Looking Forward to Summer

Today it got up to 20 C (about 68 F) for the first time this year -- not hot, but warm enouh to open the windows, and with summer on the way one's throughts (at least my thoughts) turn to a number of things, foremost the fisrt summer fruit we'll get: Strawberries. While I like them best with a drizle of white wine and a little sugar, there are other options as well.

Next, where to go this summer? Daughter Clelia is already talking about the beach, and though Tuscany has great variety, Rimini is perhaps better suited to kids. And finally, if you're fixing up your back yard, think about putting in a wood-fired pizza oven. They're quite versatile, easy to use, and make much better pizza than you can buy.

Winding down, a couple of ideas for Lent:

• Mock Cheese Souffle
  This super easy main dish looks and tastes just like a souffle, but it's so easy to make.
• Garides Vrastes: Greek Style Boiled Shrimp
  Shrimp are a Greek favorite, and this simple recipe can be used as an appetizer or for any recipe that calls for boiled shrimp.