Posted By Mary Freeland on March 10, 2010

Today we start with an Italian lesson on our blog. What does the word in the title of this post mean? Tuna. Fitting that our tour of Tuscan cuisine takes us to southern Italy with a dish that originated there; Peperoni rossi ripieni de tonno, or Tuna in Rolled Red Peppers.

Roasted red peppers start this dish off with rich flavor that hits the pallet and makes one think of warm weather. Whether you choose to char your peppers over open flames or purchase them packed in water, these delights are a wonderful foundation for nearly any stuffing. Most abundant in mid-summer, yet available year round, roasted peppers a great way to travel to Tuscany through food. Found in colors as vibrant and the oranges and reds we talked about in this post peppers are a culinary trip to Tuscany in themselves.

Tuna in Rolled Red Peppers:

Ingredients

3 large red peppers (canned or fresh roasted)
1 7oz can of tuna fish (drained)
3 black olives, 3 green olives, pitted and chopped finely
1 small celery stalk, minced
3 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley (chopped)

Split peppers in half, removing all seeds and membranes and lay flat. Slice into halves. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Flake tuna add in oil, lemon, lemon juice and all remaining ingredients. Season to taste with coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper, mix well.
Placing skin side down, spread out pepper slices and fill with tuna, patting the mixture firmly in an even layer into peppers. Take care not to rip the flesh. Roll peppers up and place them on a lined cookie sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Just prior to serving slice each roll into halves with a very sharp knife. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with olives and Italian parsley as garnish.

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Tags: Italian, Italian Recipes, Italy, tuscan

Posted By Mary Freeland on March 9, 2010

Trips to Italy, even vicarious ones, are always a good idea. I have an obsession with all things Tuscan. The food is comforting, the art is awe inspiring, earthenware pottery colorful, and the people are welcoming and friendly. One day I will move there, if not permanently, at least two or three months a year you will find me in a Tuscan villa. For now, I visit through the many books that are available on Tuscan décor, Italian food, and the sites of Italy.

I was browsing through the bookstore looking for a coffee table book with the famous sites of Tuscany and came across a book that looked interesting, “100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go” by Susan Van Allen. It is a wealth of information about where to go to truly experience the best Italy has to offer. It isn’t your typical tour book. There are wonderful places that aren’t on the “beaten path,” which I like, because sometimes the road less traveled provides the richest journey. I am going to take you there with me.

It’s interesting that Venus (Goddess of Love, Beauty, Fertility, and Sexual Healing) is as revered as the Virgin Mary in Italy. These two women are everywhere, in paintings, stained glass, and statues. The pagan and Christianity coexisting side by side everywhere you go. I was surprised to learn that churches honoring the Virgin Mary were built right on top of temples built to honor Venus. The picture is an excavation of a temple found below Santa Maria in Trastevere.

I hope you’ll enjoy the trip as much as I do!

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Tags: Earthenware, history, Italian, Italy, tuscan, tuscan villa, Tuscany

Posted By Mary Freeland on March 6, 2010

In recent weeks, we’ve talked a little bit about the fact that the colors of Tuscan style are derived from the palette of the surrounding landscape, but now we’re going to discuss each of those iconic Tuscan colors in depth, starting with the warm tones of terra cotta. Exploring the origins of these colors and how they can be used in Tuscan design, this investigation of the Tuscan color palette can help you make the best choices for your Mediterranean-inspired home!

When you’re imagining the perfect Tuscan landscape, what color stands out the most? In many cases, it’s the rusty hues of the terra-cotta colored soil of the fields. The same goes for most Tuscan living rooms—the color that jumps out in small bursts is the rich red of painted pottery, wall art details, and more.

Terra cotta is a warm, fiery color that can makes a space seem warm and welcoming, but keep in mind that hue and saturation important when it comes to oranges and reds. Too much color can be overwhelming, especially if the color itself is too intense. For Tuscan décor, think back to the earthy origins of the red and orange tones, keeping your colors within the natural pigments of iron-rich soil and rosy clay. These calmer terra-cotta hues will add life and brightness to your space without being too jarring or extreme.

Balance is also important when it comes to strong tones like Tuscan reds and oranges. Not every accent in the room needs to contain these colors, nor does every wall have to be painted an earthy terra-cotta tone. You’ll want to use enough of these vibrant Tuscan colors to create a cheery, inviting space without making the entire space too red and orange. Remember, there has to be space to integrate the green, blue, and gold colors that make up the rest of the Tuscan palette!

For great accents and home furnishings with just the right balance of Tuscan orange and red, visit Tuscan Home Décor and Design today.

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Tags: casa cristina, Earthenware, mediterranean, tuscan, Tuscan decor, Tuscan home decor, Tuscany, wall art

Posted By Mary Freeland on March 3, 2010

We know Wednesday’s are usually our food and style day. Today though we thought that we’d add in a bit of history and a nice wine to go with the ciabatta bread you are likely enjoying from our Monday post.

Let’s take a trip to Tuscany’s famous hill top city of Montalcino. This vibrant village is rich in history, color and traditions that evoke the very spirit of Tuscany.

Montalcino’s ancient name was Monte Ilcinus named for the “holm oak”. These oak trees of Montalcino have covered its hills and valleys dating back to prehistory. The live in harmony with sharing space with olive and chestnut trees. The hills surrounding the town are also populated with a grape vine, known most commonly as the Sangiovese Grosso. This bold grape produces a lush wine made famous by Montalcino, the Brunello.

The fortress, built in 1361, sits at the highest point in the town. Commissioned by the Lombards in 770 the picturesque Benedictine monastery, Abbey of Saint Antimo, served has a hotel for pilgrims traveling to Rome. Today the Abbey still stands beckoning travelers much as it did hundreds of years ago.

It doesn’t take much for one to imagine themselves lounging in the sunshine, enjoying a vintage Brunello and soaking up the history that surrounds you in this beautiful Tuscan country side.

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Tags: casa cristina, history, mediterranean, Travel, tuscan, Tuscany

Posted By Mary Freeland on March 1, 2010

Wednesday is our usual day to post delicious Italian recipes. I stumbled across this recipe for Ciabatta Bread and immediately went into a daydream sequence that put me in a bakery in Tuscany. I didn’t lust after the luscious desserts, it was the warm, crusty loaves of fresh baked bread that caught my eye (and my taste buds).
I found this on foodwishes.com. I have written out the recipe and you can click the link to watch a video of the process.

No-knead Ciabatta Bread

Preheat oven to 425 deg

Mix 3 1/2 cups white flour, 1/2 cup wheat flour, 1/4 tsp yeast, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 cups warm water in a large bowl until the dough forms.

Cover the bowl tightly with foil. Let it rise for 18 hours.

After 18 hours, punch the dough down a bit and fold it over itself with a spatula. Turn the dough out onto a floured surfaced (the video shows using plastic wrap with flour which is a great help later in the process). Sprinkle the dough liberally with flour and shape it into a long, sort of flat, oval loaf. Oil your baking pan and sprinkle with the cornmeal. This is where using plastic wrap comes into play, place your loaf on the baking pan. Use the plastic wrap to help you lift the dough and roll it into the pan. Cover with a towel and allow to rise another two hours.

Bake your loaf for 35-45 minutes (oven temps vary) until it is a beautiful brown.

Off to make my own loaf now. I hope you enjoy this!

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Posted By Mary Freeland on February 26, 2010

When you think of the Tuscan countryside, what colors do you imagine? Is it the deep green of tall cypress trees? Or do you think of the yellowy green of juicy olives? What about the creamy whites, golds, and ambers of limestone, marble, and travertine? Or is it all of the above? Obviously, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, but it’s important that you start thinking about the colors you see outdoors in Tuscany… That’s because those same colors are the colors you’ll want to use indoors as part of your Tuscan decorating scheme.

With its strong emphasis on natural motifs and materials, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that Tuscan décor also focuses on natural colors. From the blues of the Mediterranean and the sky to the greens of the crops and the fields to the red-orange of terra-cotta and clay, the palette of authentic Tuscan design never strays far from its natural inspirations. Pick any color from a typical Tuscan landscape and bring it inside as part of your new Mediterranean-inspired décor.

Don’t worry about combining all these different colors in your Tuscan room or home—while you may think too many colors will make your space seem clownish, in this case they really won’t. That’s because all of the colors in Tuscan design complement each other. Offering similar saturations and the same underlying natural feel, these colors create a color-scape as rich and vivid as the Tuscan landscape. Providing depth, visual interest, and earthy beauty for your décor, the myriad natural tones of Tuscany will combine as harmoniously in your living room as among the rolling hills of Italy itself!

If you’re ready to add more Tuscan color to your décor, visit Tuscan Home Décor and Design for beautiful furnishings and accents—all with fabulous Tuscan style and beauty.

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Tags: mediterranean, tuscan, Tuscan decor, Tuscan home decor, Tuscany

Posted By Mary Freeland on February 24, 2010

Fish may have once been the protein du jour for the season of lent, but with the discovery of it’s benefits to the body as well as the pallet, it is fast becoming a staple on many tables. This week’s cooking lesson does not find it’s origins in Tuscany. It is actually the original San Francisco treat. Italian immigrants to the bay area developed this hearty dish while at sea. The word ciuppin, often used in the port city of Genoa Italy, translates as “chopped” which is the method used to incorporate the bounty of the sea found in this meal.

San Francisco lore has it that at the end of a day’s fishing, men would gather at the dock and call out ciuppin. Which with a heavy accent sounded much like “Chip in”. The gathering would bring the catch of the day to a collective soup pot. It would then be be cooked up into satisfying meal shared with camaraderie and, of course, sourdough bread. Bursting with Italian influence, this dish is best served hot with a story on the side.

Ingredients
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 5 cups fish stock
• 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds bass fillets, cut into 2-inch squares
• 16 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 32 littleneck clams
• 24 mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon leaves
•
In a large stock pot or dutch oven at medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Pour in wine cooking until reduced by half.

To this reduction add the fish stock, drained tomatoes, bay and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and cook until it begins to thicken, stirring on occasion for 10 to 15 minutes.

While this mixture cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of oil on high in separate pan. With salt and pepper the bass on both sides. Cook in the oil until browned on both sides. This cut of fish cooks rather quickly in only 2 minutes per side. Remove bass to rest on a plate. In the pan used for the bass add 2 more tbsp of oil. Salt and pepper the shrimp and saute until just golden, approximately 1 minute on each side.
Place on the plate along side the bass. To the large pot containing the stock add all seafood, including the shrimp and bass. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes until the mussels and clams open. DISCARD any that do not open! Stir in chopped tarragon and parsley. Season with additional salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and serve with warm sourdough or Italian bread.

Complete the feeling of a sea side meal with the sounds of flowing water and stones remenicient of the Northern California coastline with our rock fountain.

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Tags: Italian Recipes, mediterranean, tuscan, Tuscany

Posted By Mary Freeland on February 21, 2010

Tuscan design is all about using natural designs and materials in interior décor, but to achieve the very best Tuscan home, these natural elements must be used properly. Simply filling your home to overflowing with Mediterranean-inspired materials, art, and motifs won’t bring your home that warm and inviting Tuscan feel. Simply put: Just as Tuscan décor is in harmony with nature, all the elements in a Tuscan room must be in harmony with each other.

Emphasizing balance and simplicity, Tuscan design does away with clutter to focus in on the down-to-earth beauty of the practical. Of course, that’s not to say that Tuscan décor is sparse, stark, or unadorned. However, the decorative elements that are in play—be that a lamp, end table, or Tuscan earthenware—are both beautiful and functional. Eliminating the pretentiousness and ostentation that often come with art for art’s sake, your Tuscan home should be decorated with items that add great appearance but also serve some practical function. And, because your decorative items from tables and furnishings to accents and accessories are made from natural materials, they’ll convey a sense of rustic, simple good-looks.

Keep in mind that balance is almost as important as simplicity when it comes to achieving authentic Tuscan design décor: you really can have too much of a good thing! If you over-decorate, the sheer volume of accents, colors, and conflicting designs can overwhelm the uncomplicated harmony of the Tuscan home, creating a cacophony of sights and textures rather than a simple, welcoming home. Remember “basic” isn’t a bad word in Tuscan décor—by focusing on a few key accents in a single space, you’ll be able to create that cozy Tuscan feel.

If you’re looking for the earthenware dishes, end table, or wall art to put the finishing touch on your Tuscan space, visit Tuscan Home Décor & Design. We’re sure to have the Tuscan furniture and accents you need!

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Tags: Earthenware, mediterranean, Tuscan decor, tuscan decorating, tuscan design, Tuscan home decor, Tuscany

Posted By Mary Freeland on February 17, 2010

No matter what your design aesthetic something we can most certainly all agree on is the value of time spent relaxing. In a world where so much of what we do is harried and laced with things that infuse our days with stress taking time out to enjoy a the luxury of retreat is essential to living well.

In this post we’ll explore some great ways to bring the Tuscan mantra Godere della dolce vita {enjoy the sweet life} into your life. Through our senses we can transport ourselves away from the stress of the day, renewing the body and mind.

Setting the scene:

Our last post talked about how Tuscan design incorporates many elements of nature. Bringing those elements into your home is a great way to go about starting to build your own retreat space. Greenery, both natural and quality silks, are pleasing to the eye and help to create a sense of tranquility. In to that setting, bring some classic pieces that blend well and lend an air of simple sophistication. Something like this lovely Round Accent Table.

It’s a beautiful addition to any home and with it’s functionality it is also a great tool in helping you cultivate that space of your own. Sitting upon it’s stand it is a great place to set out candles {we chose flame-less wick chamomile scented wax pillars} or a fountain with the calming sound of a water feature. Remove it from the stand and it’s opulent jewel-look border becomes the perfect tray for serving back our indulgent recipe for this week.

Comfort food, Tuscan style:

Ravioli Dolci al Forno
{baked sweet ravioli}

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/3 cup superfine sugar (if you can’t find superfine, pulse regular sugar for 3-4 turns in a food processor)
8 tbsp butter (unsalted)
1 egg
1 tsp finely grated lemon rind
confectioners sugar and grated chocolate for garnish

Filling:
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp mixed candied fruit (or dried dark cherries, our personal favorite)
1 oz dark chocolate, grated or chopped
1 egg beaten

In a food processor combine four and sugar. At full speed add in the butter in small pieces until fully combined.
Next add in lemon rind and 1 egg. When a lose dough forms scrape it out into plastic wrap. Cover with additional
plastic wrap and flatten into a disk. Allow to chill in refrigerator until filling is ready.

Using a sieve or strainer, mill ricotta through into a mixing bowl. Stir in vanilla, sugar, egg yolk, lemon peel and chocolate.
Mix well, fully combining all ingredients.

Remove pastry dough from refrigerator and allow to warm to room temperature. Divide it in half and roll out between sheets
of plastic wrap until you have strips of dough approximately 6 inches x 22 inches.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Arrange heaping spoonfuls of the filling in two rows along one of the strips. Be sure to leave 1 inch of clear space around
each spoonful. Brush the space between with beaten egg to help seal the ravioli shut. Place the second sheet of pastry
on top of the first and press around the edges to seal. With a pasta cutter or sharp knife cut out each ravioli. You can also use
decorative cookie cutters for extra flair.

With your finger tips seal the edges of each ravioli by pressing down gently. Place ravioli on a greased baking sheet and bake
for 15 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and confectioners sugar for garnish.

Making these special treats on a weekend and freezing them you can ensure that on your most stress filled day you can simply
warm them in the oven, pour yourself a warm cup of tea and relax away the stress in your retreat space.

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Tags: Italian Recipes, tuscan, Tuscan decor, tuscan decorating

Posted By Mary Freeland on February 12, 2010

The natural landscape of Tuscany has had a major impact on the decorative elements in traditional Tuscan décor, but the importance of the natural world in Tuscan style goes far beyond the botanical patterns and earthy hues. From the emphasis on using natural motifs, colors, and scenery in interior design to the very materials of the furnishings themselves, nature really is everywhere in Tuscan design and décor! The Tuscan lifestyle and home are so steeped in the idea of bringing the outside indoors that natural materials dominate both a home’s finishes and its furniture.

Look closely and you’ll see how the natural materials of Tuscan décor and design connect back to the surrounding landscape. The woods and stones predominately used in Tuscan villas and homes are also commonly found in the area. Woods like cypress, pine, and oak can be found throughout the countryside as well as in tables, chairs, and cupboards inside local Tuscan homes. Stones like marble, travertine, and limestone are quarried all through the region and can be seen in floors, countertops, and furniture in just about any area residence. Even the clays used in traditional Tuscan earthenware came from the local soil—while the beautiful hand-painted designs cover the humble clay, it stems from the very land of Tuscany itself!

Walk into a Tuscan home, and you’re probably treading on a floor of local stone. Admire a Tuscan table or shelf, and you’re likely looking at a wood harvested nearby. Eat a meal on Tuscan pottery and your plate will often be made from local clay and decorated with olive branches, flowers, or grapevines—just like view out the window. From adornments to materials, the local landscape is the very foundation of all things Tuscan.

Visit Tuscan Home Décor & Design for all of your Tuscan-inspired furnishings, accents, and more. Bring the beauty of natural Tuscany into your home today!

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Tags: casa cristina, Earthenware, tuscan, Tuscan decor, tuscan decorating, Tuscan home decor