Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Pastiera is a cake which comes from the city of Naples in Campania. It was originally made and consumed during the pagan celebrations of the return of the Spring time. The modern pastiera, however, was probably invented in a Neapolitan convent. An unnamed nun wanted to make a cake with the aroma of the flowers of the orange trees which grew in the convent’s gardens and added this ingredient into the ancient recipe. Her recipe brought together wheat, ricotta, eggs (symbol of new life and resurrection), some water which had the fragrance of the flowers, candied citron and aromatic Asian spices. The dish took off and the nuns began to make the cakes for rich families in the area.

Eventually, it entered wider production and became available from bakers and shops and now can be purchased all over the city. Find a holiday rental in Naples and you can try it while wandering the historic treats. However, if you can't wait until then, try it out first using this recipe.     Read More

The Bellini is on almost every cocktail menu in the world and is one of the world's most beloved alcoholic beverages. It was born in Venice in Harry's Bar sometime between 1934 and 1948. Its inventor was Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry's Bar, and it was so named due to its typically distinct pink colour (depending on ingredients used, this can vary in hue) which reminded him of the toga a saint wore in a painting by 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini. The drink started as a seasonal speciality at Harry's and later became popular at the bar's New York counterpart. Once fresh white peach purée could be shipped constantly to both locations, it became a year-round favourite.     Read More

Pizza all'Andrea is a pizza dish from the Liguria region of Italy. It is also known as sardenaira or sardinaira and is similar to the pissaladière of Provence in France. It is classified as a pizza but is often considered more like a focaccia and is made with anchovies and olives on top. The origins of the dish are a much debated thing but it is often attributed to admiral Andrea Doria (1466-1560) and is thought to be named after him as well. He is said to have invented and loved the dish: a slice of bread topped by olive oil, garlic and salted anchovies. The dish was invented before tomatoes were readily available and used in Italy, pre-dating the better-known Neapolita pizza, and, therefore, traditionalists do not add tomatoes. However, we are presenting you with a recipe that includes tomato as some can find it too dry without. Enjoy this dish now and then find a villa with pool in Liguria and taste it again while on holidays.     Read More