What a perfect combination-discussing the Italian language with noted author, Dianne Hales, and preparing Italian food in the studio.  Dianne's book, La Bella Lingua, published in 2009,  is a great read full of history about how the language developed, populated with insights into colorful characters like Petrarch, Julius Caesar, Boccaccio, St. Francis of Assisi, Lorenzo de Medici, and Brunelleschi and, the author's own  journey as she navigated the complexities of the language and culture. 

Since our show is Great Taste, we'll focus on the language as it relates to different styles of cooking, work our way through some typical food terminology found on Italian menus, and share a simple recipe for pasta with marinara sauce as it was made every Sunday by Kathy's Grandma Gulla. 

Ah, tea.  It was a wonderfully entertaining, relaxing and informative hour spent with Dora Pollak recording this week's Great Taste.  The previous weekend I had been to Gong Fu tea in Des Moines twice, and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere while sitting on a tatami mat with family members and sipping green tea.  So I was ready to learn more when Dora brought her pot, teas, and delicious goodies for tea snacking into the studio.  The aromas and smells of the different teas we tasted were divine.  The tea eggs and scones were perfect partners.