Archive for 'Recipes'

  

Friday, May 27, 2016
For whatever reason, it seems as if almost all the world's favourite cocktails come from Venice. Perhaps, it is because the city has always seemed to magnetically draw artists and writers to it and, as we all know, many a creative type has been known to be fond of a drink. Or, maybe, it is because the city has ever been one of the most glamourous destinations in the world where the rich and famous go to enjoy the surroundings and the good life; particularly, the fine dining and the drinks that inevitably are paired along with the food. Either way, it seems that the clientèle of bars in Venice have always been a discerning lot and, due to this, it has kept the city's bartenders on their toes. Certainly, it just adds to the long list of reasons to visit the city so why not find a holiday rental in Venice and try out one of their legendary bars such as Harry's Bar? If it was good enough for Hemingway then you'll surely enjoy it!

This environment seems to have encouraged great creativity and Venice, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, was the birthplace of many drinks which went on to become standards in bars around the globe. One cocktail from the city that you are likely to be unfamiliar with, however, is the Sgroppino which is basically a boozy smoothie – sounds good, right? Made with lemon and smooth and icy cold, it's often seen as the perfect Summer cocktail. However, it is also a brilliant palate cleanser which can be used to help enhance a delicious meal. Its origins are uncertain but it is said to have once been used as a digestif by Venetian nobility – intrigued? Here's how to make it for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: Food and Wine, Localities, Recipes, Venice

  

Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Americano Cocktail
Once you've found the perfect holiday rental in Milan and are enjoying the city, you must make time to try Campari, an alcoholic liqueur for which the city is well-known. It was invented by Gaspare Campari in the nineteenth century in Novara but was first produced on a large scale in Milan. Milan is also where Gaspare settled down with his family. He also opened the legendary bar, Caffè Campari, in the city. It was here that the Americano was born.

“Americano” probably brings coffee to mind but it is also the name of an IBA Official Cocktail composed of Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda which was first served in Caffè Campari in the 1860s and was invented by Gaspare Campari. Originally, it was known as the “Milano-Torino” due to Campari (from Milan) and vermouth (from Turin) being its main ingredients. Supposedly, the name was changed when Italians noticed its popularity among Americans in the early 1900s.

The drink is also well-known as the first ordered by James Bond in the very first novel in the series by Ian Fleming, Casino Royale. He also discusses it in the short story, “From a View to a Kill.” Very easy to make and satisfying to drink, it's easy to understand its enduring popularity.     Read More
Posted in: Food and Wine, Localities, Milan, Recipes

  

Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is one of the most famous and beloved of all Italian desserts. As a result, many want to stake their claim to it and its origins have become uncertain. Most accounts, however, attribute the dish to a restaurant called Le Beccherie in Treviso. It is said that it was created by a confectioner named Roberto Linguanotto, owner of the restaurant, and his apprentice, Francesca Valori, whose maiden name was Tiramisu. Yet, one Carminantonio Iannaccone claims that he invented it on the 24th of December in 1969 and was then supplied to Le Beccherie. Other sources, meanwhile, trace the dessert back to 17th century Siena when it was made in honour of the Grand Duke Cosimo III. It is difficult to say which account is true but the dish does not seem to appear in cookbooks before the 1960s. Either way, one of the best places to try it is in Treviso so why not find a vacation rental in Veneto and taste it there?     Read More
Posted in: Food and Wine, Northeast Italy, Recipes, Veneto

  

Friday, December 4, 2015
Mussels in a Pot
If you are thinking of spending Christmas in Italy or if you are planning a trip in the New Year and want to prepare by trying some of the local cuisine, you need look no further. Today, we're discussing a Ligurian recipe, Mussel Soup. This light but highly flavourful dish is tasty and satisfying. As the name suggests, it is from Liguria but similar dishes can be found along the entire coast of the peninsula. It is typically served as a first course and is the perfect thing for Christmas Eve dinner in the Italian tradition. Typically, Christmas Eve dinner in Italy is traditionally a light meal with no meat. The dinner precedes the Midnight Mass and is then often followed by hot chocolate with cookies or a slice of panettone once everyone has returned home from church and needs to warm back up once more. Try out the recipe yourself for now and then sample such delicious local specialities in Italy once you've found a holiday villa rental in Liguria.     Read More
Posted in: Food and Wine, Liguria, Northwest Italy, Recipes

  

Friday, December 4, 2015
Negroni Sbagliato
Christmas means coming together with the people you love most in the world. Usually lots of food is involved – and, probably, a few drinks, as well! If you've become tired of the same old cocktails and drinks that are served every year and want to try something new then you've come to the right place. Today, we have a recipe for an Italian cocktail that's sure to be a hit, whether it's served at a party or as you sit around the fire with family. Negroni Sbagliato is a variation of the classic Negroni cocktail. “Sbagliato”, meaning “mistake”, refers to the origins of the drink which was invented in Milan. Why not find a vacation rental in Milan and try it in its spiritual home first? If you can't wait quite that long, read on and try it at home first!

The Negroni was, supposedly, invented in Florence in 1919 at Caffè Casoni, now called Caffè Giacosa, when Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender, to strengthen his favourite cocktail. His regular Americano, was suddenly transformed by adding gin rather than the normal soda water. To help differentiate between the old and new, the bartender also added an orange garnish rather than the typical lemon garnish of the Americano. After the cocktail skyrocketed in popularity, the Negroni Family founded Negroni Distillerie in Treviso, Italy, and produced a ready-made version of the drink, sold as Antico Negroni 1919.

The Negroni Sbagliato, on the other hand, was invented at the legendary Bar Basso in Milan. When making a Negroni, spumante was grabbed instead of gin, by accident. Once again, a small change made an entirely new drink and another hit was born. The drink then became the bar's signature cocktail.     Read More
Posted in: Food and Wine, Recipes