Tag Archives: Italy
The Food Of Italy
This past October I went to Italy. I started in Venice and took a train from there to Rome. They’re both very beautiful, yet very different cities. Venice is much quieter and had an older crowd. Rome was crowded everywhere, and seemed to have ancient monuments around every corner. But both cities were filled with great Italian food!
The specialty drink in Venice is an Aperol Spritz. It’s served at most restaurants and bars there. Traditionally the drink is served before a meal to help with digestion, but you can order it at any time of day, with or without food. …
Cooking with Friends!
When I was in Italy, one of the most enjoyable parts of the day or evening was cooking lunch or dinner with friends. We would talk, cook and drink wine and then enjoy the meal. Many times my friend would cook for me and I would help a little. This was a new concept for me because generally when home, I am the one doing the cooking and someone else will help with the cleanup! Reality, it is not as much fun as cooking with family or friends!
My friend in Italy suggested I learn Italian. So upon my return for …
Home Cooking in Italy
For the time I was in Livorno,Italy I became very spoiled! My friend cooked for me lunch and dinner Tuscan style, fresh simple cooking from the freshest of ingredients. Cooking was quick, simple and delicious. Meals were simple, prepared simply with minimal use of pots and pans. I can take some lessons since when I cook the recipes have many ingredients and by the time I am done preparing the recipe my kitchen is a mess with dirty bowls, pots and pans!
A visit to the Mercato for meat and freshly pressed hamburgers made to order were on the menu often! …
The Vino!
My first full day in Livorno,Italy, my friend came back to his apartment to make lunch for us, It was on this day that bringing out the wine for both lunch and dinner, having wonderful conversations was a part of my brief but everyday Italian life!
After the first lunch I thought for sure I would need a siesta every afternoon but it is amazing how quickly I got adjusted to having wine with every meal! I have always loved Italian wine and in Italy the wine does taste better!
Being in Tuscany, I would expect nothing less than wonderful wine! Where …
Mercato Centrale in Livorno, Italy
A trip to Livorno must include a visit to the Mercato Centrale. For foodies and food lovers this is the place to go! The Mercato is massive where you can find everything you would ever need from household items, dog food, seafood, meats, cheeses, breads, wine, fresh fruits and vegetables and anything else you can imagine! Everything was the freshest you could get!
Cruise ships even give tours to their passengers of the Mercato as I would see them often on their tour. But outside the Mercato there are still more vendors selling everything from buttons to boots and even more …
My Visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
I was having such a wonderful time in Livorno, walking around the city having my own little routine when my friend said I have to take you to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and we are going this afternoon!
There was a part of me that just wanted to stay in Livorno. I was quite comfortable and did not care to play tourist! What a mistake it would have been for me not to go to Pisa to see the Piazza dei Miracoli home of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo and the Baptistry. It is truly …
Livorno, Italy
As a port city and gateway to Tuscany even in early November cruise ships were still visiting the city of Livorno. Ferries operate daily to Corsica and twice a week you can even take a 19 hour crossing to Palermo if you want! The marina is filled with luxury yachts and sailboats any of which I would be happy to call my own!
For those arriving by cruise ship, most probably visit Pisa and take the 90 minute trip to visit Florence. After spending two weeks in Livorno, I hope they get to enjoy the Livorno that I got to know, …
Welcome to Livorno
So how did I get to Livorno? It took many years and reuniting with friends from long ago on Facebook that started my journey. When a friend said come to Livorno in time I eventually said yes. What did I have to lose? I planned my trip six months before and used my frequent flyer miles for the journey. Have you ever noticed that planning and anticipating a trip is a very special part of the trip? The anticipation lasts longer than the trip. The trip quickly flies by!
I decided if I was going all this way to Italy, going …
Castagnaccio- A Chestnut Flour Cake!
My recent trip to Livorno, Italy- a part of Tuscany on the clear Mediterranean Sea was filled with seeing friends, eating, cooking and of course lots of talking!
One of the most special times and there were many special times during my trip to Italy was on the last evening of my trip; my friend made a secret family dessert for me, showed me how to make it and shared the family recipe with me. This is not a recipe that they make often and there is competition in the family on who truly makes the best Castagnaccio. I don’t have …
