The Supreme Macaroni Company

Just before the recent snowfall I snapped a picture of Lucy in the park. She was engrossed in her reading and didn't even notice me. I was on my way to the library across the street to pick up a requested copy of Adriana Trigiani's new book. She is one of my favorite authors who wrote The Shoemaker's Wife. 

The challenge is finishing the book within the two week time period for requested materials.

Set in 2010, The Supreme Macaroni Company follows the life of Valentine Roncalli, an Italian American who is running her family's famous company, the Angelini Shoe Company. It is the third installment in the Valentine trilogy by Adriana Trigiani, author of The Shoemaker's Wife.

Valentine has agreed to marry the Italian Gianluca Vechiarelli, a tanner who produces the leather for her shoe company. Yet Valentine is determined to have her way in their marriage, and to accomplish everything on her own terms. She soon learns the difficulty of juggling a business, a large extended family, an independent husband, and motherhood is more than she can manage smoothly on her own.
A major plot twist catches Valentine off guard as she tries to balance work and love.
The book is family centered and character driven.

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Please note at the top of blog is a new link to http://yourmorningsunshine.blogspot.com/
It has a wonderful assortment of quotes covering a variety of subjects to start off your day.

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Raspberry-Walnut Sauce 

Cook's notes: Even though I really wanted to try this recipe it was a difficult decision to use the last "coveted" package of raspberries from my freezer. The package was an early fall gift from a neighbor and raspberry picking does seem a long way off.

This sauce has lots of possibilities. It was advertised to use over poultry but would be great over pound or almond cake too.  The flavor was enhanced with a tablespoon of Grand Marnier.

The sauce was served over a stir fry dish of chicken, cubed potatoes and green beans. 

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

• 1 TB. butter
• 1 TB. sugar
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1-2 TB. blackberry brandy or Grand Marnier
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
• 1/8 tsp. allspice
• 1/4 tsp.ground ginger
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts  

Directions:

• Melt butter in a small skillet, add sugar and cook over medium heat till golden
• Slowly stir in orange juice,broth, brandy or Grand Marnier
• Cook uncovered till mixture is reduced to 1/4 cup 
• Stir in 1/4 cup berries, preserves, ginger and allspice 
• Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes  
• Remove from heat and add rest of berries and nuts