Mary Freeland | May 5, 2010
Mushroom picking is a Tuscan art and tradition. In the summer and fall you can find country roads lined with cars as entire families take to the countryside to harvest the bounty of one of nature’s delicacies. From the famous porcini to the indulgence of the tartufo bianco (white truffle) the fungi are both diverse and bountiful.
Mary Freeland | April 28, 2010
Continuing to fill our festive table with Piatti Poco (little dishes) that feature bold but simple flavors, the week brings us a luscious combination sweet and savory. Taking advantage of ingredients at their peak, you may choose to replace the Fichi (figs) with in season melons. To please the eye as well as the taste [...]
Mary Freeland | April 21, 2010
Starting this week and running for the next month and a half or so, we are going to be bringing you dishes, simple and fresh, to build yourself a celebratory feast for the coming summer months. All the dishes, decor suggestions and settings will be part of a contest held at the end of the [...]
Mary Freeland | March 31, 2010
Much like here in the United States, Italian Easter traditions vary by region. For example in Rome you may find a more traditional Easter processional. Tuscany brings its own flavor to this celebration of religious tradition and the arrival of spring. Florence, has it’s Scoppio del Carro, or “explosion of the cart”. Direct from the kitchen of her mother-in-law, Lara DiPaola shares the family recipe for Easter Lamb.
Mary Freeland | March 26, 2010
Rounding out the Tuscan palette, a full range of rich, subtle neutral tones provides a beautiful contrast to the more vibrant hues of red, blue, and green. Again drawing their inspiration from the landscape of Tuscany, these more understated tones help keep the Mediterranean color scheme grounded.
Mary Freeland | March 24, 2010
This week we not only explore the Tuscan seaside but also learn a wonderful new technique to bring the bounty of the ocean to our table in style. By using parchment paper and simple ingredients this dish lends and elegant simplicity to the traditional meat free Friday tradition.
Mary Freeland | March 20, 2010
Like terra cotta and azure, the green hues in Tuscan décor take their inspiration from the rich palette of the Italian countryside. These natural greens are all around you in Tuscany: from the bright lime green of fresh grass to the silver green of olive trees to the inky green of tall Cyprus trees, the [...]
Mary Freeland | March 6, 2010
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.
Mary Freeland | March 3, 2010
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.
Mary Freeland | February 12, 2010
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.
