Okay this title is not exactly correct. I went to Italy and came back with a lot! Souvenirs, memories, experiences, skills, knowledge—you name it. Anyone who has been to Italy can probably relate.
A Culinary Adventure in Italy
One of the most exciting parts of visiting Italy is, of course, the food! From the rich Bolognese (Ragu) of Bologna to the creamy parmigiano reggiano of Parma, I made it my mission to taste and learn as much as I could.
During my stay in Bologna, I enrolled in a cooking class that was as entertaining as it was delicious. The recipes were amazing, but I haven’t quite mastered them back at home. Seeing as temperature and humidity are so crucial in making the pasta recipes as perfect as they were in Bologna, it’s taking me additional time to get it right.
The recipe I HAVE been able to make on repeat was so unexpected and didn’t come from this class. It came from a vineyard lunch and tour in Castellina in Chianti, located between Florence and Siena.
The Vineyard Experience
The Vineyard, Tenuta Cassanova is a 5 star rated experience on google reviews and that’s what first attracted me to it. If you ever have the chance, it’s worth a visit. They produce and sell their very own wine, balsamic vinegar, honey, spicy arrabbiata sauce, and other goodies. One of the highlights? Free shipping and a complimentary bottle of their refreshing Rosé for tour participants who ordered that day. We spent most of our “bring back gifts for family & friends” money here so we wouldn’t have to carry glass bottles on the plane.
A Lunch to Remember
Beyond the beautiful scenery and interesting facts we learned about their processes, we sat down for the most delicious lunch and wine pairings. We were served a plate full of homemade bread, tomatoes, cheeses and meats with honey and balsamic vinegars plus lasagna and spelt salad. And for dessert? Ice cream topped with balsamic vinegar—a delightful surprise!
All of this was paired with their Chianti, Super Tuscan wines, and a bubbly Rosé champagne. It was a highlight of our trip.
The Sleeper Recipe That Stole the Show
And now, the most unassuming recipe in the bunch. My husband couldn’t stop raving about it, and now I make it nearly every week. I’ve given it to my neighbors who also faithfully make it regularly. It’s simple, healthy, and perfect for meal prepping. Whether as a quick snack or a light lunch, this dish has become a feel-good reminder of our Tuscan travels.
I came home with this recipe and adapted it slightly in order to find the ingredients easier and add more specific measurements (the original recipe has a lot of “at will” measurements). If you’d like to try it, see the recipe below. I warn you, this sleeper recipe looks boring, but it’s anything but boring!
Spelt (Farro) Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Italian pearled farro
- ¾ cup of diced cherry, grape or other tomatoes
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese balls or diced mozzarella log
- 1 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained
- 10 basil leaves, chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¾ tsp salt
- A few cracks of pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat everything in a thin layer)
- Balsamic vinegar to drizzle while serving
Instructions
Make the farro. Rinse well before placing in a pot with extra room. The farro likes to boil over even when rinsed well. What has worked for keeping my stove top clean is placing the lid halfway over the pot until it’s boiling. Boil the farro in 3 cups of water for about 20 minutes. Let cool.
While the farro is cooking, place all other ingredients except the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a large bowl. Refrigerate until the farro is cooled and add it all together. Drizzle enough olive oil to coat the entire mixture evenly.
When ready to serve, place your desired amount into a bowl and drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar. This is great cold or reheated.
Here are some additional photos of Tenuta Casanova
Have you vacationed somewhere and brought home a recipe that reminds you of your travels? Share it here!
