In the coldest days of the year a hearty soup is all you need to uplift body and spirit. This one is simple and quick- for best results use dried porcini mushrooms: I really like their smell and taste of alpine woods!

Gaia Massai

November 22, 2012

Contorno, Family Recipe, Traditional Tuscan, Vegetarian

Bruschetta al cavolo nero

Gaia Massai

November 22, 2012

Contorno, Family Recipe, Traditional Tuscan, Vegetarian

This is a family recipe that is used to celebrate the arrival of the Olio Nuovo: the first frost, which will make the cavolo crisp and tasty, usually happens during olive picking season.

Gaia Massai

November 21, 2012

Family Recipe, Primo Piatto, Vegetarian, Traditional Tuscan, Kid friendly

Zuppa di fagioli Toscana- Tuscan bean soup

Gaia Massai

November 21, 2012

Family Recipe, Primo Piatto, Vegetarian, Traditional Tuscan, Kid friendly

Zuppa di fagioli Toscana- Tuscan bean soup

This is probably a bean soup’s version that you haven’t found in any Tuscan recipe books. It comes from my great-grandmother and is undoubtedly my favourite soup: few, simple ingredients deliver a wholesome experience which satisfies all five senses.

Gaia Massai

November 21, 2012

Dolce, Family Recipe, Traditional Tuscan, Kid friendly, Merenda, Vegetarian

Castagnaccio

Gaia Massai

November 21, 2012

Dolce, Family Recipe, Traditional Tuscan, Kid friendly, Merenda, Vegetarian

Fresh chestnuts and fresh chestnut flour are seasonal products and not a year long offering so take advantage of this narrow time window to enjoy them!
Chestnut is not a typical nut nutrition wise because very low on calories and fats. The flour is rich of fiber and gluten free so the cakes made entirely with it will not rise.

Gaia Massai

September 26, 2012

Primo Piatto, Vegetarian, Kid friendly, Family Recipe

Risotto alla bietola- Swiss chard risotto

Gaia Massai

September 26, 2012

Primo Piatto, Vegetarian, Kid friendly, Family Recipe

Risotto alla bietola- Swiss chard risotto

Risotto preparation might seems a little complicated; with a little practice you’ll develop the “eye” for the right consistency…here are my tips for the perfect risotto

Gaia Massai

September 25, 2012

Family Recipe, Vegetarian, Kid friendly

Pomarola estiva- summer tomato sauce

Gaia Massai

September 25, 2012

Family Recipe, Vegetarian, Kid friendly

Finally, together with sun and heat, we get good ripe tomatoes! The next couple of months will be the perfect (and only) time for this simple tomato sauce recipe or pomarola.

Gaia Massai

July 24, 2012

Contorno, Family Recipe, Vegetarian

Spiedini di verdure- vegetable skewers

Gaia Massai

July 24, 2012

Contorno, Family Recipe, Vegetarian

This dish can be prepared before grilling the meat or fish, however be sure to cover the serving plate with aluminum foil. Olive oil, rosemary and garlic make a great seasoning with a powerful and distinct Mediterranean character!