AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

I decided to open my cabinet of curiosities and give you some tips and information in case you ever want to visit Florence, my beautiful city. I'll give you some of the hidden details of my fascinating town and introduce you to my favorite places, my  family traditions and a lot of things you'll never find in the tourist guides. My recipe for a perfect visit comes with a pinch of history, a dash of culture, and a drizzle of tradition. Are you ready for an art- tradition- gastronomic tour?

Today we'll jump back to the 16^th century, to the beautiful Piazza Santa Croce and the ‘Calcio in Costume’ -  The Florentine Historical Football Game!

Every year, since early 1500s,  the most violent early form of football is played.  It all begins with a parade of Flag Throwers walking into the old town to the sound of ancient drums.  The ball is made from strips of leather and the goal is called ‘caccia.’ There are four (4) teams, because the town was divided in four parts: Santa Croce / Azzurri (Blues), Santa Maria Novella / Rossi (Reds), Santo Spirito / Bianchi (Whites), and my favorites -  San Giovanni / Verdi (Greens).

In the beginning, historical football was a game for aristocrats, and there is still a costume parade with the Florentine nobles.  You'll see counts, marquises and dukes, walking the streets in armor and ancient costumes.

It's such a beautiful experience, a living history.

I have a family coincidence to the ‘calcio storico.’ My father was the captain of the Greens aristocratic parade (I can remember him dressed up in such funny clothes!).  He was the first Count of ancient Scottish origins to be admitted in a very very exclusive Florentine parade.  Well, it just so happens that I recently found out that my boyfriend’s father was the captain of the same football team, the Greens…and was a hell of a player!  I found this out last week when I was tidying up the cellar of boyfriends’ father and found some old pics of Calcio Storico.  In three of the old photos I saw someone very familiar: my father dressed up like a knight! I got goose bumps holding the pics!  I loved  him so much and after 15 years from his death I still miss him terribly. This incredible coincidence could only be a sign of destiny.

If you want to see more photos, here is a link (I'm proud to tell you that the photographer is my boyfriend)

  http://www.flickr.com/photos/30410699@N07/ )

LE CANNELLE

Tonight, I'm cooking for my long-time friend, Sara.  We dine together quite often, and our dinners are always full of laughs, great wine and food.  I promise to post tonight's recipes very soon, but while I’m surrounded by the mouth-watering aroma of all the delicious dishes that are simmering away on a low fire,  I want to share a precious address with you - should you ever venture to my part of the world. 

You see, Sara owns a charming B&B in Fiesole -a beautiful 9^th century BC Etruscan town up in the hills - about ten minutes, by bus, from Florence.  It is called ‘Le Cannelle’ -  a magical place you must not miss.  

For my boyfriend’s last birthday, Sara gave us the most romantic suite in the B & B!  It's right in the center of the old town, but it is very quiet and relaxing and the view is astonishing.  It is absolutely the best accommodation, with convenient prices and perfect service.

For more information, go to:  http://www.lecannelle.com/home.htm.

That's all for now, I have to go to stir the sauce for crostini!

CINNAMON APPLE PIE - MY WAY

Photo:  Copyright 2011, Jacapo Pandolfini

I cook this quick version of an apple pie quite often, and it’s always a success. You see, I love apples - in cakes, pies and pastries.  This recipe is perfect for many occasions - as a sweet and light dessert after lunch or dinner, for breakfast, or during a relaxing coffee or tea break.

I made it as a dinner dessert this evening, hoping for two tiny leftover slices for breakfast, but my dinner guests devoured it!  Oh well, it makes me happy, and I can’t blame them – it was delicious!  Tomorrow we'll go out for breakfast!

 CINNAMON APPLE  PIE - MY WAY

Pasta frolla:

2/3 cup flour

3 tablespoons sugar

A pinch of salt

7 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

1 egg

A pinch of grated lemon zest

Combine flour and sugar in a bowl, making a hole in the center like a volcano.  Add the egg to the center.  Add butter, and mix with a wooden spoon.  Add salt and lemon zest.  Working with your hands, make a dough.

Cover the dough with a linen towel and wait an half an hour.  The, work the dough with a rolling pin until flat.  Shape it  into a circle, and place the dough on a buttered baking tin.

Preheat oven to 350º.

For the topping:

2 Golden Delicious apples, cut into thin slices

A pinch of cinnamon

2 tablespoons brown sugar

A half lemon, squeezed

4 tablespoons apricot jam (or your favorite jam)

A handful of raisins

A handful of pine nuts

Spread jam on the pasta frolla. Place a layer of apples over the jam.  Drizzle with lemon juice to avoid oxidation.  Add raisins and pine nuts.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Bake for 15 minutes and serve.  If you like, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.