After the Rain the Sun Always Shines (recipe: Simple Focaccia)

We have had an unusually wet and cold winter here in San Diego. I really don’t mind this at all. It has afforded me time to get myself organized and set my goals for the year ahead. It has also given me time to get in my kitchen and prepare those slow cooked recipes that are always comforting at this time of year.

This past rainy Monday gave me the opportunity to simmer a large pot of soup on the stove and get to work making a light and crusty focaccia. I always think of focaccia as a fairly quick and easy way to make a delicious bread form. The only part of the preparation that takes time is the actual rising of the dough. This is something that can be accomplished in as little as a couple of hours or for an even more bubbly and airy consistency, it can rise overnight in the refrigerator.

I really like new kitchen ‘toys’! I always jokingly say that kitchen stores to me are like toy stores for toddlers. There is nothing I need, but I sure do love to go into them and look around. In the case of this pan, I just couldn’t wait to fill it with the yeasty and oily dough that creates the best focaccia.

When making a focaccia dough, I don’t spend a lot of time kneading it. A good focaccia dough is sticky and because of this, it doesn’t have to be kneaded much at all.

Please let me know if you make this recipe! I would love to hear your feedback!

The beginning of the year has been a little slow to get started, but now that February is here, the sun has returned and with it the daily pace around my home is starting to pick up momentum.

It was well over 25 years ago that I first met Alfonso, at Salon Massimo in La Jolla, California. He is the reason my hair always looks so good! When you find such a special friend (and hair artist) in life, you never let them go. My mom always loves to see him, as well. They truly have a deep mutual respect for each other. It is so special to witness. Maybe it is a mutual Capricorn thing? Maybe it is that good people attract good people!

This is week 34 of my Silver Transition! Alfonso also gave me a fantastic haircut this past week, and I’m actually loving my silver hair more than I ever could have anticipated. I never would have believed a few years ago that I would have the nerve to let my silver shine. It has been the most empowering thing I’ve done for myself!

When I think about the restrictions we put upon ourselves as women, I realize how much time and effort mentally it takes to unwind the rhetorical stigmas that society has in place for us. I’m so grateful to be alive in a time when dissolving these stereotypes is done with such great enthusiasm, passion and wisdom. I embrace these changes that inevitably occur. I am loving and supportive of myself in a way that keeps me in the flow of positive changing energy. This in turn has given me a lot of confidence to accept the kindness of strangers who have complimented me on my Silver Journey. It is truly heartwarming to have other women stop me and tell me that they really like my hair and support my silver evolution.

The thought that always touches my heart about my decision to embrace my silver hair lies in the Power of Empathy. I’m in this for me. I’m not here to make this decision for anyone else nor can I do it for anyone else but me. Only I can feel my highs and the lows, but it sure is beautiful to know that I’m not alone! Thank you to all the amazing people who are supporting me on my journey. Deep gratitude resides in my heart.

“Where Will La Zingara Take You?”