Wine and Cheese Pairings: Provence Culinary Trips
Filed Under Food History, Kitchen Tips, Wines & Spirits
When it comes to any food and wine pairings, it's pretty much always a safe bet to serve wines and foods of the same region. The reason for this is quite simple; the terroir where the vineyards grow is similar to the terrior where the goats, cows, and sheep graze on the grass. This makes for uniquely complimentary flavors between the wines of a region and its food products. Learn… Read
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Salmorejo (Chilled Tomato Soup) Recipe from our Andalusia Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Destination Features, Food History, Recipes
Olive oil has many uses in cooking, both as a seasoning and as an ingredient. Knowing that, the kind of oil you're using can make a big difference in the flavor of a dish. No one knows that better than Chef Clive of our popular Cooking in Andalusian Olive Country culinary vacation in Spain. Both olives and olive oil have an important place in the gastronomy of the region, which… Read
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A Provencal Picnic: How to Make a Tartine Jardinière (Provencal Vegetable Sandwich)
Filed Under Food History, Recipes
Provence is a foodie's delight. The Mediterranean diet is packed with fresh produce, olive oil, and of course seafood, and many of these tasty treats are found at the local open-air markets as well as the shops of artisan food producers. Pair this delicious food with the beautiful natural setting, and it's no wonder that Provence is one of our favorite culinary vacation destinations, and an ideal place for a… Read
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A Lemon Liqueur in Southern Italy (And We're Not Talking About Limoncello)
Filed Under Food History, Wines & Spirits
The lemon has a long and storied history in the south of Italy, particularly along the Amalfi Coast, but many tourists who visit the gorgeous southern regions of Italy often associate the lemons of the area with limoncello. But that's not the only liqueur that's made with this ancient and healthy fruit. Experience a culinary adventure in Puglia. To discover where the liqueur known as Ambrosia di Limone is made,… Read
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The Lemons of Italy: Puglia
Filed Under Destination Features, Food History, Travel Tips
When one thinks of lemons in Italy, most think of the Amalfi Coast with their exceedingly large sfusato lemons. But lemon trees populate much of southern Italy. In fact, to the east of the Amalfi Coast, lies Puglia; the heel of Italy isn't very well known to tourists, but it is often referred to as the land of a thousand olive trees. And that's true -- but it's also home… Read
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The Wine Toasting Traditions of Greece
Filed Under Destination Features, Wines & Spirits
Part of every culinary tour with The International Kitchen is the beverages you drink and the traditions surrounding them. And while every country may have a different name for it, and a different way of doing it, but there's no question about it: toasting with wine dates back to the Ancient Greeks. Then again, it wasn't called 'toasting' back then. Rather, the elite men of ancient Greece would gather for… Read
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Ratatouille Recipe from our Provence Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Food History, Kitchen Tips, Recipes
'Tis the season for ratatouille! This dish, packed as it is with summer vegetables, is perfect for this time of year. It also has its roots in Provence, which makes sense, considering the region is a land of sunshine. Definitely note in the recipe how the vegetables are cooked separately. This helps ensure they're all cooked just right with just the amount of caramelization, making this dish extra delicious. For… Read
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Stuffed Provencal Vegetables Recipe from our Provence Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Destination Features, Recipes
Seasonal vegetables are an important part of the Mediterranean diet, and that's nowhere more apparent than during a cooking vacation in Provence. The wonderful sunny weather in this corner of France helps create the perfect climate for an array of vegetables, like zucchinis, eggplants, and tomatoes -- just a few of the many options. If you're looking to feature fresh vegetables from your own garden (or from the local farmer's… Read
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Breakfast Beverages From Around the World
Filed Under Food History, Travel Tips
Coffee, tea, and even juice are pretty ubiquitous when it comes to breakfast around the world, but there are plenty of other beverages to choose from when dining overseas. Just as every country has their own delicacies and gastronomical treats, so too do they have their own traditional breakfast beverages that they pair with their meal, just as many do with wine for lunch and dinner. Learn about drinking coffee… Read
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Crete Wines and a Prawns Saganaki Recipe
Filed Under Destination Features, Recipes, Wines & Spirits
As the largest Greek island, Crete has a little bit of everything, from popular long sandy beaches to quiet hidden coves and mountain villages. It also has a vibrant, but in many ways still burgeoning, winemaking scene that has quite the history; winemaking may have started here over 3,000 years ago by the ancient Greeks, but it wasn't until the early 2000's that the wines here started to get some… Read
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