Well, here it is almost a month later and I am still cooking Italian food. I am sorry that I promised Ethiopian food, I guess that has been moved to the "back burner" for now. Pun intended?

Ethiopians please note: I haven't given up yet!

Tonight's pictures are of a rustic bread (a la extra pizza dough that I practiced throwing about) and the precious and shiny Marcato Atlas 150 pasta machine. We can't wait to make more spinach pasta, and that is what we plan to do for this week's date night.

The weekend before last, I had an impromptu dinner get together. Given the timing, there were only five of us, but it was a great combination of five! Anne, Mike, Kari, David and moi. With most of us being light eaters, I made a simple lasagne Bolognese with homemade spinach pasta (pre-machine, sore muscles pasta), Caprese salad, A few cheeses to start off with, including gorgonzola and an aged cheddar, and baguette. For dessert, we had creme brulee in my little lion's head ramekins (not the best vehicles for torching a creme brulee, yet adorable and must be used).

For once, all the wines were a hit. In the order served:


The Argentinian Malbec was a wild card, thrown in at the end of the evening since everyone was done eating. I never miss a chance to roll out my favorites! The evening was a success and I hope to do it again soon.

Stay tuned to Brennerworld for more faffing about in the kitchen!