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Truffled Farro Salad-Chicchi

Ages ago on a trip down to Umbria, we stayed in a castle hotel run by locals that has restored the abandoned castle. We dined there one night. Chef Donatella Lauteri, the young wizard in the kitchen, shared this incredible recipe with me ,warm truffled farro (spelt) salad. She called it Chicchi, little kernals.      …

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Goat cheese crostini

Sometimes inspiration comes while I am shopping. We now have a local artisan “grocery” spot. Sort of like a pop-up. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; different organic artisans share a space to sell their products. Yesterday i was overwhelmed with choices. The Poggio di Camporbiano had incredible produce and GOAT CHEESE. We bought kale, potatoes, carrots,…

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chocolate truffles

Hot Italian Kisses | Truffles

  Probably one of Italy’s most famous chocolate candies is called Baci, meaning kisses. When I toured the Perugina factory in Perugia, they said that the original name was actually going to be cazzotti- meaning little fists or punches. Baci is a much nicer name for something so sweet. Italy has a history of adding hazelnuts…

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Judy Witts Francini

Originally from California; Tuscany has been my home since 1984. I found the city of Florence to hold all my passions, food, wine, art all in one place. When I am not in Tuscany, I am often found in Sicily, my other favorite place to be. Always searching for recipes to share and exploring for the guides I write to my favorite cities for food and wine.

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Visit Tuscany | Kitchenmate

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