It began with Saint Francis, who reenacted the birth of Christ with live animals in 1223. Actors were added and later, “presepi” (means ‘crib’) were set up throughout Italy, but with pomp and circumstance. In the 1470’s sculptor Alamanno was commissioned to create 42 painted and gilded sculptures for a private Neapolitan chapel. The nativity… Continue reading Nativity Scenes that take a Village
Category: Travel -Culture -People- Destination
Food of the Etruscans?
MULTI GRAIN FIG/WALNUT/ROSEMARY FOCACCIA Italy Magazine’s article about the multi grain pizza led me to their recipe for fig and honey focaccia. I’m a focaccia foodie and have made it every which way in past years to sell locally as a caterer. Now I hear it was invented by the Etruscans??! My other haunting research… Continue reading Food of the Etruscans?
When does dinner require no table?
a quick peek at ………..a meal in ancient Rome…………… Did early Romans and those party-loving Etruscans ever wonder if they would run out of pasta, fish or wine? ( We are still in B.C. mode here.) Plutarch was a Greek-born writer, later a citizen of Rome who spoke and wrote freely about Italy’s food-centric exploits.… Continue reading When does dinner require no table?
Pizza, Pizza, and more Pizza…even multi-grain
From: Italy Magazine Everything Italy. Authentically Italian. https://www.italymagazine.com/recipe/homemade-ancient-grain-pizza go and get this great recipe from a great magazine! I was in a quandary since we are headed for Naples, the birthplace of the “magic Italian Pie”. Where is the best one going to be located for us to try? Italy Magazine synchronistically came up with… Continue reading Pizza, Pizza, and more Pizza…even multi-grain
The Big Cheese
(in humble tribute to the 6 million sheep of Sardinia and the rest of Italy, rarely attributed their due) Pecorino Romano, referenced in many Italian recipes, but equally hard to find around my town, is that miracle of ewe’s milk that in Roman times reputedly surpassed cow’s milk because it was thought to “help the… Continue reading The Big Cheese
EATING, SOUTHERN ITALY STYLE
….uh-oh, a brand new blog may be necessary! With the trip to Southern Italy dawning closer as a “first adventure”, I thought to consult Fred Plotkin’s “Italy for the Gourmet Traveler”, a voluminous knowledge base. Mine resides more to the north. Thankfully, my traveling companion likes to eat good food and wine and even asked… Continue reading EATING, SOUTHERN ITALY STYLE
Me? Cook Sicilian?
Anyone who knows my passion to cook, especially Italian dishes, knows also of my heritage from Tuscany. You can’t get more Italian than having had a mother from Elba and a father from Lucca who became a noted restaurant chef during California’s heyday in San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s one of the good things… Continue reading Me? Cook Sicilian?
WHY THE BLANK BLOG?
Blank so Long……. Over the past several months, I have yet to post in my blog any relevant words. The reason for this is that I have been embroiled in preparation for what might become my last trip to my fatherland. First I had to celebrate a birthday that so clearly defined me a senior… Continue reading WHY THE BLANK BLOG?
Easter Bread Legends
SPRINGTIME BRINGS SWEET TOOTH SAVY Like so many things in Italy, bread and cakes come by many names, especially if it is a holiday and then, it depends on what kind of holiday or occasion it might be. Of course the names and kinds of bread and cakes come with their own legends, traditions, cautions,… Continue reading Easter Bread Legends
ALL SOULS DAY…What the rest of the world does or you can make cookies*
Did de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), aka All Saints Day, All Souls Day is celebrated throughout the world, especially in Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and is associated with American Halloween. Here are some highlights: Oct. 31-Nov. 2; traditional Aztec dancers, parades with costumed figures, regional Mexican music, and other Mexican artisans celebrate… Continue reading ALL SOULS DAY…What the rest of the world does or you can make cookies*
Travels About Town 