Potato leek soup is one of my favorites in winter and now I look forward to trying your recipe for the creamy cauliflower version! Nothing better than leeks in soup this time of year….😇
Just so beautiful to see the snow in Tuscany. Livia must have been so delighted—and what a joyful outfit she had 🤩
My 2025 was also really, really harsh (with good spots too) so I am trying to ease gently into the new year and finally get back in my studio. Like you, I’m also playing with watercolors! They are not my natural way and I’m not “good” with them but it’s so nice to have a space to play and experiment.
Lots of soup here as well. We’ve had a big pot of your ribollita (Laura’s favorite), a simple veg and white bean minestrone, a carrot-ginger-miso.
I saw a recipe for a parsnip and leek soup I may try today, also a photo in your IG of what looked like a vegetable soup with big toasts in it that looked really delicious.
The first snow, especially if not every year, is so special and magical.
The start of the year here is the end of cooking for gatherings of friends and family. Shifting gears to soups, stews, lasagnas, enchiladas, and other hearty fare.
This time of year is also slow for my business, so it's time to regroup, organize, and sort out what to focus on in the new year. The first week of the new year is going well, even have all day today (Friday) open for cooking Lasagna Bolognese - the house smells of the simmering sauce now. A friend is coming over for dinner and is a regular guest all year long, so looking forward to catching up a friend.
All the best to you, Giulia, and your family in this year's adventures yet to unfold.
What a great read Giulia! I grew up in Wisconsin where we had snow for several months of the year, but my husband and I retired here in North Carolina where we seldom get snow. It is still beautiful whenever it falls! Winters are cold and dreary most days, but we do get plenty of beautiful sunrises and sunsets to put a smile on my face. Cooking comfort foods such as soups and pasta dishes are always on my weekly menu list. I’ll be trying some of the recipes you’ve shared. And I’m in the throws of planning our two month trip to Italy for this spring. We will be staying in Umbria. I hope to finally meet you in person, visit your village, and participate in one of your cooking classes. Tanti auguri per il nuovo anno!
I sense you've experienced a serious loss and for that I extend my sincerest condolences.
January is a bittersweet month for me. My wonderful father passed away after an agonizing
battle with cancer. It was many years ago, but you never forget someone you love and who
loved you.
We are planning on 'undecorating' this weekend. Every year we promise to organize and donate all holiday items that haven't been used in years. Every year we don't! I am hoping that will change this year.
Thank you for such a heartwarming, wonderful newsletter. I agree with you completely - slowness, softness, warmth! Warmest wishes for a slow, comforting season.
The snow can be so beautiful from a warm window and it’s sparkly and pretty! I’m so glad you got to enjoy it with Livia! Here in Texas we don’t get much snow but when we do it’s hard to navigate feeding and watering the farm animals but still find it pretty! January has been slow for me recovering from neck surgery and it’s been nice to slow down and relax and be cozy inside although it’s been quite warm in Texas lately. I’ve been able to catch up on my reading and do a little sewing!
I really loved this piece. I was never a soup person until this past November. We moved from Brooklyn to Milwaukee and it has snowed almost every day. Soup has warmed me, but also slowed me down to an appropriate winter pace and I would have it every day if I could!
Sounds like a lovely, gentle start to the new year - I am so glad you got snow! It's so magical, isn't it? Never gets old :) I also LOVE soups on repeat this time of year.
I feel this year I would follow more the momentum of the moment rather than rationally organize it all. Action versus planning of actions.
💛💛💛
Potato leek soup is one of my favorites in winter and now I look forward to trying your recipe for the creamy cauliflower version! Nothing better than leeks in soup this time of year….😇
Best snow suit ever.
Just so beautiful to see the snow in Tuscany. Livia must have been so delighted—and what a joyful outfit she had 🤩
My 2025 was also really, really harsh (with good spots too) so I am trying to ease gently into the new year and finally get back in my studio. Like you, I’m also playing with watercolors! They are not my natural way and I’m not “good” with them but it’s so nice to have a space to play and experiment.
Lots of soup here as well. We’ve had a big pot of your ribollita (Laura’s favorite), a simple veg and white bean minestrone, a carrot-ginger-miso.
I saw a recipe for a parsnip and leek soup I may try today, also a photo in your IG of what looked like a vegetable soup with big toasts in it that looked really delicious.
The first snow, especially if not every year, is so special and magical.
The start of the year here is the end of cooking for gatherings of friends and family. Shifting gears to soups, stews, lasagnas, enchiladas, and other hearty fare.
This time of year is also slow for my business, so it's time to regroup, organize, and sort out what to focus on in the new year. The first week of the new year is going well, even have all day today (Friday) open for cooking Lasagna Bolognese - the house smells of the simmering sauce now. A friend is coming over for dinner and is a regular guest all year long, so looking forward to catching up a friend.
All the best to you, Giulia, and your family in this year's adventures yet to unfold.
cheers,
Fred
What a great read Giulia! I grew up in Wisconsin where we had snow for several months of the year, but my husband and I retired here in North Carolina where we seldom get snow. It is still beautiful whenever it falls! Winters are cold and dreary most days, but we do get plenty of beautiful sunrises and sunsets to put a smile on my face. Cooking comfort foods such as soups and pasta dishes are always on my weekly menu list. I’ll be trying some of the recipes you’ve shared. And I’m in the throws of planning our two month trip to Italy for this spring. We will be staying in Umbria. I hope to finally meet you in person, visit your village, and participate in one of your cooking classes. Tanti auguri per il nuovo anno!
I made a pot of split-pea soup. I was so eager to make this that I forgot I had no ham. I substituted bacon and it was okay.
Next up will be lentil soup. My sister likes the addition of pasta so I'll add either ditalini or break up some spaghetti.
There's something special about a pot of homemade soup on the stove in Winter.
I sense you've experienced a serious loss and for that I extend my sincerest condolences.
January is a bittersweet month for me. My wonderful father passed away after an agonizing
battle with cancer. It was many years ago, but you never forget someone you love and who
loved you.
We are planning on 'undecorating' this weekend. Every year we promise to organize and donate all holiday items that haven't been used in years. Every year we don't! I am hoping that will change this year.
May 2026 be a happy and healthy one for us all.
Hi! I made a soup with roasted butternut squash, coconut milk, ginger and some other spices. Really delicious.
I made Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Greens from the NYT. Hearty yet light. It hit the spot for a winter day.
Thank you for such a heartwarming, wonderful newsletter. I agree with you completely - slowness, softness, warmth! Warmest wishes for a slow, comforting season.
The snow can be so beautiful from a warm window and it’s sparkly and pretty! I’m so glad you got to enjoy it with Livia! Here in Texas we don’t get much snow but when we do it’s hard to navigate feeding and watering the farm animals but still find it pretty! January has been slow for me recovering from neck surgery and it’s been nice to slow down and relax and be cozy inside although it’s been quite warm in Texas lately. I’ve been able to catch up on my reading and do a little sewing!
I really loved this piece. I was never a soup person until this past November. We moved from Brooklyn to Milwaukee and it has snowed almost every day. Soup has warmed me, but also slowed me down to an appropriate winter pace and I would have it every day if I could!
Sounds like a lovely, gentle start to the new year - I am so glad you got snow! It's so magical, isn't it? Never gets old :) I also LOVE soups on repeat this time of year.
Loved this newsletter Giulia and your recipe suggestions and thoughts as always. We're also big fans of unicorns over here 😍💕