Archive for 'Food'

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A post shared by Gabriella Michetti (@gabriella_michetti) on Nov 2, 2017 at 12:10am PDT

Caggiunitti, or caggionetti, are deep fried almond fritters that are normally filled with chocolate and chestnuts that come from the regions of Molise and Abruzzo in Italy. While they are typically made as treats around Christmas, they are really tasty and comforting desserts that are perfect during the cooler months. Varying in exact ingredients and shapes and styles depending on where and by whom they are made, they are a typical cookie of the area and something that you must try if you have found a vacation rental in Abruzzo and are planning a visit during the winter.

While Siena is, arguably, one of the most stunning cities in Italy, it is also not that well-known to many international travellers, which is a crying shame. With lots to offer and a beautiful Gothic veneer, it is a perfect holiday destination and in this and the previous post, we are counting down ten great reasons to find yourself a villa rental in Siena and get exploring the city ASAP!

6. The Stunning Piccolomini Library

Another great architectural gem, this beauty is on the grounds of the cathedral and can be visited at the same time! Just turn left about halfway along the length of the cathedral's aisle and you'll discover the library, built by Pope Pius III (a member of the powerful local Piccolomini family) in memory of his uncle and to conserve the rich collection of manuscripts that he had lovingly collected. Said collection never really made it to the library and the series of frescoes by Pinturicchio and his workshop are now the real stars of the show. Truly stunning and awe-inspiring, this is a must-see space.

Bucatini all'amatriciana, or alla matriciana (in Romanesco dialect), is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with a famous sauce based on guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese, tomato, normally, onion. It is now one of the best known pasta sauces internationally and originates from the town of Amatrice in the mountainous Province of Rieti in the region of Lazio. The dish has origins that stretch to a recipe called gricia, which came from the name that Romans (of modern, rather than ancient history) had for bread sellers.

Acquacotta is a traditional dish originating in the coastal region of Tuscany known as Maremma. Literally translated the name means “cooked water” and accurately represents its origins as a peasant dish. It is an old and historic dish that comes from the colliers, or charcoal burners, farmers and shepherds of the area, who were the poorest of people. Despite such humble origins, like many other dishes that were once peasant foods, it remains enduringly popular to this day.

Cannoli are one of the most famous and beloved of all Italian desserts, particularly among Italian-Americans, and are pastries that come from the Sicily region. The origins can be traced back to the Arabs during the Emirate of Sicily and similar pastries are known to have been popular across the Islamic world during that period. They have been traced back to the Palermo and Messina areas and were traditionally prepared as a treat during Carnevale season. The dessert eventually became a year-round staple throughout Italy. In singular form they are known as cannolo, a word that means "little tube" and they are just that, little tube-shaped fried pastries with creamy, sweet fillings, usually comprised of ricotta.