Italy
Discovering Spello: Umbria’s best-kept secret
What makes an Italian hill town so charming? It might be the narrow cobblestone streets that wind aimlessly, leading you to doors that you KNOW have stories behind them. It might be the mysterious quiet during the middle of the day, as everyone has retreated for a midday nap. It might be how easily … Continue reading
Photoessay of Assisi, Umbria
Rolling vineyards and olive groves, fields of poppies and wildflowers, cuisine filled with hearty lentils, game, and truffles . . . what is not to love about Umbria? This region in Central Italy is one of our favorite Italian regions. Its cuisine, scenery, and history (combined with its convenient location less than two hours from … Continue reading
Discovering Lecce
It is amazing how many incredible places in Italy are still seemingly untouched by mass tourism. Like my husband always says, “for every San Gimignano there are a thousand other Italian hill towns.” It took months of travel in Italia to believe him, but after seeing quite a few charming, off-the-radar locations, it is safe … Continue reading
An unconventional Puglian grape: Negroamaro
Just when I think I’ve learned a thing or two about Italian wines from my five months in this country, I venture into a new region and am reminded how many grapes this country produces, and how little I know. Such was the case during my recent three weeks in Puglia: the “heel” of the … Continue reading
A Venetian Osteria
Venice is of course known for its canals, Murano glass baubles, and singing gondoliers, but the pleasant surprises of this sinking city were its osterias and seafood-filled cuisine. The tourist areas are lined with overpriced restaurants (our B & B owner described them as “expensive like fire”) and waiters eager to herd you in for … Continue reading
Zonin Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2009
Truth be told: I opened this bottle to cook with it. Truth be told: I did cook with it… at least, with half of the bottle… and the husband and I happily drank the rest. The Zonin Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is probably one of the best buys I have come across since moving back to the … Continue reading
Discovering Canaiolo in Perugia, Italy
At Sedimentality, we try hard not to get political. It gets in the way of enjoying our food and wine. But all this talk about the Amanda Knox trial has made me think of one thing: Perugia, the city in Central Italy where Ms. Knox lived (and where the mysterious murder took place). We had … Continue reading
Spinach, Fontina and Shaved Red Onion Pizza with Cream Sauce
As promised, I am following up on my post about quick, no-rise pizza dough with a great pizza recipe: spinach, fontina and shaved red onion pizza with a cream sauce. Cream sauce? Pizza dough? I know, it might be a bit intimidating. But the pizza dough is no rise, and the cream sauce is a … Continue reading
Valigini di Verza (Italian Mortadella and Beef Cabbage Rolls)
The husband and I always enjoy our time in the kitchen, but making these little cabbage rolls was super fun. I can’t wait to make them again! We got this recipe from a book we picked up in Bologna, Italy called “Lezioni di Cucina”. We did the hard part (translating), the fun and easy part … Continue reading
Tomato Confit Recipe
Summer may be all about the beaches and suntans for some, but for me, it has always meant two delicious fruits: tomatoes and peaches. When my father-in-laws tomatoes are ripe, he passes them out in droves. No complaints here! This year, we decided to confit some of the tomatoes and gift them back to our … Continue reading