Category Archives: Travel

Barbabietole al Forno – Roasted Beets, 3 Ways

Finding Chioggia beets at my grocers always brings me immediately back to Italy. This heirloom beet comes from the Italian coastal town of Chioggia, right across the lagoon from Venice. In fact, it is often referred to as “Little Venice”, … Continue reading

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Costolettine di Manzo Brasate ai Frutti di Bosco – Braised Short Ribs with Berries

Last weekend, I attended a reunion of “Bike Trippers”, hosted by friends and guests on past bike tours. It was wonderful to see everyone, reminisce about our adventures in Italy, all while enjoying great wine and a fantastic meal. It … Continue reading

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Salsiccia e Pancetta Fresca con Fagioli

During my recent trip to Umbria for our Bike the Wine Roads of Umbria tour, and a few days in Tuscany afterward, I saw this dish on many a menu. It features two of Umbria’s favorite products, beans and sausage. … Continue reading

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Brasato di Maiale con Fagioli – Braised Pork with Beans

The regions of Tuscany and Umbria are considered the “Heart of Italy”, lying as they do in the geographic middle of the country. Adjacent to each other, their cuisines are quite similar. Simple, country cooking; not a lot of ingredients. … Continue reading

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Pappa al Pomodoro

We see many bread based dishes on our cycling tours in Umbria and Tuscany. Here, bread is not often enjoyed alone, but worked into a dish. I covered one of these recipes, the great summer salad made from tomatoes and … Continue reading

Posted in Soups, Tomato, Travel, Tuscany, Umbria, Uncategorized, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment