Aperitifs to Coffee
Lots of delightful things to drink, some soothing and some bracing.
Favorite Frascati DOC
Frascati is one of the classic Roman white wines, made from vineyards in the Alban Hills overlooking Rome. If you have eaten in a Roman trattoria you may well be familiar with it, because it's commonly set out by the pitcher, and does a fine job of accompanying quickly cooked Roman dishes. You may have found it to be rather simple, and much Frascati is. However, when made with care it is quite gr…
Frascati is one of the classic Roman white wines, made from vineyards in the Alban Hills overlooking Rome. If you have eaten in a Roman trattoria you may well be familiar with it, because it's commonly set out by the pitcher, and does a fine job of accompanying quickly cooked Roman dishes. You may have found it to be rather simple, and much Frascati is. However, when made with care it is quite gr…
Papaya and Watermelon Shake Recipe - Frullato di Papaia e Anguria
Watermelon is an excellent base for making a shake, and this fruit shake is another fine summer treat. The yield will depend upon how big your slices of fruit are.
Watermelon is an excellent base for making a shake, and this fruit shake is another fine summer treat. The yield will depend upon how big your slices of fruit are.
Peach and Watermelon Shake Recipe - Frullato di Pesca e Cocomero
Watermelon is an excellent base for making a shake, and this fruit shake is another fine summer treat. The yield will depend upon how big your slices of fruit are.
Watermelon is an excellent base for making a shake, and this fruit shake is another fine summer treat. The yield will depend upon how big your slices of fruit are.
2006 Rosso Di Montalcino:
Rosso di Montalcino is Brunello's younger cousin, and though I dedicate most of my attention to the 2003 Brunello, I did taste some 2006 Rosso at this rear's Benvenuto Brunello. It's a good vintage, and these wines especially impressed me.
Rosso di Montalcino is Brunello's younger cousin, and though I dedicate most of my attention to the 2003 Brunello, I did taste some 2006 Rosso at this rear's Benvenuto Brunello. It's a good vintage, and these wines especially impressed me.
Benvenuto Brunello 2003!
2003 was an extremely difficult vintage in Italy: It was too hot, and too dry, and as a result many wines, including some that are usually very good, show defects of one sort or another. the 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is no excpetion, but one of the truths of the wine world is that when the going gets difficult the best winemakers stand out. And they do, making wines head and shoulders above the…
2003 was an extremely difficult vintage in Italy: It was too hot, and too dry, and as a result many wines, including some that are usually very good, show defects of one sort or another. the 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is no excpetion, but one of the truths of the wine world is that when the going gets difficult the best winemakers stand out. And they do, making wines head and shoulders above the…
The 2008 Chianti Classico Anteprima
In addition to writing about food, I write about wine, and attended this year's Chianti Classico vintage presentation. A fascinating event, with some exciting new developments and a great many wines, more than 300 in all. Since this is much more than I can taste in 2 days I picked and chose, mostly vini d'annata (the current vintage), and a few Riserve. Here are the wines that impressed m…
In addition to writing about food, I write about wine, and attended this year's Chianti Classico vintage presentation. A fascinating event, with some exciting new developments and a great many wines, more than 300 in all. Since this is much more than I can taste in 2 days I picked and chose, mostly vini d'annata (the current vintage), and a few Riserve. Here are the wines that impressed m…
Tasty Meringued Fruit Cocktail - Coctail Di Frutta
This tasty, creamy fruit cocktail is a perfect example of the way modern Italian cooks are greeting new ingredients: mangoes are not native to Italy, but are much more common than they once were, and cheaper too. This is cool, refreshing, and will be very nice when it's hot out.
This tasty, creamy fruit cocktail is a perfect example of the way modern Italian cooks are greeting new ingredients: mangoes are not native to Italy, but are much more common than they once were, and cheaper too. This is cool, refreshing, and will be very nice when it's hot out.
Greetings from the 2008 Vinitaly!
Vinitaly is the most important Italian wine show, aimed at the trade, and is huge: thousands of producers and tens of thousands of wines. Much too much for anyone to cover in the week allotted, but a wonderful opportunity to discover new wines and see old friends. Here are some of the wines that impressed me the most, in (roughly) the order I tasted them.
Vinitaly is the most important Italian wine show, aimed at the trade, and is huge: thousands of producers and tens of thousands of wines. Much too much for anyone to cover in the week allotted, but a wonderful opportunity to discover new wines and see old friends. Here are some of the wines that impressed me the most, in (roughly) the order I tasted them.
The 2004 Amarone:
Of the great Italian red wines, Amarone della Valpolicella is certainly the most exotic: It's made from a blend of red grapes harvested as usual, and then set on mats to dry until late in the fall, when the sugars are concentrated and fascinating things have happened to the flavors. After a long fermentation and aging what emerges from the barrels is intensely concentrated, with terrific fruit an…
Of the great Italian red wines, Amarone della Valpolicella is certainly the most exotic: It's made from a blend of red grapes harvested as usual, and then set on mats to dry until late in the fall, when the sugars are concentrated and fascinating things have happened to the flavors. After a long fermentation and aging what emerges from the barrels is intensely concentrated, with terrific fruit an…
Favorite 2001 Barolo Riservas
2003 was difficult. 2001, on the other hand, was a beautiful vintage thatproduce wines of great complexity, richness and depth. I tasted these wines, which are by now reaching wine shops, at the 2007 Barolo presentation. They will drink beautifully with hearty roasts or stews in the immediate future, but if you can set them aside (on their sides, in a cool/cold dark place) they will age beautiful…
2003 was difficult. 2001, on the other hand, was a beautiful vintage thatproduce wines of great complexity, richness and depth. I tasted these wines, which are by now reaching wine shops, at the 2007 Barolo presentation. They will drink beautifully with hearty roasts or stews in the immediate future, but if you can set them aside (on their sides, in a cool/cold dark place) they will age beautiful…
Favorite 2003 Barolos
2003 was a very difficult vintage in Italy: It was already hot as blazes by the end of May, and didn't cool off until well after the harvest. Nor did it rain very much; the end result was a tremendous amount of very unbalanced, overripe wine, overly alcoholic. Barolo was no exception, but as is always the case with difficult vintages, those who work hard and well do stand out. These are the wines…
2003 was a very difficult vintage in Italy: It was already hot as blazes by the end of May, and didn't cool off until well after the harvest. Nor did it rain very much; the end result was a tremendous amount of very unbalanced, overripe wine, overly alcoholic. Barolo was no exception, but as is always the case with difficult vintages, those who work hard and well do stand out. These are the wines…
Dolcetto & Dolcetto 2007:
Despite the name, which translates as little sweet one, Dolcetto is a dry red wine, with characteristic bitter almond and berry fruit aromas on the nose, and rich lively fruit on the palate; by comparison with many other Italian red wines, especially Barbera, it is low in acidity, and were it not for its lively tannic bitterness it would be rather flat. But there is that bitterness, and the end r…
Despite the name, which translates as little sweet one, Dolcetto is a dry red wine, with characteristic bitter almond and berry fruit aromas on the nose, and rich lively fruit on the palate; by comparison with many other Italian red wines, especially Barbera, it is low in acidity, and were it not for its lively tannic bitterness it would be rather flat. But there is that bitterness, and the end r…
Favorite Sparkling Wines To Ring In 2008
I recently went to a presentation of sparkling wines in Viareggio, on the Tuscan coast. It was interesting, because rather than focus on a particular kind of wine, there was everything from light, spritzy Prosecco through much more serious, well aged Franciacorta and Champagne. I had a great time, and here's a selection of the wines that impressed me most. They'll be nice on New Year's Eve, and a…
I recently went to a presentation of sparkling wines in Viareggio, on the Tuscan coast. It was interesting, because rather than focus on a particular kind of wine, there was everything from light, spritzy Prosecco through much more serious, well aged Franciacorta and Champagne. I had a great time, and here's a selection of the wines that impressed me most. They'll be nice on New Year's Eve, and a…
Favorite Lagreins
Lagrein, especially that from stony soils, tends to be a voluptuous dark ruby red, and quite mineral on the nose, with smoke and gunflint mingled with forest berry fruit, a mixture of currants and blackberries with underlying plums, while the palate tends to be fruity, and buoyed by nice acidity, while the tannins are quite smooth. In short, they are clean, fresh fruity wines that drink quite wel…
Lagrein, especially that from stony soils, tends to be a voluptuous dark ruby red, and quite mineral on the nose, with smoke and gunflint mingled with forest berry fruit, a mixture of currants and blackberries with underlying plums, while the palate tends to be fruity, and buoyed by nice acidity, while the tannins are quite smooth. In short, they are clean, fresh fruity wines that drink quite wel…
Watermelon-Cantaloupe Punch - Cocktail Ghiacciato alla Menta e Malvasia
This will be a fine way to start off a cookout or picnic, and will also be nice at poolside, or in the evening under the stars. In short, a delightful summer treat!
This will be a fine way to start off a cookout or picnic, and will also be nice at poolside, or in the evening under the stars. In short, a delightful summer treat!
Vin Brulè
There's nothing quite so warm and welcoming when it's cold out than a steaming mug of vin brulè, or burnt wine. The people of the Val Camonica, up in the snowy Alps, make it all winter long to keep the chill at bay.
There's nothing quite so warm and welcoming when it's cold out than a steaming mug of vin brulè, or burnt wine. The people of the Val Camonica, up in the snowy Alps, make it all winter long to keep the chill at bay.
Benvenuto Brunello 2001! The Wines that Most Impressed Me
I was invited to Benvento Brunello, the annual presntation of the Brunello di Montalcino vintage. This year the 2001 Brunello di Montalcino was presented, and it is very good. Here are some of the wines that impressed me most.
I was invited to Benvento Brunello, the annual presntation of the Brunello di Montalcino vintage. This year the 2001 Brunello di Montalcino was presented, and it is very good. Here are some of the wines that impressed me most.
Wines tasted at the Chianti Classico Vintage Presentation
In addition to writing about food, I write about wine, and attended this year's Chianti Classico vintage presentation. A fascinating event, with some exciting new developments and a great many wines, more than 400 in all. Since this is much more than I can taste in 2 days I picked and chose, mostly the vintage wines, and a few Riserve; here are the wines, in no particular order, impressed me the most.
In addition to writing about food, I write about wine, and attended this year's Chianti Classico vintage presentation. A fascinating event, with some exciting new developments and a great many wines, more than 400 in all. Since this is much more than I can taste in 2 days I picked and chose, mostly the vintage wines, and a few Riserve; here are the wines, in no particular order, impressed me the most.
Mother-In-Law's Milk, or Latte di Suocera
Mother-In-Law's Milk, or Latte di Suocera: La Suocera is as proverbial in Italy as she is anywhere else, and Italians (especially daughters-in-law) have come up with all sorts of ways to keep them content; one of the most popular items in candy stands at fairs is addormenta suocere, candied nuts that supposedly send mothers-in-law off into a deep sleep (my mother-in-law simply enjoys them). Those who like to make liqueurs at home can also try with this milk.
Mother-In-Law's Milk, or Latte di Suocera: La Suocera is as proverbial in Italy as she is anywhere else, and Italians (especially daughters-in-law) have come up with all sorts of ways to keep them content; one of the most popular items in candy stands at fairs is addormenta suocere, candied nuts that supposedly send mothers-in-law off into a deep sleep (my mother-in-law simply enjoys them). Those who like to make liqueurs at home can also try with this milk.
Fresh Black Currant Liqueur
Iwan writes, "This is my favourite home made liqueur."
Iwan writes, "This is my favourite home made liqueur."
Dried Apricot Liqueur
Quick, easy, and the perfect way to bring summer into the picture at any time of year.
Quick, easy, and the perfect way to bring summer into the picture at any time of year.
Acetello -- Vinaigrette
Acetello, or Vinaigrette: This is a truly ancient drink; the Romans called it posca, and considered it to be the symbol of poverty. And it was something the poor could easily afford, but it is also thirst quenching, especially in hot weather.
Acetello, or Vinaigrette: This is a truly ancient drink; the Romans called it posca, and considered it to be the symbol of poverty. And it was something the poor could easily afford, but it is also thirst quenching, especially in hot weather.
Caffè alla Valdostana -- Valdostan Coffee
Caffè alla Valdostana, or Valdostan Coffee: Wherever you go in the Alps, it seems, you will run across fortified coffees, which are often served in a multi-spouted wooden container called a [i]grolla[/i] (friendship cup), the idea being that each person will take a sip from a spout, then pass the container on to the next person who will use the next spout. The tradition may be born of barracks customs among soldiers, but it's by now well rooted.
Caffè alla Valdostana, or Valdostan Coffee: Wherever you go in the Alps, it seems, you will run across fortified coffees, which are often served in a multi-spouted wooden container called a [i]grolla[/i] (friendship cup), the idea being that each person will take a sip from a spout, then pass the container on to the next person who will use the next spout. The tradition may be born of barracks customs among soldiers, but it's by now well rooted.
Sgropin
Finally, last week a reader posted a request for Sgropin, on the Italian Cuisine forum. I wasn't familiar with it, but Warren says...
Finally, last week a reader posted a request for Sgropin, on the Italian Cuisine forum. I wasn't familiar with it, but Warren says...
Sangria Caliente
Sangria may be a Spanish word, but the drink has become popular in Italy too.
Sangria may be a Spanish word, but the drink has become popular in Italy too.
Strawberry Liqueur -- Fragolo
Fragolo, or Strawberry Liqueur: This is a sweet strawberry liqueur, with an alcohol content of about 40%. It's quite nice in the winter after dinner. When you have finished steeping the strawberries, drain them well and serve them for dessert (though not to children). They'll go quite well over ice cream.
Fragolo, or Strawberry Liqueur: This is a sweet strawberry liqueur, with an alcohol content of about 40%. It's quite nice in the winter after dinner. When you have finished steeping the strawberries, drain them well and serve them for dessert (though not to children). They'll go quite well over ice cream.
Walnut Liqueur -- Nocino
This is something to make in June, if you are in Italy, or, in any case, before the walnuts have ripened. If you have access to a walnut tree, good. Otherwise, ask your greengrocer to procure about 30 nuts with their rinds. Don't be surprised if the rinds are bright green; they should be, because the nuts are immature. Once you have the nuts, wash them well...
This is something to make in June, if you are in Italy, or, in any case, before the walnuts have ripened. If you have access to a walnut tree, good. Otherwise, ask your greengrocer to procure about 30 nuts with their rinds. Don't be surprised if the rinds are bright green; they should be, because the nuts are immature. Once you have the nuts, wash them well...
Raspberry Liqueur -- Lamponino
Lamponi are raspberries, and this is a great way to preserve the memories of a woodland meadow in August for the winter months. Alcohol content about 40%.
Lamponi are raspberries, and this is a great way to preserve the memories of a woodland meadow in August for the winter months. Alcohol content about 40%.
Cherry Liqueur -- Cigliegiolo
Cigliegiolo, or Cherry Liqueur: One of the finest things to do with an amarena cherry short of eating it! It's a perfect after dinner cordial, to be enjoyed with friends on a cold winter night when cherry season is far away. Alcohol content about 40%.
Cigliegiolo, or Cherry Liqueur: One of the finest things to do with an amarena cherry short of eating it! It's a perfect after dinner cordial, to be enjoyed with friends on a cold winter night when cherry season is far away. Alcohol content about 40%.
Citrus Liqueur -- Agrumino
Agrumino, or Citrus Liqueur: A tasty liqueur made from lemon and orange zest, which is a very pleasant close to a meal, or perfect sprinkled over ice cream in the summer. It will also be handy in mixing up cocktails. Alcohol content about 40%.
Agrumino, or Citrus Liqueur: A tasty liqueur made from lemon and orange zest, which is a very pleasant close to a meal, or perfect sprinkled over ice cream in the summer. It will also be handy in mixing up cocktails. Alcohol content about 40%.
OranPear
OranPear: A sweet liqueur made from oranges and pears, which is very tasty over ice cream or in fruit cocktails, and will be a pleasant reminder of winter when the thermometer's too high to contemplate. Alcohol content about 30%.
OranPear: A sweet liqueur made from oranges and pears, which is very tasty over ice cream or in fruit cocktails, and will be a pleasant reminder of winter when the thermometer's too high to contemplate. Alcohol content about 30%.
Amaro Alle Erbe
The quintessential after dinner cordial, made with all sorts of herbs. The major commercial varieties include Amaro Ramazzotti, Jägermeister, and Amaretto di Saronno, and there are hundreds more, many made by monasteries scattered throughout the Peninsula. This recipe yields a simple amaro that's fairly dry and not too strong, about 30% alcohol. A tiny glass will be very tasty at the end of a meal, and will spread a pleasing warmth through your insides.
The quintessential after dinner cordial, made with all sorts of herbs. The major commercial varieties include Amaro Ramazzotti, Jägermeister, and Amaretto di Saronno, and there are hundreds more, many made by monasteries scattered throughout the Peninsula. This recipe yields a simple amaro that's fairly dry and not too strong, about 30% alcohol. A tiny glass will be very tasty at the end of a meal, and will spread a pleasing warmth through your insides.
Limoncello
True Limoncello is made in Sorrento, from lemons whose trees overlook the Mediterranean. However, if you have good lemons where you live (I'd want organically grown here), you can get pretty close. It's not difficult.
True Limoncello is made in Sorrento, from lemons whose trees overlook the Mediterranean. However, if you have good lemons where you live (I'd want organically grown here), you can get pretty close. It's not difficult.
Citron Syrup -- Sciroppo di Cedro
Though the title is citron, and citrons will be quite nice, lemons will do well in their stead and make for a very refreshing syrup.
Though the title is citron, and citrons will be quite nice, lemons will do well in their stead and make for a very refreshing syrup.
Raspberry Syrup -- Sciroppo di Lamponi
When raspberries come into season in late summer, it's time to transform them into a tasty syrup for ice cream and many other things.
When raspberries come into season in late summer, it's time to transform them into a tasty syrup for ice cream and many other things.
Blackberry Syrup -- Sciroppo di More
Blackberry Syrup: An extraordinarily refreshing late summer treat!
Blackberry Syrup: An extraordinarily refreshing late summer treat!
Cherry Syrup -- Sciroppo di Ciliegie
Cherry Syrup is perfect in summer, with Italian ices or in chilled water.
Cherry Syrup is perfect in summer, with Italian ices or in chilled water.
Currant Syrup -- Sciroppo di Ribes
Currant Syrup is extremely refreshing in summer and a perfect base for an Italian Ice.
Currant Syrup is extremely refreshing in summer and a perfect base for an Italian Ice.
About Siroppi
Fruit syrups, the foundations of Italian Ices and wonderful ice cream toppings besides.
Fruit syrups, the foundations of Italian Ices and wonderful ice cream toppings besides.
Mele Sciroppate
Apples in syrup is a great way of carrying fall into the spring and summer months
Apples in syrup is a great way of carrying fall into the spring and summer months
Crema di Limoncello
A variation on the southern classic, from Verona.
A variation on the southern classic, from Verona.
Rosolio
A delicate lemony liqueur, which isn't too strong.
A delicate lemony liqueur, which isn't too strong.
Grappa
A few words on the spirit, and a lot more on the distilleries where it is made.
A few words on the spirit, and a lot more on the distilleries where it is made.
Making Liquori Casalinghi
Home made liqueurs are surprisingly easy to make and astonishingly good -- much better and more varied than the commercial stuff.
Home made liqueurs are surprisingly easy to make and astonishingly good -- much better and more varied than the commercial stuff.
Cigliege sotto Spirito
Cherries in spirits -- not exactly a liqueur, but they'll still warm the heart!
Cherries in spirits -- not exactly a liqueur, but they'll still warm the heart!
Anise liqueur
A tasty looking recipe that should yield something akin to Strega.
A tasty looking recipe that should yield something akin to Strega.
Anise Pepper Liqueur
A simple liquer made with star anise and crushed peppercorns.
A simple liquer made with star anise and crushed peppercorns.
The Bialetti Moka Express
A neat article on the unlikely connubuim of aluminum and coffee that brought espresso coffee out of the bars and into Italian homes.
A neat article on the unlikely connubuim of aluminum and coffee that brought espresso coffee out of the bars and into Italian homes.
Il Cappuccino
An anguished look at the fate of Italy's most popular morning drink in the U.S.
An anguished look at the fate of Italy's most popular morning drink in the U.S.
Cocktails on the Canal Grande
Tasty Venetian Aperitif recipes, from Walter Bolzonella of Hotel Cipriani
Tasty Venetian Aperitif recipes, from Walter Bolzonella of Hotel Cipriani
Coffee the Italian Way
A fascinating look at an essential item in coffee production that people often overlook: the container for the roasted beans, to be displayed in a shop or coffee house. In Italy some of the finest containers are made of maiolica, and are extremely beautiful.
A fascinating look at an essential item in coffee production that people often overlook: the container for the roasted beans, to be displayed in a shop or coffee house. In Italy some of the finest containers are made of maiolica, and are extremely beautiful.
Finding the Perfect Espresso Machine
Delightful tips on finding the machine and putting it to good use, from Rosemary Furfaro.
Delightful tips on finding the machine and putting it to good use, from Rosemary Furfaro.
How to order an Italian Coffee
What you need to know before you step up to the bar in Italy
What you need to know before you step up to the bar in Italy
Home Distilling: Everything you need to know
It is easiest (usually) to buy alcohol in a store. however, people have been distilling for centuries, and there are some wonderful drinks you can't get otherwise.
It is easiest (usually) to buy alcohol in a store. however, people have been distilling for centuries, and there are some wonderful drinks you can't get otherwise.
Limoncello
A very popular liqueur. Use the best vodka, or grain alcohol for the infusion (dilute the grain alcohol with an equivalent volume of water lest your drink be powerful out of proportion).
A very popular liqueur. Use the best vodka, or grain alcohol for the infusion (dilute the grain alcohol with an equivalent volume of water lest your drink be powerful out of proportion).
Liquore al Basilico
Angie's basil liqueur. In Italian, alas, but looks good!
Angie's basil liqueur. In Italian, alas, but looks good!
Sorbetto di Vinsanto
I'm not sure why one would want to drink bad vinsanto or freeze the good stuff, but somebody might. Here's how.
I'm not sure why one would want to drink bad vinsanto or freeze the good stuff, but somebody might. Here's how.
Making the most of your home Espresso Machine
A detailed discussion of coffe and steam machines, both bar and home. Worth reading.
A detailed discussion of coffe and steam machines, both bar and home. Worth reading.