Dining Al Fresco for Easter
Filed Under Special Occasions, What's Up at TIK Italy
Easter is just around the corner, believe it or not, and to celebrate it we'll be talking about one of our favorite European Easter traditions - dining "al fresco." When spring arrives at our house, one of the first things we do is pull the grill and patio furniture out of storage to start enjoying some outdoor dining. This year Easter is early, and we'll be feasting indoors, but for… Read
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Recipe for Liquore alla Fragola (Strawberry Liqueur)
Filed Under Recipes, Wines & Spirits Italy
One of my favorite memories of when I lived in Italy was of the homemade aperitivi and digestivi that every self-respecting Italian seems to have in his or her home (and many restaurants had in their cellars). One of my favorites, and one that is most evocative of Spring, is a delicious "liquore alla fragola," or strawberry liqueur. When I used to spend Easters in Sardinia, it was made from… Read
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The History of Norcineria (and a Peek Inside our Umbria Cooking Vacation)
Filed Under Destination Features, Food History Italy
Norcineria is quite particular to the medieval town of Norcia, one of our best Umbria cooking vacation destinations. It's the term used to describe delicacies made from pigs, and the practice of salting and curing of meats. It's clearly not the only place in Italy that partakes in this practice, but it has quite the history in the area surrounding this charming small town. The practice of preserving pork in… Read
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All About Charcuterie
Filed Under Food History, Travel Tips France, Italy, Spain
Chances are you've enjoyed your share of charcuterie, whether you called it as such or not. While the word is French and dates back to the Middle Ages and the 15th century, countries all over the world -- Europe and beyond -- have their own version of charcuterie. Cold cuts, salumi, cured meats… you get the idea. No matter what you call it, platters of these delicious meats -- often… Read
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Antinori in the Chianti Classico
Filed Under Destination Features, Travel Tips, Wines & Spirits Italy
When you first spy the new Antinori winery from the roadside leading from Florence into the heart of the Chianti Classico, you almost miss it. Then you do a double take, and your jaw drops open. It is built into the hillside in such a way that your gaze first passes over it; the building echoes the russet hues and elegant sloping of the land, and there are vines planted… Read
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Torta Coi Becchi Recipe from Our Tuscan Villa Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Food History, Recipes Italy
The panoramic landscape of Western Tuscany is awe-inspiring. But this beautiful land is also responsible for a plethora of wonderful vegetables, which inform so much of the gastronomy. While Tuscany is known for simple rustic dishes though, there's a recipe that is quite popular in the area around Lucca, and it's served and made a bit differently than most produce in the area. Torta coi becchi, simply put, is a… Read
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