Lynn Stott: Living Savory

Insalata Caprese

The last time we were in Italy was in June 2008.  The markets and restaurants were full of dishes featuring strawberries and fresh tomatoes.

One dish that we found ourselves turning to again and again was the Insalata Caprese - an item we found on nearly every menu. 

The salad is simple - composed of 3 ingredients only:
Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella
Tomatoes
Olive oil

The only thing you need more is a crusty piece of bread to mop up the olive oil that remains on the plate.

As you might guess, the freshness & quality of the ingredients make or break the dish.

This year, I’ve got lots of healthy basil in the garden - and as the tomatoes are coming in at the market, we’re enjoying it again - and again - and again.

While I’ve not yet found a local source for buffalo mozzarella (hey, this is Berkeley, it won’t be long), the freshest cow’s milk mozzarella does the trick.  Add slices of fresh tomatoes, a chiffonade of basil, a grind or two of black peppercorns and a hearty drizzle of a robust olive oil and you’ve got yourself an easy lunch or supper.

Buon appetito!

Grazie Mille

My first post here must be a big GRAZIE - to Letizia Mattiaci, whose recent whirlwind of social media adoption and site updating has inspired me to jump back into the game. 

We stayed with Letizia & Ruud at their agriturismo and cooking school, Alla Madonna del Piatto, near Assisi in October of 2006.  Ruud was down with the flu, but Letizia’s hospitality, concierge services, and warm bread and fig jam made our stay a lovely one.  Next visit, we WILL take a day or two of the cooking classes.

Letizia has recently taken web 2.0 by storm - blogging recipes and cultural events in Umbria, starting a facebook page for Alla Madonna and tweeting as @MadonnaDP.  Her work is beautiful, and her energy is inspiring.

Grazie, mia amica...

I would encourage you to plan a visit: Alla Madonna del Piatto.

Or you might try your hand at some of Letizia’s recipes or just read to get a lovely taste of Umbria.  She blogs at Madonnadelpiatto.com.

Below is a pic of the door to the hallway outside our room at Alla Madonna. (October, 2006)

This is the view from the terrace - across the hills towards Assisi. (Taken, October 2006)