Author: italy...and me

Beth Beeman lives and writes from the beach city of San Clemente, California. She is interested in food, genealogy, wine and all things Italian. www.italyandme.com

A Little Risotto

Soft food doesn’t need to be boring. Risotto fits the bill quite nicely. When I was in Italy last year I purchased a lovely handmade risotto pot from Cesare in Montepulciano. He’s one of Italy’s last coppersmiths – made the whole thing by hand. It’s heavy and beautiful!

Pizza. Crunchy and Delightful.

This is the pizza we had in Donnini, a quaint little town in Tuscany. Today I yearn for it, perhaps because I cannot have it. It is the day after my dental surgery.  The picture will have to do.

Of Kittens and Spicy Polenta

Let me introduce you to my 10 week old kitten, Bella.  Oh, and that’s spicy Tuscan ragu drizzled on top of hearty polenta.

I will make Orecchietti

This summer when I travel to Puglia I hope to learn to make orecchietti. They are shaped like little ears. The name is derived from the combination of orecchio (ear) and etto (small).   Chances are, the next time you travel to Italy and take a cooking class,  you will be given the opportunity to…

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Vegetables, Fresh Vegetables

What is biggest reason that food just tastes SO good in Italy?  Fresh fruits and vegetables. That’s right, you heard me. Think about sinking your teeth into ripened tomatoes garnished with basil and balsamic vinegar.  Go ahead and gobble down fruit that tastes like a childhood memory of ripe freshly cut peaches.  Now more than…

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Some say Cantucci.

If you have been to Tuscany you have had cantucci! Also known as biscotti, a word that originates from the medieval Latin word biscoctus, meaning “twice-cooked/baked.”  Often served with Vin Santo after a meal.  Go ahead and dunk it, it’s delicious.