Simple The essence of Italian cuisine is its simplicity. Although, it evolved through centuries of political and social changes, with roots dating back to the 4th century BC. Italian cuisine itself was influenced by the cuisine of ancient Greece, ancient Rome, Byzantine, Jewish and Arabic; Italian cuisine maintained its simplicity thru the centuries, always relaying […]
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Os pementos de Padrón, uns pican e outros non “Padrón peppers, some are hot, some are not” Years ago I completed the legendary Walk to Santiago de Compostela. I came back fit, with a lot of memories, a new view of everyday life, and a love for Padron Peppers, or pimentos padron. They are super […]
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Well-well! Some good news in this troublesome 2020 year. The distinguished Condé Nast Magazine is engaging the best chefs from Italy to bring the Italian culinary tradition to the highest Unesco recognition (#lacucinaitalianagoestounesco). They believe that “Italian cuisine” is an intangible heritage for humanity and should be part of the UNESCO world heritage. The initiative […]
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In these times of Post-Covid (not so sure it is really “post”), businesses need to reinvent themselves. Restaurants in particular, with their necessity to keep customers “socially distanced” can really be a challenge. Moreover, most fancy weddings, where canceled or postponed; see Princess Beatrice of England and her Italian beau, for example. Weddings cancellations was […]
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And now that the heat is here let’s talk about cold coffe. Not just one fancy SUMMERY COLD NESPRESSO, like the one I described sometime ago. But a really cool drink to refresh our hot summer days, true “pick-me-up” drinks indeed. Cold Coffee It shouldn’t be coffee that was just cooled down. Too often coffee […]
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For The Love of Sage I like to have a vase of it on my window sill, besides looking good, I love to cook with sage too, especially with the freshly picked sage smelling so good once on your kitchen countertop. Hint-Hint; To a friend of mine to keep a pot or two of fresh […]
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Pasta for Italians is a serious matter. Italy is the world leader both in production, with over 3.2 million tons, and in consumption (read eating), with the approximately 24 kg per ”Italian-head” per year. Each region, has its own recipe and each region has its favorite format among the over 300 shapes of pasta that […]
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Almond & Sage Now that sage blooms beautifully it’s compelling to consider some out of the ordinary ways to use this fragrant herb in the kitchen. Sage & Almond Pesto is just the thing, to solve those “what am I going to cook today?” moments. Actually, some time ago a friend invited me to dinner […]
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What’s best to do in these times of restrictions than a visit a winery for an afternoon of wine-tasting, immersed in green surroundings. We craved fresh air and sunshine, an invitation to visit a small winery in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, was a welcomed surprise. Paradiis Winery Paradiis Winery was founded at the end of […]
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Because I’ve been talking about herbs in the kitchen, I thought of proposing a Panna Cotta with a refreshing twist. Panna Cotta with Mint As my previous recipes: A REFRESHING PANNA COTTA; and PANNA COTTA WITH A HINT OF ROSES; this one is made just the same way, except to use the leaves of fresh mint (instead […]
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Tell her to find me an acre of land 🎶 Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Simon & Garfunkel: “Scarborough Fair“ Windowsill Herbs I always grow herbs on my windowsill, it is a very Italian thing to do. This year because of the Quarantine even more time was dedicated to the planting of herbs. It was […]
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Some Freedom at Last As restrictions are loosening–still with some limitations–the best way to enjoy the beautiful days of spring was to go for a bike ride. Alpe-Adria Cycle Path The Alpe Adria Cycle Path is a beautiful bike trail that starts in Austria, Salzburg to be precise, then onto the Austrian-Italian border and on […]
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