Blended into a tapenade, stirred into a martini or just straight from the jar…however you eat them, olives have created a fanbase worldwide. But did you know that fossil evidence indicates that the olive tree’s origins trace back to as long as 40 million years ago, in an area that now corresponds to Italy?  Today […]

Summer is the top tourist season throughout Italy, and small wonder.  Sunbathing along the Mediterranean, warmer weather near the Alps, architectural and art-filled cities coming alive with the embrace of warm weather and fresh seasonal vegetables coming into their best flavor.   Many will argue that June is the best of the summer months in Italy, […]

Tuscany (TUSK-ə-nee) is a region in central Italy, famed for the beauty of its rolling lands and World Heritage site cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena.  The idea of Tuscany being a place of romance, Chanti wine, world-class cooking, picnics, and sunshine was already part of the lore for Tuscany long before the book and […]

The most delicious “small ears” you’ll ever eat hail from Puglia, Italy. Orecchiette (oh-reck-ee-ET-tay) is a pasta unlike any other, largely due to its interesting appearance. The word Orecchiette literally translates to “small ears” in Italian, a nod to its striking resemblance. Unlike other common kinds of pasta that take on the traditional long noodle […]

Lazio (laat·see·ow) is the Italian region that is home to Rome– the city famous for iconic sites like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Forum and Pantheon, the must-take-a-selfie-here Spanish Steps and, of course, nearby city-within-a-city Vatican City–capital of the Roman Catholic Church.   Certain cliched phrases have been around forever and highlight the culturally iconic […]

Buttery. Sugary. Citrusy. Sweet. The taste of Panettone transcends time & tradition and bakes both into a delectable dessert. The Italian treat has been a local favorite for centuries, baked and served at every important date and family gathering. The sweet bread has gained massive popularity since it first originated in Italy, eventually ending up […]

Situated in the northeastern part of the country, Emilia Romagna(uh·mee·lee·uh row·maa·nyuh) is worth a visit– in person if you can, or via its culinary treasures if stay at home you must.  Bologna is the capital– famous for mortadella,  ragù Bolognese, and fresh egg-based pastas such as tagliatelle and tortellini.  Modena is home to the world’s […]

Abruzzo (uh·brut·sow) is located opposite Rome and the Lazio region, in the eastern portion of the mid-part of Italy, bordering the Adriatic Sea in the east and extending west into south-central Italy.  National parks, nature reserves and the Apennine Mountains form part of the rugged interior– in fact, nearly half of all of the territory […]

Spring in Italy means mostly great weather, though in the north of the country some snow in early spring is still possible.  The warming trend through March, April and May means more ‘al fresco’ dining opportunities and backyard family get-togethers.  What’s more, Italy also observes Daylight Saving Time like the United States, so the extra […]

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer to serve at your next dinner party, an authentic addition to your cheeseboard or just a tasty everyday snack, look no further. Taralli—or Tarallo as a singular– are also known as Marsala wine cookies, and are a well-loved snack all across Italy.  Don’t confuse Taralli for just any […]