Spring is finely taking hold here in Piemonte. I am always surprised at how just a few kilometers can make a difference in the hues of green we see as the winter world starts to recede. Three weeks ago, the forsythia bushes in Torino were already in full bloom while here they were still just … Continue reading Tajarin con le Ortiche (Stinging Nettle Tagliatelle)
Recipes
Too Much Pasta? Impossibile!
Buongiorno amici! It is time for a new recipe and a short video clip. I've been working a bit on my video skills, and while I'm certainly not a professional film maker yet, (ha-ha) the bar has been raised a tiny bit.
Vino Della Casa…House Wine
When we think of house wine in Italy, we are usually talking about what a restaurant serves when you ask for a basic red or white with your meal. It is an everyday wine, local to whatever region you live in and is never pretentious. It is often served in of a quarter, half or … Continue reading Vino Della Casa…House Wine
Tanti Auguri
It is hard to believe that Christmas is almost upon us. It has really snuck up on me this year. Almost ready with ready with the presents, I am worried that the one thing I ordered weeks ago, a Westbrook jersey for my baby, might not arrive in time. If it doesn’t arrive, it will … Continue reading Tanti Auguri
Tajarin a.k.a Tagliatelle
Everyone knows that pasta is a very important part of Italian cuisine and most people love it! I actually had a tour member complain one time that she was getting too much pasta; once, every other day. My Italian friends just shook their heads when they heard that...is that even possible? While we don't eat … Continue reading Tajarin a.k.a Tagliatelle
Italian Comfort Food
On a cold winter weekend there is nothing better than hanging out in the kitchen and whipping up some comfort food for lunch, especially if you've been working hard. We had an unexpectedly nice Saturday weather wise and took advantage of it by working in the yard. There was winter pruning to be done and … Continue reading Italian Comfort Food
Copete Piemontese
The holidays are fast approaching and I am doing my annual holiday baking. I make trays of goodies for my neighbors every year. Most of what I make are things you don't usually find here. Chocolate Chip cookies, pecan brandy chocolates, decorated sugar cookies and popcorn balls among other things...it depends on the year. I … Continue reading Copete Piemontese
Learning to Bake: Una Torta di Nocciole
My First Cake! It's time for a recipe! Just back from a week in Rome, and having been more on the road than off for a couple of months now, I miss cooking. Needless to say I am happy to have a week off to spend some time with my boys. At dinner on my first … Continue reading Learning to Bake: Una Torta di Nocciole
Dui purun Bagna’n’t l’oli
Dui purun Bagna’n’t l’oli. Don't try pronouncing this unless you were raised speaking the dialect in Piemonte. The Italian version is due peperoni bagnati nell'olio or two peppers bathed in oil. The Piedmontese love playing with this phrase as it is difficult for anyone outside of the region to pronounce. The Piedmontese dialect is actually considered … Continue reading Dui purun Bagna’n’t l’oli
Italian Fast Food…
There is slow food going on in my house today in preparation for fast food down the road. I am roasting, canning and freezing bell peppers...more on that another day. I was raised with the Slow Food Philosophy even if the organization didn't yet exist. The Slow Food international headquarters are located in Bra, Italy – … Continue reading Italian Fast Food…