Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Lucca buccellato is the most famous and characteristic dessert from the city of Lucca. In fact, it is so intrinsically part of the town that there is even an idiom to do with it which states, “Whoever comes to Lucca and doesn’t eat buccellato can’t say that they’ve been here” (‘Chi viene a Lucca e non mangia il buccellato è come non ci fosse mai stato’). Buccellato is traditionally donut cake made of flour, eggs, aniseed and raisins but it can also be in loaf form. The name ''buccellato'' comes from the latin ''bucella'' meaning a type of cookie or bread which was given as ration to soldiers. A “buccellatum” was the word for the shape of foods, a round loaf of bread or a crown buccellae.

Gnocchi is a popular Italian dish which is seen as an alternative to pasta and can be drenched in thousands of different delicious sauces. It is not unique to Tuscany, however, you are bound to find gnocchi in countless fantastic restaurants across the region. Given the season, as well, there will be plenty of options on offer with pumpkin sauces or fillings. The Tuscans, in particular, know how to make rich, hearty dishes with comforting tomato sauces. The following recipe is a good example of a seasonal Tuscan take on an Italian classic and is just the thing for devout Hallowe'en fans who like a thematic dish. Unlike the typical boiled gnocchi, this version is made of balls of a tasty pumpkin mixture which is then baked in a tomato sauce to produce a rich and creamy dish, perfect for cooler Autumn days. Find a luxury villa in Tuscany and enjoy the local offerings and, while you're planning your trip, try out this little corker of a recipe.

Autumn means harvest, Hallowe'en, comforting food and pumpkins. In Tuscany, the main foods of the season are mushrooms, chestnuts and truffles and there are even festivals to celebrate these favourites! More and more, Italy celebrates Hallowe'en and, if you combine this with the famous pumpkins from the Arno Valley area – you get a match made in heaven (or, given the season, should we say hell?)! This Tuscan pumpkin variety is called “zucca lardaia”. Pumpkin was first brought to Europe by Spanish settlers and it is normally only a commonplace ingredient in traditional dishes in northern Italy.

However, these pumpkins are just the thing to add an interesting kick to some hearty and delicious dishes and soups, in particular. As it is a very sweet flavour it is usually combined with strong flavoured ingredients such as onion, herbs and rosemary in Tuscany and this recipe does just that: making use of the seasonal mushrooms and adding a touch of sweetness of the pumpkins, it is all kept in check by the strong presence of the onion and rosemary. Find a luxury villa in the Arno Valley and hunt down their local pumpkins and, in the meantime, try out the recipe with your own varieties while you plan your Autumn getaway.

Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is a very traditional Florentine cake which can be found in local pasticceria (pastry shops) all over the city. Originally a dish traditionally served at Easter it can now be purchased and enjoyed all year round! It is not unlike a sponge cake but with orange zest and the option of adding a wide variety of fillings such as ricotta and cream. In many ways, it is like the marriage between a sponge and a lemon drizzle cake except less sweet and heavy. As such, it can be served for a light snack in the afternoon, for breakfast (as is common in Italy!) or as a dessert. Find a villa with internet in Florence and taste it from a bakery as you wander the streets, taking in the sights and sounds on a crisp Autumn morning, or try it for yourself now with this recipe!

A holiday in Tuscany probably conjures certain ideas and expectations such as pretty scenery, picturesque villages, culture and food and wine. In fact, few would think a holiday in Tuscany complete or satisfying without time taken to enjoy its wonderful cuisine and dining experiences. Most have prior experience with Italian food but Tuscan food, developing from peasant roots and generally comforting, wholesome and hearty, is a rather particular entity. You'll probably have plans already to enjoy some gelato, coffee, wine and cheeses but here are some specific Tuscan dishes and foods that we think you should be sure to try!