Il Ceppo di Natale-Chestnut Log

Il dolce delle feste di Natale per eccellenza! Quest’anno il Ceppo di castagne, cioccolato e crema di burro all’essenza di arancia,  è arrivato sul tavolo apparecchiato per la Befana giusto in tempo l’ultimo giorno.  Grazie alla mamma che, continuando la tradizione di famiglia, addolcisce i nostri palati, racconta anedotti quest’ultimo giorno di festa

This is the  ultimate Christmas cake ! This year the Chestnut Log with chocolate and butter cream and orange, has showed up on our family table just in time on our holidays last day.  Thanks to my mum who is carrying on our family tradition, sweetens our palates, tells stories on this last holidays day.

 

 

Clementine Marmalade

Yes, this is it. My favourite marmalade at Xmas. Easy to make with organic clementines, sugar & lemon.  I basically use 2 kg clementines, 1 kg sugar and 2 lemons. Lovely taste on cottage cheese or a fresh slice of bread!

Day Trip # 2-Val D’Orcia

Montalcino, Pienza & Montepulciano

(130 Km- 2:00 away from the Casale)

Montalcino, better know as the city of Brunello wine, it’s a beautiful village dominating the Val D’orcia natural park. In the 16th century, the famous architect Rossellino was commissioned by Pope Pius II to build the town. The Duomo (Cathedral), which dominates the center of the piazza, has a façade that is one of the earliest designed in the Renaissance manner.  Visiting the town wine cellars that start from the top of the hill and go all the way through it’s an amazing experience. Pienza enjoys a strategic position  dominating all the Orcia Valley with extraordinary views. Under Leon Battista Alberti in 3 years, a group of amazing and harmonious buildings were completed: the Cathedral, the Piccolomi Palace, the Town Hall, and the lovely central square. Pienza is well know for its cacio that is to say cheese! Made from sheep’s milk, you can taste the Pecorino of Pienza in local restaurants with other typical products such as wines, spices, pici (handmade pasta) and so on. Don’t forget to order pici cacio e pepe! When in Montepulciano, elegant Renaissance  city with ancient churches, charming squares and hidden corners, stop in Piazza Grande, the heart of Montepulciano, where the barrel-racing Bravio delle Botti contest is held in August every year. Take a walk through Montepulciano to view the town and its beautiful historical buildings  and enjoy heartbreaking views of the surrounding countryside vineyards producing the famous Nobile!

Sorbs Fruit Jam

Probably not many people know sorbs fruit. It’s a little wild apple with a sweet and parfumed taste. I’ve discovered a big tree while I was on a nice walk with friends in the country. Sorbs, cinammon and pine nuts and my jam is ready