Naples Holiday food with an Italian American

     While researching a new travel concierge group in Naples, Italy this year I learned many new things about Naples that I shall report in a later post.   More important is I have met a new 'travel friend'.   Although busy cooking for 20 family members this Christmas, Tina was kind enough to share with me the menu for their feast:  tonight's menu (we're 20 family members tonight!) 

• Smoked salmon on toast
• Penne with Arugula and Feta Cheese
• White (vegetable) Lasagna
• Linguine with Clams
• ****
• Cauliflower salad (Insalata di rinforzo)
• Parmigiana di Melanzane
• Mozzarella tidbits (bocconcini)
• Tuna Quenelles with Wine Sauce
• ****
• Cassata Napoletana
• Struffoli
• Panettone 
• Pandoro
• Christmas cakes (Roccoco-Mustacciuoli-Paste Reali)
• Fresh Tangerines-Walnuts-Stuffed Dates-Almonds

As you can see, there is no meat served on Christmas eve!

• Tomorrow's menu is:
• Tortellini in Chicken Broth
• Stuffed Cornish Hen
• Fried Zucchini Sticks
• Baked Beans
• ...and all the leftover desserts *O*!!!

I had asked about a game I only heard about for the time last year:

Tombola                 Tina describes this game for us:
    Typically, tombola, a type of Bingo is played in most Neapolitan homes, and in most of Italy as well! All members take part, nonnas, nonnos, aunts, uncles, down to the small children who have an adult who helps them with the numbers. 

The numbers which are called out are "covered" with dried beans! A lot of fun!! The prizes are made with the money used to "buy" the cards!!  BUON NATALE!!

 Now I need to look up all the dishes listed above!
Thank you Tina. 

I look forward to the menu for Easter!

"Pastiera" the traditional Napoli Easter cake and "Casatiello" which is a savoury bread loaded with salame and cheese. They are both staples on any Napoli (or surroundings) Easter table!!

Pastiera is a pie made with a filling of cracked wheat cooked in milk, ricotta, eggs, sugar, a pinch of cinnamon and candied citron. The magical ingredient which is added at the end  is "Acqua di fiori d'aracio" a distilled orange blossom essence!! Heavenly smell and taste!! Each family has its own recipie, usually handed down from generations, and proportions vary according to personal taste.  Some prefer a deep dish pie, others opt for a lower version.  Usually it is prepared on the Thursday that preceeds Easter so it has time to "rest" and all the flavors merge into a fantastic, unique taste. The pastry shop windows have pastieras of all sizes, even single portions and it is found in any restaurant during springtime, but any Neapolitan woman worth her salt makes it at home!!

Casatiello is the "Easter" version of a bread called Tortano during the rest of the year.  The big difference is that Casatiello is decorated with hard-boiled eggs with a pastry cross over them to honor the crucifixion and resurrection.  It is an incredible taste experience, although it is loaded with cholesterol!! The bread dough is made with lard, and it is filled with pieces of salame, those heavenly pices of pig fat and meat called cicoli, loads of cheese, provolone and pecorino and a good dose of pepper. Casatiello is a good deal more complicated to make than Pastiera, and many people buy them at bakeries today.

So, here is the traditional Easter menu in Napoli!!

Antipasto of different cold cuts-salame, capocollo, prosciutto, hard boiled eggs, ricotta salata (dried salted ricotta cheese) and fresh fava beans which are shelled at the table and eaten raw.  All this is accompanied by Casatiello.

Entree- either Minestra Maritata made with green vegetables and pork meat or Minestra Primavera, made with fresh peas, artichokes, fava beans and new potatoes.

Roast Lamb with peas and/or potatoes

Pastiera

"I am in the process of preparing my pastieras and casatielli. I make 6 or 7 of the first and 3 or the second.  We give them as presents to good friends... if you were here you'd get some, too!! (I'm including a pic of my kitchen with the eggs I bought yesterday to make everything!!!)"

New Tours by Yle in Puglia: Eat, cook, learn

 

Join acclaimed chef Rachel Woolcott and her local Puglia foodie experts

on an 8 night culinary immersion program that will leave you feeling like a local.

 

         This amazing journey will give you an unforgettable week of wine and food tasting, cooking lessons, demonstrations and learning the culinary secrets of this beautiful Italian region.

        As one of the oldest settled parts of Italy, Puglia’s flat, fertile land is ideal for farming and ranching and is also known to produce over 50% of the worlds olive oil.   Miles of coast lends to the freshest seafood while the land provides some of the best wine, vegetables, cured meats, whole grains, fish, burrata and ricotta cheese; all of which you will get a chance to explore. 

       You will shop at local markets, meet the winemakers and farmers of the region and fall in love  with the warmth of the land.   You will meet the most charming local people who are passionate about their lifestyle and produce.  

       In addition to cooking, traveling and exploring with chef Rachel, your group will be led daily by professional guides who are experts in the Puglia lifestyle of food and wine.

Day One
            Welcome friends! You’ll arrive at Bari airport and be whisked away by a private transfer.        We will stroll the streets of Bari acclimating ourselves in the old city where women still make orecchietta pasta right there in the streets.
           Our first tasting of the trip will be lunch featuring delicious focaccia in a setting that will acquaint you with the unique Puglia lifestyle.
           Next you will settle in to your accommodations.   Relax and get ready for your welcome wine tasting and a traditional Puglia dinner.

Day Two

           Wake up refreshed and after breakfast we will head to Gioia del Colle, the most famous village in Puglia for mozzarella making.   We will explore this tiny old town to see first hand how mozzarella and burrata are made. Of course we will be tasting too!
            Next stop we drop in on a famous local winery for a special lunch where we will drink in the landscape AND the wine.

            We will make a foodie visit to Polignano a Mare where the small, coved beaches are often tangled with travelers and the fisherman sell their catch right off the boats. We explore the charming old port and famous fishing village followed by a traditional dinner.

 

 Day Three
            After breakfast we will make our way to the town of Altamura, exploring the old city and stopping by a local DOP bread producer (Denominazione d' Origine Protetta "protected designation of origin").

Here we will have a traditional bread making lesson and learn how to make the most delicious “Focaccia Puliese”.    Next, we go to Matera for lunch followed by an afternoon guided walk of the ancient Sassi Caves .
We will go back to our accommodations and that evening we will enjoy dinner together and overnight.
 
Day Four

After breakfast, we will drive to the Itria Valley to explore the Trulli area, well known for the dry stone huts with conical roofs.    We will stop for a cured meat tastings like Capocollo di Martina Franca and other local food traditions.              We will lunch in a  traditional butcherie serving “Carne al Fornello”.                        In the evening we will enjoy our first cooking class together  where we discuss ingredients and show you how to prepare local specialties. 

Day Five

         After breakfast, we will drive to the Salento area, known as the 'heel' of the Italian 'boot'.  This area is considered one of the magical beauties of Puglia with stunning landscapes, colors and flavors.    Along our journey, we will stop in Alberobello for cheese and bread tasting and a visit to a traditional Trulli Farm complete with all the farm animals. 
        We continue our drive to Lecce, one of the largest towns in Salento and over 2,000 years old.  The Baroque architecture is captivating and after a well deserved lunch we walk it off with a guided tour of the old city.
After such a fulfilling day we will be ready to check into a beautifully restored farmhouse nestled in the countryside just outside of Lecce.    Enjoy the property and relax with a private tasting of the local rose wines before our cooking class and demonstration with Chef Rachel.
           

Day Six
 

It’s all about the wine today! We will learn the delicate nuances of Puglia
wine that distinguish it from others. We finish up breakfast and head out to
taste and explore two exceptional local wineries settled in the Negroamaro
region. We will do extensive wine tastings and learn about the local wine
directly from the winemakers.
There is also a very special lunch planned with the passionate owner of a
well known olive grove. We’ll dine in a private room overlooking the groves
and later head back to the farmhouse for a fun pasta making class accompanied               by dinner.

  

Day Seven
 

       This morning, after breakfast, we hit the Lecce farmer’s market with our guide and enjoy several food tastings. Next up, we head to Gallipoli, the Salento fishermen’s village on the Ionian coast which is surround by high walls which were built to protect it against attacks from the sea.
We will savor a delicious seafood meal followed by a walking tour of the old city. Our afternoon will be spent with a prominent local pastry chef where we will get a hands-on pastry making class.
We head back to our accommodations for a cooking demonstration led by Chef Rachel, then dinner.

Day Eight
 

       After breakfast we will head down the coast a little to the Salento sea village of Otranto, located on the Adriatic coast. On our way we will visit a local food artisan for a tasting.     Lunch will be based on the local dishes we’ve come to know as “cucina povera”, and depending on the weather, we may have our lunch aboard a sailboat, fingers crossed!
      Later that afternoon we’ll stroll through Lecce and have some free time for shopping and independent sight-seeing. We will meet later for a bittersweet ‘arrivederci’ dinner in a very special Lecce restaurant.

 

Day 9.
 

After breakfast you will have a private transfer to Brindisi or Bari airport for your travels home. Safe travels and we look forward to your next visit to Puglia!

RESERVE NOW AT: rachelwoolcott@gmail.com       

• For further information and a full view of the itinerary please CLICK HERE •

Puglia Italy: affordable retreat/Tour with Blissful Travels with Margaret

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Call 860.978.8111

Blissful Travels with Margaret presents

“Get Blissful in Puglia, Italy” May 13 – 20, 2014 or May 13 – 23, 2014
Margaret Sylvester & Ylenia Sambati have created a fabulous, affordable Retreat/Tour for 8 guests.

If you are a foodie, wine lover, a shopper, like art and history, love being pampered, want to relax by the pool and eat healthy… join us!

Yle has been planning and organizing cultural experiences in Puglia for over 10 years. She was recently recognized in the Huffington Post as one of the best tour guides in Italy! Yle was Margaret’s Tour Guide for 6 days in 2013 showing her Puglia’s treasures. We put this special trip together for YOU!

Our Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Tuesday, May 13 - Welcome to Puglia!
You are picked up upon arrival at Brindisi airport.
Welcome to Masseria Provenzani http://www.masseriaprovenzani.com/masseria-en.php
Enjoy a “Benvenuti” (Welcome) Aperitivo Pugliese.
Unpack, relax by the pool…
Welcome Dinner
Meet your hosts Margaret and Yle and learn about the week ahead!

Day 2 – Wednesday, May 14 - Cooking Class with Special Healthy Puglia Recipes
Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing morning at our beautiful accommodation.
Cooking Class and lunch at the Masseria using traditional healthy recipes.
Relax by the pool this afternoon and Massage in the privacy of your room.
Buffet Dinner

Day 3 – Thursday, May 15 - Guided Tour of Lecce
Breakfast
Lecce tour, a “passeggiata” in the city of Baroque http://beautifulpuglia.com/lecce/
Cartapesta (Papier-mâché) Experience with famous local artisan.
Free afternoon to explore Lecce or relax by the pool.Cooking Class and bread making together with a Private Wine Tasting by Sommelier at the Masseria. Dinner based on our creations.

Day 4 – Friday, May 16 - Wine and Olive Oil Day
Breakfast
Wine Tour We will visit two famous local wineries with tastings.
Picnic Lunch, delicious, healthy, local recipes, enjoyed in a gorgeous Olive Tree Grove and Private Olive Oil Tasting.
Back to the Masseria for relaxing and Dinner.

Day 5 – Saturday, May 17 - Excursion to Gallipoli
Morning Tibetan Bowl Meditation and Reiki with Margaret and an all Levels Yoga Class.
Breakfast
Private Wine Tasting in a Southern Winery
Gallipoli Tour http://beautifulpuglia.com/gallipoli/ the “beautiful town of fishermen”
Picnic Lunch on a white sandy Gallipoli beach.
Back to Masseria for afternoon Wine Tasting/Aperitivo
Dinner at the Masseria with a special Cheese and Wine Tasting Session.

Day 6- Sunday, May 18 - The Trulli Valley Tour
Breakfast
Photography Day in the Itria Valley http://beautifulpuglia.com/itria-valley/ and its rural landscape of “Trulli”, cylindrical buildings with conical roofs. We visit Cisternino, http://beautifulpuglia.com/cisternino/
Ostuni, and Martina Franca. http://beautifulpuglia.com/ostuni/
A Light Lunch on our way sampling the delicious “Focaccia Barese”.
Free time to explore and delight in the labyrinth of whitewashed village streets, the olive trees and the bright blue color of the Adriatic Sea.
Back to Masseria for Dinner

Day 7 – Monday, May 19- Excursion to Otranto
Morning Tibetan Bowl Meditation and Reiki with Margaret, all Levels Yoga Class
Breakfast
Excursion to Otranto http://beautifulpuglia.com/otranto/
Beach Day on the Otranto white sandy beach with Picnic
Late afternoon Painting with Local Italian Maestro.
Dolce Cooking Class and Dinner at the masseria.

Day 8 –Tuesday, May 20 - Abbracci Day
Breakfast
Time to finish packing, relax by the pool and say our good-byes.
Transfer to Brindisi Airport.














What’s Included:
7 Nights accommodations at Masseria Provenzani with pool, ensuite, wifi, private bath.
7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 7 Buffet Dinners Prepared by Mamma
1 Massage at your accommodation
2 Yoga Classes
1 Day Winery Tour and daily Wine Tastings
1 Olive Oil Experience and Picnic amidst the olive trees
Cooking classes at the Masseria.
Pick up and drop off at Brindisi Airport
Beach time with picnic lunch
All land transportation
Services of a local travel expert
Integrated Energy Session, Reiki, BioMat, Tibetan Bowl.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change with or without notice. Sequence of day trips may vary.
COST: May 13 – 20, 7-Nights/8 days 1350 Euro = $1850.00 P.P. Double, Single, add $275.00

Add 3 nights with Breakfast, May 20 – 23, $300.00 P.P. Double, Single, add $150.00 at the time of print.
Adjustments will be made upon final payment.
NOT INCLUDED Airfare, personal expenses, snacks, drinks and meals not listed on itinerary and travel insurance. Please purchase insurance when purchasing your airfare.
To hold your space: 50% down, payable with Credit Card. Capitol One and a few other companies do NOT charge conversion fees. Check with your Credit Card company. Call Margaret at 860.978.8111 for deposit or information.
Final Payment due 60 days before trip, March 12, 2014.me at 860.978.8111


Margaret Sylvester has spent years of traveling, experimenting with foods and flavors, and learning about living healthy. Blissful Travels with Margaret is a small group of 8 travelers, making special memories while exploring fantastic destinations with stunning scenery in Sedona, AZ, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos, New Mexico, the Colorado Rockies, New England, Sicily, Puglia, Italy and more.
We tour local sites and partake in yoga classes and massages. Each day starts and ends with recipes that include seasonal, local and organic ingredients. By hosting these peaceful yet exhilarating trips, the name Blissful Travels with Margaret sums up our mission.
The more I travel, the more I realize that the trips I've taken in small intimate groups have become my favorite experiences and my fondest memories. Often my fellow travelers have become life-long friends.
I am also the owner of Blissful and Balanced. We believe the integrated blend of Reiki, Sound Healing and the Amethyst BioMat promotes wellness of Mind, Body and Spirit. I am a Reiki Master Teacher, using this combination of therapies to lower blood pressure, to reduce stress & anxiety, to enhance the immune system, promote healing, relieves pain, and more.
I use Tibetan Singing Bowls during your session to help restore balance & energy. You will be lying fully clothed on a massage table, lined with the gentle warmth of an Amethyst BioMat that delivers therapeutic Far Infrared Rays and Negative Ions as I incorporate Reiki. My integrated sessions are portable and are offered to you on all trips.
What makes your vacation with us Blissful? In addition to luxurious accommodations, fabulous food, hiking, visits to museums, galleries, wineries, and national or historical sites and more...Yoga classes and a massage are ALWAYS included!
Blissfully Yours,
Margaret Sylvester