Easter is a special time for me as I recall my first few days living in Italy in 2007. I arrived in early April and the Easter traditions were in full spirit in San Gusme. The almond trees were blossoming and the people of the village were preparing for the traditional Easter processionals. I will never forget the evening procession with everyone from the village taking part. The men carried the Madonna in their robes, carefully put together by Vezio the tailor. Everyone sang

There's just something about making Christmas cookies that brings out the inner child. It always feels so good to set aside time to make special cookies that are just for the holidays. Chapter 13 of the book highlights my first Christmas in Italy. I loved spending an entire day with Emma making cookies from mid-morning until late afternoon. The house smelled like almond, vanilla and raspberry jam. The table was covered in flour, sugar and every sprinkle we could find at the s