Hi there

Happy Friday! Hoyt are at the Milwaukee airport. We're leaving today for my annual Cooking Mom Vacation to Italy! We've got a great group going this year! I can't wait for all that wonderful Italian food and wine!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see lots of pictures from our trip! We're going to Tuscany and Rome this year too! 

Today, I'm SO EXCITED to announce all the details of my trip back to Italy next September.  This trip is AMAZING!  We'll spend 8 magical nights at the most beautiful 14th century Tuscan villa resort filled with history and charm. We'll take 3 different cooking classes and learn to make all your Italian favorites from homemade pastas to tiramisu and so much more! We'll tour several vineyards and taste so many lovely Italian wines! We'll have guided tours of charming small towns like Cortona, where "Under the Tuscan Sun" was filmed.  We'll visit gorgeous Siena on market day! Plus we'll spend time eating our way around the vibrant fun city of Florence too! We'll even go truffle hunting and enjoy an all truffle lunch!  This trip has it all and it's a great value because there is SO MUCH included! Breakfast daily, many lunches and almost every gourmet multi-course Italian dinner with wine, including a Tuscan steak dinner in a vineyard! This trip ALWAYS sells out immediately.  Don't wait to reserve your spot.  I hope you'll join me for this trip of a lifetime! Click Join The Cooking Mom in Italy for all the trip details, dates and pricing. 

Are you ready for some football? I'm so excited for football season.  I'm not sure we'll be able to watch the game in Italy Sunday but many of us we'll be cheering for my Green Bay Packers as they kick off the season.  I've got a bunch of Bears and Vikings fans on my trip to Italy so I'm sure we'll all have a good time ribbing each other for bragging rights this year.  

Hoyt and I try to get to a game or two at Lambeau Field every season but usually we like to watch at home with a fun game day spread.  My 8 Layer Mexican Bean Dip is the PERFECT game day dip. It always gets the party started! I love that you can make it ahead.  Got a big crowd coming? Just double the recipe and make it in a 9 x 13 inch clear glass dish so you can see all those pretty layers! Total YUM!

Every good game day get together needs a good dip and lots of munchies.  I like to put out lots of veggies and dip.  My homemade Dill Dip is my FAVE! It's a SECRET recipe I got decades ago from the head chef at Lambeau Field.  They used to serve this dip in the luxury boxes.  Now, I make it all the time and everybody LOVES it! You just gotta try it! Click Appetizers for more delicious dips and party starters. 

A BIG MESSY sandwich is also a must! It's still grilling season.  If you're grilling brats make sure to do them my way in a "Brat Tub" filled with beer, butter, onions and kraut.  They keep warm on the grill in a foil pan and they stay nice and juicy.  You can also put pre-grilled brats and the beer, butter, kraut mixture in your slow cooker.  Set out brat buns and all the condiments and then everyone can help themselves when they're hungry and you won't miss a play. LOVE THAT! 

My Sloppy Joe for a Crowd is another game day favorite.  It's great for back to school too! It makes a big batch and freezes great! Click Sandwiches, Slow Cooker, and Dinner for more of my favorite recipes. 

On the side, my Broccoli Bacon Salad is THE BEST! It goes with whatever you are grilling! Click Salads for lots more pasta and potato salad recipes. 

For Dessert, pick up a box of your favorite brownies and turn them into Football Brownies.  How cute are these? Super Easy too! Click Desserts more fun and easy sweet treats.  

Let's Travel Together!

Have you heard I'm hosting group vacations? 

I'm going back Italy! It's a trip I do every September and it's so special and different from the rest! Bring on the pasta! This is a trip I just announced TODAY and it will sell out QUICK! Click Join The Cooking Mom in Italy for all the trip details, dates and pricing.  This trip is filled with AMAZING Italian food, wines and so much fun! 

My European Christmas Market Trip is now SOLD OUT but, I've heard from many of you and I know you are interested in doing this trip with me in December 2024! This trip filled with Christmas magic is a trip I hope to do ever year! Details for my 2024 Christmas trip coming in December if not sooner! 

Click The Cooking Mom Vacations to learn all about what makes my trips special from the rest. You can also get itinerary details and can book your spot today!  

Almost time to board our flight! Have a great weekend! Cook up some memories! 

All my love,

Amy

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