The greatest benefit we enjoy in returning to Cortona year after year is the friends we have made. Many are local and others are repeaters who love the town and its people as much as we do. Being small in size, it’s nearly impossible to walk down the street and not see familiar faces. Friends here become extended family, and spending time with them is a favorite pastime.
Last night, 25 of us gathered for a traditional Italian celebration of friendship. When we arrived, the setting welcomed us with open arms:
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As did three generations of the family:
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The beautiful table would soon be filled with food and lots of conversation, and the bbq in the back let us know that grilled meats were part of the dinner.
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The challenge, of course, is pacing oneself.
First up, Aperitivo, almost a meal in itself. Everything is freshly cut and sliced. I’ve yet to be in an Italian kitchen that doesn’t have a deli sized meat slicer! This course is generally served with Prosecco, and soon the corks were popping.
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For Primo, we enjoyed homemade lasagna, both meat and vegetarian styles,
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Followed by melanzana, (eggplant parmigiana).
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For someone like me, who generally feels that pasta è basta, (pasta is enough), sticking to smaller portions is essential.
Next up, time for grilling. First the steaks…
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cooked to perfection.
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followed by sausages…
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and served with salad.
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At this point, almost all are leaning back in their chairs, taking a deep breath, and thinking they have reached the end…until…
Time for dessert!
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Fresh fig and fresh apple/pistachio tortes served with gelato, caramelized figs, and moscato, a sparkling white wine.
Una bellissima serrata, as we say here…a beautiful night… filled with great food, great friends, and lots of love. We also had a surprise visitor during Aperitivo. Our dear friend Ted (who is looking terrific!), joined us via FaceTime. After everyone said their hellos, we raised our glasses and saluted him and his health with a rowdy round of Brindisino!
To you, Ted, from your Cortona family, buona salute!
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And many thanks to our hosts and dear friends for sharing their Italian traditions with us.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 