Probably one of the BEST recipes I have learned and taught in Tuscany are my Tuscan Herbs. Every butcher has his own blend, which is used on the fabulous prepared meats, ready to cook, which are sold in the markets here. The base is a simple trinity of rosemary, sage and garlic, finely chopped with…
Sunday Lasagna
Sunday lunch in Italy often involves recipes requiring long slow cooking and are long slowly consumed meals as well. Life seems to shut down on Sunday and Italians relax and enjoy. Until recently, there was nothing you could do on Sunday except eat! Shops were closed and everyone had the day off except restaurants. Excursions…
WanderFood Wednesday- Creamless Carbonara
This is one of my favorite Italian comfort foods and probably the most misinterpreted. There is no cream in Carbonara sauce. The creaminess is a magical effect, created by stirring the grated cheese into the egg yolks ( I like just yolks instead of whole eggs) and a good dose of black pepper and then…
Fall Foods – When Tuscany Shines
Everyday I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am. Tuscany is really at its best in fall. Not only is the scenery fabulous, incredible light, but the food and wine is really my favorite in fall. Panzano in Chianti half-way between Florence and Siena on the 222 This past week on our Chianti Experience…
My Market Days- Sharing My Friends
I have always adored traveling in September. In Tuscany it is when all my favorite food festivals begin, which is why I love week-long programs starting now all through November. This week we started with our first dinner at the Porcini Mushroom dinner run by the city swim team as a fund-raiser, not bad, why…
Celebrating the Season- Summer Soltice
A sure sign summer has arrived is the appearance of sun-ripened tomatoes to make Pomarola, simple tomato sauce. To celebrate, yesterday I picked up my first kilo of Fiorentini, a local heirloom tomato for sauce. The best flavor and consistency for sauce comes from these kind of tomatoes. One does not make sauce from salad…
Great Memories- San Gimignano
I Latini’s new Piatto di Buon Ricordo ( note: no longer available) I have been a fan and collector of the Piatti di Buon Ricordo since I moved here in 1984. To me, it is the way to visit Italy. Like a secret society, knocking on a door and saying ” Buon Ricordo“, the restaurant…
Simply Divina- Polenta Gnocchi
Sometimes eating fabulous meals can take 10 minutes and give immense pleasure. I made a Tuscan Ragu, which we call sugo, the other night. I let it pippare, slowly simmer, while I watched TV, worked on the computer and talked with my hubby. One should always have ragu in the freezer for quick meals or…