This was certainly a year filled with travel for me and my family members—not only was I lucky enough to complete my externship for culinary school in Southern Italy, but all of my family members were also able to enjoy the wonders of that great country as well.  Although not all in Italy at the same time, we were fortunate enough to experience a lot of the same sights, sounds, and tastes while we were there.  This was truly a time in each of our lives that we will not forget.  One of the wonderful things (out of about a million wonderful things!) about traveling for an extended amount of time in a new country is the people you  meet on your adventures and keeping up with them even when you are back home.  One of my good friends from Italy was my Italian language tutor, Ester.  She opened my mind and eyes to a lovely language as well as a lovely friendship.  Ester recently emailed me a gorgeous photo of the main square in Sorrento, Italy—Piazza Tasso—all decorated and lit up for the Holiday season.  What a gorgeous gift that I will treasure for a long time!

This scene reminded me of not only the time I spent in Sorrento, but also how the magic of the season truly is universal.  Who knows, perhaps I will be able to return to Sorrento during the Holidays to see this sight for myself.  But for now, I cherish this photo immensely, and all of the memories that come with it.  Whatever your year was filled with, I hope that there is a snapshot that you can take out that reminds you of joy and friendship, no matter the location.

Grazie mille Ester for the photo! 

And Buon Natale to each and every one of you!

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Our Christmas Dinner menu this year includes:

 Blood Orange Punch

Creole Crab Dip with Crostini & Celery

 Cider-Brined Pork Chops with Grilled Apples

Tarragon Green Beans

Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Port-Glazed Cipollini Onions

Chocolate Macadamia Nut Tart

 

Tagged: Christmas, Christmas Menu, holiday menu, Italy, Sorrento