If there's one thing I thought would be easier to get used to while living here, it would be the lack of conversation. In two months, I have only spoken to my husband of course, and my family a few times via Skype. Everything else is patchy Italian for survival. While I'm definitely not lacking...
italy
Bolognese (Ragù alla Bolognese)
All meat sauces are not created equal. While there's nothing wrong with tossing some ground beef into your favorite tomato sauce, there happens to be a much better, more authentic way to prepare a meat sauce that will sort of take your breath away. Believe me-- this is coming from the person who likes ground...
Zeppole
Fried dough. It sounds so plain and mundane, but when you think about it--the possibilities are endless. Countless regions around the world have their own versions of fried dough that are part of their culinary heritage. Beignets in New Orleans. Churros in Mexico. Sufganiya are enjoyed in Israel and around the world in celebration of Hanukkah. Bomboloni...
Foodie Field Trip: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Tour
The most profound impression that the food here in Italy has had on me is entirely related to the quality of the ingredients, and the strict adherence to tradition when it comes to maintaining that quality. In a lot of ways, Italian food, in my opinion, is misunderstood. If you don't believe me, just read...
Bussola Buranello Cookies
Bussola Buranello Cookies are a traditional cookie from the island of Burano in Venice, Italy. Burano is widely recognized for its brightly colored houses and its hand-crafted lace. It doesn't take long to figure out that they've got quite a good thing going with their Bussola cookies also. There seem to be a few different...
Tour of Murano and Burano {Life in Italy}
Earlier this week the rainy skies parted for just long enough that I was able to enjoy my day trip to Murano and Burano in dry weather...mostly. I booked my tour online a few days before, and just needed to take the bus to Venice again to meet up with the tour guide. I was...
How an American Shops for Groceries in Italy {Life in Italy}
Yesterday I spent the day sightseeing...a very welcome change from grocery shopping. A lot of people probably think that we're over here on a 3 month vacation soaking up the sun, the sights, and the food. Not quite. We are definitely enjoying all that living in Italy has to offer, but that's the big difference: living...
Peach Hand Pies
Breaking news! I got a bicycle! If you read my recent post about Settling In, you already know I was on mission to get my hands (and feet) on one. Hubby made it easy. He just showed up with one the other night. Now I just need to practice not bumping the bell when I...
Bacialli (Potato Dumplings with Mushroom Sauce)
Well, let's call this a learning experience, and a perfectly nice way to spend a Sunday evening at home. Despite my best efforts, I quickly realized upon beginning this recipe that I am grossly underqualified to attempt such a delicate, traditional dish as this. However, that's the entire reason that I am on this cooking...
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo has been my favorite meal since I was a little girl. What's not to love about pasta and creamy Alfredo sauce? It's a perfect food. According to the recipe, this dish was the renowned specialty of the Roman restauranteur Alfredo, known as the "king of fettuccine", who invented it during the 1930s in...