Julie & Julia

(Fellow diner at Mediterranean in Positano)

In honor of the premier of the movie Julie & Julia, I’d like you to sample some of the utterly fresh and delicious food that I ate in Italy. And yes, there will be a recipe to try. (please excuse the varied fonts and type sizes... Blogger has gone postal on me this morning!)

(Citrus stand in Pompeii)

Just in case you’ve been vacationing in outer space and haven’t heard or read about Julie & Julia, it’s a movie adapted from two books (one based on a blog).

(Peppers for sale in Positano)

Julie Powell’s blog and book chronicle her mildly insane self-impose project to cook all of the 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days.

(Pasta shop in Vietri)

Director Nora Ephron's movie alternates scenes from Julie's endeavor with those plucked from Julia's memoir.

(Bruschetta in Il Giardino, Cava de Tirreni)

Even before the movie officially opened, critics began warning that the scenes with Meryl Streep as Julia were fabulous and those with Amy Adams as Julie disappointing or worse.

(Marinated and smoked seafood antipasto at Evu, Vietri)

The Washington Post and NY Times reviews adored scenes in Paris in the 40s and 50s and described Julie’s post 9/11 existence as insignificant, boring and whiny.

(Fruit stand in Pompeii)

I actually preferred the here and now which captured a 30 something living in less than perfect housing in NYC to a tee. Could it be because I more closely identify with the angst of a blogger who wrote a book?

(Snack crackers sold in bakeries)

Julia may be a cultural icon and have her pots and pans on display at the Smithsonian, but Julie is proof that myths come true.

(Arugula with shrimp and shaved cheese, Raffaele, Vietri)

She blogged, she a scored a book contract and a got a movie deal. I rest my case.

(Gnocchi with clams, Il Giardino, Cava de Terreni)

Baked Potatoes and Artichokes

4 large potatoes, sliced thin
8 ounces frozen or fresh small artichoke hearts, quartered
Olive oil
1 onion, sliced thin
1 cup parmigiano cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup white wine
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pan heat 1-2 Tablespoons of olive oil. Add potatoes, artichokes, onion, then cover and on medium heat steam for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile mix herbs together and divide in half. Oil a rectangular baking dish, make a layer of 1/3 of the veggies, sprinkle with 1/2 of the herbs, then 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layers ending with a last layer of veggies. Pour wine over top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes, serve hot.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Do you love shells? Visit The Katillac Shack for a peak at some gorgeous vintage shell art.

* WIN A COPY OF WATERSIDE COTTAGES *

Brenda at Cozy Little House is giving away an autographed copy of my book to raise awareness for Enchanted Makeovers. Check it out.