September News from Elizabeth
Elizabeth Minchilli
EATING MY WAY THROUGH ITALY
September 2020 Newsletter
I usually try to say something a bit thoughtful or 'big issue' at the beginning of my newsletter. But honestly? I kind of turned off my brain in August. Even though this year has been one long period of limbo, I tried - for at least a few weeks - to just hang out and not do much of anything. So my brain is still in August mode.
That’s not to say I just sat around. I made sure to eat as many figs as possible. I continued my farmer life, putting up countless jars of fig jam (I don’t even like fig jam that much but hope my friends do!) as well as WAY too many jars of pickles (actually there is no such thing as too many pickles). We grilled constantly and made pizza in the pizza oven a few times too.
But I also just hung out by the pool and was able to read my way through so many books.
Did you have some semblance of summer in these weird times? I hope so!
What's New
We are heading down to Puglia next week! We decided to take one last vacation by the beach before summer officially leaves. I’ve rented a house near Monopoli, and since it’s a bit inland, but on a hill, we can both see the sea, but also be near a lot of small cute towns in the Val d’Itria. Sophie really got to know this area of Puglia during her time there in July, and she can’t wait to show it to us. We’ll also be visiting some of her favorite sea side restaurants (like this one) as well as a few other places that we plan on including in our Summer in Puglia Tour next year. This is a new tour we are doing, that takes advantage of the beach-friendly weather, while also being available to people whose schedules only allow them to travel in the summer. We’ve still got a few spots left if you want to know more.
I’ve also been chatting with my friend Evan a lot, about our Culinary and Craft Retreat in Abruzzo. It’s exactly the type of experience that is described in this article about regenerative travel. This concept is something that I’ve been embracing for quite a while now. It’s not enough to just travel ‘sustainably’ since I think by now that’s a given. Regenerative travel is the opposite of over-tourism and is all about leaving a place better than you found it. And that is our aim through our weeks in Abruzzo, . We will visit a less-traveled region that needs the support that the open-minded and curious visitor (like us!) can bring. Since we are a small group, we’ll be able to really dive into a culture and give them support without leaving a negative impact. Even the hotel where we are staying is an example of this kind of tourism: it is an ancient village that has been restored using local artisans and materials to maintain traditions. If you’d like to join Evan and me, eating and cooking our way during this special week , just send me an email.
Another thing I did during August was go through my phone and try to throw away photos. It’s hard!! Especially since I have so many gorgeous pictures of Umbria from this past spring. It was the first time I spent so much time here during this season. The flowers of course were incredible, but the color green that draped every hill and tree as spring sprung is hard to describe. If you liked following my life here in Umbria this past spring you can come and see it yourself! We have a few spaces left for our Week in Umbria in May. (We actually have two weeks planned since there has been such huge demand). I can send you the details
And because our first April 2021 Week in Sicily is completely sold out, I’ve added a second week! The dates are April 25 to May 1, and let me know if you’d like to know more.
Already thinking about 2022? We already have six weeks planned in Puglia, Sicily and Umbria.
What I'm Reading
The thing none of us knew we were waiting for: Salted Caramel Baci
Nice to know I wasn’t the only one digging into a bag of potato chips during quarantine.
A step in the right direction over at Bon Appetit.
More deals for Black cookbook writers, but is it enough? This story just begins to touch on a much bigger topic.
I read (and loved) There There by Tommy Orange.
Almost finished The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and it’s one of the best books I’ve read all year.
Next up on my list: Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo.
Who I'm Following
Introducing a new section in the Newsletter. Since so many of you use Instagram, I thought I'd share some cool accounts I follow each month:
@kristinagillfood - love the links she shares in her stories
@italysegreta - most evocative photos of Italy award
@nononveniteinpuglia - photos that make me want to go to Puglia NOW
@sminchilli - So I can see where she is when she's not with me (it's usually Puglia)
@thegodofcookery - Deep dives into food as a form of resistance in his stories
@truebias - kind of makes me want to start sewing again
@fattoincasadabenedetta - Mega famous Italian cooking blogger, fun easy recipes
(I'm only sharing the accounts that make me seem serious. Mostly I follow kitten and puppy accounts.)
What I'm Eating (and Drinking)
Obviously tomatoes were a big thing last month.
Summer Spaghetti was on the table about every other day.
How did it take me so long to discover the Tomatini?
My go to summer soup (yes, I make soup in the summer) has just a handful of ingredients. (and yes, 2 of them are zucchini and tomatoes)
I also made this Zucchini and Ricotta pasta a few times and evidently so did a LOT of other people who have sent me their photos of it.
I roasted a LOT of tomatoes to put in the freezer.
This spin on Vietnamese pasta is my new favorite when I think I have nothing in the house. Make it now.
And finally.....
Speaking of tomatoes…I loved the new edit that Tasty did of my Tomato Paste video from Sicily. I also love the fact it’s gotten over 13,000,000 views. Yes. You read that right. !!!!!!
x,Elizabeth
PS Make sure you are registered to vote here.
PPS If you are living abroad and fear your ballot won’t make it in on time, you can fill out a FWAB now! This will only be counted in case your real ballot doesn’t make it. Print it out today and send it in.
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