Divina Cucina

Your Best Friend in Italy

Addio to La Contessa

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My mom, La Contessa, as she was known in Italy, passed away Friday night.
She will be missed.
Services will be held Sat June 18th at 11am St John Vianney ChurchWalnut Creek, California

Drink a limoncello in her honor! Celebrate life– and live it to the fullest everyday.

I adore making limoncello and all the variations. My mom had a lovely lemon tree which has gone crazy with lemons and she so enjoyes making limoncello for her friends. She made several bottles for my sisters 50th birthday party which was in Feb, where the above foto was taken.
I suggested that for her funeral service instead of depressing memorial cards- we print out the limoncello recipe and make a recipe card with my mom’s foto on it. Hope they do that.
My nephew came and harvested my mom’s lemons and they are making bottles in her honor for the memorial service.
Years ago I had a artist friend of mine in Florence, Angie Brooksby, illustrated a small pamphlet on Limoncello- I sent some of the illustrations to my family for the card.

Make a bottle in my mom’s honor and party!

Limoncello
Soak the zest of 5 organic lemons in 2 cups whole grain alcohol for 3 days. 
Make a simple syrup by heating 2 cups of water and 1-1/2 cups sugar. Mix together and strain out the lemon peels. Keep in the freezer. Enjoy!

Note: I can find Everclear ( whole grain) at Bev and More in California.It is 75% alcohol which is 151 proof.
Cutting it in half with 2 cups of simple syrup, takes it to a 35% alcohol, you can add even more simple syrup to taste to lighten it up.
When the alcohol  level is high, it won’t freeze, but rather thickens and pours out icy.
If you can’t get everclear, you CAN use Vodka, will take longer to make and you don’t need as much simple syrup as the 100 proof vodka is already drinkable.

Comments

  1. Narde Banks says

    Dear Judy. I am writing to send my deepest sympathy at your Mom’s passing. I just discovered your blog. I found it while visiting Frank’s blog “Memories of Angelina”.
    I have lost all of my Italian family and being able to have these blogs makes me feel at home. My Grandmothers and Aunts taught me to cook and clean. I miss them so. I am glad I found your sight. Hugs fom America.

  2. Divina says

    Thanks for the note Narde.
    We are not Italian…. but I have been here since 1984– and my mom LOVED to come and visit!!!

  4. Tuula says

    So sorry to hear about your loss – my deepest sympathies and thanks for sharing this lovely recipe with us 🙂

  5. BruDowd says

    Judy,

    So sorry to hear about your mom. We have fond memories of chatting with her by phone when we struggled with booking hotels for our trip to Florence last fall — she was not only extremely helpful but quite a hoot to talk to! Keeping you in our thoughts!

    Melissa Bruno & Sean O’Dowd

  6. Ms. Bake-it says

    My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Limoncello always reminds me of my grandmother. She loved it and also made her own for family and friends.

    ~ Tracy

  7. Maurice says

    I am terribly sorry about your mom–what a tremendous loss.

    I also wanted to add a comment for your readers about making limoncello. It’s INCREDIBLY important to get the organic lemons. What the alcohol does is extract the wonderful lemon essence from the lemon zest. If the lemons have been exposed to pesticides, then the alcohol will extract those chemicals as well. Washing really isn’t sufficient.

    Wish I had my own tree. I’ll raise a glass tonight to your mom.

  8. Erina says

    I am sad to learn about your mom’s passing. It is so heartwarming how you are celebrating her life. Such an honor to her memory! I will raise a glass in her honor, too.

  12. Rose D., Frenchtown, NJ USA says

    What an absolutely wonderful way to honor La Contessa!! My thoughts and prayers go out to your and your family.

  17. FOODalogue says

    While I’m sorry to hear of your loss, I applaud you and your family for your decision to celebrate her life. What a lovely gesture!

  18. Mosaica says

    I’m very sorry to hear about your mom. Warm thoughts to you & your family, and a cincin with limoncello to the contessa.

  20. Katherine says

    I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. Please accept my condolences. Your family looks amazing & I am sure that your mother will forever be with you. Warm regards, Katherine

  21. Morgan Sykes Jaybush says

    Judy,

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Although I have not met you, I lived for one year in the apartment next door to your mom in Piazza del Pesce, about ten years ago. We spent a lot of time talking about delicious food in her kitchen every time she came to Florence for a visit. She was a great lady and a great neighbor and I was lucky enough to have been able to cross paths with her, if only for a short time. I will be making that limoncello recipe and will make a great toast to La Contessa!

    Morgan

  22. Unknown says

    I remember being at FLR waiting for our flight home, after spending part of an evening with you during our stay there. You also were at the airport to see your mother off. You were such a good daughter. We have your limoncello “pamphlet” and I’ll make up a batch.

    Best from Chris & Scot

  23. iserve pharmacy says

    awww as one of your many blog followers, I am so sorry to hear that, my deepest condolences and I am sure that your mom is in heaven looking at you making the most delicious dishes, hugs!