My Beautiful Fortress in Italy.

Thanks for stopping by. This space is devoted to our life in the Italian countryside. In the furthest northern part of Tuscany. A region known as Lunigiana. I am a photo/prop stylist and author.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING: Recipe Testing and Converting for my “La Fortezza Dolce” Cookbook coming in 2025.

I have spent all week converting Italian recipes to American measures. It’s arduous because I must test every recipe to ensure the ratios are correct. Since conversion tables are less than accurate. I feel like a mad scientist most of the time. But when a recipe works perfectly, that’s my reward! I am excited to share all the recipes we serve here at La Fortezza during retreats. This year, I will be sharing the how-tos with our retreat guests on all my desserts. Cooking classes here are FUN! Like At the Table of La Fortezza, this Dolce book will be very much the same. It will feature all the delightful desserts from the area and from nonne all around Lunigiana. I am still trying to get Chef Leo to share his nonna’s pannacotta recipe, which he’s reluctant to give me. We also offer Chef Teri’s giant shareable cookie as a mid-afternoon snack here. Trying to get that recipe is like trying to crack a secret code. So wish me luck. Italians are highly unlikely to share recipes, which is something I encounter regularly. When they share a recipe, it’s a bit of a puzzle to solve, as ratios and preparation instructions are haphazard at best. When I got the recipe for the Ca’Vide focaccia, the ratios were restaurant measures, and it was only the different types of flour they used in the recipe that were listed as ingredients in the recipe. I had to ask if there was water, salt, or oil …you get the picture. It’s challenging. As recipes for cookbooks in America are very specific and instructional and are written to a certain formula it is not the case for recipe writing here in Italy. So, it’s a bit of a tricky situation, but I am up for it. I can’t wait to share this dessert cookbook with you. It’s going to be a delicious read. I have secured Domenica Marchetti to write the foreword, which is amazing. If you don’t follow her substack, you should be. Her recipes are amazing; she’s an amazing food writer and a first-generation American Italian. Her cookbooks are terrific. I always take a cookie class with her in December. They are wonderful. Well, guys, I am heading back to the kitchen today to test cookies, or biscotti as Italians call them. Have a great weekend. Ax

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LA FORTEZZA RETREAT NEWS:

Now taking reservations for 2025 Custom La Fortezza Retreats: If you’re interested in planning your own custom retreat in 2025, Please email Gen and she can get you started on your journey. Check the calendar and start planning. Every retreat comes with a PIZZA PARTY! *Keep in mind the earlier the better to get the exact dates you desire next year.

Contact Gen to reserve your place in 2025: Gen is our La Fortezza Guest Service Liaison: genesis.carlina@gmail.com

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MY LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO:

All About Annette YouTube Move to Italy: This week, we are trying something new. I am excited to share a new format. I will be trolling the internet for properties to compare the pricing of the Villa we toured last week. Forte dei Marmi is what’s called the Tuscan Riviera. This stretch of pristine beach is usually compared to The Hamptons in the US, and the pricing reflects this. Let’s see what’s available and my ratings on the individual houses. Let me know what you think about this format in the comments.

Thanks so much for watching my YouTube Channel, All About Annette. Please share my channel with your friends.

The channel has 4000+ subscribers! I am beyond thrilled! x Please like and subscribe; ring the bell to be notified about the release of new videos… let’s keep it going; my goal this year is to get 10,000 subscribers

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Book News: I’ve almost hit my goal of 1000 books sold. Help me get there. Thanks in advance! x

My first self-published book!

If you have not read it yet, you should.

My newest book is a fun read about a sexy chef.

The Killer Menu is a delicious murder mystery.

Order: The Killer Menu, By Annette Joseph

Finding love and a family is never easy, but it's terrifying when you’re Henry Miller. Henry is a deliciously charming chef—talented, handsome, and intensely obsessive. Henry's extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of his girlfriends take readers on a chilling journey from the streets of Paris to the chic restaurants of Italy and the vibrant Cuban enclaves of Miami. As we delve into the mind of the reluctant murderer, it becomes clear that his habits of love and loss create a recipe for disaster. Come meet Henry and decide for yourself: Do you like him Or hate him?

*Being a paid subscriber gets you exciting La Fortezza updates you won’t want to miss.

If you’re not a paid subscriber… you’re missing all the off-the-beaten-path Italian travel hit lists. Plus, Retreat and excursion news and special offers, discounts on some of my favorite products, and giveaways—not to mention new recipes to try every Friday.

Consider subscribing and becoming a La Fortezza insider.