Citizen Cook

Carlo Dreams of Prosciutto. DOK Dall’ava Prosciutterie.

Finally, gelato! It’s been beautifully warm in Bra, but ice cream shops are closed in winter. But found one at Torino Airport while waiting for delayed flight. When coffee flavor is not available, I go for my favorite combo of pistachio and nocciola. Venchi gives you a choice of milk or dark chocolate as topping. This woman is dark chocolate all the way!

Modified Ginataan with Tang Yuan, a black-sesame-and-peanut-filled mochi ball. I guess this is Filipino mixed with Chinese and Japanese. Afternoon merienda.

When Moka doesn’t work in the new apartment’s induction stove, Vietnamese coffeemaker to the rescue for a mug of Americano. With savory breakfast this morning (spinaci, formaggio) instead of a sweet cornetto. I think I’m almost ready to tackle a cookbook project due today. 🤪

Outrage. Extreme sadness. Protest. Pray. When is going to get better?

Torino, an hour train ride away, is the big city closest to Bra where I stay. Tried the popular Crispa for “Chinese street food” — soup and shrimp dumplings, bao and beef noodle soup. Good fuel for walking around all afternoon and, ah, shopping. 🤣

Back in Bra, Italia, where the fog kinda brings me back to my San Francisco days. Spent three weeks in DC for the holidays with family and friends. Avoided pasta and pizza so I devoured Korean, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Mexican food…and bagels! 🤣 A lovely short stay in the land of MLK and Ms. Tubman. Classes canceled this week so filling schedule with productive chores. But will most likely chill in my new apartment.

First snow ❄️ n Bra.

From the lovely
to la casa mia. Snicker, tiramisu, cafe, Frida (pistachio) and cream.

The spirit of Christmas in full swing at the center of Bra just in time for Immaculate Conception Holiday. Nice view in front of my flat.

There’s much comfort in making space with friends of similar culture over food to share our experiences living in a foreign country, talking about our families, our culture…even past loves and future goals. No shame in devouring “stinky” or “weird” foods. 🤣 Ended the meal with local desserts, tea and, of course, caffe!

There’s much comfort in making space with friends of similar culture over food to share our experiences living in a foreign country, talking about our families, our culture…even past loves and future goals. No shame in devouring “stinky” or “weird” foods. 🤣 Ended the meal with local desserts, tea and, of course, caffe!