Ciao Amici, It's Novembre (November)

Rain or shine, I love visiting Italy. And rain was in the forecast the day we visited Pompeii. Here's a sneak preview of what we saw there. Look for it and more in our new season featuring the Amalfi, airing in May 2010.

Hard to believe it's November already. I honestly don't know where the days go. And while some will say this is the slow season in Italy, I beg to differ. For starters on November 1 and 2 Italians will celebrate Tutti i Santi (All Saints and All Souls Day). One of the ways they commemorate these solemn days is by making a cookie called Ossi Dei Morti (Bones of the Dead).

On a less somber note, the chestnut festivals are in full swing and vendors will be on every street corner selling roasted castagne. They are creamy and delicious. The fabulous white truffle makes its dazzling aromatic appearance with truffle fairs held in northern and central Italy. And wild mushroom festivals are very popular; the funghi will be gathered and cooked up into everything from risotto to pasta to soups and grilled too.

So if you are a foodie, being in Italy for some of these festivals is really a treat.  And while I have just returned from Italy, being in the kitchen and replicating some of the dishes I enjoyed will fill a large part of my November especially since Thanksgiving is not far away. Here is a menu that is easy to do that you may want to consider. 

Happy Thanksgiving!
 

Cream of Broccoli and Zucchini Soup 

Rolled Stuffed Turkey Breast

Piedmont Potato Casserole 
Braised Fennel

Celery and Mushroom Salad 
Chestnut Cornbread
Baked Apples with Nuts and Marmalade 

Dried Fig, Pear and Pine Nut Pie 

Roasted Chestnuts