Last night, we were at Casale della Torre again for dinner with our friends Larry and Carrol. As usual, it was such a treat and always a learning experience with Lapo and Paola in the kitchen.
We arrived to find Paola making fresh pasta.
blogginginitaly.com
blogginginitaly.com
Naturally, I had to try this myself.
blogginginitaly.com
blogginginitaly.com
After a few tips, they said I passed. It was just to get me out of their way, I think.
blogginginitaly.com
Next up, Paola’s fried veggies including zucchini flowers, zucchini, and onions, freshly picked from their garden.
blogginginitaly.com
blogginginitaly.com
The men moved outside to enjoy the view and the Prosecco, and wait patiently for the appetizers to arrive. They were also in charge of grilling the sausage.
blogginginitaly.com
blogginginitaly.com
Meanwhile, Paola opened the treasure chest from the freezer…porcini mushrooms Lapo had found last fall, and had saved for Carrol and Larry’s arrival dinner. Such a treat for all of us.
Lapo’s Porcini Find!
Frozen porcini sections – blogginginitaly.com
After appertivo on the veranda, we moved inside for dinner. Gustavo, a guest of Larry and Carrol’s, and the evening’s assistant chef, had requested Tripe. Yikes! But the men were all happy and said it was delicious. The ladies just looked on with eyebrows raised as the men enjoyed several servings.
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Gustavo was very grateful!
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Next was two kinds of pasta – one with ragu of chianna beef, a Tuscan speciality, and the second with mushrooms. These were followed by a salad from the garden and the grilled sausage. Delicious.
blogginginitaly.com
blogginginitaly.com
Finally, dessert – peaches marinated in Lapo’s red vino, vanilla gelato with mint sprig, and my hostess gift apple torta.
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We quickly learned no evening is complete without a taste of Lapo’s homemade liquors.
blogginginitaly.com
At the end of a very relaxing and fun evening, Lapo decided that Gustavo reminded him of Popeye. And why not – here is a man who, along with his brother, rode his bike from Mexico City to Toronto back in the 50s! Lacking a pipe, Lapo gave Gustavo a wooden spoon and actually lit it.
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Before we left, Paola and Lapo invited us to make cheese with them the next day. Fresh pasta Thursday, cheese on Friday. My cup runneth over!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Aloha Judy,
After reading your post and looking at all the delicious food I am going to have homemade pasta tonight in Waikiki. Seeing the strands of pasta reminded me of when I was a boy and helped my Mom with the identical process. We dried the pasta on the radiator in the living room. Ahhh what G R E A T memories… Mahalo Nui Loa for sharing…
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Charles,
Hope your pasta was great too. And glad it brought back fond memories for you. Such fun times.
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Oh how I love this post!! The photos, the food, the people, EVERYTHING! You were able to capture the spirit of the day and the soul of these people… Fascinating post!!! Thanks a lot for making me want to visit Italy again… I’m warming up the car!!
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Thanks so much! Such a short trip for you – you should make it for sure.
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What a beautiful evening!
I’m so jealous of you Judy!
Eat and drink for me:-)
Love to you and Len,
Benita
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Thanks, It was really beautiful. And not to worry, I am eating and drinking enough for many! xo
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