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…
Italian way to cool down
caffe shakerato, I asked for milk in mine When the temps rise here in Italy, the land that frowns on air-conditioning…. there are several ways to beat the heat. One of course is to get thee to a gelato shop NOW! There is one in almost every neighborhood, I suggest ordering the smallest size and…
Let me be your Italian Mamma!
When I first came to Florence in 1984, I never thought it would be home. But 25 years later here I am. I first began teaching cooking to Syracuse University students here are on a study abroad program in 1988. The first book was a collection of the 4 dinners we prepared during the 4…
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…
Edible Florence- Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
There are few things certain in life; Florence is one of the best cities of art in the world and that Sergio’s is a favorite in the San Lorenzo Market. Often hard to find, both because of location and name, half of us say we are going to Sergio’s the other half say Gozzi’s!…
Florence – Wine Bars- Casa del Vino
wines by the glass- price on bottle One of my regular places for a light lunch or snack is Gianni Migliorini’s Casa del Vino. Located behind the open air market onVia dell’Ariento. It is a place where, if you can get it,you eat and drink elbow to elbow with the locals and if you…
Nocino- Nocillo
A local liquor, made both in Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and in Campagna with unripe walnuts, picked on June 24th,St John the Baptist’s day. He is the patron Saint of Florence and during the old pagan calender June 24th was the summer soltice! The walnuts are picked before they form the shell on the inside so…
TASTE- Florence 2008
Every year in Florence, we have an incredible food show called TASTE, wonderful food show of the best products, and events all over town. If you are here, it is worth going to. Davide Paolini, Gastronaut, is the mind behind TASTE. Products are selected to be presented and it is a very excellent selection of…