to create family tradition. Teach your children about their own heritage and how it plays a part of the American Dream. As I mention in my book, Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions, celebrating any festive occasion is always richer when personal meaning is attached.

Note: Photos by John Granen, for “Coming Home,” published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang

www.rosannainc.com

Fifth Annual Tablescape Contest

2011-06-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Years ago, people would invite a neighbor or friend over on the spur of the moment for a cup of coffee, dessert, or for a weekend grill. Our day-to-day lives have become so busy in recent years that dinner parties are planned 3 months out.

Part of my belief in creating traditions is to foster relationships and connections through daily rituals and traditions. Much of the joy in my life has come from informal get-togethers.

This year’s Tablescape Contest Theme is “The Spontaneous Gathering.” It’s time for you to set your table for the spur of the moment get-together. Use your creativity, mixed with Rosanna collections, and remember spontaneous gatherings don’t necessarily take place at the dining room table. Share with us the story behind your tablescape design. Winners will be chosen by Rosanna herself. So join in for your chance to win a $500 Rosanna gift certificate, and be featured on Rosanna’s Table Talk blog.

New This Year

Starting on July 11th, we will choose a Table Of The Week to showcase on our Facebook, Twitter, and social media sites. At the end of the contest, all the Tables Of The Week will be entered into a drawing to win an additional prize.

Get Setting Now

Our Fifth Annual Table Setting contest will start on July 1, 2011 and end on August 31, 2011. Winners will be announced shortly after.

For a little inspiration, take a look at the photographs from our last few contests:

OFFICIAL RULES

1. Anyone with a passion for Rosanna-ware and tablescape design is welcome to compete, regardless of age.

2. Set the table for at least two. No actual food or Rosanna products is required.

3. Contest begins on July 1st, 2011 and ends August 31st, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

4. Submit up to 2 photos of your tablescape and the story behind the design. Digital submissions must come as jpegs, around 4x5 inches, no less than 72 dpi and no more than 180 dpi.

5. When entering, make sure to include your name, your city, and an email or phone number where we can reach you. We respect your privacy and will not give out any of your information.

6. Photos in hard copy will not be returned.

7. Rosanna Imports, Inc. reserves the right to use and/or publish photos of your table setting submission however we see fit. Photos may be published on social media sites. Publishing does not necessarily constitute a winning entry. By submitting your photo, you agree to these terms.

8. Please email all enteries to info@rosannainc.com.

Mailed entries should be sent to:

Rosanna Inc

Attn: Tablescape Contest

6755 East Marginal Way S.

Seattle, WA 98108

www.rosannainc.com

Connections & Traditions In Every Dish

2011-06-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

The message behind every Rosanna dish is the same: slow down, appreciate one another, connect.

Photos courtesy of John Granen Photography;

from Rosanna's book, Coming Home

Human beings hunger for connection. That’s why a moment of relation to another is often the most fulfilling moment of a day. Because moments make up our days, days make our years, and years make our lives, continually seeking out new ways to connect with each other is of vital importance to our happiness.

I designed the collections below to help with the creation of daily rituals, which in turn allow people to bring connection into everyday life.

Happy Birthday & Petite Treat Collections

Creating traditions around common celebrations is easy. Taking the Happy Birthday plates out on each family member’s annual celebration creates a tradition, a memory. They can provide the vehicle to that special feeling experienced when one knows something exciting is about to happen. The festive Happy Birthday plates can become family heirlooms and continue the tradition throughout the generations. Moreover, our individual cupcake pedestals provide a quirky twist to a birthday celebration, making the celebrant feel extraordinarily special. Or just use them to serve chocolates or cookies---either way the recipients will smile.

Gelato Collection

But tradition and connection should be regular and frequent. I created our Gelato ice cream bowls to encourage people to gather together for a special treat—even if for no particular reason or celebration. Because, let’s be honest, who can say no to ice cream? These bowls also encourage us to eat locally or freshly, providing an ideal way to serve pudding or fresh berries.

Farmer's Market Collection

The amazing and vibrant produce of Pacific Northwest farmers’ markets inspired me to design our Farmer’s Market bowls emblazoned with images of fresh vegetables. Hopefully, the images will inspire you to visit your own local farmer’s market, or at least use some of these delicious ingredients to cook a healthy meal for family or friends.

Primavera Collection

The claim that we have “no time,” is heard in an almost constant refrain these days. People have to plan dinner parties three months out because we are so overscheduled. I designed our Primavera tea set to fight back against this predicament. Hopefully, it will encourage people to spontaneously call up a friend and ask them over for a cup of tea and a chat. Spontaneous gatherings can be so much more fulfilling and less pretentious.

Whether over tea, during dessert, or at the dinner table, these are dishes that encourage connection every day. I myself am a passionate advocate of family dinners, featuring a home cooked meal, nicely set table, candles, and pleasant music. Studies have shown that children who come from families that sit down for a dinner together are better adjusted emotionally and intellectually. So, even if it’s just once a week, set aside a little time to spend with your family. We love connection because it makes us feel so good, but nonetheless it remains elusive. We need to fight to keep it in our lives every day. These dishes are my small contribution to this incredibly important campaign.

Note: For more information about creating your own traditions, living mindfully,
and many of Rosanna's recipes, check out her book,
"Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions."

www.rosannainc.com

Memorial Day Celebration, Re-envisioned

2011-05-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, my family celebrated Memorial Day the same way every year: my grandmother would prepare the most delicious fried chicken, coleslaw, and homemade, hand-cranked ice cream. The whole family would assemble at her house for a sunny, afternoon feast. Before eating, we would toast my grandfather, who fought in WWII. Following the meal, we would all make a trip to the cemetery to pay respects to my uncle, who lost his life in the Korean War.

Although the United States continues to send soldiers overseas to fight, no one from the last two generations of my family has served in the Armed Forces. As a result, Memorial Day has faded somewhat from my family’s collective experience. So this year, I decided to revive and renovate my family’s traditional Memorial Day celebration.

Instead of visiting the graves of my grandfather and uncle, our family had a discussion over dinner about the significance of Memorial Day for all Americans, and what Memorial Day means to us, as individuals.

Below, you will also find recipes inspired by grandmother’s delicious creations, updated to address modern tastes and health concerns.

Regardless of our immediate, individual proximities to war, Memorial Day offers us yet another opportunity to spend meaningful time with family or friends, and to honor Americans who have devoted their lives to service for our country.

Memorial Day 2011 Menu

Fried-Baked Crispy Chicken

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Strawberry Salad with Lime

Fried Chicken

INGREDIENTS

6 drumsticks free-range chicken

4 thighs free-range chicken

1 cup of fresh homemade breadcrumbs (make in the food processor)

1 tsp. ground sea salt

½ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 cup of fresh milk

½ cup canola oil

¼ cup salted butter

1. Remove chicken from the package and select a large shallow pan that will accommodate all the chicken pieces.

2. Pour the milk in the pan. Place the chicken in the pan and rotate so the milk coats both sides of the chicken. Place in the refrigerator.

3. Heat the oven to 325 degrees and toast the day old slices of white crusty bread until golden brown.

4. Remove the bread from the oven when golden brown and crispy. Cut the bread into large squares and place in a food processor. Pulse until all bread has become fine breadcrumbs.

5. Remove the crumbs and place in a 10-inch baking dish. Season with sea salt and ground pepper.

6. Take a large iron skillet or stainless steel skillet that can hold all the chicken pieces. Heat to medium high.

7. Add the canola oil and the butter to the skillet. Heat on medium high.

8. Once pan is hot, add the chicken. Brown, and continue turning chicken until all sides are browned evenly. Chicken should look golden brown.

9. Remove chicken from skillet and place in a large baking dish. Salt generously with freshly ground sea salt.

10. Place chicken in a pre-heated 350-degree oven for about 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, make a small cut in the chicken to check for doneness. Meat should be white and juices should be clean.

Homemade Red Coleslaw

INGREDIENTS

1 head red cabbage

1 bunch small green onions

3 small carrots

½ cup olive oil mayonnaise

1 tsp. red wine vinegar

1 tsp. sugar

½ tsp. freshly ground sea salt

½ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1. Cut red cabbage into ½ inch slices. Cut again to make shred of cabbage approximately 4 inches long.

2. Place in a 12-inch low bowl for dressing and serving.

3. Cut the white heads of the green onion off the stems, remove the roots. Chop the small white part finely. Add to the chopped cabbage.

4. Cut the carrots into 4-inch pieces, by slicing in half and then cutting into fine julienne strips. Add to the coleslaw.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper vigorously with a fork until smooth.

6. Place tablespoons of the dressing scattered across the top of the coleslaw. Toss with salad tongs until coated.

7. Add salt or pepper (if necessary) to taste.

Serve healthy portions with Fried Chicken.

Strawberry Salad with Lime

Make this strawberry salad with fresh strawberries from the farmer’s market. You don’t need much else. Strawberries that are truly in season speak for themselves!

INGREDIENTS, serves 3

Fresh strawberries

Juice of 1 lime

Zest of 1 lime

2 tbs brown sugar

1. Wash, de-stem, and cut strawberries in bite-size pieces.

2. Zest whole lime. Set zest aside.

3. Cut lime in half and juice. Set juice aside.

4. Pour strawberries into a large bowl.

5. Mix in zest, juice, and brown sugar with a large spoon.

6. Cover bowl with saran wrap and let rest in the refrigerator for one hour or more. The longer you let the berries sit, the juicier they’ll become!

Serve salad on its own, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

www.rosannainc.com

A Trip To The Far East

2011-05-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Taken as I browsed a local flea market

I have always been a great lover of Europe. As our designs show, a great deal of the inspiration for Rosanna product comes from Italy, Britain, and France. However, for everything I know about the artistic and cultural eras in Western cultures, I know just as little about countries and cultures in the East. I never imagined I’d find inspiration from China, must less travel there. But when business took us to Guangzhou, we decided to make a family vacation out of it and use the opportunity to explore China.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed learning about the design history and intricate craftsmanship that distinguishes the arts in China. It was amazing to see firsthand the production of porcelain, jade, and silk, to name a few Chinese innovations that Westerners have enjoyed, admired, and employed for centuries.

The Chinese people, culture, landmarks, and history inspired me greatly. They broadened my worldview and provided me with a host of fresh ideas for new Rosanna products. Our trip to China extended my appreciation for the fine arts beyond the West in surprising and gratifying ways.

Here are some photos from our trip, including shots of the Great Wall and from one of my favorite flea markets we visited. When you look through these photos, even though I’m only an amateur photographer, I think it will be easy to see why I was so struck by this extraordinary culture.

www.rosannainc.com

Living In The Seasons--Spring

2011-05-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

For centuries people lived in the seasons. Their diets were determined by their geographic location, the temperature, weather, and the food they had access to. Nowadays we are able to shop in grocery stores where most fresh fruits and vegetables are available year-round. However, as we learn to eat fruits and veggies in their seasons, the tastes are so much more vivid, alive, and delicious. Every spring I look forward to the fresh crop of artichokes that hits the local farmers markets. The artichoke is an unusual vegetable, and some may find its spiny appearance intimidating, but it's so easy to prepare and so rewarding--especially when you get to the toothsome, flavorful heart--that it will likely become a regular feature of your spring menus as well. A special bonus that the artichoke offers is healthfulness: One large artichoke has only 25 calories, no fat, and 170 milligrams of potassiums, and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Artichokes also contain folate, magnesium, and lots of dietary fiber. Try this delicious and healthy recipe from my book, Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions.

Spring Artichokes With Lemon Butter (serves 4)

4 large California globe artichokes

Juice of 2 lemons

1 clove garlic, smashed, plus 2 cloves minced

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) good quality-salted butter

ARTICHOKES

Wash the artichokes under cold water.
Cut off the stems at the base and remove any small leaves.
Fill a large pot with 2 to 3 inches of water.
Add half of the lemon juice and the 1 smashed garlic clove.
Bring to a boil.
Place the artichokes upright in the pot.
Cover and cook at a low boil for 35 to 45 minutes, until the artichoke's base can be pierced with a fork or you can easily pull off a leaf.
Drain the artichokes upside down.

LEMON BUTTER DIPPING SAUCE

In a small saucepan, heat the butter, minced garlic, and the remaining lemon juice.
When the butter is melted, pour it into individual ramekins.
Serve the artichokes with the lemon butter as a dipping sauce.

Tell your guests to pull one leaf at a time from the artichoke and dip it in the sauce, then scrape the leaf with their teeth to pull off the tender inner flesh of the artichoke. After the large outer leaves are all eaten, paper-thin leaves remain. These can be pulled out in sections and eaten, but the best part of an artichoke is the heart. After you've eaten all of the leaves, remove the hairy choke with a tablespoon until you reach the heart. Dip the heart in the butter sauce, and enjoy!

www.rosannainc.com

The Arts

2011-05-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

The poet Gary Snyder defined my first passion—art—as “an assimilator of unfelt experience, sensation, and memory for the whole society.” The arts are a crucial part of any well-rounded education. They connect us with our human past, present, and future.

Encounters with the arts of any kind give me immense satisfaction. The most fulfilling work I’ve done for Rosanna Inc. has involved designing projects for arts organizations, including the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle and Metropolitan Museum of Art and Met Opera in New York.

These projects require me to draw on material I learned as a student, but also to research genres about which I know only a little. Since we began working with the Met, my knowledge of opera has grown incredibly. Through our work with the Met Museum, I’ve developed an appreciation for art from the ancient Chinese Qing Dynasty, a delightful surprise.

Because the products we’ve designed specially for these arts institutions don’t appear on the Rosanna Inc. website, I’m providing links here to share this work with you.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Qing Famille Rose Teapot
Qing Famille Rose Dessert Plates
Qing Famille Rose Mugs

The Met Opera
Evening at the Opera Plates
Carmen Mug
Rigoletto Libretto Mug
La Traviata Paperweight
Limited Edition Muse Collector's Plate

The Muse Collector’s Plate has also been featured in Gotham Magazine, below.

www.rosannainc.com

Helping Japan

2011-04-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Rosanna Inc. is proud to announce that for the month of April, we will be donating a portion of all proceeds to relief efforts in Japan. Our office is also participating in our neighborhood donation drive to send non-contaminated, non-perishable food items to victims of the tsunami. 

Many of us are still feeling the effects of the recession, and don’t have much extra income to spare. But even in lean times, it's still possible to give. Non-perishable food items from the pantry were the first items to go from my home as contributions to the airlifts for the tsunami victims. Soaps and bath products collected from hotel bathrooms, extra bedding, unused clothing, and toys your children have outgrown are other options that you may find lying around the less frequented corners of your house. To determine what would make an appropriate and helpful donation, try to imagine what you would want or miss if you were in this same situation.

Across the country, organizations are orchestrating airlifts for Japan. Google your local charities and see what’s available, drop off what you don’t need to help those who so desperately do need our help.

Get creative with your giving; for people who have lost everything, anything helps.

www.rosannainc.com

Improvising

2011-03-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Quiche is a culinary treat. It’s one of my favorite dishes for a few reasons, but namely because it’s so easy to improvise. Recently, we arrived home from a trip late and hungry. No one felt like going to the grocery store, so I looked in the fridge to see what I had: eggs, butter, cheese, and some assorted vegetables. What to make? Quiche!

Another reason I enjoy quiche so much is because of the way the textures and flavors combine to create a complex flavor profiles. A quiche custard done right is light and delicate. The vegetables and cheeses stud the egg with delicious pockets of flavor, and a crisp, buttery crust rounds out the dish. A crust that melts in your mouth provides the perfect complement to a light custardy, cheese filling. A true quiche isn’t far from ambrosia.

This is a perfect time of year to make quiche, as the first spring vegetables come into season. Quiche is a dish easily adapted to seasonal offerings. Quiche is a good way to take advantage of ramps, peas, asparagus, and artichoke. Mix and match the vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings for a selection of diverse outcomes. Here’s my basic recipe to get you started:

Rosanna’s Mediterranean Quiche

INGREDIENTS

Pie Crust

2 1/2 Cups Flour

1 1/4 Sticks Organic Salted Butter

3 Tablespoons Crisco or other vegetable shortening

1/4 Cup Ice Water

1/2 Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt

Vegetables

1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cooking

1 bunch loosely chopped asparagus (preferably thin)

1 bunch green onion, greens and whites loosely chopped

2 cups fresh peas

3 Cloves of Garlic, chopped finely

Custard

6 Eggs

3 Cups of 1% Milk

1 Teaspoon salt

1 Cup grated Reggiano Parmiggiano Cheese

8 Small Fresh Mozzarella Balls, cut in fourths

DIRECTIONS

Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in medium sauce pan, add garlic and stir briefly

2. Add chopped vegetables and sauté at medium-high heat until wilted and soft

3. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Crust

1. Cut the butter into 2-inch pats and set aside.

2. Prepare ice water and set aside

3. Combine flour and salt in the food processor, mix in the butter pats and shortening.

4. Process the mixture until the flour, butter, and shortening are totally incorporated- the mixture will look like coarse sand.

5. Add ice water slowly. Process in the pulse mode until the dough forms a rough ball.

6. Place the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Custard

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the milk, salt, grated parmesan, and mozzarella, and whisk together with a fork.

3. Remove the vegetables from the refrigerator (make sure that they’ve cooled down to room temperature), and add to the egg mixture.

4. Mix with a fork and place mixture back in the refrigerator.

Quiche Assembly

1. Remove dough from refrigerator.

2. Spread a pastry cloth over a large, flat surface.

3. Fit a stocking on your rolling pin.

4. Scatter flour on the pastry cloth and rolling pin.

5. Coat the dough with a light dusting of flour.

6. Flatten dough with your hand and slowly begin rolling out in a firm even manner. (Don’t over handle the dough or add too much flour as it will become tough and not flaky).

7. Once the dough is rolled out, slip a pie pan under the dough and gently transfer to the pan.

Leave at least three inches of extra dough all around the edge. Cut off excess.

8. Remove the egg mixture from the refrigerator and pour into the shell.

9. Gently crimp the extra dough around the edges of the quiche with your thump and forefinger into fluted edges.

10. Cook quiche at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. The quiche is done when the custard has risen and solidified, and when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Let the quiche rest on a wired baking rack for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.

Enjoy!

*Photo by John Granen courtesy of Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Traditions. Published by Abrams: Stewart, Tabori & Chang

www.rosannainc.com

Sisterhood

2011-02-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

This past President's Day Weekend, my husband and I got a taste of what it's like to be Empty Nester's. On Friday we put Francesca, our youngest daughter, on a plane to Berkeley, CA to spend a few days with her older sister, Alessandra.
At first, I was nervous about Francesca's trip. She's my baby! But, when she arrived back home that Monday night, emitting an astonishing and unmistakable new aura of confidence, I forgot about my concerns. I knew that agreeing to the trip had been the right choice.
I realize now that encouraging your children to spend an extended period of time together on their own can be one of the most powerful ways to perpetuate close bonds between siblings. Something magical and crucial to closeness happens when siblings hang out without their parents around, at least that's what my older daughter tells me.
For my girls, who are eight years apart, this year couldn't have been a better time for this trip to happen. Francesca, who's 14, and Alessandra, who's 22, are finally starting to relate to each other as peers; their age gap is finally starting to close.
For a younger sibling at the seminal point of transition into life as a young adult, spending time with an older sibling can be an especially profound and impactful experience. I didn't realize it until after Francesca's trip, but an older sibling can be an incredible resource in raising younger children. Here is another person who can provide perspective, introduce new worldviews and get your younger children to start thinking about the life stages that lie a little further down the road. As an added bonus, because younger siblings generally regard older siblings as the most gloriously cool humans to ever walk the earth, they're much more likely to incorporate the values we hope to teach them when those values are modeled by their big brothers and sisters.
We all know that it takes a village to raise a child. But as you search out role models and mentors who will help your children grow into their full potential, don't look too far; they may be right under your nose. They may even call you "mom."

www.rosannainc.com

Music

2011-02-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

Music is a primal pursuit. In the bustle of activity, it can slip easily out of our days and we forget the power it holds. Making the effort to keep music in your life is worth it because music is vital. As we open our ears, we also open our eyes. Music creates new awareness of the world in which we live.

In my book Coming Home, I talk about the crucial role of music, and dance, to building an enlivened existence:

"Music and dance can temper any mood, elevate the spirit and release a rush of endorphins. The sense of well-being that comes from dancing is a priceless gift that we experience far too infrequently. Music and dance release tension, allowing our souls to become free."

Today I want to talk about the music that, the first time I experienced it, touched me deeply and now enriches my life on a regular basis.

Five years ago, a friend brought me to the opera. We saw La Boheme by the composer Giacomo Puccini. Experiencing this tragic story through arias that trembled, glimmered and thundered with emotion changed my life in more ways than one.

Opera has a rich legacy with influences, contributors and innovations from all over the world. It is a medium that spans a wide swath of eras and finds inspiration in some of the most unlikely places. Attending operas has given me a blossoming awareness of its many traditions in opera. And the more I learned, the more the music opened me to the spiraling complexity of this beautiful art form.

About a year after I saw my first opera, I began designing products for the Metropolitan Opera. This ongoing project has been immensely fulfilling and vastly educational. It has allowed me to delve deeper into the music, and, in so doing, feel more alive.

Music of all kinds frees our souls. Different sounds speak to different people. Opera may not be the music that touches your soul, but there is music out there that will call to you, wake you and transport you to new places. All you have to do is find it and listen.

www.rosannainc.com

*Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions, Published by Abrams: Stewart, Tabori & Chang