Pazzi for Porcini
I’m in love.
And, no it isn’t just with him, him, or even him.
I’m in love with a mushroom, and I don’t mean the smoking kind.
Porcini mushrooms win the blue ribbon as the delicacy of all delicacies in my book, and I pretty sure I’m not alone. There are many types and qualities of porcini mushrooms, and if you are interested, you can read the breakdown here.
There are some good tips on mushroom hunting here, and a few recipes you can try yourself here. You can also learn more than you ever wanted to know about porcini mushrooms, here.
But, as for my love story, Porcino and I fell in love slowly, and over time developed a mutually binding and loving relationship built on admiration, fate, and a tiny bit of lust. When I first tasted porcini mushrooms five years ago, I wasn’t sold. Now that my taste buds have matured, I’m relatively certain, I just didn’t like that recipe. Because, seriously. What’s not to like? The meaty flavor can easily substitute as a main course, or it can be used to compliment your favorite pasta or risotto. Porcini can be a side dish or an appetizer. I haven’t quite figured out how to make them as a dessert, but I’m working on it!
I realize how lucky I am to live in Italy, and even more so, Calabria, where fresh porcini mushrooms are just around the corner. In fact, one of my favorite mountainside retreats features a restaurant where every dish is centered around porcini delight, and they are, as my aunt would say, “utterly divine!”
Fossa del Lupo is hands down my favorite restaurant in Calabria. In addition to the epicurean delight waiting inside, the owner lived in America, and always greets us at the door, with a “Ciao Bello” for Peppe, and a “Hello, how are you today?” for me.
And, it’s not an ugly place, either.
All week I had been craving (no hidden messages here, folks) porcini risotto. So, I had my dish selected before we walked through the door. Pep took a little longer to decide.
Since the restaurant was relatively crowded, and Pep gets a bit too embarrassed by my over-zealous photo sessions, I had to rush through my pictures with the speed of Super Girl and the cunning of Cat Woman. So, I didn’t quite capture the essence that is porcini.
The porcini risotto is the best dish I’ve ever had in Italy. It was so satisfying, in fact, that I passed on a second plate.
Pep didn’t. He also ordered a savory side dish of grilled and fried porcini.
Isn’t he a beauty?
So, what about you, have you ever tried porcini mushrooms? What did you think?
In keeping with the delectable food theme of the day, be sure to visit Mary at Flavors of Abruzzo for this week’s La Buona Cucina Americana recipe … crab cakes. Yum.
Buon Weekend, everyone!
Puppy Love
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, B&B’ing, freelance writing, and learning how to cook, it’s easy for me to feel lost. In this state, we can easily take for granted our loved ones, our family and friends, and even our four-legged pals.
In November, 2006 our community puppette, Sophia, gave birth to six little mostri! Pep immediately fell in love with a little polpetta, and we named him “Meatball.”
Pep and Meatball have a special connection, and no matter how big this meatball gets, he’s never too grown to be held.
And, yes. Peppe was rocking this pup and, promise you won’t tell anyone? singing him a lullaby!
But, how could you not love this face?
Spending time with Meatball is the ultimate relaxation technique for Peppe. But, what about you? What do you like to do to relax, and how do you unwind after a busy day?
Happy LT, everyone.
Fried Dough is Good for the Heart
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard someone refer to Americans as piggish, gluttonous, or, well, fat. It happens a lot! In fact, a month or so ago we went out for pizza with Pep’s cousins, his cousins’ cousins, and some of their friends. Pep and his cousin grabbed center stage when they told the group about their latest trip to America.
“I love Dunkin Donuts,” Pep’s cousin said. “I ate so many I almost got sick!”
Everyone laughed.
“They gave us hamburgers that were (this) big! I couldn’t finish it!”
More laughs!
“I’ve never seen a plate of shrimp that big,” Peppe said.“You should have seen Giu’s face!”
Laughs, and then a voice from the right.
“Si, perche tutti sono porci.”
Ahem, excuse me?
I quickly made a mental note of the word “porci” so I could confirm later that I had, indeed, understood her correctly. And, I had.
“Well, yes,” She’d said. “That’s because they are all pigs!”
Never mind the fact there were two Italians talking about how much they ate in America. Is it America’s fault they have no willpower? Is America to blame because these two guys couldn’t resist a gooey blob of deep fried deliciousness?
I think not!
Let’s forget for a moment, if we can, this gal’s absolute insensitivity in
1) generalizing an entire nation of people, to which I believe, she has never even been
and
2) making this statement in the presence, of, well, an American!
I would add here that she finished off her entire pizza, while this americana barely managed half. But, I won’t say that because it would be tacky. So, I’ll write it.
I steamed on this for a few days, while Pep did his best to defuse the situation.
“She doesn’t know what she is talking about.”
“She just wanted to add something to the conversation.”
“I bet she is jealous of American women!”
None of this worked, until, low and behold la festa di San Giuseppe arrived, and everyone went out to buy the best zeppole in Catanzaro. While I won’t tell you who was there buying stock in the bakery with her zeppole purchase, I will share with you a few pictures of our purchase.
And, here’s a closeup!
And, one more, just for good measure!
See? I told you a bit a fried dough is good for the heart.
It did wonders for me that day!
Travel Tip Tuesday: Saving a Little Green
The blogosphere is full of fun travel ideas, new vacation options, and breathtaking travel photos to transport us easily, and cheaply, from our favorite armchair to whichever destination awaits our next “click.”
And, now, the blogosphere has one more location to check out Travel Tip Tuesday.
That’s right! Robin, of My Melange and I have joined forces to bring you the best travel tips, latest trends, and new destinations from around the globe. We’re always accepting your ideas and tips for inclusion in upcoming editions of Travel Tip Tuesday, and we have a load of interesting information ready to pass on to you.
Everyone loves to save a little green, right? (Or, if you are in Europe, a little blue, orange, and green!) I’m going to clue you in today on how I saved more than $1,800 on two of my latest round-trip Texas-Calabria tickets. Hard to believe, I know, but these two little tricks, which most people already know, but rarely use, boil down to one little word.
Flexibility!
Nooo, I am not going to tell you to fly out at 5:00 AM, or to pass over holidays, or even to move your flight towards the middle of the week. You already know that! However, if you are planning an intercontinental trip that either departs or arrives in a lesser-known airport, flexibility is even more important.
Step One: Go to the big search engines, such as Travelocity, Orbitz, or Cheaptickets. At this point you are testing the waters, and getting an idea as to what tickets might cost. Travelocity and Orbitz will allow you to search a range of dates for domestic tickets and on select international markets. If you can choose this option - do it! You will also notice a small box you can check to allow them to search nearby airports.
I saved $1,200 once by flying into the airport in Crotone, rather than Lamezia Terme.
$1,200.00!
Check that box!
Step Two: Go to the Aggregator Sites. These sites, such as Qixo, Kayak, Sidestep, and Mobissimo search multiple sites, including the big search engines and individual airline sites. If you find an airline and a price that meet your needs, congrats! But, don’t stop there.
Step Three: Go to that individual airline’s website anyway, enter your dates and departure information, and see what you get. I once saved $400 - and was able to fly out of my hometown airport - by conducting a last-minute check on my airline’s website! In fact, I cut my price in half and flew from Beaumont to Paris, with one stop in Houston for $450!
Step Four: Unless you find a flight you love, or have an event you just can’t miss, always keep looking. I generally start ticket shopping at least two months prior to a trip. I enter a WIDE range of dates, and do a minimum of 50 searches before I buy. I saved $600 on my last trip by staying in Texas one more night than I had previously planned.
I also never forget to check my frequent flyer accounts, which speaking of … just might work for my trip home this summer!
If you have any travel tips or advice to pass along, let me know and you could be featured right here on Travel Tip Tuesday!
Be sure to visit Robin today for more great tips on finding low-cost flights, and until next time
Buon Viaggio!
Happy Cinco de Mayo
A great deal is written on this blog about my husband’s Italian and Calabrese culture, and how that meshes with my American and, sometimes seemingly more dominant, Texas heritage. It’s a fun mix to say the least. I wrote last week about where I was from, and I’ve shared personal stories, and travel ideas on both Texas and Calabria.
But, it’s just a tad incomplete.
Today is Cinco de Mayo, folks!
photo credit: christopher.vanbelle
Ole’!
And, no. I don’t have an ounce of Mexican sangre in my veins, but I’m from Texas, dangit! We’re neighbors. And, for that, I celebrate.
Many people mistakenly think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s independence day. But, it’s not. Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain on September 16, and these two celebratory events occurred more than 50 years apart!
So, why is May 5th so important to Mexico?
photo credit: sfmission.com
In short, it’s not!
May 5th commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, which some people argue boosted America’s Yankee soldiers to victory in our own civil war. The date is remembered in and around the village of Puebla, in limited areas throughout Mexico, and in many US cities where there is a strong Mexican presence. In fact, according to some sources, Cinco de Mayo is more popular over the border, than south!
Regardless of who has the grandest parade, or the biggest festival, Cinco de Mayo will always hold a special place in my heart. So, tonight is Mexican night at mi casa, complete with homemade margaritas, freshly prepared quesadillas, and maybe a new recipe, or three, I found for the occasion.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Fiere are fun!
I love shopping.
I do.
I love it so much, in fact, I will shop for things I don’t even need. (Oh, come on. You know you do, too!)
And, since Italy is famous for designers, fashion, and all-around great shopping, then how lucky am I to be here?
After living in Italy for two years, I have finally realized how to maximize my Italian shopping experience.
1) Win the lottery
2) Rob a bank
3) Lose 20 pounds
-and-
4) Grow an extra 5 inches
If I could only determine how to stretch those extra centimetri, I think I could manage the rest.
Or, I could move along and partake in other shopping pleasures.
Yes, that is much more attractive than bank robbery.
Introduce the FIERE.
Trade fairs are quite the affair around here, and as any Catanzaresi will tell you, the city stops for them. We are no exception. If anyone was paying attention, they’d have seen yours trulyat the local furniture fiera three times last month.
But, they offered sooo much more than furniture
They sold candy.
They sold olives. Smoking olives, in fact!
There was sausage …
and, cheese!
Oh, it was great. We also checked out new kitchen counters and living room sets, and I found a fabulous antique oak dining table. It was only 1,000 euros …
Does that seem like a lot to you?
Be sure to check out Judy’s pickles for this week’s La Buona Cucina Americana over at Over a Tuscan Stove!
First of the Month Recipe - Torta alle Mela di Peppe
Today marks Day One of yet another new addition to My Bella Vita’s new home. While this timid chef can’t commit to a weekly recipe for What’s Cooking Wednesdays, I will offer at least one new recipe now and then, and it will be featured right here on the 1st of every month!
How lucky for me that this first, fell on Thursday, May 1. So, Happy Love Thursday, everyone, and Happy Labor Day, Italy!
We like to mix things up a bit at Il Cedro, and we tire easily of offering the same types of cakes and breakfast items. I should also add here that my honey loves to take a good recipe, tweak it a bit, and make it his own. Although, he warned me I’d have to pay him to post his recipe, I thought, for the sake of the blogosphere, to take my chances.
So, here you go.
Torta alle Mele di Peppe (Peppe’s Apple Cake)
Ingredients:
>> All-purpose flour (3/4 cup)
>> Sugar (1/2 cup)
>> Eggs (2)
>> Peanut Oil (1/4 cup)
>> Milk (just under 1/2 cup)
>> Baking Powder (3 tablespoons)
>> Vanilla Powder (1 tablespoon)
>> Apples (3 medium/large)
1. Wash and peel the apples. Cut 1 1/2 apples into cubes to put into the batter, and slice 1 1/2 apples into slivers to place on top of the cake.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sugar and eggs.
3. Add the oil and continue to mix.
4. Add the flour and milk, continuing to mix the entire time.
5. Fold in the cubed apples using a large spoon. Do not use a mixer!
6. Pour the batter into the baking pan, and arrange the sliced apples on top.
7. Bake on 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Buon Appetito and Happy LT!
Where I am From
Last Month Michelle of Bleeding Espresso wrote a poem modeled after George Ella Lyon’s, “Where I am From.” She included a form you can use to collect your own thoughts, and finding myself in a momentarily ambitious state, and procrastinating a less-than-ideal last minute assignment, I accepted the challenge.
I found this post to be exactly what I needed to re-energize my writer’s spirit, and memorialize my family’s heritage. And, now - “Where I am From … ”
I am from Texaco, land of black gold and Texas Tea, of Spindletop, gushers, and a lifetime of perseverance. I am from Texjoy Seasoning and mayhaw jelly, eaten on bread, toast, muffins, or from the jar.
I am from the town with two stop lights, a Sonic, a Dairy Queen, and six gas stations. Where the wind spins the dust in tight circles, and a familiar face awaits you at every corner.
I am from bluebonnet pastures along the Texas highways, and from where the Big Thicket meets the Wild West.
I am from the Hunter’s Breakfast, the first Sunday morning of deer season, with homemade sausage, cream gravy, and buttermilk biscuits, where stubborn pride was passed from my mother, her mother, and my great-great-grandmother.
I am from fierce family loyalty that defends to the end, who might think a negative thought of another, but would never allow an outsider to say it. From “Blood is thicker than water,” and “Don’t let your Maw Maw find out.”
I am from the Holy Spirit Catholic Mission, built with the hands of my family, and based on their values. I am from rushing inside the temporary tin building to get the seat beside my grandmother. I’m from two collections a week, and ”Why don’t you give a little more, if you can?”
I’m from rural southeast Texas, northwest Louisiana, France, and Spain. I’m from the land Columbus discovered, where we dance the pow wow and embrace the native land. I’m from Scotland, or Ireland, or somewhere in between.
I’m from sausage and chicken gumbo on a brisk, fall day and beef tips with rice and fried okra on special occasions. I’m garden grown tomatoes and freshly picked cucumbers. I’m shelling purple-hull peas with Paw Paw on his white-washed porch. I’m telling my mother about my day while she develops pictures in the newspaper’s dark room. I’m picnics in the driveway with Cole on bright sunny Saturdays, complete with stale Doritos and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
I am from albums needing to be finished and digital photos waiting to be printed. I’m from boxes spread throughout southeast Texas, and two silver bins here in Italy. The pictures taken as time stood still, in a moment when we were young, and problems seemed nil. I know where I’ve been, and who I am; Where I am, but not where I’ll be. I am from all of these places, where memories and traditions are gathered like fallen leaves in orange and gold bundles. This is where I am from.
Travel Tip Tuesday
You might remember last year when I started a weekly series called “Travel Tip Tuesday.” After a six month, or so, hiatus, it’s back! It was always the plan to offer new vacation ideas, interesting travel deals, or why-didn’t-think-of-that tips to help ease your travel woes. But, I need your help!
Do you have a fool-proof travel tip to share with My Bella Vita readers? Was your last vacation so amazing, you can’t wait to share it with others? Did you recently discover a new must-pack item, or an adorably affordable hotel in the heart of Paris? Then, tell me about it! You can either choose to remain anonymous and let me pass on your advice, or you can write it yourself and be featured right here for Travel Tip Tuesday.
But, now, let me share with you one of my favorite travel secrets. How many of you have ever been in this situation?
The night before your return flight home you begin repacking your suitcase, only to find your clothes, shoes, toiletries, because how could you make it two weeks in Costa Rica without your vanilla body scrub exfoliate and accompanying shower gel, won’t fit anymore? The midnight blue heels that never saw the outside of your pack are taking too much room, and the eight new wood-carvings, yes, you plan to share, won’t let you zip your bag.
It’s tough. And, at this point, what can you do?
Well, you can do like I used to do, and buy a last-minute souvenir at the airport gift shop and ask for an extra large bag to stuff everything else inside. Or, you can plan ahead.
Now, whenever I travel with only one suitcase, I fold a jumbo-sized duffel bag into a four-inch by four-inch square, and slide it inside one of the pockets on my suitcase. It consumes virtually no space, but can easily be used at the last minute as your second checked item. Be sure to attach a label with your name and mailing address inside the duffel bag, and check in advance for your airline’s baggage allowances.
And, you’re up! Staying with the packing theme, what is one item you never leave home without?
I’m a Loser
It’s true.
I lose stuff all.of.the.time!
In my defense, it is not usually my fault things disappear. Seriously. Can I help it if someone digs through my jacket takes my cell phone and MP3 player?
Is it my fault if a white gold and diamond bracelet (the first present Peppe ever gave me) fell off my arm?
Am I to blame if I forget my college class ring and a brand new emerald solitaire in the bathroom at the lake and someone took them? Ok. Maybe I am to blame for that one!
The irony is, I am actually a very organized gal. I “got it together,” guys. I just lose jewelry.
My latest victim?
The white gold Calvin Klein watch Peppe bought me for my birthday the first year we were together. He gave it to me in The City of Lights, the city where we met, the city we love.
I have NO idea where this watch went, as it obviously sprouted legs and walked away, because I just can’t find it!
Last week, Peppe came home from errand-running and told me there was something wrong in our bedroom. Suspiciously, I walked upstairs and found this.
I had an idea as to what was in the box, but I hurriedly opened it anyway.
Yep. The man’s a keeper!
And, with any luck. So, is this new watch …
