Celebrations

For the past several years, I've celebrated my birthday here in Spello accompanied by the Angelini family and Dr. C.  This year is a BIG one, and Dr. C. surprised me by flying in our daughter, son-in-law and son Ryan for the celebration.  Let me tell you no one celebrates like the Italians! 
Chef Marco Gubbiotti prepared our dinner, and for dessert, I'd requested a gelato cake from his gelateria Amandola. (best gelato in the world) 

Marco calls this one truffle carbonara: poached egg, crostini crumbs, pancetta, and truffles

Risotto with porcini and butternut squash

Pork two ways:  chop and mini-porchetta

A few days before the celebration my brother and his wife arrived for 3 days; we toured Gubbio where our grandparents were born, and enjoyed some family time here in Spello and Montefalco. 

On the day the entourage arrived, they were still here and got to enjoy lunch together with our kids.  It doesn't get any better than family gathered around the table. 

To further celebrate our family at Enoteca Properzio sent us to the Arnaldo Caprai winery for a wine tasting.  This is one of the largest producers here in Umbria, and the setting couldn't be better. 

Sagrantino, not quite ready

To say I was overwhelmed by the weekend would be an understatement. I'm so grateful to the family at Enoteca Properzio for arranging the celebration with my family this weekend, their generosity and love are astonishing, but then this is Italy, and their passion for what they do is evident every day.  Living here is one big celebration of love, food, and family.  Ciao for now.

Serendipity

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word serendipity as:  "The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way."  Many days here in Italy, things happen unexpectedly, and I think that's why I love it here.  Back home our lives are so programmed, that sometimes the spur of the moment activity never seems to be able to invade the plans we have.  Yesterday was one of those days. I'd asked if I could cook lunch for the family at the enoteca.  I'd planned on 8 people figuring if someone showed up, we could stretch the lunch.  I was making asparagus risotto, Saltimbocca and a salad with oranges and fennel.  My dessert was Alice Medrich's chocolate cake, which I have to say is one of the easiest cakes to make, and the results are stunning.  

As with many things here, this one got a little wild, with wine makers showing up, and then cousins from Milano arriving, and it was all a lot of fun.  Fortunately, I'd thought ahead and made a bucket of risotto, so if there was any left it would be arancini today.  With a crowd of 12, the risotto was gone.

Because it was such a joyous occasion with friends, family and colleagues, Roberto decided that the only wine to have was Sassicaia, only we'd need a magnum.  

Filippo Peppucci, an exceptional wine maker from Todi opening the box

The man himself, Roberto Angelini, the ring master here at Enoteca Properzio

This was a happy group, laughing, telling stories, and enjoying the day.  We sat at the table for at least 2 hours enjoying this special moment in time.  

And, there was cake.  I topped each serving with a chocolate and pistachio candy that I'd gotten in Bronte when we were in Sicily.  

Moments like these should be savored, each minute cherished, and remembered, especially when we are caught in the chaos of our own lives, it's nice to remember the pleasures of being with family and friends.  Ciao for now.