Sharing Umbrian rural culinary lore tidbits is always part of my U.S. Umbrian rural cuisine events (and when cooking with guests in our Assisi farmhouse). Like “fare la scarpetta,” that (acceptable) Italian custom of cleaning up tomato sauce or succulent juices of meats by wiping the plate clean with a piece of bread, What laughs…
What a catharsis, those Ceri moments in Gubbio in May and on June 2nd. Living those euphoric moments with the eugubini, you understand why they’re affectionately dubbed “i matti dell’italia” (“the madmen of Italy”). And what joy to share in the madness. The crazed exuberance ignites all right from the first Sunday in May when…
Perugia, “city of the infinite view,” (Henry James) might be dubbed the most elegant city in Umbria. [lcaption]Perugia, “city of the infinite view”[/lcaption] But this Umbrian provincial capital city tucks away hidden simple pleasures, too. Like Umberto, making the richest whipped cream-crowned hot chocolate you’ll ever sip. I’ve known him since 1969 when his cappuccino started…
Key focus of the early May 10-day “Annesitaly Inside Umbria Celebration” is LIVING Umbria from “the inside,” knowing the people, experiencing their rural life, their festivals……and their passione. This tour centers on our four-day Calendimaggio medieval festival in Assisi but this year, the group’s free day was on the first Sunday in May, a landmark…
This May’s 10-day “Annesitaly Inside Umbria” Celebration had to include, of course, a rural feast with Giuseppa at her farmhouse near Deruta – and then, Deruta wonders (including a “hidden treasure”). This day, too, would highlight the aim of this most special Umbria adventure: giving tour guests a completely unique “INSIDE Umbria” experience. Giuseppa’s warm…
Simply a piece of fresh fruit usually drops the curtain on an Italian meal, for after all the good flavors and abundance of a pasta or risotto dish and savory main courses, who could eat pecan pie a’ la mode? Rather than dessert, an essential highlight of an Italian feast is l’ insalata, always following…
What a surprise to discover that those small flat onions we call “cipolline” here in Italy, are indicated in U.S. onion guides as an Italian variety – with the same name: “cipolline onions.” Here’s a simple, easy recipe for enjoyment of these cipolline: Cipolline in agrodolce Ingredients a dozen or more cipolline a few bay…
It’s my mandra: to truly KNOW Umbria, meet our rural friends who taught us everything about life on the land. And not only: about LIFE. They are Umbria’s treasures. Come and meet Peppe and then, on to Peppa’s farmhouse. They’ll proudly show you their animals, vineyards, olive groves, vegetable gardens, outdoor bread ovens, and take…
The key objective of my early May “Annesitaly Inside Umbria Celebration” experience is to truly take tour guests INSIDE Umbria, aiming to have them live Umbria from the inside out. And that means not just delving into the history, art, and Umbrian medieval hillttown treasures but knowing the people, experiencing their daily life. And you…
Attenzione! Bevagna, sleepy medieval town in the Umbrian valley, hoards many a hidden secret. You just have to know where to find them. Meeting artist Luigi Frappi in his studio in an elegantly-frescoed 17th-c noble palazzo is a Bevagna highlight. Our early May (2017) “Annesitaly Inside Umbria” tour group can tell you that: With pink…