Packing Tips for International Travel + Mastering the Art of Packing Light: Essential Tips for Stress-Free International Travel In the fast-paced world of international travel, the ability to pack efficiently and travel light is a skill that can make or break your journey. In my latest Flavor of Italy podcast episode, seasoned traveler Sarah Murdoch shared her packing tips for international travel including the art of packing light, drawing from her extensive experience exploring the globe. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation that offer practical tips to streamline your packing process and enhance your travel experience.

In the heart of Brooklyn, amidst the bustling streets and diverse communities, lies a treasure trove of culinary heritage. It's here that Daniel Paterna, a proud Italian-American with deep roots in his ancestral homeland, has crafted a masterpiece that transcends mere recipes - it's a celebration of family, tradition, and Daniel's rich Italian-American culture.  In "Feast of the Seven Fishes," Daniel shares not just recipes, but stories that resonate with authenticity and love for his Italian heritage.

An intriguing article in a supplement to the Italian newspaper, the Corriere della Sera, highlighted Porto, Portugal as the top European travel destination of 2024. Coincidentally I was heading there soon after I saw the article. Porto unveiled a delightful array of delicious wines, and seafood delicacies, from succulent grilled cod to savory sardines. However, what truly stole the show was the Portuguese bread, and especially the Broa de Avintes bread. It's nothing short of extraordinary! Dense, moist, and bursting with flavor, this bread became our instant favorite, prompting us to embark on a quest to bring some back to Rome.  Listen and then head to the show notes on flavorofitaly.com for the recipe!

Homes for sale in Tuscany Italy? + A Tuscan Home Makeover  In this week's episode of my Flavor of Italy podcast, I chatted with Dena Fenza, a prominent figure on Instagram known for her recipes, style tips, and lifestyle content. With nearly 150,000 followers, Dena has captivated audiences with her unique blend of Italian-American heritage and New York living.  During the interview, she shared her fascinating journey, from her roots in Brooklyn to her decision to build a life in Italy. Dena's search for homes for sale in Tuscany Italy was methodical and effective and lead to her purchase of a Tuscan farmhouse near Montalcino, in need of restoration. Have a listen to find out all the details: 

At cheesemaker La Maremmana in Tuscany, just 2 hours north of Rome, buffalo milk is transformed into a myriad of buffalo cheeses by master cheesemaker Francesco, hailing from the famed dairy region of Battipaglia. La Maremmana produces a range of fresh buffalo cheeses, including hand-stretched buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, yogurt, and burrata. Additionally, inspired by French traditions, aged cheeses grace their repertoire. Rūma: A Taste of La Maremmana in Rome  Expanding their reach beyond Maremma, La Maremmana has established Rūma in the heart of Rome. to offer a slice of La Maremmana's culinary excellence to city dwellers and tourists alike. Rūma is both a bottega, where you can shop for quality ingredients, and a bistrot where you can stop to eat.

Traditional Italian Risotto Recipes at Tenuta San Carlo. In this episode Tenuta San Carlo owner, Ariane Lotti, and I explored the Organic Marvels of Tenuta San Carlo: A Journey into Sustainable Rice Farming. Normally we think of rice growing and production in Northern Italy, in the Po Valley, but just two hours north of Rome along the coast you'll find the Tenuta San Carlo rice farm, a wonderful agritourism, and delicious risotto recipes. In the heart of Southern Tuscany lies this haven of organic agriculture, where the marshlands of Maremma have been transformed into a thriving rice farm. This is the story of Tenuta San Carlo, a testament to the dedication of four generations and a commitment to regenerative farming practices.

Unlocking the Charms of Molise: Italy's Best-Kept Wine Secret Italy, renowned for its illustrious wine heritage, harbors hidden gems beyond the well-trodden paths of Tuscany and Piedmont. Among these treasures lies Molise, Italy's second smallest wine region, nestled between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine Mountains. Despite its diminutive size, Molise boasts a rich viticultural history dating back to ancient civilizations and a burgeoning wine scene characterized by indigenous grape varieties and diverse terroirs. In this episode Scott Barden, sommelier and Molise wine expert, and co-owner of Vine & Soul, and I dig deep into the essence of some of Molise's spectacular wines and native varietals.

The Historical Narrative of Horse Meat Recipes & Cuisine in Italy: When it comes to culinary customs, the journey across different cultures often presents moments of profound divergence. These encounters with unfamiliar foods can evoke a sense of cultural shock, prompting reflections on the intricate relationship between food and society.  Horse meat holds a unique place in the culinary landscape of Italy, where it is revered as a wholesome and nourishing delicacy, positioned somewhere between the flavors of beef and venison.  Horse meat is often recommended for the young and infirm, believed to possess numerous health benefits due to its lean protein content and rich iron levels. You may be surprised to learn that some well-known multinationals have Italian baby food subsidiaries that have embraced the tradition of horse meat in their product lines: Mellini (a Danone subsidiary) and Plasmon, a subsidiary of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based H. J. Heinz Company. Their products include purees and ready-to-eat meals, and cater to parents seeking nutritious and culturally relevant options for their infants.  This is a fascinating, eye-opening podcast episode with @mangiawithmichele and....you just might learn a few recipes! (Don't worry...you can also make them with beef!)

Italian American food and cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Old World Italian traditions and New World influences, shaped by generations of Italian immigrants and their descendants in the United States. It embodies the rich culinary heritage of Italy while incorporating local ingredients and tastes.  Italian American food blogger and recipe creator Michele Di Pietro and I dove into the history of Italian American cuisine, and some of the cuisine's best known recipes. We chat about the Italian American Cuisine's best known recipes and their history, and how to make them. Get fready to take notes and do some tasty cooking!

Sicilian Cooking Classes at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in the Heart of Sicily.  Tucked away on an estate in the countryside south of Palermo is the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School, a unique center dedicated to preserving and sharing the great food culture of Sicily. The spirit of the school, now run by Fabrizia Lanza, the founder’s daughter and scion of a renowned family of winemakers, goes back generations. Visitors to Sicily often sense it to be a place unlike anywhere else—lost in time and a little bit secretive. The school and Fabrizia’s 2023 book, the Food of Sicily, opens a bright window on Sicily, celebrating this wonderful food culture while honoring everything that makes it special: a vibrant profile of the land, the people, the history, and so much more. Join me and chef Kyle Pierce as we dig deep into the essence of Sicily and the Anna Tasca Lanza Sicilian cooking classes.