2012 - the order of courses

Trentino/Alta Adige

Trentino, it would appear, has had the kind of Austro-Hungarian/Italian battle of ownership that Alsace Lorraine has had. Originally conquered by the Romans, it was then taken by The Hapsburg Empire in 1363, and remained under Austrian rule until the end of World War I when it was given to the Italians. Mussolini, who was not afraid of extreme changes and rewriting history where it suited him, began the Italianization (which should always be written in Italics) of the area. During World War II, it was used by the Nazis as the Operation Zone of the Alpine Foothills. It is now an Autonomous Region of Italy.

But what about the food?

We are proud to say that the entree of Potato cake (giant potato hashbrown) and Radicchio salad were both BUTTER FREE. To continue the amazement, the main was also SENZA BURRO! We're practically losing weight by eating this...

The Meal consisted of:
Potato cake - which as Sikeli described as "Fancy McDonalds Hashbrown" and, lets face it, who doesn't like Maccas Hashbrowns?

Potato Cakes

Radicchio salad


Beef Goulash & Spatzle (Gnocchetti di farina) with Red Cabbage Timbale

Followed by Melissa's amazing Apple strudle

Lega Sud

Many of you would know about the Lega Nord, the crazy right wing political party in the North of Italy that wants to cut the peninsula in half to separate the north from the south. The reasons for this are based on economics and immigration from North Africa.

I however, after eating food from 4 regions -  Piedmont, Liguria (actually Liguria was good), Valle D'Aosta and Lombardia - have come to the conclusion that I would like to create a culinary Lega Sud, where Italian food focuses on the regions of the South and separates itself from the North. The Northern cuisine, afterall, is focused on French cuisine, with far too much butter and not enough tomatoes or oil.

April - Lombardia

Lombardia's capital is Milan. It's cuisine has more rice (Arborio is the type used in Risotto) than other regions, and butter is used more so than olive oil, due to it's border with France.

Our Meal

Saffron Risotto

Roast Beef cooked in Milk

Apple Charlotte - before being cooked.

Throughout the preparation of the meal, we continued playing Blokus, which is in no way related to Lombardia, but is great fun none the less.

March - Liguria

Here are some things we know about Liguria*:

1. It is Christopher Columbus' birthplace 

2. Traces of the Neanderthal Man were found here

3. The city was awarded a gold medal for military valour in WWII for its struggle against German occupation 

More importantly, it's the land where foccacia, meringues, pesto, panettone and other such yummy things originate.  After all, Genova is the capital and Liguria is best known for the Cinque Terre aka the Italian Riveria and as such, knows how to have a good time.

And so do we. Or at least, we know how to eat. 

So, the menu for Liguria was: 

1. Triofie al Pesto (both nut and nut-free versions for yours truly)

2. Veal roll-ups and stuffed zucchini 

3. Olive oil raspberry cake with meringue topping (not from our Cucina Italian cookbook but thanks to Martha Stewart)

Yum yum in my tum... 

*Souce: Wikipedia (ie read: disclaimer for not-my-fault-if-this-is-not-strictly-factually-true).