I’m going to be cooking all the cuisines that I learned living abroad over the years this week. It’s a delicious way to spend the night!
Today is: Italia.
In Italy, I first learned to cook. The focus is on great ingredients and long preparation times, resulting in hours-long food fests that are a regular staple of Italian life. I long to be in Italy again and to eat like they do. Here’s my five-course dinner, based on the Italian tradition.
Aperitivo: Fate Suicide Cheddar and Robiola
Drink Pairing: Spritz with Loki Snapps from Iceland and Acidulous Flanders Red Ale
Primo Piatto: Handmade Pumpkin Agnolotti
Drink Pairing: Colorado Native India Pale Lager
I had to use an Italian tradition on the sauce and ‘fare la scarpetta!’
Secondo Piatto: Pan-Seared Steak with Zucchini and Balsamic Reduction, with Aleppo Peppers from the garden
Oh my god, those peppers are spicy! I had to lay down for while to let it subside.
Drink Pairing: Finkle & Garf Oatmeal Stout
Dolce: Autumnal Cake with Szechuan Pepper (“Numbing Spice”)
Cranberry, pumpkin, apple, brandy, and a little bit of China!
Drink Pairing: Single Brandy (digestivo, duh)
Frutta: Pesche al Forno (Baked Colorado Peaches)
Drink Pairing: Herbal Tea Blend from Rebecca’s Apothecary and the premier of the 20th season of Southpark
Oh hell yes.
By the way, when I ate like this every day in 2009 while I studied abroad, I lost about 40 pounds in four months. Good food served right, the way it’s supposed to be. I feel light and energised already. Italia day is wonderful!
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