It seemed that the theme at school this week was making and eating wonderful food. Mangia, mangia, mangia! We take a break during classes to go to a little cafe nearby and I usually order a macchiato but the other students have been more adventurous. This week Joanna and Roberto had pan forte (chocolate dessert with nuts) and the owner threw in some free pear Cognac. You know you are having fun at school when you're drinking before noon! Other treats they serve include mini proscuitto sandwiches on croissants, amazing chocolate pastries, and a hot chocolate so thick it looks like soup. We also had an extra class this week on the history of coffee and the classic coffee makers that Italians use, La Moka & La Napoletana (usually in Napoli). Italians are serious about their caffè.
My roommate Roberto (Robbie) is from Austria yet knows how to make an amazing Tiramisu so he asked our host family if we could make it in their kitchen for them as well as the school. We went out and bought all of the ingredients and got to work. Our signora, Silvana, was so gracious and showed us where everything was in her kitchen and provided us with cafe (coffee), cacao (chocolate), zucchero (sugar), and latte (milk). Robbie made it look easy so I hope I can duplicate the recipe for all to enjoy when I return to Texas. That evening we ate Tiramisu with our host family and then again the next day with all of the students and teachers at the school, yummy!!! Mi amo Tiramisu (I love Tiramisu).
Friday turned out to be a food day as well. We had lunch (il pranzo) at the school with everyone and one of the teachers Mauro taught us how to make winter pesto. The difference between winter and summer pesto is that you use fresh sage instead of basil. We all got our own mixing bowl (mortaio) and with our pestello we grinded-mashed the sage, pecorino and parmasean cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Add some olive oil and presto we has pesto! Each student brought something for this potluck. Marcia brought fresh grapes out of her signora's garden. I brought freshly sliced salami toscana and other students brought wine, proscuitto, insalata, pane, etc etc. We had quite the feast and enjoyed a delicious lunch together. I felt truly Italian as we chatted, laughed, and relaxed with the background of music. And of course at the end... Expresso!
Salute (Cheers)
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