Italy’s most beautiful Christmas tradition

The presepe or nativity scene made its first appearance in 1223 in the tiny village of Grecio in Umbria when it is said that Saint Francis wanted to depict the scene ofJesus’ birth to the towns people and from that time on, the nativity scene has been an integral part of the Italian Christmas tradition.  The elaborate models, some life size and some in miniature, are erected on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8).  On Christmas Eve the baby Jesus is added to the display and finally on Epiphany (January 6) you will witness the “arrival” of the Three Kings.  The detail and beauty of these crèche scenes are remarkable. You can see them in the piazza and inside churches, often indicated by a shooting star placed over the door inviting you to come in.  The scenes have waterfalls, moving parts, nods to modern culture (I saw one with an Obama figurine this year) and twinkling stars lighting up the sky.  One can’t help but be moved.  

Nativity in front of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi

Creativity - Nativity in a Fiat 500

Detail from the nativity in front of St. Peter's in Rome

The most remarkable of all the nativity scenes I have witnessed over my years in Italy was the living nativity that I went to on a windy and cold Christmas Eve.  From Assisi we made our way to Armezano, another little hilltown which for the time being had been transformed into the town of Bethlehem.  With our hands wrapped around terra cotta cups of hot mulled wine we made our way through the village. There were sheep and goats milling about, big torches lit the way and every member of the town was dressed in period costume. We walked through town and were drawn into the stable where Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus sat on the ground with only a pile of hay as cushioning.  There was a warm glow in the barn and a sense of peace and love that I found almost miraculous.  Merry Christmas indeed. 

Peace and love to you all,

Ashley

Foodie Friday – Edible Gifts with Italian Inspiration

With the holidays right around the corner, I would like more than anything thing to lock myself in the kitchen for a four day cooking marathon.  To me, edible gifts are the best.  In a world where everything is take out, cook in a minute, one-pot meals, I find that my friends and family appreciate a homemade treat more than ever.   I love sharing my love for Italy through food and what better time to do that than Christmas.  This year I have chosen two favorites:  biscotti and espresso sauce.

I know, you can’t swing a dead cat without finding biscotti in stores, bakeries and cafes, but GOOD biscotti are hard to find.  Believe me, I’ve done the research.  The only solution is to make them myself.    I have scoured the internet and cookbooks for the perfect recipe and have settled on Chocolate Almond and Pistachio Cranberry this year.  Just a note, especially to those readers who may be the recipients of my treats:  they are SUPPOSED to be hard and crunchy.  Biscotti means “twice cooked” and are meant to be served with vin santo, an after dinner sweet wine in which the biscotti can be soaked and softened.  You can also dip them in coffee. 

Speaking of coffee, my second edible gift is espresso sauce, a recipe I learned at a cooking class on the Antinori estate in Tuscany a couple of years ago.  Though to call this a “recipe” is a bit of an overstatement.  The ingredients are espresso, sugar and water.  Boil together and reduce. Drizzle over ice cream, as a plate decoration under your holiday desserts or dip your biscotti in it! 

Here are some other Italian yummies that make great Christmas gifts:

Italian Cheese Platter – taleggio (delicious) served with walnut raisin crisps, piave, and a fresh (not aged) pecorino are good choices.

Truffle Spread  - this blend of black truffles and olive oil can be found in specialty stores.   Use it on crostini for an elegant hors d’oeuvre. 

Torrone – this delicious almond nougat candy is synonymous with Christmas in  Italy.  David Barbero makes a wonderful chocolate covered variety that can be found at Eataly. 

Prosecco – anyone who follows my blog regularly knew that this had to be included.  It is a welcome gift for any wine love.  Easy to drink and festive.  My preference of those that are readily available here is Nino Franco Rustico  - cin cin!

I hope your holiday is full of tasty treats – ‘tis the season!

Tastefully yours,

Ashley

Foodie Friday - Hooray! It's Pandoro Season!

The holiday season is upon us.  There is nothing more comforting to me than the traditions that come with this time of year.  Call me boring, a stick in the mud, a conformist but I remain loyal to the classics:  mistletoe, O Come All Ye Faithful, peppermint stick ice cream, beef tenderloin for Christmas dinner. Naturally, the Italians have their own traditions and it was delightful to spend the holidays in another country and experience a whole new way of celebrating.  There are many beautiful traditions in Italy - the creche, magnificent store windows, living nativity scenes throughout the countryside and all sorts of culinary delights.   As the weather turns cold, I find myself waxing nostalgic for the most telling sign of the arrival of the Christmas season: pandoro and panettone.   These buttery Christmas cakes come in gorgeous cardboard boxes and wrappings and can be found in any food shop or bar in Italy from the beginning of December on.  Panettone is studded with candied fruit while pandoro is a plain cake dusted with powdered sugar.  When I studied in Florence,  I arrived at my host family's house in the middle of January.  There was a tower of panettone and pandoro boxes stacked in the corner of the kitchen.  Apparently these Christmas cakes are the Italian answer to a housewarming gift and my family had obviously hosted a LOT of holiday parties. We ate a lot of pandoro that first month - breakfast, dessert and snacks -  and while I had my fill of them at the time, I still love the buttery, simple flavor with a cup of coffee.  You can imagine my delight when I found miniature cakes at my local Italian cafe this week!

Adorable pandoro box

The pandoro is made in a star shaped pan but if you cut it horizontally, you can make it look like a Christmas tree.  I scooped up three of them and made a cute, edible centerpiece that made our kitchen table look very festive.  

Unfortunately, the centerpiece did not remain on the table very long.   It seems that Bella the hound is also a big fan of pandoro.  

the offender

Leave me a comment and let me know how you are incorporating traditions into your celebrations this year. 

Tastefully yours,

Ashley