You know when you go to a place that you’ve been to before, and your expectations are extremely high because your first time there was so perfect? I figured Croatia (to be more precise, Istria) would not live up to the high standards I’d set for it. But it was equally amazing this time. I’m a nostalgic person and I get so sad every time I have to say goodbye a place. Last year I said goodbye to this beautiful place and the kittens… oh the kittens! I didn’t expect to see them ever again, but they were still there this year with the addition of two (or three?) more, very shy kittens. Everything was exactly the same, as if time had stood still. I’m not much for change, so seeing that this place I fell in love with last year was exactly the same made me so happy.
And of course, meeting the wonderful group of people is the very best part. As introverted as I may be (like 94%, hehe), I really love meeting and hanging out with all of these amazing ladies, eating delicious food, talking about life, taking photos, truffleforaging and drinking lots of wine. And waking up to beautiful sunrises and morning fog. I mean, doesn’t that sound like a dream? So thank you again to the ladies of First We Eat, Carey and Eva, for bringing me along on this journey. And to Laurie, Inge, Christiann, Marta, Gia, Anya, Dasha, Maja, Tamara, Anja, Nikole and Joelle for being such an awesome group of people.
I made this delicious, moist banana bundt cake to style and shoot one of the days, and let’s just say it was appreciated by everyone. Even the cats snuck a taste.
Irma Calabrese says
Linda, you’ve always been an inspiration to me all of your work is amazing and by just looking at your pictures i feel like baking a cake right now <3
linda says
Aww, thank you so much, Irma! That makes me so happy to hear <3 <3
Ginger and Spice says
Your trip looked amazing, I love all your photos you really capture the atmosphere. As for that cake, it looks yum! Would be perfect to eat on this rainy day in England! Xx
https://thegingerandspiceblog.wordpress.com
linda says
It was so amazing! Love Croatia and Istria so much. Yes, indeed it would be perfect for a rainy day. Or just any day 😉 xx
Sonja Stendera says
Linda, so nice pics!! I recently found your blog. I am very inspired by these pictures and I also like to cook and photography. But I am wondering what you do with all the food for the blogposts or your books. I mean cookies last longer but cake or ice cream? I do not like wasting food at all, but as I am singel at the moment I have no idea waht to do with all the food.
How do you?
Another question, sorry. Can/do you make a living from your books, photos and recipies? I am trying to in the near future, do you have some advice for me? THANKS!!
Brooke says
These photos are amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience on the retreat – it’s sounds like a great trip!
sientatealamesa says
Love your work and I am going to bake this cake
Lindsay says
I really got lost in the journey you took me on through your beautiful pictures. Wow …
Eva Kosmas Flores says
This is SO BEAUTIFUL Linda!!! Thank you so much for coming and for sharing your time with us 🙂 I miss you so much and can’t wait until next year when I can give you a big hug in person again <3
linda says
Thank YOU for making it all possible. The pleasure is all mine. Can’t wait to see you again!! <3 <3
Thais FK says
Wow Linda, these pictures are so stunning! Croatia must be beautiful.. I visited Istria when I was a kid, wouldn’t mind do it again! I love how you take nature photos (besides food ones, of course!), they have such a dreamy mood in them. By the way, love also your updated website, it looks great 🙂
linda says
Thank you so much for your kind words! Yes, Istria is such an amazing place.. It kind of feels like a second home. I recommend it for sure 😉
Kat says
Geez, antoher post with just stunningly beautiful pictures. Needless to say that I simply love your recipes and admire your pictures.
But there is one thing I wanted to ask you quite a while ago – do you think you could extend your FAQ section, because I do again and again ask myself if the oven setting needs to be “hot air circulation” or “top and bottom heat”.
It would safe me from my regular meltdowns whenever I try one of your recipes.
Thank you so much in advance!
Christiann Koepke says
The most beautiful post!!! Missing our sweet time together, we had such a lovely group! Loved creating + cooking with you and can’t wait to see you again xo
Ann says
I am artist living in Chicago working in advertising… I had to write and tell you I am absolutely in love with your sense of color and composition, all that is lovely. Wow thank you so much for allowing me to view not only your baking but your art! I am inspired and I’ll say it again INSPIRED.
Your talent is a gift you have and a gift to all who get to be apart of it in whatever way.
Thank you for such a lovely experience of wandering through every image and every corner of your site!!
Sherie Rodrigues says
Dear Linda, i cannot think of anything to say to you that hasn’t been said to you already about how clever, beautiful and inspirational you are, but I just have to tell you I wish you well in your life and continue to keep wowing us. Fond regards to you and your loved ones.
linda says
Dear Sherie, I can’t express how grateful I am for your sweet comment. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. It truly made my day. Sending the warmest of regards back.
naomi says
Hi Linda, I would love to make this, but I don’t work with bundt pans often. Can i check how much should we fill our pan up till? 2/3 ways or almost full? Also, do you think I can use dark rum in the butterscotch sauce? Thank you and i love your photos by the way. So gorgeous!! 🙂
linda says
Hi Naomi! Thank you SO much for your kind words!! I can’t say for sure how I filled the pan, the best way is to check the capacity of your bundt pan by measuring how much water it can hold. Does that make sense? I’m not very good at explaining 🙂 Dark rum would work just as well in the sauce!