Everybody Loves Tuscany

Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life is a famous quote by Anna Kortovova. Yes, it is true… but is moving to Italy right for you? Now, after 4 years of living in Italy, here’s my take on important ups and downs I’ve encountered to keep it real. First, […]

Italian Lentil Soup Italian Lentil soup is a great dish at any time but during New Year’s celebration, lentils or lenticchie in Italian are served.  Lentils are thought to bring good luck and prosperity so it is an Italian custom to eat lentils at New Year’s. Here’s a lentil soup with sausage recipe that is […]

Summer Pasta Recipes Here are 4 quick and easy summer pasta recipes.   These recipes are light and perfect for a summer night.  Enjoy!  Video from youtube courtesy of Vincenzo’s Plate “Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” –Anna Akhmatova  

Arno River Boat Ride A boat ride along the Arno is truly an amazing experience and I recommend it to anyone visiting Florence.  Reservations are required and boat rides are usually available from April to October. The actual boat ride lasts about 45 minutes and offers amazing views of the Ponte Vecchio and more which […]

Italian Pistachio-Orange Biscotti INGREDIENTS: YIELD: about 30 cookies                  4 eggs 3/4 cup (150 gr) of sugar 4 oz (115 gr) of unsalted butter 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract zest of 1 orange 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2⅔ cups (400 gr) of all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons of baking […]

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT ITALIAN CULTURE? There are many things that can describe the Italian culture.  It is commonly associated with family, food, wine, art and much more.  Here’s a quick video celebrating the Italian culture.  Video from youtube

Tourist Traps in Italy  Flickr: Daniel Pietzsch Tourist traps are all over Italy and we have all been a victim of it at some point while dining in Italy.  Price deals, panoramic views and charming waiters looking to lure tourists into a restaurant all play into the mistake that can be easily avoided so you […]

Officina della Bistecca Where’s the beef?  Certainly you will find an abundance of it at Dario Cecchini’s restaurant, Officinia della Bistecca, located in Panzano in Chianti.  It is definitely a meat lover’s paradise for those with a hardy appetite.  Get ready to enjoy 5 courses of beef while being entertained by the staff and Dario […]

Semifreddo alla Nutella Ingredients for 5 1 cup of fresh cream 6 1/2 tablespoons of  Nutella 5 Digestive Biscuits milk hazelnut crumbs (to garnish) Preparation  Mix the cream until firm and add the Nutella.  Pour into small pie shells.  Dip the biscuits in milk and place one on top of each semifreddo.  Freeze for 4-6 […]

Sartu di Riso   Photo courtesy of Elaine Burgos Squadrito Sartu di Riso Ingredients Ingredients 1 pound Arborio rice (2 1/3 cups) 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 dried bay leaf 3 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 8 ounces sweet […]