Archive for 'Siena'

Continuing on from our last post, we are outlining some of the dishes from Tuscany that you need to try if you are spending the Christmas period in the region this year!

These include delicious desserts and wonderful main courses and, among them, you are sure to find something to please everyone in your party.

Savoury dishes and gelato are what come to mind when people think of Italian food but the beautiful and historic Siena, is actually particularly well-known for her pastries and, while they are not something you only find at Christmas, they are very much connected to the time of year. In fact, you will probably find many are readily available in nicely packaged sets in gourmet and specialist food shops in your own city over the festive period.

The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is located in the beautiful area of Crete Senesi in the eastern part of the Sienese countryside and is not to be missed! Perched by an ancient forest and full of cultural, historical and artistic value, it is a fascinating and stunning place. Just find a villa with pool in Siena and spend a day exploring this gem, far off the beaten tourist path and away from lines and crowds.

The abbey was founded in 1313 by Sienese citizen Bernardo Tolomei who retired there after he converted to the Benedictine order. Years later construction of the Abbey began and was worked on over centuries to create the gorgeous complex that exists today. One of the main components of the complex is the church, which was constructed in the beginning of the 15th century. In the 18th century, however, the interior was updated and transformed into the baroque style.

In our last post, we outlined some of the best Christmas markets in Florence and, today, we are going to look at the wider area of Tuscany, where there are plenty of other great markets to be found. Find a luxury villa in Florence and take the time to explore wider Tuscany and these other markets.

Mugello will be home to a market called “Magie Dell'Avvento” (Magic of the Advent) that will take place across four days in December 2016 – the 4th, 8th, 11th and 18th – in Palazzuolo sul Senio, in the upper part of the town.

Many are already drawn to the town for the "1000 Presepi per Palazzuolo" (1000 Nativities/Cribs for Palazzuolo), the one thousand nativity scenes that are put on display until January 6th each year and this market just makes for one more reason to choose beautiful Mugello as your Tuscan getaway destination of choice this Christmas.

Monte Amiata is now known for its hot springs, lush scenery, hearty cuisine and fresh air but it was formerly the most important ski resort in southern Tuscany. While it is no longer famous as a winter hotspot, it is still home to good skiing, cosy cabins and delicious dishes that are typical of the locale and holiday season. One of the most important of these dishes is a typical dessert that originates from the area and is typically made over the Christmas period: La Ricciolina.

It is a decadent tart that is made of two crumbly shortcrust layers with a thick Nutella filling and a generous handful of dried fruit inside and covered in a gentle puff of meringue on which you can draw squiggles of chocolate, from which the dessert takes its name.

Just find a vacation rental in Monte Amiata and try the real deal in Tuscany this holiday season! For now try out this recipe and get planning your trip.

If you have found a villa in Siena with internet and are planning on spending time there over the holiday season, there is one local sweet treat that you need to try: Cavallucci.

The origin of these pastries dates back to ancient times, when monasteries and ancient spices stores were where culinary experiments took place using the ingredients they had at their disposal. One such experiment in Siena resulted in cavallucci. Meaning “little horses”, these are biscuits made from flour, honey and sugar, in the shape of half an apricot. Their exact origins and how they were named is uncertain but there are some theories. One is that they were eaten at stagecoach inns by people travelling long distances and others say they were consumed by postmen travelling at length on horseback or by servants working in the stables of the aristocracy.