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…
Lunch at La Petraia with Michael Pollan
Entrance to La Petraia, cypress and fields of lavendar I was thrilled to be invited to one of the days of Michael Pollan‘s week-long program at La Petraia, an organic farm and B&B in Chianti. The trip was organized by Truffle Pig Travel and from the looks of the group that attended, it was the…
Oggi Sciopero-Italy strike against DDL Alfano- SPEAK OUT
It will be the first strike of bloggers ever.On July 14, 2009, Italian bloggers will muzzle themselves in the Web as wellas in Piazza Navona in Rome, at 7PM where they will meet to protest againstan Italian government bill (the Alfano decree) introducing a number of newrules which will limit the freedom of expression in…
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…
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…
June 24th- St John the Baptist- Florence’s Patron Saint
There is nothing like being in an Italian town when it is celebrating.Florence’s patron saint, John the Baptist, is celebrated June 24th. Here is a small taste of the parade! It is also when we make Nocino, with unripe green walnuts. So now that I am living in the countryside- I will gather my walnuts,…
Bite-size Meatloafs: Polpettine
In the 25 years I have been living in Italy, I have NEVER seen spaghetti and meatballs served anywhere. In Tuscany we have polpettine, small meatloaves, Polpettone being a meatloaf: the ini ending means small and one– big! Summer’s heat requires light foods and things which taste good at room temperature as well as cold….
Trapani and the West Coast Tour
Sometimes I have to travel for work, I know, it is tough living in Italy. We all make choices for the life we have. This is mine. I have always spent the small amount of money I have for travel- now I have a little more than when I was younger, but still am frugal….