Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Pici are a thick, hand-rolled kind of pasta that look a little like fatter pieces of spaghetti and originated in the Montalcino area of the province of Siena in Tuscany. Sometimes referred to as pinci, they are made from a simple dough, typically made from only flour and water, though egg is sometimes added, depending on the recipe you are following. Like with many Tuscan foods, different families have their own tricks and methods that are handed down over the years and, so, some families will use egg and others will swear against it.

Italy is best known for her wines and images of the vineyards of Chianti and sipping prosecco in Venice are disseminated all over the internet, television and travel guides. However, wines are not the only delicious tipples that can be found in Italy. There are plenty of other liqueurs and cocktails and other alcoholic beverages that are unique to, and typical of, the country that you should try while relaxing there on your next Italian getaway.

Florence is an incredible destination that is full of things to see and do. However, there is one thing that is for sure at the top of this list of things: sampling the local cuisine. There are plenty of Florentine dishes and specialities to try and some are more exotic or interesting than others but delicious Florentine-style peas are something that you shouldn't skip over. If you are a foodie that has found a vacation rental in Florence then be sure to get your hands on these peas while you are spending time in the city.

A post shared by un pezzo della mia maremma (@unpezzodellamiamaremma) on May 30, 2016 at 2:45am PDT

Baccalà is the Italian word for salted cod, a food that has a long history in Europe going back hundreds of years. There are various recipes involving baccalà from lots of different countries and within Italy, in particular.

In Tuscany, the most famous and typical of these dishes comes from Livorno and is called Baccalà alla Livornese. If you have found a vacation rental in Livorno, it is one of the key regional dishes that you should try – particularly if you are a foodie, you really won't want to miss out on the local flavour!

China Massagli (pronounced KEE-nah Mah-SAH-lee) is a unique Tuscan liquor that was first created in the nineteenth century by a one doctor Massagli, who was the owner of a pharmacy in Piazza San Michele in Lucca. Originally sold as a medicinal beverage during the Malaria epidemic of the 19th century in the city, it is now a local tipple that is a must-try for any foodie that has found a vacation rental in Lucca and is exploring the gastronomy of the city.

One of the main ingredients of the drink, from which it partially gets its name, is China Ginebona Officinalis. Also known as Jesuit's bark, the plant contains quinine, an ingredient used to fight fever and malaria, which is still sold in pharmacies to this day.