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italian cooking magazines guide
I Love Italian Wine And Food - Reviewing The Reds By Levi Reiss I recently finished a wine tour of Italy’s twenty administrative regions, briefly describing each region prior to tasting a representative wine with food, and at least one imported Italian cheese. I enjoyed this experience so much that I plan to repeat it, but only after doing something similar for France and perhaps a few other countries. I am happy enough with Italian wine to continue to drink it for the rest of my days, but there are other wine-producing countries out there, and other wines to drink. I am going to give you a bit of a report on the red wines I encountered on this wine tour, but only after a quick summary of Italian red wines, as if such an endeavor was possible. Look for a similar article on Italian white wines.
You wouldn’t be alone if you immediately think red when the subject of Italian wine is raised. In spite of extreme variations in climate, soil, elevation, and other geographical conditions, every single one of Italy’s twenty regions produces red wine. The percentage varies widely from 91 % in the southern region of Calabria to 16% in the central region of Latium.
The reality of wine is more complex than first meets the eye. Who would have thought that Sicily, a southern Italian region if ever there was one, produces almost as much white wine as red wine? Considering that Sicily holds first place for Italian wine production that’s a lot of white wine. In fact, Sicily’s annual white wine production is greater than the total wine production of all but five Italian regions. But this article is about Italian red wines, not Italian white wines.
In chronological order we tasted a red wine from the southern region of Calabria, the central region of Latium, the northern region of Piedmont, the southern region of Sardinia, the central region of Abbruzzi, the northern region of Lombardy, our only rosé wine from the southern region of Apulia, the northern region of Trentino-Alto
Adige, the central region of Tuscany, two Vino Novellos (new wines) one from the northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige and the other from the northern region of Veneto, the southern region of Sicily, the central region of The Marche, the southern region of Bascilicata, and finally the northern region of Piedmont while describing its neighboring region of the Aosta Valley. I was unable to find a wine from the Aosta Valley. I am in the process of tasting a Riserva (longer-aged) version of this last wine, and will write an article when I have finished it.
These sixteen wines varied in classification from basically unclassified table wines to IGT, DOC, and DOCG. In short, all Italian wine classifications were represented. IGT stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica, which may be translated as Typical Geographic Indication, in other words a wine that typifies its specific location. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin. DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Guarantita, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin.
The wines varied in price from $8 to $38 but only three bottles cost more than $21. Their alcohol content varied from 11.5% to 15% but only one bottle exceeded 13.5%. The vintages varied from 1999 to 2006, with slightly more than half in the range 2002 to 2004. The grapes used varied widely, including both international and strictly Italian varieties. Some wines included multiple grape varieties, while others did not. And now for the question that you’ve been waiting for, what about the quality, and in particular the quality as a function of price? That too varied widely, there were both positive and negative surprises. We overpaid and there were definitely some bargains. Which was which? Read the articles. Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is www.theworldwidewine.com . 
Here are some more italy articles...
Create A Perfect Gift With Italian Charms
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When planning a trip to Italy, you should pay close attention to planning your stays in the various hotels across the country. There are many things to consider, and the actual hotels you stay Read more...
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Five Tips From An Italian On A Mediterranean Diet
By Constance Weygandt, Thu Dec 8th
Growing up Italian, I marveled at the women and men, in myfamily, who cooked. Not only were they wonderful chefs but had anatural talent for balancing food groups. There was an emphasison fresh Read more...
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Cleaning Trajan's Forum - Italy Travel Photo of the Week
<p><a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Travel-Weekly-Photos/Rome-Trajan-s-Forum.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/goitaly/1/0/Z/N/-/-/rome-trajans-forum-ww.jpg" title="trajans forum photo" border="0" alt="italy travel photo of the week" width="300" height="414" ></a></p>
<p>Cleaning Trajan's Forum in Rome © 2010 by Martha Bakerjian</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Travel-Weekly-Photos/">2010 Italy Travel Photos of the Week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Photos-of-the-Week/">2009 Italy Travel Photos of the Week</a></li>
</ul>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/10/trajans-forum-rome-photo.htm">Cleaning Trajan's Forum - Italy Travel Photo of the Week</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 21:51:51.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/10/trajans-forum-rome-photo.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/10/trajans-forum-rome-photo.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/10/trajans-forum-rome-photo.htm&zItl=Cleaning Trajan's Forum - Italy Travel Photo of the Week">Email this</a></p>
Tuscany Photos
<p><a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/tuscanypictures/ig/Tuscany-Photos/"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/goitaly/1/0/S/G/-/-/pitigliano-blog.jpg" alt="pitigliano picture" width="116" height="170" border="0" hspace="5" align="right"></a>Tuscany, one of Italy's most popular travel destinations, is a picturesque region dotted with evocative medieval hill towns that have ancient walls and towers and lively squares where you can sit at an outdoor cafe for a coffee or glass of wine. Take an armchair photo tour of Tuscany's hill towns, from popular towns like Cortona and Siena to less visited choices, with our <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/tuscanypictures/ig/Tuscany-Photos/"><strong>Tuscany Photos</strong></a>.</p>
<p><strong>Tuscany</strong>: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/tuscany/tp/toptuscany.htm">Top Places to Go in Tuscany</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/tuscany/tp/tuscanybooks.htm">Tuscany Travelogues</a></p>
<p><small>Pitigliano Photo © 2009 by Martha Bakerjian</small></a></p>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/09/tuscany-photos.htm">Tuscany Photos</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 11:27:34.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/09/tuscany-photos.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/09/tuscany-photos.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/09/tuscany-photos.htm&zItl=Tuscany Photos">Email this</a></p>
Spring Is On The Way in Italy
<p><a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/whentogotoitaly/a/spring.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/goitaly/1/0/X/N/-/-/spring-flowers-blog.jpg" alt="puglia flowers picture" width="116" height="170" border="0" hspace="5" align="left"></a>Warmer weather has made its way into many parts of Italy and it's starting to look like spring is on its way. We have a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-goitaly&tid=1769">forum post</a> with spring photos from <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.duepadroni.it/UK-bed-and-breakfast-italy/UK-bed-breakfast-italy.html">Villa I Due Padroni B&B</a>. I added links to a couple of my spring favorites, too. Drop by the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-goitaly&tid=1769">forum</a> to talk about spring in Italy, check out the photos or post your own photo of spring in Italy.</p>
<p><strong>Spring Travel</strong>: <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/whentogotoitaly/a/spring.htm"><strong>Why Visit Italy in Spring?</strong></a></p>
<p><small>Photo of Spring flowers in Puglia © 2010 by Martha Bakerjian</small></p>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/07/italy-in-spring.htm">Spring Is On The Way in Italy</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 13:46:42.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/07/italy-in-spring.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/07/italy-in-spring.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/07/italy-in-spring.htm&zItl=Spring Is On The Way in Italy">Email this</a></p>
Rialto Special Events in the Heart of Venice
<p>Rialto Bridge and Market area, in the center of Venice, is holding a series of special events to introduce <em>Rialto Cuore della Citta'</em>, or heart of the city. <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.rialtovenezia.com/eventi">Events</a> (listed in Italian) start March 6 and run through April 10. Look for special markets displays, theater, and music on Fridays and Saturdays and <em>Women in Jazz</em> performances on Thursday evenings at 6:30. </p>
<p><a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/venicepictures/ig/Rialto-Bridge-Pictures/"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/goitaly/1/6/N/J/-/-/venice-rialto.jpg" alt="rialto bridge picture" width="119" height="118" border="0" hspace="5" align="right"></a>The Rialto Bridge is one of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/veniceitaly/tp/venice-free.htm">Venice's top free tourist sites</a> and you'll easily find it by following signs put up in many parts of Venice. But not so many tourists visit the spectacular Rialto fish market, held weekday mornings for about the last 1000 years. Arrive early to see fresh fish being unloaded from the boats. Nearby is <em>San Giacometto</em>, probably Venice's first church, founded in 471 and rebuilt in 1071, about the same time the Rialto Market was built. You'll find several good, inexpensive places to eat near the market, too. See our <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/veniceitaly/tp/sestiere_map.htm">Venice Neighborhoods Map</a> for location.</p>
<p><a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/venicepictures/ig/Rialto-Bridge-Pictures/"><strong>Rialto Bridge and Market Pictures</strong></a></p>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/05/rialto-heart-of-venice.htm">Rialto Special Events in the Heart of Venice </a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 18:10:53.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/05/rialto-heart-of-venice.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/05/rialto-heart-of-venice.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/05/rialto-heart-of-venice.htm&zItl=Rialto Special Events in the Heart of Venice ">Email this</a></p>
Free Museum Days in Italy
<p>For the <em>Festa della Donna</em>, Women's Day Festival, Italian national museums and archeological sites will offer free admission for women March 6 and 7, 2010. Here's the list of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.beniculturali.it/mibac/opencms/MiBAC/sito-MiBAC/Contenuti/MibacUnif/Eventi/visualizza_asset.html?id=65965&pagename=129">participating museums and sites</a> (in Italian).</p>
<p>2010 <em>Settimana della Cultura</em>, Week of Culture, is April 16 through 25. National museums and archeological sites have free admission and some have special events and guided tours. Sites not normally open to the public are sometimes opened during this week, too. Watch for updates on the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.beniculturali.it/mibac/opencms/MiBAC/sito-MiBAC/Contenuti/MibacUnif/Eventi/visualizza_asset.html?id=65951&pagename=52">Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities</a> site (in Italian).</p>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/04/free-museum-days-in-italy.htm">Free Museum Days in Italy</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 13:21:24.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/04/free-museum-days-in-italy.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/04/free-museum-days-in-italy.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/04/free-museum-days-in-italy.htm&zItl=Free Museum Days in Italy">Email this</a></p>
San Gimignano View - Italy Travel Photo of the Week
<p><a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Travel-Weekly-Photos/San-Gimignano-View.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/goitaly/1/0/N/N/-/-/san-gimignano-garden-ww.jpg" title="san gimignano photo" border="0" alt="italy travel photo of the week" width="300" height="404" ></a></p>
<p>View of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/sangimignano/p/sangimignano.htm">San Gimignano</a> from the fortress gardens. </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Travel-Weekly-Photos/">2010 Italy Travel Photos of the Week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Photos-of-the-Week/">2009 Italy Travel Photos of the Week</a></li>
</ul>
<p><small>San Gimignano Photo © 2010 by Martha Bakerjian</small></p>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/03/san-gimignano-view-italy-travel-photo-of-the-week.htm">San Gimignano View - Italy Travel Photo of the Week</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 21:27:49.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/03/san-gimignano-view-italy-travel-photo-of-the-week.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/03/san-gimignano-view-italy-travel-photo-of-the-week.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/03/san-gimignano-view-italy-travel-photo-of-the-week.htm&zItl=San Gimignano View - Italy Travel Photo of the Week">Email this</a></p>
Italy Travel Tips from Italy Blogs
<p>Last week I asked readers to submit their Italy blogs. On the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/u/sty/blogs/italy-blogs/form.htm">submission form</a> there's a place for travel tips so even if you don't want to read all the blogs, it's worth taking a look at the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/u/sty/blogs/italy-blogs/">blog submissions</a> to read the great tips about traveling in Italy. Here are a few examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>From <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/u/sty/blogs/italy-blogs/Bleeding-Espresso---Calabria.htm">Bleeding Espresso</a>: "Be open-minded and relaxed. Things are probably not going to go exactly as you had planned, and you'll be much happier if you embrace that instead of stressing about it." </li>
<li>From <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/u/sty/blogs/italy-blogs/Cooking-and-Touring-in-Central-Italy.htm">Cooking and Touring in Central Italy</a>: "Don't rush your trip and try to see too much. The fondest memories you will have of your trip will not be of the landmarks you see, but the seemingly insignificant moments in between."</li>
<li>From <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/u/sty/blogs/italy-blogs/Becoming-Italian-Word-by-Word.htm">Becoming Italian Word by Word</a>: "Learn a little Italian--if only basics like please and thank you (per favore e grazie). Yes, many Italians understand and speak English, but they'll relate to you on a whole other level in Italian."</li>
<li>From <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/u/sty/blogs/italy-blogs/Bella-Baita-View---Piedmont-and-Italian-Food.htm">Bella Baita View</a>: "Monday is a good travel day or walking day as most museums and stores are closed on Mondays."</li>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/02/italy-travel-tips-from-italy-blogs.htm">Italy Travel Tips from Italy Blogs</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 19:04:29.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/02/italy-travel-tips-from-italy-blogs.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/02/italy-travel-tips-from-italy-blogs.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/03/02/italy-travel-tips-from-italy-blogs.htm&zItl=Italy Travel Tips from Italy Blogs">Email this</a></p>
Bluegrass in Genoa, Italy
<p>Did you know that there's bluegrass music in Italy? I know Italy has festivals for many different types of music but I never thought of bluegrass. Last night we had dinner with friends who are on their way to language school in <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2008/10/24/a-day-in-chiavari.htm">Chiavari</a> and to the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.redwinemusic.net/jmla/index.php?lang=english">Red Wine Bluegrass party</a> in Genoa, March 19-20. <em>Red Wine</em> played at last year's bluegrass festival in San Francisco. Laurie Lewis, a top bluegrass musician from the US, will be a headliner.</p>
<p>Genoa, Italy's principal seaport, is a good city to visit these days. In addition to interesting festivals like this one, Genoa has a historic center said to be the largest medieval quarter in Europe and a nice port area with an interesting aquarium. Genoa makes a good base for visiting nearby <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/liguria/ss/italian_riviera.htm">Italian Riviera</a> villages.</p>
<p><strong>Genoa for Visitors</strong>: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/genoahotels/tp/genoa-top-hotels.htm">Where to Stay in Genoa</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/genoa/a/genoa.htm">Genoa Travel Guide</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/genoa/ig/Genoa-Picture-Gallery/">Genoa Pictures</a></p>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/27/genoa-italy-bluegrass.htm">Bluegrass in Genoa, Italy</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at 11:30:13.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/27/genoa-italy-bluegrass.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/27/genoa-italy-bluegrass.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/27/genoa-italy-bluegrass.htm&zItl=Bluegrass in Genoa, Italy">Email this</a></p>
A Hotel, a Restaurant, and Supporting an Artisan in Florence
<p>As one of three Italy travel tips on her <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://becomingitalianwordbyword.typepad.com/becomingitalian/2010/01/bonus-blog-travel-secrets.html">Bonus Blog: Italian Travel Secrets</a>, <em>Dianne Hales</em> recommends staying at Palazzo Magnani Feroni in Florence (<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.venere.com/accommodation/florence/accommodation-palazzo-magnani-feroni/?ref=640468">book direct</a>).</p>
<p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.operaetgusto.com/en/">Opera et Gusto</a> is an interesting sounding restaurant with dinner show in Florence. Currently they offer entertainment and dinner Tuesdays through Sundays, with some of the special shows having a fixed menu. </p>
<p>Context's <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2009/07/20/florence-artisan-walk-supports-sustainable-travel.htm">Foundation for Sustainable Travel</a> has awarded their second artisanal apprenticeship to Elia Rizzo, a student of jewelry design. Elia will take an advanced etching course at Florence's <em>Le Arti Orafe</em>, a technical institution dedicated to jewelry, followed by an apprenticeship at a local jewelry studio, <em>Antica Bottega</em>. You can visit artisan workshops in Florence on Context Travel's <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2009/11/03/artisan-traditions-of-florence.htm/">Artisan Traditions of Florence</a> walk. </p>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/26/florence-hotel-restaurant-artisan.htm">A Hotel, a Restaurant, and Supporting an Artisan in Florence</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 12:23:29.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/26/florence-hotel-restaurant-artisan.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/26/florence-hotel-restaurant-artisan.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/26/florence-hotel-restaurant-artisan.htm&zItl=A Hotel, a Restaurant, and Supporting an Artisan in Florence">Email this</a></p>
Sardinian Traditions - Italy Travel Photo of the Week
<p><a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Travel-Weekly-Photos/Sardinia-Traditional-Items.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/goitaly/1/0/J/N/-/-/sardinian-ww.jpg" title="pitigliano photo" border="0" alt="italy travel photo of the week" width="300" height="234" /></a></p>
<p>Traditional Sardinian items on display at <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goeurope.about.com/library/bl_hotel_gologone.htm">Su Gologone</a> on the island of Sardinia - one of my favorite restaurants and hotels.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/sardinia/ig/Sardinia-Pictures/">Sardinia Pictures</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Travel-Weekly-Photos/">2010 Italy Travel Photos of the Week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/od/italypictures/ig/Italy-Photos-of-the-Week/">2009 Italy Travel Photos of the Week</a></li>
</ul>
<p><small> Sardinia Photo © 2010 by Martha Bakerjian</small></p>
<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/24/sardinian-traditional-display-photo.htm">Sardinian Traditions - Italy Travel Photo of the Week</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/">About.com Italy Travel</a> on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 12:52:34.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/24/sardinian-traditional-display-photo.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/24/sardinian-traditional-display-photo.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://goitaly.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://goitaly.about.com/b/2010/02/24/sardinian-traditional-display-photo.htm&zItl=Sardinian Traditions - Italy Travel Photo of the Week">Email this</a></p>
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Almost Wordless Wednesday: Risotto al Tastasal
<A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/meatyrisotti/r/blr1041.htm"><IMG SRC="http://z.about.com/d/italianfood/1/0/J/9/1/risttotastasalww.jpg" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=393 WIDTH=298 ALT="Risotto al Tastasal in a Cheese Wheel"></A><BR><BR>
The concepts of Risotto and Cheese go hand-in-hand, and if you are organizing a party or dinner for a significant number of people, one of the nicest ways to serve a risotto is in a hollowed out wheel of cheese. In this case Monte Veronese, a mild slightly nutty cows' milk cheese made in the mountains above Verona, and the risotto is risotto al tastasal, a risotto traditionally made in the Veneto during the salami-making season (before filling the casings), to judge if the <em>impasto,</em> or filling of the salami is is properly seasoned. The heat of the risotto melts a little of the cheese, and makes it even tastier!<BR><BR>
If you click on the photo you'll be taken to the risotto al tastasal recipe (you could also use a mild sausage, if need be).
Some other risotto recipes from Verona.
<UL>
<LI><b><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/meatyrisotti/r/blr1042.htm">Risotto alla Pilota</A></b><br />A hearty risotto with lots of pork, for the people who worked Verona's rice mills and needed substantial foods.</LI>
<LI><b><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr1046.htm">Risotto al Radicchio Rosso di Verona</A></b><br />The bitterness of radicchio goes wonderfully with the creamy texture of a risotto.</LI>
<LI><b><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/meatyrisotti/r/blr1040.htm">Risotto All'Isolana</A></b><br />A classic from Isola della Scala, the heart of Veronese rice production, made with pork and cheese.</LI>
</UL>
Veronese rice production, you wonder? Southeast from Verona is Isola della Scala, a pretty town surrounded by rice paddies, where Vialone Nano, one of the great Italian short-grained risotto rices, is grown. <BR><BR>
<B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/ricerisotto/r/blr0063a.htm">Making Risotto: Basic Instructions</A> | <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/illustratedrecipesmore/ss/aa102207.htm">Making Risotto, Illustrated</A></B><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/10/almost-wordless-wednesday-risotto-al-tastasal.htm">Almost Wordless Wednesday: Risotto al Tastasal</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 02:13:41.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/10/almost-wordless-wednesday-risotto-al-tastasal.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/10/almost-wordless-wednesday-risotto-al-tastasal.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/10/almost-wordless-wednesday-risotto-al-tastasal.htm&zItl=Almost Wordless Wednesday: Risotto al Tastasal">Email this</a></p>
Way Off Topic: Felice 8 Marzo!
March 8 is International Woman's Day, and is an occasion for considerable celebration in Italy. <BR><BR>
Not familiar with L'8 Marzo? Like many other days set aside to celebrate the rights of workers, the International Woman's Day's origins are American: At the turn of the last century women were entering the workforce in record numbers in the United States, and began to agitate for better working conditions and pay, as well as the vote. In 1908 the Socialist women of the US held demonstrations for improved working conditions, better pay, and suffrage on February 28. On February 28 1909 several thousand women turned out in Manhattan, and during the same winter the women working in the sweatshops struck for better conditions and pay, with the support of the Woman's Trade Union, which provided bail money and food.
<BR><BR>
American women continued to observe February 28 as Woman's Day, while in 1910 the delegates of the Socialist International Meeting in Copenhagen voted unanimously to establish an International Women's Day, without setting a specific date.
<BR><BR>
So in 1911 the women of Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland demonstrated on March 19, and it is estimated that more than a million people participated. A week later, on March 25, in Manhattan the Triangle fire claimed the lives of more than 140 workers, mostly immigrant girls -- there was only one fire escape for the hundreds of people trapped in the burning floors -- and the newspaper accounts led to calls for reform, while tying the fire to the struggle for women's rights in popular imagery. (For more information, including heart-rending newspaper accounts, see the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/trianglefire/">Triangle Fire pages</a>).
<BR><BR>
Yearly demonstrations continued, becoming associated with the peace movements that formed as a response to the gathering clouds of war in Europe; in particular, Russian women settled on February 28 as the day for their demonstrations. And continued to demonstrate during the war; despite opposition from other activists, on the last Sunday of February -- the 23rd -- 1917 they went on strike to protest conditions at home and the more than 2 million war dead. They called for "bread and peace," and four days later the Czar capitulated; one of the first things the provisional government did was grant women the right to vote. The date, February 23 on the Julian calendar then used in Russia, was March 8 in the Gregorian calendar used elsewhere, and that's why International Woman's Day is March 8.
<BR><BR>
In Italy it's an occasion for meetings, talks, and demonstrations, and men traditionally give women a sprig of mimosa, with its bright yellow blossoms, to mark the occasion. I'm off to buy Daughter Clelia and Wife Elisabetta theirs.
Again, happy March 8 to all who celebrate it!<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/08/way-off-topic-felice-8-marzo.htm">Way Off Topic: Felice 8 Marzo!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 01:14:00.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/08/way-off-topic-felice-8-marzo.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/08/way-off-topic-felice-8-marzo.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/08/way-off-topic-felice-8-marzo.htm&zItl=Way Off Topic: Felice 8 Marzo!">Email this</a></p>
An Italian Meal for the Week
<B>To Begin, an Aside: </B>I have just posted <A HREF="http://italianwinereview.blogspot.com/2010/03/chianti-classico-2010-anteprima.html">my notes from this year's Chianti Classico vintage presentation</A>, and also selections of the <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/aperitifscoffee/tp/aa030510a.htm">Chianti D'Annata</A> and <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/aperitifscoffee/tp/aa030510b.htm">Riserve</A> that impressed me. However, these wines are still in Italy; what you will now find in stores are the <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/aperitifscoffee/tp/aa031709a.htm">Chianti D'Annata (vintage wines)</A> and <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/aperitifscoffee/tp/aa031709b.htm">Chianti Riserve</A> presented last year. And what might you serve with them? <BR><BR>
<strong>Starting with a <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/aperitifscoffee/tp/aa031709a.htm">Chianti d'Annata</A>:</strong><br /> <br /><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/antipasti/ss/aa092906.htm">Mixed cold cuts</A>, <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/antipasti/ss/aa100206.htm">antipasto misto</A>, and <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/antipasti/a/aa031998.htm">crostini</A>.<BR><BR>
Followed by (we're in winter and it's cold) Pasta (my father-in-law is partial to penne) al sugo, with a <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/meatsauces/r/blr0026.htm">bolognese sauce</A>, which is as common in Tuscany as it is in Emilia Romagna.<BR><BR>
<strong>Then, moving up to a <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/aperitifscoffee/tp/aa031709b.htm">Chianti Classico Riserva</A>:</strong><br /><br />
You might have stewed <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/furredgameetc/r/blr0655.htm">wild boar</A> (or <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefvealstews/r/blr0251b.htm">beef</A>), or perhaps a <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefbracioleetc/r/blr0568.htm">bistecca alla fiorentina</A> (a portherhouse steak), served with <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/vegetablessalads/r/blr0083.htm">spinach</A> and either <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/potatoes/r/blr1106.htm">fried</A> or <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/potatoes/r/blr1917.htm">mashed</A> potatoes.<BR><BR>
To finish up, <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/spoondesserts/r/blr1554.htm">Zuppa Inglese</A>. Some might be tempted to serve it with a sweet wine, a vinsanto even, but I would simply want an espresso, and (perhaps) a tiny glass of grappa.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/05/an-italian-meal-for-the-week-36.htm">An Italian Meal for the Week</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 14:39:30.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/05/an-italian-meal-for-the-week-36.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/05/an-italian-meal-for-the-week-36.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/05/an-italian-meal-for-the-week-36.htm&zItl=An Italian Meal for the Week">Email this</a></p>
Almost Wordless Wednesday: Fesa di Tacchino, or Turkey Breast
<A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/favoriterecipes/tp/aa010710.htm"><IMG SRC="http://z.about.com/d/italianfood/1/0/D/9/1/fesatacchinoww.jpg" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=233 WIDTH=300 ALT="Fesa di Tacchino"></A><br /><br />Whole turkeys are rare in Italian markets: A few appear around Christmas, but during the rest of the year you'll mostly find skinned turkey breasts, generally sold either whole or by the half, though some enterprising merchants slice them and charge (often quite a bit) more for having done so. There are also turkey drumsticks, but not nearly as many, and I occasionally wonder where they go. Most likely to processed foods.<BR><BR>
Returning to turkey breast, it is quite popular in Italy because in addition to being inexpensive it is lean, mildly flavored, and adaptable: one can do all sorts of things with it. If you click on the photo you'll be taken to <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/favoriterecipes/tp/aa010710.htm">a collection of turkey breast recipes</A>.
And here are several chicken breast recipes that will also work quite well with turkey breast:
<UL>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/chickencapon/r/blr1836.htm">Chicken (or Turkey) Rollups with Bell Peppers</A></B><br />Bell peppers and breast meat makes for an ideal spring-summer dish.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/chickencapon/r/blr1453.htm">Chicken (or Turkey) Breasts with Hazelnuts</A></B><BR>Tasty, and easy to do.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/chickencapon/r/blr1651.htm">Chicken (or Turkey) Cuscus & Caper Salad</A></B><BR>This is a distinctly modern Italian revisitation of a traditional Italian food -- Sicily's cuscus -- of the sort that you might find in a trendy caf?hat caters to those on their office lunch hour, or who want a quick refreshing bite to eat.</LI>
</UL><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/03/almost-wordless-wednesday-fesa-di-tacchino-or-turkey-breast.htm">Almost Wordless Wednesday: Fesa di Tacchino, or Turkey Breast</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 05:18:38.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/03/almost-wordless-wednesday-fesa-di-tacchino-or-turkey-breast.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/03/almost-wordless-wednesday-fesa-di-tacchino-or-turkey-breast.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/03/almost-wordless-wednesday-fesa-di-tacchino-or-turkey-breast.htm&zItl=Almost Wordless Wednesday: Fesa di Tacchino, or Turkey Breast">Email this</a></p>
Involtini.... Vegetariani
Involtini are generally meat based, a scallop or braciola wrapped around a filling and cooked. But one can also use vegetables -- either borad leaves or slices of something along the lines of eggplant -- as a base, and wrap them up around a meatless filling. The result is perfect for a light lunch, and also well suited to Lent, if you are observing it. A couple of ideas:
<UL>
<LI><b><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/vegetablepiesandmore/r/blr1955.htm">Involtini Vegetatiani con Biete e Patate</A></b><br />Leafy vegetables such as Swiss chard are perfectly suited to being rolled up, and do a fine job of containing a potato filling. This will make for a nice light lunch, if served with crusty bread and a tossed salad.</li>
<LI><b><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/zucchinirecipes/r/blr1556.htm">Involtini di Zucchine</A></b><br />With a cheese and bell pepper filling.</li>
<LI><b><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/eggplant/r/blr1481.htm">Involtini di Melanzana alle Noci</A></b><br />This is a quick easy eggplant rollup recipe that is quite newfangled in style, and will work nicely as part of a light lunch, especially if made with care, at which point it becomes quite impressive.</li>
<LI><b><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/veggieantipasti/r/blr0744.htm">Involtini di Peperone</A></b><br />A classic Piemontese recipe, roasted bell pepper strips rolled up around tuna.</li>
</UL><BR>
<B><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/feb/28/rose-gray-obituary"> Farewell, Rose</a></B><BR>
I did not know Rose Gray, and have never been to the River Cafe, one of London's most influential Italian restaurants. But Ronan Bennett's tribute is beautiful, and makes me wish I had had occasion to go. <p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/01/involtini-vegetariani.htm">Involtini.... Vegetariani</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 05:25:20.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/01/involtini-vegetariani.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/01/involtini-vegetariani.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/03/01/involtini-vegetariani.htm&zItl=Involtini.... Vegetariani">Email this</a></p>
An Italian Meal For The Week
The days are significantly longer now, and it has gotten warmer. Not any drier, however, and dishes that bring warmth to the table are still quite welcome. Few things are quite as good at bringing heat to a plate as Risotto, so we'll start with it:
<BR><BR>
<A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/vegetarianrisotti/r/blr1876.htm">Risotto al Rosmarino</A>: Risotto is generally seasoned with some sort of meat or vegetable, or something creamy. But there are other options, and a risotto seasoned with rosemary will have a delightful woodsy feel and provide a nice change of pace. Followed by: <BR><BR>
<A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/chickencapon/r/blr1453.htm">Petti Di Pollo Alle Nocciole</A>, Chicken Breasts with Hazel Nuts: Another woodsy dish, and quite tasty too. And, on the side, in honor of dieting, a tossed salad seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and a drop of vinegar.<BR><BR>
<BR>To Finish Up? Fresh fruit, and this time I might go with a pear. Wine? Red, not too heavy, and Campriano's Chianti Colli Senesi might be nice.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/26/an-italian-meal-for-the-week-35.htm">An Italian Meal For The Week</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 19:29:02.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/26/an-italian-meal-for-the-week-35.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/26/an-italian-meal-for-the-week-35.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/26/an-italian-meal-for-the-week-35.htm&zItl=An Italian Meal For The Week">Email this</a></p>
Almost Wordless Wednesday: Polenta!
<A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/polentarecipes/a/aa030498_2.htm"><IMG SRC="http://z.about.com/d/italianfood/1/0/I/9/1/polentapaioloww.jpg" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=376 WIDTH=293 ALT="A Paiolo, with Polenta"></A><BR><BR>
Yes, polenta is corn meal mush, and it was (and still is) a winter staple in Northern Italy. The standard recipe says to stir it slowly in a paiolo, or copper pot, as it thickens, and Italians who follow this course generally buy a motor-driven paiolo of the sort shown here, which I picked up on sale in a supermarket years ago. If you don't have a pot of this kind, however, all is not lost. <BR><BR>
John, who lives outside Milano, adds his cornmeal to the water when it boils, seals the pot, and barely simmers it for 40 minutes, while Remo's grandmother taught him to make polenta in a slow cooker. In other words, you can stir, if you want, but you can also go about your business while the polenta cooks on its own.<BR><BR>
Got polenta? Polenta is a foil, on a par with bread, and begs an accompaniment. If you're being quite simple, good olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a wedge of mild pecorino toscano is very good, but people usually want more, especially in the cooler winter months. Stew, for example:
<UL>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefvealstews/r/blr1922.htm">Spicy Braised Beef With Polenta</A></B><BR>Though this packs a punch, the sauce and the polenta go together beautifully. Should you prefer it less hot, reduce the pepper content.
</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefvealstews/r/blr1851.htm">Lo Stufato Dell'Adriana</A></B><br />Simple home cooking, a pork and beef stew that simmers for hours, warming the house, and then the table.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefvealstews/r/blr1293.htm">Carne da Galera, or Jailhouse Meat</A></B><br />The name comes from the fact that the cuts involved are less noble, and tended to go bad quickly in the days before refrigeration. Hence this herb-laden pot-roasting method, which was able to cover any off smells the meat might have developed.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefvealstews/r/blr1765.htm">Pastissada di Manzo, Beef Pastissada</A></B><BR>Pastissada is an old Veronese stew that draws from Austro-Hungarian tradition (Verona was a part of the Empire for a long time) and brings goulash to mind. Most of the recipes I've seen call for horse meat, but this one is beef based.</LI>
</UL>
And what to serve with you polenta and stew? The combination begs a substantial red wine. An Amarone, for example, and <A HREF="http://italianwinereview.blogspot.com/2009/02/thoughts-about-2005-amarone.html">here you will find my notes for the 2005 vintage</A>, which is currently in stores. Curious about 2006? I went to the vintage presentation two weeks ago, and <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/aperitifscoffee/tp/aa022510.htm">here is a selection of the 2006 wines</A> that impressed me the most. <p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/24/almost-wordless-wednesday-polenta.htm">Almost Wordless Wednesday: Polenta!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 09:06:18.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/24/almost-wordless-wednesday-polenta.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/24/almost-wordless-wednesday-polenta.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/24/almost-wordless-wednesday-polenta.htm&zItl=Almost Wordless Wednesday: Polenta!">Email this</a></p>
A Few Fish Recipes, Not Just For Lent
Lent's arrival does require a mental shift in gears, if one chooses to observe it: <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefbracioleetc/r/blr1570.htm">burgers</A> (what Italians call Svizzere), <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/chickencapon/r/blr0956.htm">chicken</A>, <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/meatsauces/r/blr0026.htm">tagliatelle alla bolognese</A>... They're all out. And that leaves us with... <br /><br /><strong>Fish!</strong><BR><BR> Wonderful, healthy, wholesome fish, which is also low in calories and will help those who are not observing Lent prepare for the Summer Swimsuit Season. Yes, there are reasons everyone should enjoy fish! This said, how about:
<UL>
<LI><b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/od/freshfishrecipes/r/blr1949.htm">Pagello Al Sale Aromatico, Pandora Roasted in Aromatic Salt</a></b><br />
Salt roasting is a very simple technique. However, one can flavor the salt, which will then impart delightful flavor to the fish as well.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/baccalandstockfish/r/blr1326.htm">Potatoes and Baccal?t;/A></B><br />Baccal?salt cod, is one of the unsung heroes of the culinary world. Potatoes do an excellent job of supporting it in this recipe, which has a Sicilian feel to it.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/octopuscalamariseppie/r/blr0067.htm">Seppie in Inzimino</A></B><br />Cuttlefish with greens is a traditional Tuscan way of cooking cuttlefish of all sizes; you can also use octopus.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/freshfishthebasics/r/blr0850.htm">Pesce Lesso, Boiled Fish</A></B><br />Boiled fish is easy to do and can be tremendously satisfying. </LI>
</UL><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/22/a-few-fish-recipes-not-just-for-lent.htm">A Few Fish Recipes, Not Just For Lent</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 07:56:58.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/22/a-few-fish-recipes-not-just-for-lent.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/22/a-few-fish-recipes-not-just-for-lent.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/22/a-few-fish-recipes-not-just-for-lent.htm&zItl=A Few Fish Recipes, Not Just For Lent">Email this</a></p>
Greetings from Montalcino!
Come February the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, the organization that oversees the production of Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy's most famed and sought after wines, organizes a presentation of the current vintages the producers are releasing: The <B>2005 Brunello di Montalcino</B>, the <B>2008 Rosso di Montalcino</B> -- Brunello's younger sibling, from a nicely balanced, graceful vintage, -- <B>Moscadello</B>, a sweet white wine made from the Moscato grape that was famed long before anyone in Montalcino took an interest in reds, and <B>Sant'Antimo</B>, a catch-all denomination that includes both red and white wines, some of which are quite good. <BR><BR>
I won't be commenting on the tasting until next week, but in the meantime here's a menu one could build around the wines.
<UL>
<LI><B>With a White Sant'Antimo:</B><BR>Mixed cold cuts and cheeses, or perhaps <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0904.htm">pici all'aglione</A>, thick stranded extraordinarily garlicky pasta.
<LI><B>With a Red Sant'Antimo, or a Rosso di Montalcino:</B><BR><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0655.htm">Pappardelle sul Cinghiale</A>, broad strips of pasta with a wild boar sauce (other furred game will be fine if need be).
<LI><B>With a Brunello di Montalcino:</B><BR>The obvious answer is a <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0248.htm">roast</A>, but I might opt for a <i><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0224.htm">scottiglia</A>,</I> a rich stew made by the charcoal makers of the area from whatever animals they could catch. As side dishes, boiled white (cannellini) beans and <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0083.htm">spinach</A>.
<LI><B>To finish up with the Moscadello,</B><BR>A simple <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0559.htm">Sienese Torta di Ricotta</A>.</LI></UL>
Buon Appetito!<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/18/greetings-from-montalcino.htm">Greetings from Montalcino!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 01:54:06.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/18/greetings-from-montalcino.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/18/greetings-from-montalcino.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/18/greetings-from-montalcino.htm&zItl=Greetings from Montalcino!">Email this</a></p>
Almost Wordless Wednesday: It's Ash Wednesday!
<IMG SRC="http://z.about.com/d/italianfood/1/0/H/9/1/triglieww.jpg" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=416 WIDTH=300 ALT="Reef Mullet"><br /><BR>
And that means, for the Catholic among us, the beginning of Lent, when the Church asks people to forgo meat as part of the spiritual renewal leading up to Easter. Avoiding meat is actually not at all a bad idea even for non-Catholics, because it allows us to rid our bodies of all sorts of toxins, and also opens the way to all sorts of fish. For example, the reef mullet pictured here, which are delightfully flavorful. You might use them to make:
<UL>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/freshfishrecipes/r/blr0797.htm">Triglie alla Livornese</A>:</B> With a zesty tomato sauce.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/freshfishrecipes/r/blr0824.htm">Triglie al Cartoccio</A>:</B> Wrapped up with other delights and baked.</LI>
<LI><B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/freshfishrecipes/r/blr0581.htm">Triglie con Uvette e Pinoli</A>:</B> With raisins and pine nuts, a classic Italian Jewish recipe.</LI>
</UL>
<B><A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/fishdishes/ig/La-Galleria-del-Pesce/">La Galleria Del Pesce, The Fish Gallery</A> | <A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/aboutingredients/ss/aa081106.htm">How To Select Fresh Fish</A><BR>
<A HREF="http://italianfood.about.com/od/holidaydishes/tp/aa010306.htm">More Lenten Recipes</A></B><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/17/almost-wordless-wednesday-its-ash-wednesday.htm">Almost Wordless Wednesday: It's Ash Wednesday!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/">About.com Italian Food</a> on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 01:01:36.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/17/almost-wordless-wednesday-its-ash-wednesday.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/17/almost-wordless-wednesday-its-ash-wednesday.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://italianfood.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://italianfood.about.com/b/2010/02/17/almost-wordless-wednesday-its-ash-wednesday.htm&zItl=Almost Wordless Wednesday: It's Ash Wednesday!">Email this</a></p>
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