When the temperature soars, Italians drink espresso. Hot, iced or in the delectable affogato, gelato drowned in coffee. Two ingredients—a shot of intense espresso and vanilla gelato— is all that’s required. Place two or three scoops into a coffee cup. Pour a shot of espresso over and enjoy. But like panzanella, affogato calls for enhancements. Drizzle chocolate sauce into your cup before adding the gelato. Swap chocolate, coffee or hazelnut gelato for the vanilla. Scoop a mound of amaretto flavored whipped cream on top before serving. To transform your affogato into a caffeinated parfait, spoon the gelato into a tall, narrow glass. Scatter it with bits of diced candied orange rind, toastedRead More →

Tuscan panzanella is a zesty bread salad and summer staple in and around Montefollonico. Usually made with cubes of crusty Italian bread, tomatoes, basil, cucumbers and a simple splash of vinegar and olive oil, is infinitely customizable. Cooks and our nonne add or subtract ingredients to suit their tastes. It’s one of those dishes that never disappoints.To make panzanella at home, be open to experimenting with what is seasonal and fresh at the farmer’s market. Perhaps there are baby zucchini available. Slice them thinly to add to the salad, along with fresh blossoms too. If your garden is full of early radishes, slice those and addRead More →