ELIJAH EPISODES, SEPTEMBER 22

Elijah Harpole Schultz, my little 2 1/2 year-old grandson was here recently all the way from Naples, Florida.  He's the happy child in my book, Rosalie Serving Italian,shown on page 234.  Everyone who see this picture tells me how cute he is and that the picture makes them start laughing.  With his deep dark brown eyes, olive complexion, and black hair, he looks like he came right over from Rome, Italy. The first thing he usually asks me when he talks to me on the phone is "Grandma, can you come to my house and play"?  Of course I always think how I would love to, but short of jumping on the nearest plane, this can be difficult.  So when my daughter Dana informed me that she would be visiting, I really got excited about seeing Elijah. 

 

Most of you know that my first cookbook, Rosalie Serving Italian was released in late April of this year.  Since that time, my life has dramatically changed, Many of my weekends are filled with book signings; and during the weeks I have hosted Cooking Classes, had TV appearances, did Charity Benefit dinners, and a host of other book- related events.  Just keeping up with the newsletter, weekly recipes and blogs, and starting on my next book have practically engulfed me.  Maybe Elijah could spare me time to do some "book things" during his stay.

 

Meeting he and his mother at the airport, and feasting my eyes on this beautiful child, I started to think how little I wanted to work on the book and how much I wanted to "play".   After all, didn't the page in the book that Elijah represented say, " Live well, Love much, and Laugh often"?  Since the words came from my own doing, and I hoped others would oblige, perhaps I could work something out.  As soon as we got home, Elijah went straight to the spare bedroom where I keep the kid's toys, and drug them all out.  Dana and I were talking and laughing and catching up on past events, when Elijah came right in and said, "Okay, Grandma, now you can play with me".

 

And play we did!  There was 1 scheduled book signing that I was committed to, and it was that particular evening which was perfect for many of Dana's friends to come over and visit with Elijah.  So between other Grandma, relatives and friends, I found myself entertaining Elijah, or was it him entertaining me?  I did get some book things done, but mostly while he was sleeping.  I have always tried to include my children in my activities, and I certainly didn't want to change routine with my grandchildren.  The visit went great and having him in my home just reinforced my already strong feelings of how important family will always be.  My two 7-year old grandsons, Roman and Grant are scheduled to spend a particular week-end with me in October, and just the fact that they want to be with their Grandma, makes me very happy.

 

So people, in all of our business and demands, take time to be with those who are most important.  Wives, husbands, children, grandchildren, whoever is dear to us; cherish.  In all of my experiences as a nurse, I've never held the hand of a dying person who said they wished they would have invested in more stocks, or achieved more things in life, but rather most of them only want their family.  Setting goals and striving to keep them is important, but absolutely nothing can ever take the place of your family.

 

God Bless, and make some cream puffs (page 208),

Rosalie  e-mail me at rosalie@rosalieservingitalian.com  

 

 

 

PARKER'S TABLE, Se

Buon giorno, Good Day!

 

Just when I thought I've seen every kind of pasta shape there could possibly be, I discover this little Italian shop  at 8137 Maryland Avenue in Clayton, Missouri, called Parker's Table.  As I mentioned in my recent news letter, I was at Farmer's Market last Saturday in Clayton, and had a great time.  Especially with the "Blues Hog" barbecue man (read my recent newsletter for explanation). Anyway, while I was there a young man named John was talking to one of the vendors about an Italian recipe he had just tried.  Overhearing this conversation, I guess I rudely interrupted and said "Hey, I'm the author of the recently released Rosalie Serving Italian Cookbook, and this sounds very interesting to me.  John said " Oh, then you will love my store, it has some unusual pastas and other Italian specialties in it". "Oh really", I said, "and where is your store?'  "Right up the street; it's called Parker's Table". Just come on up after the Market closes; you'll see my 3-wheeler parked right out front".

 

Because of the St. Louis Art Fair, the Farmer's Market was closing at 10:30AM instead of the usual 12:00PM.  After eating all the barbecue I could stand (purchased from one of the vendors at the market), we were packing up to go home, when I remembered John's invitation.  My sister-in-law, Lee, was with me, and we both decided to venture up the street. 

 

One couldn't miss the store because right out in front is the cutest little 3-wheeler which looks like an Italian peddler's wagon.  It has 'Parker's Table' on it and was painted yellow. Right into the store are bushel baskets and boxes with the strangest looking pasta shapes I have ever seen.  There was a couscous-type pasta called Fregola Sarda from the province of Sardia. Next, I found a hard small 2-inch spaghetti called Trofie, from Liquria.  In the next box was a large long 4-inch tubular noodle called Strozzapreti.  Another one looked like a piece of squid. The noodle was dark gray and was called Calamarata Nero.  There were many others, all imported from various provinces of Italy.

 

The store also had many imports of oils, wines, sauces, cheeses, candies and other Italian novelties.  John quickly pulled out a Baked Lemon Riccotta cheese with crackers for sampling to greet us to his store.  He was a very kind young man; showing us all the specialties he was proud to be stocking. My sister-in -law, Lee, nicely obliged him by buying her share of the stock.  I never have to feel bad when she's with me; she buys enough for both of us( I rarely buy anything).  Anyway, after we saw everything, John wanted my book for consignment, and I readily accommodated him.

 

On the way home I thought, St. Louis definitely has a flair for Italian food.  Just when I think I've seen all the imports from Italy to be seen, another unique store like Parker's Table pops up.  John also brings in special people. One he told me about is Juillo Parente, who is from 5 generations in Tuscany, Italy. Not only the unique store, but celebrities as well. Put this one on your tourists list.

 

Going to "The Hill" soon?  Don't forget to stop into DiGregorio's on September 22.  I will be signing books starting at 10AM and they will be featuring a recipe right out of my cookbook called Baked Artichoke Casserole with Shrimp and Crabmeat.  It should be a lot of fun. So, take care and God Bless.

 

Rosalie Fiorino Harpole,

 

 

  

 

 

"CAPPUCCINO" SPOTLIGHT- Septembr 5, 2007

Buon giorno!

 

Sorry I've been so late in blogging you guys. This cookbook 'thing' can be time-consuming, to say the least.  Especially the book signings, not that I'm complaining, because I dearly love it.  Everyone of them has been wonderful and unique, which brings to mind my first Barns & Nobel experience.  My dear friend, Debbie Horn, who is the Community Relations Manager for the Barnes & Nobel in Fenton, Missouri, did a wonderful display the day of the signing.  She had me over in the cookbook area in a cozy little lounge complete with browsing table, chairs and a huge cookbook display behind me.  It was all so visitor-friendly and there were ladies waiting for me the minute I arrived.  Since we did the signing the day after I was on the Show Me St. Louis cooking demonstration, I was not surprised.  However, there was just one problem.

 

Since this was a Saturday, and our weekend to visit our sons and their families, (we try to go to Terre Haute, Indiana, every other week-end), we had our little ShihTzu puppy with us, intending to leave for Indiana after the signing.  "Cappuccino", a little over a year old, actually looks like a cup of cappuccino.  He is light and dark brown (the coffee) with white around his neck( the whipped cream).  His ears are darker brown with black tips( The cinnamon, and mayby some espresso thrown in).  If you actually want to see him, he's in my cookbook, Rosalie Serving Italian, 'on page 230.

 

In any event, after settling into my assigned area, my husband Bill, who was carrying all my stuff in, tells me, "I have go out and see about our puppy, "Capps".  Debbie heard this and said,  "Oh, you guys have a puppy?".  "Yes", my husband says, "He's our little ShihTzu, 'Cappuccino'.  "Well just bring him in, we are dog-friendly you know".  Wow, this is great, I thought, Bill won't have to worry about the dog all day, and since "Capps' is usually very well behaved, I didn't anticipate any problems.  He'll just stay under the table with his leash tied to the table leg, and no one will know the difference.  So, in a few short minutes, enters "Cappuccino".  The few ladies that had gathered to talk to me about my book were smitten and said, "Oh, look at the adorable dog! ...Please, can we pet him and hold him"?  Something told me right then, this was not a good idea.  I was here to sell and sign books, right?  WRONG!   What?... is this about a cookbook or a dog?

 

About two hours later, after the Barnes & Nobel staff came by, plus friends, visitors, and "Dog Lovers", a very unusual thing happened.  One of the young girls who worked in the coffee shop area said she wanted a book.  "Of course, I said, and as I reached for a book ready to sign, she stopped me.  "I do have a request though", eyes pleading,  "Can Cappuccino sign my book"?  As I stood starring, trying to figure what to say, Debbie stepped right up and said "Of course, I think we have an ink pad that will work just fine".  Now, this had to one for the record; my puppy, with his little paw print in one of my books!  Do I look like I want to share the glory?  Nevertheless, here comes Debbie.  "Now young lady, just open that book and tell me where you want the autograph".  She then picks Capps up, promptly presses his right paw repeatedly in the ink, then onto the front page, and the "paw print" is done. (All the while the dog is cocking his head from side to side, as he does when he "thinks".)  There you have it folks....the prettiest "paw print" ever.  "Oh, thank you, thank you', the girl says, and gives the dog a big hug.  I thought, please God, don't let her start crying,  I  didn't think I could take a 'Sanjaya" episode right now.  (If you didn't get that, ask someone about American Idol on your lunch break).

 

It took Debbie a few minutes to get the ink off Capps's paw, and by the look in his eye, he must have thought, 'strange people, these humans'.  Maybe I was just dreaming, but it did appear he was strutting out the store.  "Don't let this go to your head", I said, "especially if you want to be in the next cookbook".  All in fun, the day ended with a lot of laughter, hugs, and "please come back again, and don't forget Cappuccino".

 

The thought?  Never think too highly of yourself, or that your indispensable; someone right around the corner is there to take your place.  God may even let it be a dog!  So, click on my upcoming events,  and come to one of my book signings. You never know what you may see, ha ha.

 

Arriverderci, and Goodbye

Love, Rosalie...and Keep Serving Italian.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glorious Olive Oil

Hello my friends and Benvenuto!

 

This blog is in tribute to one of the greatest food values on the face of the earth, Olive Oil.  I write it because one of the nurses I work with, Connie, has had a glorious experience by using Olive Oil.  She has an inflamed gallbladder that acts up more times then not.  It seems many of the fried foods, spicy foods, and who knows what foods, get her gallbladder upset, and causes her much pain and discomfort. 

 

Her daughter, who has my Cookbook, Rosalie Serving Italian, fixed my Spiedini Recipe with the Peppermint Sauce.  Connie said her daughter was so proud to have made the dish, that Connie just thought she would eat it and pay the price later. However, she felt great, and never had a problem.  The next day she came to work and was telling me about her experience.  I immediately knew the healer... Olive Oil.  "Why not do an experiment, I said, "cook everything in Olive Oil".  I went down the list: eggs, vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, anything.  Use it in all your cakes when it calls for oil, (preferred "mild").  Use it on all your salads.  Just use it!

 

After my preaching episode, I decided to get some actual facts about Olive Oil.  Did you know the greatest exponent of monounsaturated fat is olive oil?  The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content antioxidative substances.

 

Heart Disease:

Studies have shown that olive oil offers protections against Heart Disease by controlling LDL, (bad cholesterol levels), while raising HDL, (good cholesterol levels). No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated fat as olive oil-mainly oleic acid.

 

Gastric Problems:  

Lowers blood glucose, has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. It is very well tolerated by the stomach;  activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than prescribed drugs.  Consequently, it lowers the incidence of gallstone formation, thus helping my nurse friend, Connies's inflamed gallbladder.

 

Colon Cancer:
Studies strongly prove that using olive oil in your diet greatly reduces chances of colon cancer. Researchers believe constituents of olive oil, such as flavonoids, squalene and polyphenols, may help to protect against cancer.

 

Lowers Blood Pressure:

Polyphenols are potent antioxidants which help arteries dilate, thereby reducing blood pressure.  Ten grams of extra-virgin olive oil contains five mg of polyphenols; sunflower oil has no polyphenols.

 

Skin and Hair:

Did you also know that olive oil is great for your skin?  It actually keeps shin elastic and smooth.  It has been said that putting olive oil on your hair brings nutrients and luster.  I know people that make a salad on their head.  Take an avocado and mash it up, stir in some olive oil, and put it on your head. Put a shower cap on your head and go to bed.  Shampoo your hair the next day and... voila, beautiful hair. 

 

So, my friends, use your glorious Olive Oil. While all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed. Extra Virgin works nicely on your vegetables, salads, and sauces.  Bertolli Classico Mild works well for frying and in cakes. Never use "light" olive oil, it has no nutrient properties.

 

 No wonder the Mediterranean Diet has been applauded and even coveted.  The people are definitely healthier, and mainly because Olive Oil is their number one component. So, loose no time my friend.  Start today and incorporate Glorious Olive Oil into your diet.  To help do so, get my book Rosalie Serving Italian.  Just click on my website and buy it right on line, or get it near a bookstore near you.

 

God Bless, and Tutto va bene (Everything's fine)

Rosalie Firoino Harpole

 

 

 

 

GLORIOUS OLIVE OIL

Benvenuto!  Welcome!

Never Assume

Buon giorno, Good Day,

 

Hello to all my new found friends I have met at book signings, events, from my website, and any other places we may have crossed paths.

 

. Just the other day I was going into the Dr.'s office, and someone called out 'cookbook lady',  "I saw you on Show Me St. Louis, and the pasta dish you made looked great". Assuming she made it, I said, "How did you like it"?  She replied, "Oh, I don't cook, I just like to watch the shows". What a gratifying answer!   Just what I wanted to hear.

 

But, I will say, I did indeed find some real cooks at one of my recent book signings.  It was at Left Bank Books.  The very prestigious, old, and quaint bookstore in downtown St. Louis on the corner of McPherson and Euclid. Just to walk into the store gives one a sense of historic pride. Anyway, it was an evening event, and I decided to make some Red Sauce over Penne Pasta, Spiedinis with Peppermint Sauce, and my old favorite, Italian Cream Cake. 

 

 People were gathering in when we got there, and when they saw I had samples, they quickly gathered at the table.  I immediately started filling bowls with my handouts.  When I noticed most of them were women, I again assumed these would be my biggest fans.  However, two stately gentlemen appeared and right off started talking cookbook lingo.  I said, "Do you guys cook?"  "Oh yes, we love to cook, and we want a couple of your cookbooks".  They not only wanted the books, but wanted to know what city or province my grandparents came from, what kind of dishes we cooked during the holidays,was I going to Italy soon, and so on.  Quite interesting, they kept me on my toes the entire evening.

 

It was a lot of fun, being down with the stately ones, the beautiful lamplights outside the windows, and people browsing  round the bookstore eating my Italian food and telling others, the 'cookbook lady'.is here.  I assumed it would be just another book signing, but looking back, it was probably one of the most memorial. 

 

So, never assume; things usually turn out different than you think.  There are a lot of men who do the cooking out there, and thank God for it.

 

This reminds me of the father who taught his three sons how to run the family business.  They all became very rich and famous. But when it came time for the father to die, he gathered his sons and said "I've been generous with you all of my life, but when I die, I want to take all of my money with me. Make sure it is in cash bills, and lay it across my body in the casket.  Soon, the father died, but when he was laid out there was no cash in the casket.  The funeral director, also aware of the father's wishes, asked the boys why they did not honor their father. "Oh, we certaintly did keep his wish, said one of the sons, "Why, just under his pillow there, we wrote a check".

 

So ends the story of assumption.  Never take anything for granted, appreciate every day for what it is and follow the leading of the Good Lord.  You'll never have to assume, He will be a faithful friend.

 

Arrivederci, and Goodbye for now

Rosalie Fiorino Harpole  rosalie.@rosalieservingitalian.

 

 

*Tours of the Hill*

Buon giorno, Good Day!

For all of you folks that do not live in St. Louis, Missouri, let me give a little explanation of what we call "The Italian Hill".  This is a small Italian community located in Southwest part of St. Louis. At the turn of the century, Italian immigrants settled there. They came mostly from northern Italy as young couples with their children and babies, many of them leaving family members back in Italy.  This section of the city is actually set apart with big flags marked "The Hill" mounted on tall lamp lights, so you know exactly when and where as you enter the place.  A beautiful section of quaint but dated small homes, line the streets with manicured yards and nice landscaping. People come from all over the world come to spend a day or two picking up their treasured Italian commodities. 

 

"The Hill" boasts of Italian bakeries like Amighetti's. Many restaurants, such as   Rigazzi's, Charlie Gitto's, and Cunnetto's are very popular.  Grocery Stores are plentiful with imported oils, pastas and spices, not to mention the wonderful daily baked bread.   Just a few of these stores are Urzi's, DiGregorio's and Viviano's.    There are two bocci gardens well maintained and beautiful. The monumental St. Ambrose Catholic Church is a tourist attraction where many have their picture taken with the historical bronze statue of Italian immigrants, with the lady holding her baby, in front of the church.

 

Truly, a must-see place called "The Hill", will give you all-day entertainment, plus a wonderful place to eat at the end of the day.

 

So this brings me to my real topic, "Tours Of The Hill" with Jennie. This is a group of ladies and gentlemen who get on their "Hill Bus" and tour around the state of Missouri.

And last Wednesday, August 8^th, they all (12) decided to come to 'Rosalie's Kitchen' for an authentic Italian Feast.  Of course, I had no other thing to do but to accommodate them.

 

My husband spray-painted the driveway with white, green, and red huge strips, put big 'Rosalie's Hill' signs at the beginning of the road to our house, and welcomed each guest with green, red and white balloons.  The leader was Jennie Garegnani, the bus driver, and 10 other ladies guests.  When they came through the door, the first thing they did was kiss me on the cheek and hug me.  I knew right then, all Italians are related somehow.  They took notice of my beautiful summer-theme table settings and clapped hands with glee.  After all the introductions and more kisses and hugs, the meal was underway.

 

I started them off with the hot Italian Bread and Salad.  Next, I made the Pasta with the Fresh Basil and Tomatoes right in front of them; it is so fast and fun to watch.  They each got a big bowl, topped with the fresh ground Romano Cheese.  They were well into that when I brought out the big platter of Italian Breaded Pork Chops.  The bus driver took the biggest chop and with a broad smile on his face, said "I make no regrets". Next came the summer Italian Vegetable Stir-fry with fresh tomatoes and garlic.  After about an hour of eating, they were asking for carry-out plates.  I promised them anything they wanted to carry home, as long as they had their dessert.  They all moaned, but gladly took a generous piece of the Italian Pineapple Cake.

 

The day was not complete until I had personally signed 9 of my cookbooks for them. 

So, holding their books, they took their token of a flower napkin holder, their food and memories.  Out in the big yard by the flower garden, my husband, Bill, took several group pictures with me and our guests, and of course the big white tour bus with the green and red lettering "Tours of The Hill".

 

This is another chapter in the life of Rosalie Serving Italian.

 

Love,

Rosalie