Everybody Loves Tuscany

Prosecco Sangria Here’s a refreshing drink perfect for summer! 750ml Prosecco 8 oz. (240ml) Vodka 4 oz. (120ml) Limoncello Splash Simple Syrup Lemon Slices Lime Slices Orange Slices Raspberries PREPARATION 1. Add fruits to base of pitcher and add a splash of simple syrup. 2. Pour vodka and limoncello on top. 3. Top with prosecco […]

Spaghetti CARBONARA Cream or No cream? There are many debates over the ingredients of authentic Spaghetti Carbonara.  Here is a step by step recipe without cream made by Marco Bites.  He’s quite entertaining and this is a great recipe. You may have seen his famous video 20 rules Italian never break, if not, you can […]

Hand Gestures We’ve all seen videos on Italian hand gestures, but I thought this video added a few new ones. This video by Vincenzo’s Plate is also entertaining and gives a good explanation for each gesture and how facial expressions come into play. Hand gestures in this video include, I’m hungry, I’m full, What do […]

Creamy Clams and Mussels Here’s a great recipe that is easy to make and will be a crowd pleaser! Ingredients 8 cloves garlic, smashed 2 shallots, thinly sliced 1 pound fresh clams, rinsed and cleaned 1 pound fresh mussels, beards removed, rinsed and cleaned 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup white wine 1 cup cream 1 […]

Matera Matera has been named 2019’s European Capital of Culture.  Matera is located in southern Italy in the region of Basilicata. The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera will be hosting a number of extraordinary events to celebrate being the capital of culture for 2019. […]

THREE CHEESE WALNUT PASTA 12 ounces dried spaghetti 1 tablespoon butter 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 cups heavy cream 3 ounces white Cheddar cheese, grated 3 ounces Fontina cheese, grated 3 ounces Parmesan, grated 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped ¼ cup parsley, chopped Salt and pepper Cook the spaghetti in a pot of salted boiling […]

Ribollita Ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable soup, is a popular Tuscan dish served in many restaurants. There are many variations to this soup but commonly, it consists of bread, kale, cannelloni beans, potatoes, carrots, and onions.  It is best served reheated the day after being made. Here’s a video by the pasta grannies making […]

Crab and Prosecco Linguine Here’s an easy and delicious recipe for crab and prosecco linguine.  What’s even better is that this video shows it being made in beautiful Venice.  Enjoy!  Video courtesy of itv Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life – Anna Akhmatova

Handmade Egg Pasta Here’s a handmade egg pasta recipe and a video which shows how to shape it 9 ways. Ingredients 500 grams  00 Flour (Italian) or All-Purpose Flour 5 Eggs (large, room temperature) Mixing and Kneading the Egg Pasta Dough: Weigh 500 grams of 00 Flour and place onto the wooden board or work […]

Halloween Vocabulary Halloween in Italy is not traditionally celebrated as in the United States. Italy celebrates All Saints’ Day which is a public holiday on November 1st.  In recent years, the Halloween custom has been acquired by Italy wherein children dress in costumes.  Also, many business display halloween related decorations and treats such Halloween related […]