Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Autumn means harvest, Hallowe'en, comforting food and pumpkins. In Tuscany, the main foods of the season are mushrooms, chestnuts and truffles and there are even festivals to celebrate these favourites! More and more, Italy celebrates Hallowe'en and, if you combine this with the famous pumpkins from the Arno Valley area – you get a match made in heaven (or, given the season, should we say hell?)! This Tuscan pumpkin variety is called “zucca lardaia”. Pumpkin was first brought to Europe by Spanish settlers and it is normally only a commonplace ingredient in traditional dishes in northern Italy.

However, these pumpkins are just the thing to add an interesting kick to some hearty and delicious dishes and soups, in particular. As it is a very sweet flavour it is usually combined with strong flavoured ingredients such as onion, herbs and rosemary in Tuscany and this recipe does just that: making use of the seasonal mushrooms and adding a touch of sweetness of the pumpkins, it is all kept in check by the strong presence of the onion and rosemary. Find a luxury villa in the Arno Valley and hunt down their local pumpkins and, in the meantime, try out the recipe with your own varieties while you plan your Autumn getaway.

Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is a very traditional Florentine cake which can be found in local pasticceria (pastry shops) all over the city. Originally a dish traditionally served at Easter it can now be purchased and enjoyed all year round! It is not unlike a sponge cake but with orange zest and the option of adding a wide variety of fillings such as ricotta and cream. In many ways, it is like the marriage between a sponge and a lemon drizzle cake except less sweet and heavy. As such, it can be served for a light snack in the afternoon, for breakfast (as is common in Italy!) or as a dessert. Find a villa with internet in Florence and taste it from a bakery as you wander the streets, taking in the sights and sounds on a crisp Autumn morning, or try it for yourself now with this recipe!

A holiday in Tuscany probably conjures certain ideas and expectations such as pretty scenery, picturesque villages, culture and food and wine. In fact, few would think a holiday in Tuscany complete or satisfying without time taken to enjoy its wonderful cuisine and dining experiences. Most have prior experience with Italian food but Tuscan food, developing from peasant roots and generally comforting, wholesome and hearty, is a rather particular entity. You'll probably have plans already to enjoy some gelato, coffee, wine and cheeses but here are some specific Tuscan dishes and foods that we think you should be sure to try!

Ribollita Toscana is a very popular soup dish which can be found all over Tuscany. Like most of Tuscan cuisine, it comes from peasant origins and combines the region's saltless bread, beans, and cavolo nero (Lacinato kale). Ribollita is a practical dish by its very nature, intended for reheating and use on more than one occasion. In fact, the name means “boiled twice.” There are many, many different recipes with different regions (and even homes) having their own versions but all will include onions, carrots, celery, beans, cavolo nero, bread and olive oil. Humble though it may be, it is a wholesome, tasty, comforting dish and one that's perfect throughout the year. Find a luxury villa in Tuscany, try ribollita out locally and you'll be hooked for life!

Italy is known for her wines and is particularly well-regarded for great dessert wines made all over Italy. One of the most famous of these wines is Vin Santo. Vin Santo is made in many parts of Italy, but the best comes from Tuscany. There are three recognized DOC’s in Tuscany for Vin Santo. They are Vin Santo del Chianti (created in 1997), Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (1995) and Vin Santo di Montepulciano (1996). Many sub-par versions are made elsewhere but these are the ones that you should try and taste if visiting Tuscany. Why not find a luxury villa in Tuscany and try all three on your trip?