FOOD

Italy has been a lot of fun, but the best part about my time here has definitely been the food. I have been cooking so many different kinds of things, and have had to be very creative about how to cook things in our apartment, because it is severely understocked. Also, my food class is wonderful, because we get to make delicious food and learn all about the regional cuisine of Italy. Here are some photos of food, as well as some recipes to try at home:

FRESH PASTA:

300 g flour
3 eggs
Salt
Olive Oil
120 ml water

Dump the flour in a pile on a clean surface and make a well in the center of the pile. Put the eggs, generous pinch of salt, water, and a small amount (1/4 teaspoon?) of oil in the well. Mix together with your hands, adding the surrounding flour to the liquid center until everything is combined well. Knead aggressively until the dough is smooth. Place in plastic wrap and let rest for 10-15 minutes. Then roll out and slice into squares or run through a pasta machine to create your desired pasta. Dust with flour to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Boil water. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of oil and then add noodles. Cook for 3-5 minutes and then serve with sauce.


Caramelle alle mele (Literally: Candy apples, although it is a pastry):

220 g flour
2 apples
2 eggs
Pine nuts
140 g +1 Tbs butter
Salt
200 g apricot jam
2 Tbs sugar
Powdered sugar

Knead the flour with softened butter (do not overwork!), add the eggs, a pinch of salt, and 2 Tbs of water (if needed). Let rest for 30 minutes.
Peel the apples, cut in slices and sauté with 1 Tbs of butter until golden. Sprinkle 2 Tbs of sugar and sauté a few minutes more. Let cool.
Roll the dough and cut into rectangular shapes, about 2" x 4". Place a tsp of jam, one slice of apple, and a few pine nuts in the middle of each rectangle. Close the edges like a bon bon candy wrapper. Dust with powdered sugar and bake for 15 minutes at 180 degrees C.



Soft Pretzels (non-Italian, but delicious nonetheless):
http://www.choosy-beggars.com/index.php/2010/08/09/perfect-soft-pretzels/

More recipes and pictures to come!