September 1984- the month my life changed I wanted to title this blog post I HATE AUGUST- but decided to look on the bright side! In Italy, if anything can go wrong it will in August, when everyone one is on vacation and nothing gets done. I had paperwork in process with the Italian government…
Market Inspired Recipe- Tigelle
Often when I say I am market inspired to cook something, I am referring to the fresh fruit and vegetable markets held weekly in local towns or the Central Market in Florence where I conduct my walking tours. But there are other markets that inspire me- the first Sunday of the month in Panzano is…
Summer’s Simple Pleasures-
There are some recipes that mark the seasons, probably one of my favorites is Pane al Pomodoro. A really ripe tomato, still warm from the sun A loaf of Tuscan bread, baked in a woodburning oven, saltless and “ignorante” as they say here The BEST extra virgin olive oil Sea Salt, I usually use my…
Ode to the Eggplant- Melanzane al Cioccolato
The poor eggplant, melanzane in Italian; from mela–non sana, “not healthy apple”. The eggplant, like the potatoes, bell peppers and chili peppers are edible nightshade vegetables. When these foods were first introduced into the Italian diet, the first reaction was that they were not good for you and were often planted for their flowers in…
Saltimbocca- Griddle Bread from Naples
When I found fresh broccili rape,called friarelli in naples, at the weekly market in Certaldo on Saturday, I had to buy it. Fresh from the farm, so filled with flavor. Most people who don’t even like greens, love the twice-cooked technique used in Italy, even kids! Today I added raisins and toasted pinenuts. Then I…
My favorite side dish!
When you are planning your BBQ for the 4th of July or the next summer party, try making these sweet and sour onions as a side dish and stand back and receive the compliments! Tiny pearl onions are cooked in an infusion of water with sugar and vinegar. I like to add a little chili…
Easing into 2009
Today is the last of the holiday season holidays in Italy. We have Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Santo Stefano is the 26th which is also a holiday. These create long weekends, letting everyone sneak off for some skiing or just sightseeing locally. There is just enough time to get hungry again after the Christmas food…
Tengo Cuore Napolitano- My heart is from Naples
Buon Natale from Ischia, off the coast of Naples Each time I go to Naples, my love for the city grows. Perhaps it is the air. Located on the sea, it is a port town like San Francisco. I get teary when I take a deep breathe. Maybe Vesuvius, the live volcano, giving off energy…