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The “Not Another Art Basel Miami Listicle” Ultimate Guide to Miami Art Week 2023

Guide to Miami Art Week: Art Basel Miami

The Not Free and Free Miami Art Week Events Edition

Here it is! The Ultimate Guide to Miami Art Week, or what I fondly refer to as, “Not Another Art Basel Miami Listicle”! Yes, so many people write about this jam-packed week of everything art and not about art. Here’s your opportunity to see thousands of works by international artists, attend seminars and interactive programs, and find inspiration and fun.

ProTip: Where comfortable (but bougie) shoes!

As you know, my favorite time of the year begins with the Art Basel Miami Beach press preview and a glass of Champagne. I’ll then attempt to visit six satellite fairs and a few soirees provided that my feet can handle the mileage. Last year I walked 60K steps in 5 days! Read the list below and follow my Instagram stories for a few sneak peeks and more! ~ Lisa @AllegoryPR #MyArtEscape.

Also, read (or scroll down) to the very end since I’ve added some free events that you shouldn’t miss.

Art Basel Miami Beach

Art Basel Miami Beach is presenting its 21st edition and promises to be bigger than ever. New at the helm is Bridget Finn who has been appointed Director of the Miami Beach Show. The fair will showcase 277 premier international galleries, both new and veteran exhibitors. 34 countries and territories are represented, with nearly two-thirds of the exhibitors having principal locations in North and South America.  Among the 25 newcomers are galleries from Egypt, Iceland, Philippines, and Poland. Extending beyond the fair halls, Art Basel will collaborate with a host of world-class institutions, private collections, and cultural partners for an expanded program of exhibitions, events, and activations across Miami Beach throughout the fair week

If you can dedicate an entire day or couple of half days to this fair, don’t miss visiting all sectors: Galleries, Positions, Nova, Survey, and Edition sectors, and Meridian that shows monumental art.

Public Days: December 8-10. Preview Days:  December 6 & 7 | $58.00 – $2200.00
Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | www.artbasel.com/miami-beach 

Art Miami (and CONTEXT)

Art Miami is the Magic City’s longest running contemporary art fair and the second most attended fair globally. The fair will present investment quality paintings, drawings, design, sculpture, NFTs, video art, photography, and prints from more than 155 leading galleries across 17 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, India, the Middle East and the United States.

Public Days: December 6 – 10 . Preview:  December 5. $40.00 – $285.00
The Art Miami Pavilion, One Herald Plaza @ NE 14th Street, Downtown Miami. On Biscayne Bay between the Venetian & MacArthur Causeways | www.artmiami.com

Design Miami

The 19th edition of Design Miami/ will be curated by Anna Carnick. This year’s program will explore the theme of Where We Stand, a celebration of design inspired by place, community, and heritage–and the beauty and power that can be drawn from our most intimate, rooted connections. There will be over 40 gallery and Curio presentations.

Public Days: December 6 – 10. Preview Day: December 5. $33.00 – $225.00
Pride Park on Convention Center Drive; Between 18th and 19th Streets, Miami Beach | https://shop.designmiami.com/pages/dm21-visitor-info

INK Miami Art Fair

The 17th edition of INK Miami Art Fair will include 14 exhibitors, ranging from national and international publishers to nonprofits, and galleries with a specific focus on works on paper.

December 6 – 10. Free via Eventbrite.
Suites of Dorchester, 1850 Collins Ave., Miami Beach 33139| www.inkartfair.com

NADA Miami

NADA Miami 2023 will showcase a diverse selection of 140 galleries, art spaces, and nonprofit organizations spanning over 40 cities around the globe including San Juan, Paris, Chicago, Memphis, Brussels, and Beijing. This year’s fair includes over 85 NADA members and 34 first-time exhibitors. The fair will also feature the return of Curated Spotlight, a special section highlighting a selection of galleries organized by a renowned curator and presented in partnership with TD Bank.

December 5 – 9. $35 – $150; free for children ages 12 and under
Ice Palace Studios, 1400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33136 | www.newartdealers.org 

SCOPE International Contemporary Art Fair

Celebrating its 21st edition, SCOPE Miami Beach returns to its bespoke pavilion on the sands of Ocean Drive and 8th Street. The fair will welcome 150+ diverse contemporary exhibitors featuring the New Contemporary (daily panel discussions, music performances, and large-scale installations). Plus, an installation at the entrance by Tomislav Topić, in the atrium by BK Adams, Connor Tingley, and Jeremy Pope, SCOPE Walls (series of murals), and more!

December 5 – 10. $60
801 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | https://scope-art.com

Untitled Art

Untitled Art, Miami Beach 2023 Programming includes new artist projects and performances, as well as panel discussions as part of the Untitled Art Podcast, among others. The schedule will continue to be updated with new events as the 12th edition approaches.

Public Days: December 6 – 10. Preview Day: December 5. $40
Ocean Drive & 12th Street, Miami Beach | www.untitledartfairs.com 

Other Art Fairs, Exhibitions and Soirees (to be updated)

All photos by Author.
  • Pinta Miami | Preview: December 6. Public Days:  December 7-10. 3385 Pan American Drive, Coconut Grove 33133
  • Red Dot and Spectrum Miami | December 6 – 10 at Mana Wynwood
  • The Bass | Hernan Bas: The Conceptualists and Ann Duk Hee Jordan: I will always weather with you. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, with Miami Art Week Extended Hours on December 3rd
  • ICA | Charles Gaines: 1992 – 2023; Tau Lewis (check website for Miami Art Week updates).
  • MOCA North Miami| Jamea Richmond Edwards: Ancient Future. Open Wednesdays through Sundays with Miami Art Week Extended Hours
  • PAMM | Yayoi Kusama: Love is Calling; Joan Didion; What She Means. Monday, Thursday, Friday-Sunday (check website for Miami Art Week updates).
  • FRIDGE Art Fair | December 6 – 10 at Courtyard Miami, Coconut Grove
  • Satellite Art Show | December 5 – 10, Halloween Megastore, 700 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach
  • Miami Design District | December 5 – 9 (check website for Miami Art Week programs).

FREE Art Basel Miami Art Week Events

Lucid Design District | Photo by Armando Colls

RSVP to FREE Miami Art Week exhibition events here.

Note: I will be covering Art Basel Miami Beach and Miami Art Week art fairs events for Widewalls and Live in Italy Magazine; and write a Best Events recap for the Food Wine Travel Magazine. French photojournalist, Antoine Martin will be working with me providing images for Widewalls editorial and social media.

Read my 2022 The “Not Another Art Basel Miami Listicle” Guide to Miami Art Week 2022
Visit my MuckRack link to see my recent published articles. https://muckrack.com/lisa-morales

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The “Not Another Art Basel Miami Listicle” Guide to Miami Art Week 2022

Miami Art Week Art Miami

Here it is! My annual Guide to Miami Art Week 2022, or what I fondly refer to as, “Not Another Art Basel Miami Listicle”! Yes, so many people write about this jam-packed week of everything art and not about art. Here’s your opportunity to see thousands of works by international artists, attend seminars and interactive programs, and find inspiration and fun.

As you know, my favorite time of the year begins with the Art Basel press preview and a glass of Champagne. I’ll then attempt to visit 7 satellite fairs and a few soirees provided that my feet can handle the mileage. Read the list below and follow my Instagram stories for a few sneak peeks and more! ~ Lisa @AllegoryPR #MyArtEscape.

Art Basel Miami Beach

Miami Art Week 2022 - Meridians at Art Basel Miami Beach
Art Basel Miami Beach, Meridians © Lisa Morales

ABMB is celebrating its 20th anniversary and this edition promises to be the largest to date. The fair will feature 282 exhibitors from 38 countries and territories – more than half of which hail from the Americas. In addition to its Galleries, Positions, Nova, Survey, and Edition sectors, the fair will host 20 large-scale projects as part of the Meridians sector, 29 curated installations within exhibitors’ booths in the Kabinett sector, as well as nine panels with leading art world voices in its renowned Conversations series.

The iconic art fair recently announced the launch of ‘Arcual’ — a new blockchain ecosystem offering smart contract solutions for the art community, co-founded with LUMA Foundation and brought to life by the technology and Web3 expertise of BCG Digital Ventures. This new initiative was born out of a shared mission to put artists at the center of the art ecosystem, offering them greater ownership, transparency, and participation in their careers.

December 1-3. Vernissage November 30. $55.00 – $2200.00

Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | www.artbasel.com/miami-beach

Art Miami (and CONTEXT)

Miami Art Week 2022 - Art Miami

Art Miami is the Magic City’s longest running contemporary and modern art fair. The fair will present investment quality paintings, drawings, design, sculpture, NFTs, video art, photography, and prints from more than 155 leading galleries across 17 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, India, the Middle East and the United States.

November 30 – December 4. VIP Preview November 29. $40.00 – $275.00

The Art Miami Pavilion, One Herald Plaza @ NE 14th Street, Downtown Miami. On Biscayne Bay between the Venetian & MacArthur Causeways | www.artmiami.com

Design Miami

Design Miami

The 18th edition of Design Miami/ will be curated by Maria Cristina Didero who became the fair’s Curatorial Director at Art Basel and oversaw the inaugural Paris edition in October. This year’s program will explore the theme of The Golden Age: Looking to the Future, celebrating a tomorrow of our own creation. There will be 50 gallery and Curio presentations.

November 30 – December 4. Preview Day November 29. $33.00 – $112.50

Pride Park on Convention Center Drive; Between 18th and 19th Streets, Miami Beach | https://shop.designmiami.com/pages/dm21-visitor-info

INK Miami Art Fair

Dorchester Hotel Ink Art Fair
Wikimedia Commons

The 16th edition of INK Miami Art Fair will include 14 exhibitors, ranging from national and international publishers to non-profits and galleries with a specific focus on works on paper.

November 30 – December 4. Free via Eventbrite.

Suites of Dorchester, 1850 Collins Ave., Miami Beach 33139| www.inkartfair.com

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

NADA Miami

Nada Art Fair

NADA Miami 2022 will showcase a diverse selection of 146 galleries, art spaces, and nonprofit organizations spanning over 40 cities around the globe including Paris, Tokyo, Dubai, Toronto, Buenos Aires, and Copenhagen. This year’s fair includes over 80 NADA members and 37 first-time exhibitors.

November 30 – December 3. $35 – $150

Ice Palace Studios, 1400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33136 | www.newartdealers.org

Prizm

Heather Carter Fine Art; Bola Obatuyi “Love in the Hair” 2022
Photo Credit: Heather Carter Fine Art; Bola Obatuyi “Love in the Hair” 2022; fabrics and acrylic on canvas

For its 10th Anniversary year, Prizm will present Vernacular À la Mode explores how vernacular modes of artmaking originating in global African contexts have influenced the cultivation of fine art practice worldwide. Our holistic program includes four sections: Prizm Panels, Prizm Perform, Prizm Film, Prizm Preview, and, of course, Prizm Art Fair at large, exhibiting international artists from Africa and the global African Diaspora.

November 29 – December 11. $15 – $50

4220 N. Miami Ave. | www.prizm.art

SCOPE International Contemporary Art Fair

Miami Art Week 2022 Scope Art Fair

Celebrating its 21st edition, SCOPE Miami Beach returns to its bespoke pavilion on the sands of Ocean Drive and 8th Street. The fair will welcome 150+ diverse contemporary exhibitors featuring the new contemporary, a genre that stands as a critical contribution to both global politics and local community engagement.

November 29 – December 4. $60

801 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | https://scope-art.com

Untitled Art

Untitled Art exterior tent

Untitled Art presents a program of curated Special Projects, Monuments, performances, podcast conversations and events for the 2022 edition. In addition, at this year’s edition of the fair, six new prizes will be awarded to participating galleries and artists.

November 29 – December 3. $40

Ocean Drive & 12th Street, Miami Beach | www.untitledartfairs.com

Other Miami Art Week 2022 Fairs, Exhibitions and Soirees (to be updated)

Pinta Miami | November 29 – December 4, 3385 Pan American Drive, Coconut Grove 33133

Red Dot and Spectrum Miami | November 30 – December 4 at Mana Wynwood

The Bass | Opens November 27: Adrián Villar Rojas with Mariana Telleria: El fin de la imaginación

ICA | Opens November 28: Michel Majerus: Progressive Aesthetics

MOCA North Miami| Ongoing through January 20: VantaBlack: To What Lengths

PAMM | Ongoing through February 12, Simone Leigh: Trophallaxis

Note: I will be covering Miami Art Week fairs events for Widewalls and Live in Italy Magazine

Photos ⓒ Lisa Morales (unless marked otherwise.)

Read my 2021 “Not Another Art Basel Miami Listicle”

Check out my Client’s Miami Art Week 2022 events here.
Visit my MuckRack link to see my recent published articles. https://muckrack.com/lisa-morales

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Not Another ‘Art Basel Miami Beach 2021’ Listicle

Art Basel Miami Guide: The “Sand Between My Toes” Edition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Miami for art lovers. Art Basel Miami returns with an earlier start date, November 30th. After last year’s COVID hiatus, I am more than ready to walk miles through tents, the Miami Beach Convention Center, and Ice Palace Studios. To begin, I anticipate feeling some “sand between my toes” after visiting this year’s first stop: Untitled, Art’s press preview on November 29th.

Read some information about the 6 art fairs that I’ll be going to.  At the end, you can find a list of other fairs, museum exhibitions, and events that take place during Miami Art Week.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring a mask. Enjoy!

Art Basel Miami Beach

Art Basel Miami Beadh
© All Photos by Lisa Morales

The 2021 edition of Art Basel Miami Beach will feature 253 leading galleries from around the globe. The five sectors are titled: Galleries, Positions, Nova, Survey and Edition. In addition, 16 large-scale projects (monumental works) will be exhibited in Meridians curated by Magalí Arriola. Don’t miss attending Conversations curated by private art dealer and author Edward Winkleman.

Visitors will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to gain access to the halls. Alternatively, visitors may opt to voluntarily provide proof of vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19 to gain entry. Check the Art Basel website for details.

December 1-5. Vernissage December 1.

Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | www.artbasel.com/miami-beach

Art Miami (and CONTEXT)

The 31st edition of Art Miami returns with more than 135 international galleries. Thousands of works from more than 700 artists will be on display and Art Miami Show Group also presents, ART MIAMI + ONLINE: curated online acquisition rooms for viewing, buying, selling and learning about art. Sister fair, CONTEXT that supports emerging and mid-career artists returns for its 9th edition and features 61 international galleries.

December 1 – 5. Vernissage November 30.

The Art Miami Pavilion, One Herald Plaza @ NE 14th Street, Downtown Miami. On Biscayne Bay between the Venetian & MacArthur Causeways | www.artmiami.com

Design Miami

The 17th edition of Design Miami is curated by incoming curator, Wava Carpenter and will feature 35 over 35 gallery and Curio exhibitions. If you can’t attend in person, visit the Design Miami website where you can find a digital format alongside an online program of design talks and 3D virtual tours. This year’s presentation will explore the theme of Human Kind spotlighting design-led visions for a more equitable and interconnected future.  

December 1 – 5

Pride Park on Convention Center Drive; Between 18th and 19th Streets, Miami Beach | https://shop.designmiami.com/pages/dm21-visitor-info

NADA Miami

The 19th edition of NADA Miami (New Art Dealers Alliance) will feature over 100 exhibitors across three sections: Galleries; NADA Projects, an open, exhibition-like presentation of new art from emerging voices; and Publishers, presented by Printed Matter and Exile Books. Additionally, the fair in partnership with TD Bank will inaugurate Curated Spotlight. Curated by Ebony L. Haynes, the section will feature eight solo presentations by exhibiting galleries.

December 1 – 4

Ice Palace Studios, 1400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33136 | www.newartdealers.org

SCOPE

SCOPE Miami Beach celebrates its 20th edition this year with over 110 international galleries participating. New to the SCOPE pavilion this year is The New Contemporary Presents, an experiential multidisciplinary program featuring large scale installations, music performances, and panel discussions. Attend a morning healing program and guided mediation on South Beach; see SuperchiefGalleryNFT, the World’s First IRL NFT Gallery, will host daily NFT Showcases; and sip on Grey Goose while attending one of the evening performances.

December 1 – 5

801 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | https://scope-art.com

Untitled, Art

Celebrating its 10th edition, Untitled Art presents over 100 international contemporary galleries. The fair innovates the standard fair model by selecting a curatorial team to identify and curate a selection of international galleries, artist-run exhibition spaces, and non-profit institutions and organizations, in dialogue with an architecturally designed venue. This year there will be curated performances, the Monuments Sector, Special Projects and the Untitled Art Podcast.

November 30 – December 4

Ocean Drive and 12th Street, Miami Beach | www.untitledartfairs.com/miami-beach

Other Art Fairs, Exhibitions and Soirees (to be updated)

Cube Art Fair | December 1 – 5 in Design District, Wynwood, Downtown Miami and Intercontinental Hotel
Pinta Miami | December 2 – 5 at new a new location, 225 NE 34th Street Miami, FL 33137
Red Dot and Spectrum Miami | December 1 – 5 at Mana Wynwood
The Bass | Opens November 30: Naama Tsabar: Perimeters
ICA | Opens November 30: Jadé Fadojutimi: Yet, Another Pathetic Fallacy
MOCA North Miami| Opened November 17: My Name is Maryan
PAMM | November 29 at Noon, NFTs The Next 500 Years
Decade in Dade: You Miami’s 10 Year Anniversary | December 10 at Yo Space
An All Women’s Art Exposition | December 1st at the Balfour Hotel

Note: I will be covering Miami Art Week fairs events for Widewalls and Live in Italy Magazine

Read 2019’s “Not Another Art Basel Miami Listicle”

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Sole Searching on South Beach with Beautiisoles’ Robyn Shreiber

Beautiisoles

As a writer and now editor of Live in Italy Magazine, every day I receive many press releases. Typically if the subject is about art exhibitions; food and wine; or anything related to Italy, I have a quick look and store them in a Potential Editorial folder. For all other subjects, the messages go directly to trash. However, last week, a fashion related email stayed in my inbox. It was an invitation to see the Spring/Summer 2021 Collection of Beautiisoles at Faena Bazaar. Because I run and also have flat feet, finding the right shoes (never mind good looking and fashionable shoes), is always a challenge. However, after meeting Robyn Shreiber, I think my “sole searching” days are over.

Who is Robyn Shreiber?

Petit Robyn Shreiber is effervescent. She attentively greets her guests while dashing back and forth to check the shoe inventory, returns to update them and take down their contact details. If you manage to keep her in one spot for a few minutes, you’ll soon be inspired by her success story.

I have to giggle every time someone tells me about ‘the other jobs’ (I have a few too)! By day, Robyn is the Vice President of J&J Snack Foods: the nation’s leading leader in providing nutritious and affordable niche snack foods to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets across the U.S. I just love the company’s slogan, Born of Ashes, Dusted by Destiny®.

By all other moments in the day and night, Robyn runs Beautiisoles with her partner, Danielle Clarke. And, if that’s not enough for you to imagine managing, she is also a competitive ballroom dancer! To escape the stress of work, you may find Robyn Cha Cha Cha-ing and losing herself in ¾ time, the Waltz.

Did I mention her non-profit, RIDE Robyn & Italo’s Dance Events that aims to create one-of-a-kind dance events for difference-making charities?

In all respects, Robyn is a living example of the expression:

“If you want something done, ask a busy person.”

Beautiisoles

One can only imagine that someone so busy needs a comfortable pair of shoes. However, Robyn’s story goes further. After years of wearing uncomfortable shoes, she developed a severe foot injury that eventually led to emergency surgery. Not fully recovered, Robyn went on a planned safari to Tanzania for her non-profit organization. Upon her return, Robyn decided that she was determined to develop a comfortable, yet affordable luxury shoe brand.

You can read the full story on the Beautiisoles website.

Sole Searching

My comfortable, yet stylish ‘sole’ searching days may just be over. While it’s still hard for me to wear flat shoes, I greatly enjoyed slipping my feet into the boots, mules and pumps. Seldom, do I try on a pair of shoes and automatically feel comfortable.

I am looking forward to owning my first pair and watching for the Beautiisoles Fall Collection. After all, Art Basel Miami is around the corner. Since I will cover as many fairs as possible for the UK arts publication that I write for, I’ll be in need of some comfortable shoes that can be used all day and into the night.

Thank You Robyn!

I am always energized by smart, independent women because they keep me motivated. Robyn is dancing her way to the top of the high fashion shoe world! Most importantly, Robyn: you have a beautiful soul (sole) and it was a pleasure meeting you!

Website
@Beautiisoles

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Recipe Homage to the Rite of Spring

Recipe Homage to the Rite of Spring

Spring is here and we have much to celebrate! There’s the gift of anticipation and we will now push forward and work harder than ever. For over one year people, far and wide, have been imprisoned both physically and emotionally. It is now time to repair both body and mind. Like always, I turn to nature: the garden and vineyard show signs of new growth. To celebrate, here is a simple wine and food pairing idea: Recipe homage to the Rite of Spring. Like Stravinsky’s seminal work, let’s celebrate dissonance rather than comfort in harmonious familiarity. We must embrace a new modernism.

While you prepare this Fennel Salad with Apple and sip on Blazic 2018 Ribolla Gialla, listen to Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Let’s test the limits of what our new lease on life gives us.

Fennel and Apple Salad

Recipe Homage to the Rite of Spring fennel salad ingredients

Based on recipe from the NY Times Cooking App.) I substituted slivered almonds for walnuts and a Macintosh apple for Granny Smith.

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 large fennel bulbs, thinly sliced on a mandoline slicer
  • 2 Granny Smith apples, halved and cored, thinly sliced on a mandoline
  • 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a mandoline
  • ⅓ cup fennel fronds or roughly chopped parsley leaves
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts
  • 2 ½ ounces Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler (about 2/3 cup)

Add the salt and pepper to the lemon juice and then add the olive oil slowly while whisking to emulsify the dressing. Combine all ingredients and top with Parmesan when serving.

2018 Blazic Ribolla Gialla Collio

Blazic Wine Estate is a family run winery nestled in the heart of the hills of Cormòns, in Zegla located in Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region. They have been making wine since 1923. Read more about this unique territory and magnificent wines here.

Note: I also grilled pork and made gnocchi in a sage sauce.

“Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil.”

— Bishop Reginald Heber

Learn more about Italian wine by following my latest project, Live in Italy Magazine.

Be sure to follow me and the magazine on Instagram (and other social media platforms using the same handle) @AllegoryPR @LiveinItalyMag

Until next time…

I also made this Fennel Salad last year. Read The Socially Distant Easter.

Listen and be mesmerized by Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Buy this Blazic 2018 Ribolla Gialla at Wine by the Bay.

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Pumpkin Cake Roll – A Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert

pumpkin cake roll thanksgiving dessert shot from above

It’s been three months since I have posted a blog. During that time, traffic to my website has taken a deep dive and Pinterest went from 40,000 to 3,000 monthly viewers. However, analytics haven’t stopped me from cooking and baking. Each experience has been deliciously satisfying and that to me, has been more important than worrying about insights or an Instagram post. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for a Pumpkin Cake Roll, a perfect Thanksgiving dessert.

Thankful For

This year has been challenging and the time that I have neglected my blog has been dedicated to new projects. As this year closes, today’s Thanksgiving dessert brings to mind a few things that I’m grateful for.

Flour: Sounds silly, but flour is now easily found.

Work: I am thankful for new and different opportunities where I’m not subjected to so many deadlines.

Time: With less work, I have more time to pursue projects that I thought that I wouldn’t get to until retirement.

Friends: I have more time for people now and that’s nice. Can’t wait until I can see more of them in person.

Recognition: I am thankful for being interviewed by Shoutout Miami. Please read it to get to know me a little better.

Connections and Community: One of my new projects, Live in Italy Magazine has allowed me to meet new people and learn new traditions. (Something that has been lost during these times that we can’t travel.)

Pumpkin Cake Roll Recipe

  • pumpkin cake roll thanksgiving dessert shot from above

This Pumpkin Cake Roll is delicious and easy. There are a few different versions, but the one that I used can be found here. Per request, I’ve also translated it into Italian. Click here.

Cake Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs, separated, room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar, divided
  • 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Additional confectioners’ sugar, optional

Instructions

Line a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks on high speed until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and pumpkin, beating on high until sugar is almost dissolved.

In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold into egg yolk mixture. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gently fold into pumpkin mixture. Spread into prepared pan.

Bake at 375° until cake springs back when lightly touched, 12-15 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.

Turn cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Gently peel off waxed paper.

Roll up cake in the towel jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth.

Unroll cake; spread filling evenly to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up again, without towel. Cover and freeze until firm. May be frozen for up to 3 months. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before cutting. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Moving Forward

I’m currently re-reading The Alchemist, so it seems appropriate to end with a quote from Paulo Coelho’s book.

And, when you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward.

I’m not sure when I’ll have time to blog again, but in the meantime, please subscribe to one of my newest projects: Live in Italy Magazine.

@AllegoryPR #MyArtEscape

Be sure to let me know what you’re thankful for and what’s your favorite Thanksgiving dessert in a comment below. 👇🏼

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Lemon Ricotta Cake Recipe and Where You’ll Find the Best Lemons in the World

Fast and easy Lemon Ricotta Cake recipe.

Lemon Ricotta Cake is a Perfect Finish to the Summer BBQ Dinner!

Here’s the perfect way to use up leftover Ricotta cheese. This Lemon Ricotta Cake recipe is the ideal finish to the summer BBQ dinner. The “secret sauce” is the lemon rind which means that you need real lemons. Please don’t use bottled lemon juice! Keep scrolling to read where you’ll find the best lemons in the world. 👇🏼

A Little History

Woman holding freshly made Ricotta cheese.

It was impossible for me to find the Lemon Ricotta Cake’s true origin despite the many versions that are available on the internet. I am going to guess Sicily, because that area of Italy claims to be the founder of ricotta cheese. (Since my readership is largely based in Italy, feel free to comment at the end of the blog should you know differently. 👇🏼)

I love how in traditional Italian Cuisine, you can find innovative and tasty examples of how nothing went to waste. Ricotta (it’s really a curd rather than cheese) came about when someone wanted to find a way to use the whey leftover from other cheeses. In fact, Ricotta translates to “re-cooked.” One of the earliest references to ricotta was made by a Sicilian history professor.

Curious about how Ricotta is made? I suggest that you watch this video.

World’s Most Famous Lemons

Probably the biggest and best lemons in the world come from the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. Have you been there? If so, tag #LiveinItalyMag @LiveinItalyMag in your photos for re-gram consideration.

Now despite Sorrento’s claim to lemon fame, it’s believed that this citrus fruit’s roots go back to Northern India, China and Malaysia. It was the Medici’s of Florence that brought lemons to Italy and started cultivating lemons in the 16th Century. Read more here.

Freshly baked Lemon Ricotta Cake on a cooling tray.

Let’s Bake!

This cake is called Migliaccio (pudding) in Naples. The name is indicative of the Lemon Ricotta Cake’s texture. In this version, semolina is used rather than flour. Here again, is a great example of making something delicious of ingredients readily on hand.

Note: I found the original recipe on Cooking Classy

  • 1 1/3 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (356g) whole milk ricotta cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch springform pan, line bottom with a round of parchment paper and butter parchment.

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together sugar, butter and lemon zest until pale and fluffy.

Mix in eggs one at a time (mixture will appear lumpy), blend in vanilla.

Add in half of the flour mixture and mix just until combined, add ricotta and mix just until combined.

Add in last half of the flour mixture and mix just until combined. Gently fold batter to ensure ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Pour batter into prepared springform pan and spread into an even layer. Bake in preheated oven until cake is set (a toothpick can come out moist but no batter), about 45 – 50 minutes.

Let cake cool 10 minutes then run a knife around edge to loosen any edges that may have stuck slightly, remove springform ring and continue to let cool.

Once cool, dust the Lemon Ricotta Cake with powdered sugar and serve it with fresh fruit and whipped cream, if desired.

Lemon Ricotta Cake dusted with powdered sugar.

A Ricotta Life Lesson

I’m enjoying this journey to discover the history of some of the ingredients that go into Italian dishes and desserts that I love. I hope you will enjoy joining me on this food journey too.

Quality ingredients are key. However, being mindful and not letting anything go to waste strengthens our appreciation of what we make.

Cu’ non mancia ccu’ so’ cucchiaru lassa tutto ‘o zammataru. (Those who don’t eat with a spoon will leave all their ricotta behind.) ~ Professor Santi Correnti, chairman of the history department of the University of Catania and a preeminent historian of Sicily.

If you like lemon desserts, check out this easy, No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake recipe.

@AllegoryPR #MyArtEscape

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Tarta de queso con limón sin hornear

when life gives you lemons, make an easy no-bake lemon cheesecake

Ingredientes

  • 1 ½ tazas de migas de galletas Graham (375 g)
  • 3 cucharadas de azúcar (37.8)
  • 7 cucharadas de mantequilla derretida (100 g)
  • 1 paquete de gelatina de limón 3 onzas (84 g)
  • 16 onzas de queso crema ablandado (250 g)
  • 1 taza de azúcar en polvo (125 g)
  • 1 cucharadita de extracto de vainilla (3.3 g)
  • 2 cucharadas de crema agria (30 g)
  • 1 ½ tazas de crema batida (360 ml)
  • 1 cucharada cascara de limón (17.07 g)

Instrucciones

  • Combine las migas de galletas Graham y los azúcares en un tazón mediano. Agregue mantequilla derretida y use un tenedor para combinar bien los ingredientes.
  • Vierta la mezcla en un molde de resorte de 9 “o 10”. Use el fondo (¡limpio!) De una taza de medir para empacar firmemente las migajas en el fondo de la sartén y presione suavemente hacia los lados. Usa tus dedos para empacar las migajas firmemente en los lados de la sartén.
  • Coloque en el refrigerador o congelador mientras prepara el relleno de tarta de queso.
  • Vierta la mezcla de gelatina de gelatina de limón en 1 taza de agua muy caliente y revuelva bien. Ponga a un lado para enfriar.
  • Mientras tanto, revuelva el queso crema y el azúcar en polvo hasta que quede suave y bien combinado.
  • Agregue la crema agria y revuelva bien.
  • Mezclar en extracto de vainilla.
  • Solo una vez que la mezcla de gelatina ya no esté caliente al tacto, vierta gradualmente en la mezcla de queso crema. Revuelva lentamente al principio (para evitar salpicaduras) y luego aumente la velocidad hasta que la mezcla esté completamente combinada (haga una pausa para raspar los lados del tazón periódicamente). Revuelva muy bien.
  • En un tazón separado, vierta su crema espesa y use una batidora eléctrica con un batidor para batir a picos rígidos.
  • Doble la crema batida en la mezcla de pastel de queso hasta que esté bien combinada.
  • Doblar en la ralladura de limón, si se usa.
  • Vierte sobre la corteza de galletas Graham y transfiérelas al refrigerador por al menos 6 horas o toda la noche para que se enfríen.
  • Si lo desea, cubra con crema batida antes de cortar y servir.

Regrese al blog aquí.

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When Life Gives You Lemons, Make a No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

when life gives you lemons, make an easy no-bake lemon cheesecake

Feeding Five Under 25$

There’s nothing pleasant about living in South Florida these days. This year, the stifling heat and humidity are minor burdens compared to the reality of living in Florida, the COVID-19 epicenter. We’re just sitting and watching our impending, pandemic doom. Read it to believe it here. So, when life gives you lemons, make an easy no-bake lemon cheesecake.

Here’s the recipe below and some history about this famous saying at the end 👇🏼 – just keep scrolling if you’re not making this dessert. However, I suggest that you do because it’s a great finish to a BBQ dinner.

easy no-bake lemon cheesecake

No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake (Original recipe from Spend with Pennies)

La receta en español


La Ricetta in Italiano

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 7 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 package lemon Jell-O 3 ounces
  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream*
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest freshly grated

Combine graham cracker crumbs and sugars in a medium-sized bowl. Add melted butter and use a fork to combine ingredients well.

Pour mixture into a 9″ or 10″ springform pan. Use the (clean!) bottom of a measuring cup to firmly pack crumbs into the bottom of the pan and gently press up the sides. Use your fingers to pack crumbs tightly into the sides of the pan.

Place in refrigerator or freezer while you prepare cheesecake filling.

Pour Lemon Jello gelatin mix into 1 cup very hot water and stir well. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, stir cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and well-combined.

Add sour cream and stir well.

Mix in vanilla extract.

Only once Jello mixture is no longer hot to the touch, gradually pour into cream cheese mixture. Stir slowly at first (to avoid splashing) and then increase speed until mixture is completely combined (pause to scrape down sides of the bowl periodically). Stir very well.

In a separate bowl, pour your heavy cream and use an electric mixer with whisk attachment to beat to stiff peaks.

Fold whipped cream into cheesecake mixture until well-combined.

Fold in lemon zest, if using.

Pour over graham cracker crust and transfer to refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to chill.

If desired, top with whipped cream before cutting and serving.

fourth of july no-bake cheesecake

Notes:

I made two versions. For the second one, I used strawberry Jello because I needed a July 4th dessert. It came out pink, so I added a strawberry to the center and outlined the no-bake cheesecake with blueberries and whipped cream. Hooray for the red, but really pink, white and blue! 😊

The lemon version is a much tastier and more sophisticated dessert, because it doesn’t taste at all like Jello. Next year, I’ll just add some red food color to the original, no-bake lemon cheesecake recipe.

lemons for lemonade

When Life Gives You Lemons

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” is a memorable proverbial phrase that many of us like to pull out of our pocket and slap on like a Band-Aid, when something goes wrong. The phrase originates from a obituary titled, “The King of Jesters” penned by Elbert Hubbard who was inspired by the life of a disabled, but highly successful, dwarf actor.

In stressful times such as now, we turn to these words of wisdom and hopefully, find positive ways to escape. For me, it would be a visit to a museum, walk on the beach, or lunch with a friend. However, these simple solutions are now like unattainable luxuries as Floridians struggle to stay healthy and economically stable.

I’ll continue to temporarily forget by escaping to my kitchen and “make lemonade (or lemon cheesecake) from lemons.” However, it’s getting harder…

If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back? ~ Steven Wright

@AllegoryPR #MyArtEscape

You can find other dessert recipes that I’ve made at the following links:

P.S. I am very thankful for all you who have shared this recipe. I was asked to post it in Spanish and Italian, so there are links at the top of the recipe. I am not fluent in Spanish or in Italian, so I used Google Translator. So, excuse any typos! 😊

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Falling in Love with Franciacorta DOCG

Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta DOCG Wines

Ricci Curbastro Guided Wine Tasting Seminar: History, Area, and Wines

If you haven’t had an opportunity to try Franciacorta, know that there are many reasons to do so. Once you’ve had just a few sips, I can almost guarantee that you’ll fall in love and possibly make this style of wine you’re preferred choice of bubbly. Today’s blog post is solely dedicated to the wine presented at the Ricci Curbastro guided wine tasting seminar.

Yes, I’ll mention the suggested pairings at the end and possibly in a future post. However, today I’ll recap the one hour, World Wine Web Masterclass seminar led by wine expert, Lyn Farmer and featuring Riccardo and Gualberto Ricci Curbastro of Ricci Curbastro Farm Estate Winery. A group of about twenty-five guests including lucky me, had a chance to learn about the history, vineyards and wines.

Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta DOCG

What is Franciacorta?

Franciacorta is a small wine-producing area in Lombardy, Italy and is also a style of high-quality sparkling wine made using the Traditional Method or when speaking about Champagne, Méthode Champenoise. Now is not the time to compare ‘apples and oranges,’ because Franciacorta has its own unique identity, so let’s first dive into some history.

Riccardo Ricci Curbastro and Gualberto Ricci Curbastro Sr.

Franciacorta History

The cultivation of vines in Franciacorta goes back very far. Think about evidence of prehistoric grape seeds and mentions in the writings of Pliny the Elder. You can read more here.

The agricultural tradition of the Ricci Curbastro family dates back to the thirteenth century.  Eighteen generations later, Riccardo leads the business alongside his eldest son Gualberto who bears his grandfather’s name.

Franciacorta received its DOCG status* in 1995 and was the first Italian sparkling wine to achieve this designation. The region consists of about 120 producers. Gualberto explained at that time, the term Traditional or Classical Method was no longer used and replaced with Franciacorta as the only word to describe the wine style.

*Read about Italian Wine Classifications here.

1908 Map Ricci Curbastro Soil

There’s Something About Soil

A few years ago when Riccardo was sorting through papers, he discovered a map that dated back to 1908. It documented the research that his grandfather and great grandfather made to decide what was the best combination in terms of grafting American roots and European varieties after the phylloxera epidemic.

“Franciacorta is the stratification of great patience and a lot of research in getting always better and better quality,” remarked Riccardo with a tone of admiration and appreciation for his forefathers.  “And, we started a long time ago.”

He explains that Franciacorta has over sixty soil profiles. For this reason it is very important that Ricci Curbastro has vineyards in three different villages because of the variations in soil. Plus, the microclimates are different between the three. I suggest you watch the full video on the World Wine Web’s Masterclass Facebook page to understand more.

“There is something pretty unique in terms of characteristics: soil and climate,” says Riccardo when explaining the area, located at the foot of the Alps and north by the shores of Lake Iseo. The area has an unusual mix of climates, including Mediterranean.

Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Brut NV
Franciacorta Brut NV (60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir) © Author

The Wines

One of the ingredients of our wine is time. ~ Riccardo Ricci Curbastro

We tasted three wines: Franciacorta Brut NV (60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir); Franciacorta Brut Satèn 2014 (100% Chardonnay); and Franciacorta Rosé Brut NV (80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay.) You can read the wine specs here.

What engages me the most about wine seminars is to hear from people who create the wines. The insights and anecdotes are a trajectory from what’s in my glass to the vineyard and history.

Franciacorta Brut Satèn 2014
Franciacorta Brut Satèn 2014 (100% Chardonnay) © Author

For example, I learned that the word Satèn (silk) is a name that is typically only from Franciacorta and infers Franciacorta’s past when they were producing a lot of silk, as well as wine. Silk is a perfect metaphor for Franciacorta Satèn: “When you touch a scarf you have the sensation of something that is smooth but, at the same time, it is a very strong cloth,” explains Riccardo noting that the first parachutes were made of silk. “The wine’s strength is like roundness and very good structure.”

Franciacorta Rosé Brut NV (80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay)
Franciacorta Rosé Brut NV (80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay) © Author

Not Just for Toasting

Lyn, Riccardo and Gualberto emphasized that the Ricci Curbastro wines go well with food and are not just for toasting at special occasions. Gualberto who grew up with Franciacorta at the table said when speaking of the Rosé Brut: “We’ve tried the best and worst with Franciacorta, but barbeque is always a good combination.”

Riccardo refers to the Rosé Brut as a “light red” and explained that the dryness, acidity and elegance of the wine balances with the richness of grilled meat.

We were drooling, when Lyn presented his 11:00 am “perfect pairing” – Smoked Salmon and Bacon-Wrapped Scallops. Yum and I need to hurry back into the kitchen lab!

Poolside with Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta DOCG wines.

Falling In Love

While I won’t write about it today, I suggest you watch the video and learn more about the Sustainable Winery 3E logo that is on the back label of Ricci Curbastro wines. You can also read more here.

If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know that I suffer from an extreme case of the travel bug. As I navigate through a perpetual state of pandemic-related immobility, virtual wine travel is now my preferred, #MyArtEscape.

Lyn commented on one of my Instagram posts that “Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta is the ultimate postcard in a glass.” I couldn’t agree more!

Once you’ve watched the seminar, read the Ricci Curbastro website to learn more, and drink the wines, I suggest that you watch this film: “F is for Franciacorta.” If you’re anything like me, you too will be ‘falling in love’ with Franciacorta.

Falling in love consists merely in uncorking the imagination and bottling the common sense. ~ Helen Rowland

F is for Franciacorta produced by the Franciacorta DOCG Consortium that celebrated its 30th year this past March.

@AllegoryPR #MyArtEscape

A Very Special Thanks for the Invitation to this Virtual Event 💕

Recent mentions of Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta in the Food Wine Travel Magazine.