tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38416023756328026802024-02-18T23:26:36.018-08:00Healty Clean and Artistic FoodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-31754843597097181432013-09-14T17:58:00.000-07:002013-09-14T17:58:00.080-07:00Ahi poêlé avec Salsa aux champignons Shiitake et de chips de WontonPas trop longtemps mon mari et moi avons été invités à un basé à San Francisco wine club dîner annuel. Plusieurs de nos amis sont membres, nous avons eu la chance d'être invité à la célébration de cette année. Alors que la partie de l'année précédente a eu lieu au Chateau Montelena lieu de rendez-vous de cette année nous a repris à la racine [...]<br><br>[[C'est un résumé du contenu uniquement. Visitez mon site Web pour les liens complet, autres contenus et plus encore ! ]]<br /><p><a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2013/08/seared-ahi-with-wonton-crisps-and-shiitake-mushroom-salsa/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-84893628869029126942013-09-14T13:25:00.000-07:002013-09-14T13:25:00.191-07:00Mari Coyote 1 0Quand les pompiers vient frapper à votre porte avec la bicyclette de votre mari en deux morceaux, sans mari en vue et les premiers mots de bouche le témoignage du pompier sont, "Il va être d'accord..." il n'est jamais un bon signe. Je me préparais à quitter pour un jogging ; mon mari avait laissé [...]<br><br>[[C'est un résumé du contenu uniquement. Visitez mon site Web pour les liens complet, autres contenus et plus encore ! ]]<br /><p><a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2013/07/coyote-1-husband-0/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-57477017437285447342013-09-14T09:49:00.000-07:002013-09-14T09:49:00.410-07:00Prosciutto, pommes et Brie Tea Sandwiches au beurre de saugeNous avons été ici en France un peu plus d'une semaine maintenant. Ce voyage étant libre des ordres du jour, les jours ont été simple : nous avons parcouru autour de la péninsule de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Nous avons pris quelques excursions à Nice et Antibes pour un changement de décor, mais ces randonnées le long de la [...]<br><br>[[C'est un résumé du contenu uniquement. Visitez mon site Web pour les liens complet, autres contenus et plus encore ! ]]<br /><p><a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2013/09/prosciutto-apple-and-brie-tea-sandwiches-with-sage-butter/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-17589872710734661212013-09-14T06:14:00.000-07:002013-09-14T06:14:01.001-07:00Europe 2012, partie 2: Riviera italienne (et Spaghetti aux tomates et anchois)(C'est la poursuite attendue de ma série d'Europe 2012. Pour la partie 1 avec la Côte d'Azur, veuillez cliquer ici.) Le Beaulieu-Sur-Mer gare de nous partons tôt pour Santa Margherita, une station/pêche ville sur la Riviera italienne. Il serait notre port d'attache pendant quelques jours mais ce détour entre un [...]<br><br>[[C'est un résumé du contenu uniquement. Visitez mon site Web pour les liens complet, autres contenus et plus encore ! ]]<br /><p><a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2013/07/europe-2012-part-2-italian-riviera-and-spaghetti-with-tomatoes-and-anchovies/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-9623607974505740732013-09-14T02:04:00.000-07:002013-09-14T02:04:00.159-07:00Bacon & oeuf PizzaCe week-end passé mon mari et j'ai roulé au Carmel pour une escapade d'anniversaire. En raison de ses blessures, nous n'étions pas sûrs de s'en aller serait réaliste donc on n'a pas l'intention une chose. Carmel a toujours été notre destination aller-à puisqu'il est un facile 1 1/2 heure de route de la maison pour nous il a épinglé sur [...]<br><br>[[C'est un résumé du contenu uniquement. Visitez mon site Web pour les liens complet, autres contenus et plus encore ! ]]<br /><p><a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2013/08/bacon-egg-pizza/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-91598659621525133902013-09-13T22:00:00.000-07:002013-09-13T22:00:03.463-07:00Wandelen de Anello Monte Muggio: de kleuren van de herfsttype = 'html' ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6325349799/" title="Fall in Valle Varrone by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6325349799_783e071928.jpg" alt="Fall in Valle Varrone"></a><p align="justify">Lange wandelingen op wat is waarschijnlijk de beste tijd van het jaar helaas ontbreken als we bezig onszelf met de voorbereiding van de tuin voor de winter, maar soms is de werkelijke reden dat weekend vaak volledig zijn verregend. In de huidige weersomstandigheden, heeft het schiereiland getroffen met zware regenval, brengen veel moeite en vreselijk tragische omstandigheden in bepaalde gebieden rond het land. Tot nu toe hebben wij geen problemen of waarschuwingen in de kastanjebos, en het is krankzinnig om te denken dat net een week geleden die we onder serene wandelen waren Italiaanse luchten op onze eerste outing vallen.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5muQXpypkJo57rRigdNIYDFs81eF1h0ZtNe47vI5EhLH7Yvta5mbVATFhDjApPx163pi6XrQXjDpnaBK4cKFy-KPXpxQGPqzjFMaEneWL76QM6n8oTsjUfWg_dAe3UHUFwsQ_avpqbgtw/s1600/Monte-Muggio-google.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5muQXpypkJo57rRigdNIYDFs81eF1h0ZtNe47vI5EhLH7Yvta5mbVATFhDjApPx163pi6XrQXjDpnaBK4cKFy-KPXpxQGPqzjFMaEneWL76QM6n8oTsjUfWg_dAe3UHUFwsQ_avpqbgtw/s500/Monte-Muggio-google.jpg"></a><p align="justify">Vanaf de Alpe Giumello (Casargo, LC): Dit is een relatief eenvoudig 2,5 uur lus parcours dat rond de basis van Monte Muggio dwaalt. Er zijn een paar stukken die worden gecodeerd omhoog of omlaag zorgvuldig moeten zodat ik niet zou suggereren probeert dit in de winter of het vroege voorjaar wanneer ijs of nu de trail uiterst gevaarlijk maakt. We heb gegaan rodelen hier in de winter wanneer alles was bedekt met diepe sneeuw, maar nu dat we hebben gezien de fall gebladerte, een herhaling in het late voorjaar is mogelijk als omstandigheden veilig zijn. Meer en de bergen uitzicht vanuit alle hoeken zijn prachtig, en het goed gebruikt pad is niet moeilijk te volgen zelfs wanneer gaan door een stuk van woud op Muggio de northside. Vanaf de parkeerplaats (roze x op de kaart) blijven op de toegangsweg naar links en via località Alpe Giumello; een kleine kapel komt in beeld aan de rechterkant. Trail tekenen zeggen Anello Monte Muggio totdat in de buurt van het einde waar Alpe Giumello de weg naar huis wijst. Lunch in Ristoro Genio is altijd fantastisch geweest!</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6325349791/" title="Ristoro Genio by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6325349791_7c2f550e2d.jpg" alt="Ristoro Genio"></a><p><object width="500" height="375"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157627957481037%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157627957481037%2F&set_id=72157627957481037&jump_to="> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157627957481037%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157627957481037%2F&set_id=72157627957481037&jump_to=" width="500" height="375"></object></p><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/1861807307572935925/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-21956093792250330622013-09-13T18:48:00.000-07:002013-09-13T18:48:00.556-07:00Hiking in Val Vertova type='html'><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4964008960/" title="Val Vertova by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img alt="Val Vertova" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4964008960_6c119d4754.jpg"></a><p align=justify>We really couldn't have asked for more on this particular outing. The trail in Val Vertova is full of beautiful scenes like this, where you have the option of taking it easy all the way to the end or stopping in an idyllic spot to soak up the sun. I've never seen perfectly tanned boobs in full display until this hike, but with such an inviting environment, why the heck not?</p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodfl2EknByzDxWsFdPelXTs-5qg2Usfj9cj9Zus0yee30tXkBcb9q_K58X69rCELLq0FR23tOX3kGuI-0wGL-ghsmjAK9k8Wafo0x4n-B3EmYc5kOnuzkBKX0qgYmny2jmxpNAQH7NBUl/s1600/Vertova.jpg"><br /><a href="http://maps.google.it/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Strada+sconosciuta&daddr=%2B45%C2%B0+48'+53.95%22,+%2B9%C2%B0+48'+50.39%22+(45.814987,+9.813998)&hl=it&geocode=Fc4VuwIdnsaVAA%3BFcsUuwId7r-VAA&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=19&sll=45.814984,9.815734&sspn=0.001322,0.002411&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=45.814264,9.834566&spn=0.01705,0.045061&z=14" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View larger map</a></small><p align=justify>To get to the starting point: from Vertova, follow Via Cinque Martini until località Lacni. Instead of following the right bend in the road, take the left for about 300 meters until the parking lot (B). If it's full, space is available at the headquarters of Gruppo Alpinistico Vertovese (GAV) a hundred meters going back and across the stream (A), but only if the gates are open. It takes about an hour to reach the end of the trail. For a challenge, head up the n.527 that climbs the left just before reaching the end. It quickly leads back down to the river then continues into drier terrain up the mountain to the encampment of Bivacco Testa.</p><object width="500" height="375"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157624891623462%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157624891623462%2F&set_id=72157624891623462&jump_to="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157624891623462%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157624891623462%2F&set_id=72157624891623462&jump_to=" width="500" height="375"></embed></object><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/847700164044662297/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-14527981220066855092013-09-13T15:40:00.000-07:002013-09-13T15:40:00.672-07:00Joyeux Noël: het winkelen spree op de Franse markttype = 'html' ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6545799713/" title="French market #34 by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6545799713_a9547f6ac3.jpg" alt="French market #34"></a><p align="justify"><i>Bonjour madame! Bonjour monsieur!</i> Voor een moment leek het alsof we had een of andere manier wonderbaarlijk grens overgestoken in het domein van onze fromage en stokbrood-toting buren aan het westen, maar dit afgelopen weekend onze voeten waren stevig in Italië. Hoe is dat voor een smaak van internationaal VAKANTIESALON flair? Als u niet naar Frankrijk gaan dan Frankrijk naar je toe komt, en het was een zeer goede zaak dat wij dit Franse markt in Segrate (Milaan) uitgecheckt. Meestal we hoofd naar Trentino-Alto Adige voor de <i>mercatini di natale</i> zoals bezocht in <a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/2008/01/mercatino-di-natale-in-trento.html" target="_blank"><b>Trento</b></a> en <a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/2009/01/sugar-n-spice-and-everything-nice.html" target="_blank"><b>Meran</b></a> - beide zijn prachtige plaatsen om te bezoeken op elk moment van het jaar, maar nog meer betoverende tijdens de wintervakantie.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6545799719/" title="French market #28 by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6545799719_a33c3facf6.jpg" alt="French market #28"></a><p align="justify">Ik zou zeggen dat de meerderheid van de kooplieden Italiaans spreken kon, hoewel er een paar die waren alleen converseerden Frans. Beter voor ons, want het is niet vaak dat nachtvlinder krijgt om te zetten zijn Frans te gebruiken en voor mij te horen spreken. De producten in de kijker liep het gamma van eclairs tot foie gras, en bruisende kleurrijke kruiden aan geparfumeerde zeep. Liefde lokum? We doen. Tafelkleden uit de Provence? In elke kleur en grootte denkbaar. Maar het item dat vooral mijn aandacht trok waren zakken van Oignon de Roscoff. Deze roze uien uit Bretagne wordt gezegd dat zijn zacht in smaak en kunnen uitgebreide opslag in een koele, donkere plaats voor een paar maanden. Foto's van dingen die we deden/deed niet weerstaan all-in-een grote reeks op <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/sets/72157628502927017/show/" target="_blank"><b>Flickr</b></a>. We hadden de auto ruiken van uien, knoflook, lavendel, cassoulet en kaas al de weg naar huis.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6545590555/" title="French market #10 by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6545590555_b06c4fd98c.jpg" alt="French market #10"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/2055918998222486941/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-35857361241730939042013-09-13T12:15:00.000-07:002013-09-13T12:15:00.883-07:00Hiking Pizzino to Fraggio (Val Taleggio, Bergamo) type='html'><p align=justify><div class=right><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiHvpu61QtGKsabGg4oo5CYJLcTf_hGkFIsBB5QatyZLu_fwjg-c-jDHmsenaF5DGHL1EQDHCdv2dXbMzpMwi1X3tk-v9BWlLD9dOAZYo8h4P0AnYxNda4BuOXPqK8O6Kffn0qE3AFduY/s1600/Hiking-paths-Pizzino.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiHvpu61QtGKsabGg4oo5CYJLcTf_hGkFIsBB5QatyZLu_fwjg-c-jDHmsenaF5DGHL1EQDHCdv2dXbMzpMwi1X3tk-v9BWlLD9dOAZYo8h4P0AnYxNda4BuOXPqK8O6Kffn0qE3AFduY/s200/Hiking-paths-Pizzino.jpg" style="border:none" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481144154929625650"></a><br>Pizzino (24 miles north of Bergamo)<br>to Fraggio (light blue line)</div>It shouldn't come as a surprise that I consider this to be more of a stroll because all it involves is less than 30 minutes of putting one foot in front of the other. The trail begins from <a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/2010/04/goat-cheese-producer-in-val-taleggio.html" target="_blank">Agriturismo Il Pavone</a> in Pizzino that continues on a dirt path passing their farm, and the point of interest here is an ancient (15th century?) church - Chiesetta San Lorenzo - which sits amidst rural surroundings. So rural, in fact, and so quiet, that after I took the image below and walked around the church, I returned to see a cow in the exact same spot where I had been only minutes before. Apparently the beasts come and go as they please.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4688317472/" title="Chiesetta San Lorenzo by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1285/4688317472_98e89db2a1.jpg" alt="Chiesetta San Lorenzo"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4688317466/" title="Italian cows are happy cows... by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4688317466_44352d0bda.jpg" alt="Italian cows are happy cows..."></a><p align=justify>Getting to Pizzino is a natural wonder in itself since the road through Val Taleggio follows along a deep gorge that has no shortage of splashing, flowing, cascading water during spring. There is one "the Rock fountain" in particular that sits on the side of the road as a sort of ambassador to the valley. Too bad he's not spitting wine. I got the westie to pose but the doxie wasn't having any of it. To find it: here's the gps coordinates [45.88820N 9.60245E].</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4688290318/" title="Cascata in Val Taleggio by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1302/4688290318_c58001709f_m.jpg" alt="Cascata in Val Taleggio"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4688290328/" title="Right place at the right time by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4688290328_41b22a8525_m.jpg" alt="Right place at the right time"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4688235864/" title="Val Taleggio by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1279/4688235864_920fe15025_m.jpg" alt="Val Taleggio"></a> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4687633485/" title="Fraggio by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4687633485_b8e0f4bc49_m.jpg" alt="Fraggio"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4688235850/" title="da "Rock" by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4688235850_a313b4ac0e_m.jpg" alt="da "Rock""></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4688235844/" title="Maddie and da "Rock" by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1284/4688235844_340fe439bf_m.jpg" alt="Maddie and da "Rock""></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/800988430400951703/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-56884532447602681992013-09-13T09:13:00.000-07:002013-09-13T09:13:00.135-07:00From Rifugio Martina to Monte San Primo (Bellagio) type='html'><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4744602589/" title="Monte San Primo by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4744602589_b0f738c420.jpg" alt="Monte San Primo"></a><p align=justify>Monte San Primo. Agile hikers aren't the only ones to climb up here in summer because the tell-tale aroma of ovine and caprine droppings invaded our nostrils long before reaching the top. Our intent was to go up then return on the mainly forested trail (right side of photo) that commences behind Rifugio Martina, but the ascent is so steep (average 14% grade) that I wasn't too keen on going back down through the bug-infested environment again. The top photo was taken looking back at S. Primo as we descended to connect with <i>sentiero 1</i> and continue on a loop trail to the starting point. For those who may have ended up here for trails near Bellagio, take a look at this <a href="http://digilander.libero.it/felice/Brunatebellagio.htm" target="_blank"><b>site</b></a> to see what the fuss is all about and tell me that ain't gorgeous (scroll to bottom). Unfortunately, it was a hazy experience for us this past Sunday and thus the wait continues until a clear weekend comes along. In the meantime I've set our hiking goals to explore more of the area that is just 30 minutes drive from Bellagio (lightened square in the photo below).</p><H3>Rifugio Martina to Monte San Primo - nearly 600 meters straight up</H3><p align=justify>It is supposed to take only 60 minutes but whoever calculated that figure must one of the <i>ungulati</i> (hooved ones). We slowly made our way in an hour and 45 minutes in the humidity and I advise sturdy boots/shoes and even hiking poles for this trail. It almost felt like a hike in a tropical forest with all that foliage scratching across my legs, plus you can't see the very peak and just keep trudging along, expecting to get above the treeline any minute. Avoid it if there has been recent rains because it will be muddy and slippery.</p><IMG src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDA_o4L9epmBgLE6XfdtGft3ibz94Ph4L2deFfDdNua9kZf1LhG3H_7ukNJpqLa0yVRnAHvm1Q9dIljyYtEL-E4bSM2nqY6B3Nxe_IJUAjzeFFkFKMqsnEwQvlNzFas2FsXJCWfyoJsAY/s1600/Monte-San-Primo.jpg"><br><a href="http://maps.google.it/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=it&geocode=&q=Monte+San+Primo,+Veleso,+Como&sll=41.442726,12.392578&sspn=22.366994,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Monte+San+Primo,+22025+Veleso+Como,+Lombardia&ll=45.933005,9.229889&spn=0.162371,0.439453&z=12" target="_blank">View enlarged map</a> (A = Monte San Primo)<p><a href="http://www.bellagiolakecomo.com/Ing/Inglese/_Where_to_eat/Restaurants,_Pizzerias/index.php?file=Rifugio_Martina.htm" target="_blank"><b>Rifugio Martina</b></a> (english). Open from mid-June to mid-September.<br><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bellagio&daddr=Localit%C3%A0+San+Primo+to:Strada+sconosciuta&geocode=%3BFUa3vAIdi7SMAA%3BFUG7vAIdEKKMAA&hl=it&mra=ls&sll=45.923812,9.220061&sspn=0.01015,0.01929&ie=UTF8&ll=45.955804,9.267654&spn=0.081152,0.154324&z=13" target="_blank"><b>Google map from Bellagio</b></a> to rifugio parking (B). 20-minute walk to reach the rifugio (C).</p><p align=justify>All pain and no gain is plain rubbish in my book and we try to end a day of hiking with a reward of gelato. Eupili Cafè (Via Mazzini, 68 in Pusiano) has some of the best gelato that I've ever devoured and the guy behind the counter has always been great to give us little taste samples. Here: <i>fragola</i> (strawberry), <i>pistacchio</i> and <i>fiori di sambuco</i> (elderflower).</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4744609689/" title="Gelato at Eupili by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4744609689_329abc43b4.jpg" alt="Gelato at Eupili"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/3743816175044287938/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-23254750390024230622013-09-13T04:33:00.000-07:002013-09-13T04:33:00.674-07:00Hiking in Fuipiano Valle Imagna (Bergamo) - part I type='html'><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4674853811/" title="Valle Imagna by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4674853811_933a5a1e8c.jpg" alt="Valle Imagna"></a><p align=justify><i>Il tetto della Valle Imagna</i> (the roof of Imagna valley). We liked this hike so much that four days later I cooked up some yummy Hawaii-style eats and we went back for more. Trails around Lecco and Como may boast magical views of the lakes, but just 19 miles northwest of Bergamo the landscape is no less enchanting. This photo was taken high above the village of Fuipiano Valle Imagna (pop. 240, bottom left). We live over the mountain range in the far distance - you can barely make out the line of signal towers at the crest - so that gives an idea of how right in the middle of hiking heaven we are.</p><H3>From Fuipiano Valle Imagna to Zuc di Valbona - 50 minutes</H3><p align=justify>A metal crucifix marks the location which is easily seen from Fuipiano on a clear day. Once at the top, you'll have a pick of great spots to spread out a picnic lunch, but be forewarned that getting there means a very steep climb that will give your thigh, calf and derriere muscles a workout! In the photo below, you can just make out the exposed trail on the right that climbs along the face of the mountain.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4675489172/" title="Looking up from Fuipiano Valle Imagna by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4675489172_26630c3217.jpg" alt="Looking up from Fuipiano Valle Imagna"></a><p align=justify><strong>Right, left, right, right</strong>. Take those directions at each fork along the way and it will lead to the above-mentioned 20% grade that ends at a storage building before finally curving up to Zuc di Valbona. <a href="http://maps.google.it/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Fuipiano+Valle+Imagna&daddr=Strada+sconosciuta&hl=it&geocode=FeifuwId01qRACml4cReCQGERzHrt5_glyNViA%3BFcS5uwIdOnCRAA&mra=ls&sll=45.851686,9.52785&sspn=0.005283,0.009645&ie=UTF8&ll=45.854615,9.528751&spn=0.010566,0.027466&t=h&z=16" target="_blank"><b>Google map</b></a>: to get to where the trail begins, upon reaching Fuipiano (A), drive to the end of via Milano (B). There are a couple of parking areas on the side of the road. From here an asphalt passage (authorized vehicles only) goes up to private pasture and you'll soon meet the first fork in this itinerary. This trail coasts along the 579 until it (#579) branches off into the forest after the last fork. Heading in the direction of the red arrow, the ultra steep climb soon comes into view.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4674876935/" title="Zuc di Valbona itinerary by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4674876935_95e0877844.jpg" alt="Zuc di Valbona itinerary"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4674886423/" title="Sentiero marker by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1270/4674886423_a9a7be702d_m.jpg" title="sentiero 579" alt="sentiero 579" width=160></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4675518926/" title="Zuc di Valbona by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1293/4675518926_d944f879cd_m.jpg" title="crucifix at Zuc di Valbona" alt="crucifix at Zuc di Valbona" width=160></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4674920807/" title="Above the treeline from Fuipiano by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/4674920807_0b51888e07_m.jpg" title="shot from another zuc" alt="shot from another zuc" width=160></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4675553958/" title="Hiking above Fuipiano by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4675553958_842904187a_m.jpg" title="Rambling through cool pine forests" alt="Rambling through cool pine forests"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4675560846/" title="Salitone to/from Zuc di Valbona by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4675560846_96de19b9cb_m.jpg" title="the killer knee workout on the return" alt="the killer knee workout on the return"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4674944711/" title="Purple alpine flower by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4674944711_4077f3999d_m.jpg" title="alpine flowers" alt="alpine flowers"></a><H3>15th century village Arnosto</H3><p align=justify>Don't miss the nearby località of Arnosto (look for white on brown signposts) when visiting Fuipiano Valle Imagna. It has been restored to picture postcard condition and even has its own page - Amici di Arnosto - on Facebook.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4674952721/" title="Località Arnosto by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4674952721_e92df79d7d.jpg" alt="Località Arnosto"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/7327213060019839020/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-54077495303558603902013-09-13T00:21:00.000-07:002013-09-13T00:21:00.420-07:00Hiking the Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano from Brunate type='html'><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4986280291/" title="View from sentiero 1 towards Monte Bolettone by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4986280291_540317c0ba.jpg" alt="View from sentiero 1 towards Monte Bolettone"></a><p align=justify>This is probably the most popular itinerary for visitors who wish to hike and experience the altitudes above Lake Como in a day. The Dorsale Triangolo Lariano, a 30 km trail that begins from Brunate and runs the dorsal ridge to Bellagio, is a 2-day affair if covering it by foot. We managed a fourth of that distance in beautiful weather this past Saturday, completing a total of 15 km/9.3 miles going in and coming back. It was worth every step of the way.</p><p align=justify>The suggested route says to start from Como, reaching Brunate by way of the funicular tram (4.50€ adults, roundtrip). For those with wheels, the road to Brunate is narrow and winding, but it might be worth the drive up to nab a cheaper (or free) parking spot in town. Hourly rates for parking within the blue lines in Como have doubled since we last visited. It's now 1 euro per hour, with the rate skyrocketing up to 2.50€/hr in the lot next to the funicular station. We drove up to Brunate in the suv and parked for free.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRpbMuovwtN169VlJl_p4rZEQ6WsQfvxW4sPjBb_JfxrmT6ztFWjckknp5FMa4ES9X8CujAcYiqud7G20TM0d0uQ5rPwXJXvrAyd4ibPsbu-uchJD_4AOvmeDIjYS1bvVkBkZ68d8Z-lM/s1600/Brunate-Boletto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRpbMuovwtN169VlJl_p4rZEQ6WsQfvxW4sPjBb_JfxrmT6ztFWjckknp5FMa4ES9X8CujAcYiqud7G20TM0d0uQ5rPwXJXvrAyd4ibPsbu-uchJD_4AOvmeDIjYS1bvVkBkZ68d8Z-lM/s1600/Brunate-Boletto.jpg" width=500></a><br /><a href="http://maps.google.it/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=45.817346,9.100975&daddr=45.81924,9.09581+to:Strada+sconosciuta&hl=it&geocode=FQIeuwIdr96KAA%3BFWgluwIdgsqKACm9WBSfxZ2GRzEAWSUiAngGEw%3BFahduwId2naLAA&mra=ls&via=1&dirflg=w&sll=45.82633,9.117785&sspn=0.040671,0.077162&ie=UTF8&ll=45.843151,9.151611&spn=0.081317,0.154324&t=h&z=13" target="_blank">View larger map</a></small><p align=justify>Google illustrates that <strong>A</strong> is where we parked; <strong>B</strong> is the end of public road access/last parking lot. It doesn't calculate anything beyond that. Commencing from Brunate's church square, the footpath takes on a multitude of names of which I've stuck in a slideshow with the rest of the images. No chance of ending up at Clooney's villa. The red X is where we called it a day and had lunch. The yellow dot to the right is Rifugio Bolettone. We were so close, yet so very far, and in the opinion of our doxie Mister B, completely out of our minds for even walking all this way. We reckon that he's the "gasoline-powered" out of the two - has more varoom in the motor but can't go far. Maddie on the other hand, is "diesel fuel" - she's the weaker in strength but can keep up no matter the distance, as long as we have plenty of water to top up her radiator.</p><object width="500" height="375"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157624947264740%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157624947264740%2F&set_id=72157624947264740&jump_to="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157624947264740%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Frubber_slippers_in_italy%2Fsets%2F72157624947264740%2F&set_id=72157624947264740&jump_to=" width="500" height="375"></embed></object><p align=justify>Altitude climbed: 630 meters, more or less.<br />Time: 4 hours on the ascent, 3 hours on the return.<br />Map: Kompass 91 - Lago di Como and Lago di Lugano</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7486684/posts/default/6251643485349540372" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-1424440325545765642013-09-12T19:50:00.000-07:002013-09-12T19:50:00.331-07:00Goede dag voor een wandeling: 2500 meter, 23 km en 7,5 uurtype = 'html' ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6214328206/" title="On the way to Monte Tesoro by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6214328206_a6fa694753.jpg" alt="On the way to Monte Tesoro"></a><p align="justify">Een homp brood, een wig van leeftijd schapen de kaas, een paar kantines van water en wat fruit. Ik betreur niet zijnde kundig voor delen van een meer grondige en gedetailleerde beschrijving van het parcours maar dit was meer voor praktijk en niet voor de verheven standpunten. Sinds de film <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_%28film%29" target="_blank"><b>The Way</b></a>, we hebben allebei had om te weten wat een 20 kilometer dag (12 + mijl) zou voelen als wij moesten beginnen op, hoogstens, de 40-daagse 800 kilometer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_St._James" target="_blank"><b>Camino de Santiago</b></a> in Spanje. Dat is een heleboel lopend. Ik denk dat ik zou krijgen echt mager zijn als ik een maaltijd miste.</p><p align="justify">Lecco de bergen zijn bedekt in zo vele en neergaande paden dat alles wat u hoeft te doen is krijgen naar elk dorp boven het meer. We begonnen op een hoogte van 670 meter en een andere 762 liep naar de top van Monte Tesoro in Valcava. Dat is een hoogteverschil van 2500 meter, 8 kilometer en 2,5 uur in een gestage tempo met Maddie en mijnheer B op sleeptouw. Van daar maakten wij een lus reis terug naar beneden, stoppen vaak om te knabbelen op vittles en neem rond een blik. Helemaal een totaal van 23 kilometer of 14 km in 7½ uur, en een heleboel interessante bezienswaardigheden.</p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6213822191/" title="Lakes Olginate and Garlate by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6213822191_955be5fbf3.jpg" alt="Lakes Olginate and Garlate"></a><br>We zullen proberen om op te staan hier opnieuw nadat het sneeuwt... de weergave moet worden iets ontzagwekkend.</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6213822193/" title="Abandoned stone dwelling by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6213822193_e9a0db34fe.jpg" alt="Abandoned stone dwelling"></a><br>Met een uitzichtpunt dergelijks, zou ik zeggen dat dit zou prime eigendom als je had het geld te repareren omhoog.</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6214357288/" title="Mountain chapel by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6214357288_036534bd91.jpg" alt="Mountain chapel"></a><br>U zult onvermijdelijk struikelen over een kleine kapel bij het wandelen in deze bergen, en zij maken de perfecte plaatsen om te stoppen voor een rust of sommige vreedzame eenzaamheid en spirituele verlichting? Ik gepeekt in deze hier om te zien een standbeeld van de heilige moeder en kind.</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6213918223/" title="Rondine sanctuary by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6213918223_a83d16eb73.jpg" alt="Rondine sanctuary"></a><br>In het Engels ze zijn bekend als schuur zwaluwen maar in Italië kennen we allemaal als <i>rondine</i> (rohn-dee-neh). Blijkbaar nemen iemand of sommige mensen zo vriendelijk geweest om deze vogels omdat een hele binnenplaats is uitgerust met nestkastjes op de muren van het gebouw. Het teken leest "Respect de rondine en haar nest. De rondine moet echt een heleboel vrienden." Ik niet zie tekenen van de schuur zwaluwen, maar het is een gemeenschappelijke weer uitdrukking te zeggen dat als deze vogels laag vliegen zijn, dat dat het gaat betekent regenen.</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6213918227/" title="Locanda of the Smurfs by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6213918227_4a6f776273.jpg" alt="Locanda of the Smurfs"></a><br>Als u nauw in de bovenste foto gekeken, wijst een pijl naar de Smurfen. Goed smurf of geen smurf en wie geeft een smurf toch? Deze herberg lijkt te zijn de ontmoetingsplaats voor de <i>Puffi</i> (pooh-fee), zoals ze bekend zijn hier.</p><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/8778690464540842691/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-76921054612843191122013-09-12T15:55:00.000-07:002013-09-12T15:55:00.618-07:00Hiking in Fuipiano Valle Imagna (Bergamo) - part II type='html'><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4682668949/" title="Picnic lunch by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4682668949_2d5e2eeda3.jpg" alt="Picnic lunch"></a><br>Replenishing the carbs: fried teriyaki-ginger chicken wings, pancit (filipino noodles), brownie triangles with <i>visciola</i> (sour cherry) jam, and sweet Duroni cherries from Puglia.<p align=justify>This is what I consider a picnic <i>snack</i> — food portions that weigh light in my backpack but have greater appeal than Pringles, Gatorade and store-bought energy bars. And why the food image first? Because for non-hiking readers, the rest of this post won't make much sense at all so I figured that I'd take care of the essentials first. This loop trail follows in the opposite direction from where we had hiked above Fuipiano Valle Imagna a few days earlier, and to be honest, I felt absolutely cheated when the GPS stats revealed the actual <i>dislivello</i> completed (difference in height from top to bottom). It was about 487 meters...only 1598 feet! It took us a brief three ½ hours total - a piece of cake worth snacking on.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4682668945/" title="Hiking in Fuipiano by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4682668945_1e5d740484.jpg" alt="Hiking in Fuipiano"></a><p align=justify>Again, the trail starts at the end of via Milano but upon reaching the 2nd fork, you take a right instead of a left. Trail 579a to Tre Faggi (<i>FAH-jee</i>) immediately leads into shady woods before opening out onto a pasture and watering hole for cows. Soon thereafter is where we ran into a bit of trouble when the red/white marker stones led away from the main road and up into the woods again. It was clear going in until a thick layer of fallen leaves made us lose sight of the path (that would be the red hiker below), forcing us to blindly go along until we heard voices from higher up. It was almost comedic because Maddie must've thought we were on an easter egg hunt or something - <i>yap! yap! yap!</i> - while Mr B was pulling hard at his leash, causing the MotH to lose his balance on the leafy incline. The doxie probably knew where to go but who's to say that he wasn't onto the scent of a fox or rabbit? Fortunately it was only a small section of woods, and upon meeting the above-mentioned hikers who knew the place like the back of their hand, we were pointed in the right direction.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXC9q-UP53D7USTzHz_wJjkFuIZwFQnj9WtfK2t9kg39pYofM_CsGm4H7eH4-oVe5YAfPTfCiUWpVxG1ZNji1gQ8SCocoUKAMu4NlpiSEJ1msjq0MytrGmtc3cOhaSO8M1E8Cw0qf7AX7/s1600/fuipiano-3-faggi.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXC9q-UP53D7USTzHz_wJjkFuIZwFQnj9WtfK2t9kg39pYofM_CsGm4H7eH4-oVe5YAfPTfCiUWpVxG1ZNji1gQ8SCocoUKAMu4NlpiSEJ1msjq0MytrGmtc3cOhaSO8M1E8Cw0qf7AX7/s1600/fuipiano-3-faggi.jpg" width=500 id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480497255328489922"></a><p align=justify>The <i>Tre Faggi</i> or <b>Tri Fò</b> as they are called in bergamasc dialect, are 3 large beech trees that just beg to be part of some sort of ancient legend with the looks of their gnarled branches. From here, the loop trail changes direction and connects to 571, climbing to even greater heights above the treeline. The views at the top are incredible, and there is one tricky spot where the narrow path hugs close to the side of the mountain. Eventually it ends at the statuette of the Madonna dei Canti before finally pointing the way back down to Fuipiano.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4683272418/" title="Tre Faggi by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4683272418_446afb59f4.jpg" alt="Tre Faggi"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4683272414/" title="From Tre Faggi to Madonna dei Canti by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4683272414_05e6c397dc_m.jpg" alt="From Tre Faggi to Madonna dei Canti"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4683272408/" title="Where goats dare to tread by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4683272408_ac94874c85_m.jpg" alt="Where goats dare to tread"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4683272398/" title="Mr B digging for truffles? by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1273/4683272398_3a7fbfeb41_m.jpg" alt="Mr B digging for truffles?"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/6677461530555922115/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-11650658516625831902013-09-12T11:21:00.000-07:002013-09-12T11:21:00.495-07:00A toast to Babette's Feast and 7 years of marriage type='html'><p align=justify>Of all the memorable meals brought to cinematic life, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babette%27s_Feast" target="_blank"><b>Babette's Feast</b></a> is the one to have whetted my appetite the most. It is a classic. But it wasn't so much for the turtle soup that got the wheels turning in my head (realistically, I wouldn't eat turtle meat), and neither for the dramatic presentation that comes when serving quails in "coffins", but because of how the movie slowly starts off in grey somber tones then explodes in gastronomic color. As the lead character of Babette deftly pulls off a sumptuous affair for a gathering of dour-faced parishioners, her culinary "mojo" is propelled to the forefront where the repast becomes not only the climax of the story, but remains a subtle aftertaste as the film draws to a close.</p><H3>I cooked, I cleaned, I conquered!</H3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4723406445/" title="7th wedding anniversary eats by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1327/4723406445_323a1ef4d9.jpg" alt="7th wedding anniversary eats"></a><p align=justify>Yesterday marked 7 years as MotH & Missus but instead of making reservations, I threw on my apron and started channeling Babette. Tiny quails are as common as white meat chicken at the supermarket (4 for 2.50€) and all I had to do was debone them. Pre-made puff pastry - <i>pasta sfoglia</i> - comes in 13-inch rounds or squares, ready to place into quiche pans or cut out into shapes. <a href="http://www.karenblixen.com/feasthints.html" target="_blank">This site</a> suggests a fine alternative to turtle soup and the rest of the article is very helpful in simplifying some of the courses without downgrading the feast to an ordinary meal. All in all, it turned out a big success *ahem* even if I ended up washing the dishes.</p><p><i>Cin! Cin!</i> Veuve Clicquot Brut<br>Consomme a la royale<br>Buckwheat blinis with creme fraiche and lumpfish caviar<br>Quails 'en sarcophage' with truffle-infused brown sauce (cheat version of Périgourdine sauce)<br><i>Salud!</i> Château Latour Martillac Grand Cru<br>Green salad (from the garden)<br>Goat cheese from a local producer and french Pont-l'Éveque<br>Charentais melon, cherries and apricots<br>Kugelhopf soaked with rum syrup</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4723406443/" title="Quail 'en sarcophage' by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1397/4723406443_577176da98.jpg" alt="Quail 'en sarcophage'"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/322522642296353249/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-825088693952245172013-09-12T08:09:00.000-07:002013-09-12T08:09:00.093-07:00Plezier in de zon en sneeuw op Alpe Giumellotype = 'html' ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5257731747/" title="View from Pian di Giumello by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5257731747_92c91fd56c.jpg" alt="View from Pian di Giumello"></a><p align="justify">Waarom hoeven weekend met perfecte weersomstandigheden altijd te zijn zo kort? Dit afgelopen zaterdag en zondag was degene die iedereen met een puls voor een lange tijd, het weekend met nul regen, geen sneeuwval en niets heeft gewild maar blauwe luchten al rond. We hadden de bedoeling van wandelen rond de basis van Monte Muggio, een 3-uur lus spoor die vanaf het parkeerterrein op località Alpe Giumello, maar ijs op de trail begint maakte het een gevaarlijke gok. Als we had geweest kundig te halen naar de top van Monte Muggio zou het veroorloofd hebben ons een spectaculair panorama met Bellagio vooruitspringend uit in het midden van het meer.</p><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoOA5pO5z-Ay_Rsc3Pw7PttRovjxdKfzY6_i9klIGx6Q9IIEafgpJSnIwAst4RQ7qAdeyfoGJXYg7E77Dy4cyjg1K1D7rVZRcuNi48Itw3hOj6pQKXFSkHRzX8ubVpV03m8DXnHoe-ENs/s1600/map-Monte-Muggio.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoOA5pO5z-Ay_Rsc3Pw7PttRovjxdKfzY6_i9klIGx6Q9IIEafgpJSnIwAst4RQ7qAdeyfoGJXYg7E77Dy4cyjg1K1D7rVZRcuNi48Itw3hOj6pQKXFSkHRzX8ubVpV03m8DXnHoe-ENs/s400/map-Monte-Muggio.jpg" width="400"></a></center><p align="justify">Zelfs als een goede, lange wandeling niet ter zake was, was er genoeg wijd open ruimte om te gaan voor een wandeling. We liepen de honden uit op de platte vlaktes op de oostelijke kant van Giumello, die allemaal met een dikke laag van verpakte sneeuw bedekt waren. In minder dan 30 minuten tijd had wij opgebouwd genoeg van een eetlust voor een snelle lunch in Ristoro Genio, een gezellige kleine bar en restaurant serveert warme maaltijden, heerlijke panini en zelfgemaakte yoghurt met bessen voor het dessert. Goede service en alles was zeer redelijk geprijsd.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1oRzhgV_IuvlV1alLe-3OToa1PYQkDCvwGLzT5M3DtTbzPQZ7GXs_rR-9Mj4lAbVlteNdn8BNJGppMs1b3pxUvIMUN0Zic1387QdNZYubhvApRbXWozYI4BENIrGH_gQx-evwTTJBh-F/s1600/Ristoro-Genio.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1oRzhgV_IuvlV1alLe-3OToa1PYQkDCvwGLzT5M3DtTbzPQZ7GXs_rR-9Mj4lAbVlteNdn8BNJGppMs1b3pxUvIMUN0Zic1387QdNZYubhvApRbXWozYI4BENIrGH_gQx-evwTTJBh-F/s400/Ristoro-Genio.jpg" width="400"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_fTzoJAV-01xT-grO_G5SvfEPWPtBTuEN_zrPL6P7L6BupSlgTxt6ITxIRgx0I7iw-D7HiyOm0Tx1uQpi3UgUTltgDZCQeNEUFwNkS8dIRlJaDCr3tRj83Ho3jYlRQRvntGXGy1dpFSd/s1600/basket-of-bread.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_fTzoJAV-01xT-grO_G5SvfEPWPtBTuEN_zrPL6P7L6BupSlgTxt6ITxIRgx0I7iw-D7HiyOm0Tx1uQpi3UgUTltgDZCQeNEUFwNkS8dIRlJaDCr3tRj83Ho3jYlRQRvntGXGy1dpFSd/s400/basket-of-bread.jpg" width="200"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mfaEZYax_bYpqV0zS4gInwHNos9LFPjoPvTBd3FfiXTX7m6NzYiR5A5F9tNmy5jlgkMFpNFfHdaVxI_d8FOGaTLAy2HLyqXZ2BQUT3XWndhkj1RwMiFwUexfEbAAN5lX8hEZJNq1cOVo/s1600/Cheese-and-cured-meats.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mfaEZYax_bYpqV0zS4gInwHNos9LFPjoPvTBd3FfiXTX7m6NzYiR5A5F9tNmy5jlgkMFpNFfHdaVxI_d8FOGaTLAy2HLyqXZ2BQUT3XWndhkj1RwMiFwUexfEbAAN5lX8hEZJNq1cOVo/s400/Cheese-and-cured-meats.jpg" width="200"></a></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5257814607/" title="I could have finished 2 bowls by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5257814607_bda4e43a11.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="I could have finished 2 bowls"></a></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5257814611/" title="Somebody has a sweet tooth by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5257814611_d414bcb121.jpg" width="500" height="250" alt="Somebody has a sweet tooth"></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/3827123635272756505/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-13535532616721529742013-09-12T04:22:00.000-07:002013-09-12T04:22:00.384-07:00Deboning quails type='html'><p align=justify>Three days after our anniversary and I'm <strong>still</strong> thinking about those <i>Cailles ‘en sarcophage’</i>, the quails stuffed with foie gras and truffles. Home cooks who might want to attempt this dish should know only one thing - deboning quail is EASY. In the case of Babette's Feast, all that needs to be removed is the rib cage. Heck, she even stuck their itty bitty little heads into the dish, and the dear General ate it! There's an excellent video on how to remove rib cage and leg bones, but first, rule #1: use a very sharp paring knife (I busted out my Sanelli). A boning knife was too awkward for my petite hands. Starting just to the side of the backbone, I cut through the skin and ran my knife down against the rib cage until the breast meat, carefully cutting through wing and leg joints only to separate them from the rib cage (I wanted these intact for better presentation). Repeat for the other side. To remove the flesh, gently pull away from the rib cage as shown in this video (the chef does a complete deboning procedure). If necessary, assist the process with a little help from your knife. Remove any small bones/cartillage that may have broken off.</p><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F0eWlvdZdu4&hl=it_IT&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F0eWlvdZdu4&hl=it_IT&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />In the event of an error message, the video can be viewed <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0eWlvdZdu4" target="_blank">here</a>.<H3>Stuffing quail</H3><p align=justify>Many recipes say to truss the quails after stuffing, but in Italy the toothpick keeps everything together for smaller items. I placed a small scoop of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4724071510/" target="_blank">foie gras</a> and a couple slices of truffle. In retrospect, it should have been at least 3 slices, because summer truffles aren't as intensely flavored as those in autumn. Bring up the sides and fasten with a sturdy toothpick (or truss them). Fasten the leg joints with kitchen twine and voila!</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4729850716/" title="Stuffing the quail by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1043/4729850716_8397845e83.jpg" alt="Stuffing the quail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4729850714/" title="Stuffed quails by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><br /><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/4729850714_65752bbc21.jpg" alt="Stuffed quails"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/7991829496736203062/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-10198822084489687232013-09-12T00:21:00.000-07:002013-09-12T00:21:00.026-07:00It's just a very long walk in Val Viola type='html'><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4944711104/" title="Rifugio Viola way in the background by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img alt="Rifugio Viola way in the background" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4944711104_597632d44a.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Now this is a trail for <i>all</i> dispositions, and I'll get to that later. Val Viola offers a long but gentle ascent that leads toward the Swiss border. Situated in the upper reaches of the province of Sondrio, the half pavement/half dirt road running along the length of the valley is popular with people of all ages and fitness levels during holidays. We hiked here about a week and a half ago when it was still peak season, and there were mountain bikers pedaling up the path as well. An alpine <i>rifugio</i>/mountain hut (C) awaits hungry appetites at the very end (you can barely make it out in the image above), but we cut the 8km distance down to a little over 7 as soon as we reached the lake. Alternatively you can also avoid walking the whole 8km and hitch a jeep ride from the starting point for 2€ in one direction. It'll drop you off halfway (B) when the service is available, which might be a good idea for tenderfoots.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlPRdiVqjAfUBNQ1c2egcWhm5FhER8qPZ-fFkH1rIVxFOhQS-vHe_RSuqmTvmwkf-KrsNVmG2aZpWHVqBd4qxjBKYqJ_wumT39leJdg8LCJleZ1MnG4hoiCltwPnTG6ItGGRd9QNVAVyi/s1600/Val-Viola-map.jpg"><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.it/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Strada+Statale+301+del+Foscagno,+23038+Valdidentro+SO+%28Li+Arnoga%29&daddr=46.438117,10.19911+to:46.423263,10.160537&hl=it&geocode=FYboxAId3kacACEO8iYkVpipOQ%3BFeWWxAIdRqCbAA%3B&mra=mi&mrcr=1&mrsp=2&sz=14&sll=46.422062,10.187073&sspn=0.041831,0.077162&ie=UTF8&ll=46.43975,10.257797&spn=0.141954,0.342636&z=11" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View larger map</a></small><br /><div align="justify">Starting in Arnoga (A) at the sharp bend fronting Hotel Li Arnoga, follow the pavement into the woods. The trail is pretty obvious, cutting through patches of forest, green pastures and quiet habitation en route. Asphalt eventually gives way to a mule path and open blue skies everywhere. 7.2 kilometers/4.5 miles was already enough with the heat and glaring sun, so it was a good thing that we had packed our own lunch. Settling down in front of a grouping of large boulders, we could hear marmots calling out - "whistling" - amongst themselves. The valley is also supposed to be rich with mushrooms during <i>funghi</i> season, but you're allowed to look and not touch. Well we were more than content with not touching anything...especially a tiny vipera snake that we happened upon. <b>Final note</b>: parking spots are available a few hundred meters along into the path but you need to get there early to nab them for a small fee. When those are all taken, an ample parking area about 100 meters further up from Hotel Li Arnoga is open for free. And lastly, for those who don't want to/can't walk but would like to chow down at the rifugio, there is transport service upon request. 40€ (8 seats). Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4944711106/" title="Val Viola critters and 'shrooms by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img alt="Val Viola critters and 'shrooms" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4944711106_19d9b87886.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4944711110/" title="Val Viola optional transport by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img alt="Val Viola optional transport" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4944711110_5b6872fc8d.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4944711114/" title="Val Viola with the munkeys by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img alt="Val Viola with the munkeys" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4944711114_8b7410385a.jpg" /></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/6394049709891075832/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-55074371627566844372013-09-11T20:02:00.000-07:002013-09-11T20:02:00.200-07:00Tomato Tuesday: Pane frattau type='html'><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5031085322/" title="Pane frattau by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5031085322_0367a098c0.jpg" alt="Pane frattau"></a><p align=justify>As the last entry for Tomato Tuesday, this very short recipe comes from the back of a box of pane carasau. A traditional sardinian flatbread, <i>pane carasau</i> is not something you typically purchase a few sheets at a time and it takes a few weeks for us to use up the contents, down to the final semi-stale rounds. I was somewhat surprised at the simplicity of this dish that I thought it would be a one-time deal and never again. Boy was I wrong! I should've known that with homemade tomato sauce and pecorino cheese, anything can taste great - especially when there's a poached egg sitting on top.</p><p align=justify>I've read that the word <i>frattau</i> means broken, and in fact, that's what you'll do to the sheets in order to fit them onto a plate (I use one whole circle per serving, breaking it into fourths). Tradition calls for plain tomato sauce but here I've used some leftover meat ragu. It's sort of like making a quickie lasagne when you've got the munchies but not the time. Breakfast, lunch, dinner...I've had this at all hours of the day. It's that good!</p><h3>Pane frattau</H3><p align=justify>Dip pieces of bread in hot salted water (or you can also use meat broth). Coat each layer with tomato sauce and grated pecorino, and top with one poached egg.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5031085314/" title="Pane carasau by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5031085314_f992b690c5.jpg" alt="Pane carasau"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/24109184809950177/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-83638374971726241872013-09-11T15:09:00.000-07:002013-09-11T15:09:00.498-07:00Hope you have a beary good weekend type='html'><p align=justify>Molasses, some would argue, is what makes gingerbread truly gingerbread, and to leave it out means you're either stuck with <i>ginger something</i> or <i>spice something</i>. Are you following me? So anyway, I mix some gingerspice dough, bust out the cookie cutters, bake, shake, and set the tray to cool outdoors (38°F you Hawaii folks!). The bears were a done deal.</p><p align=justify>Well it seems that molasses is also the x-factor in keeping your cookies all on one tray. Must be the sticky quality. It keeps your cookies...uhm...stuck. Not more than 2 minutes passed chilling on the picnic table when I heard a bit of a commotion going on. Apparently not all bears are created alike. Some are content to be dunked into milk and eaten. Some are more than happy to make the long voyage who-knows-where to a lucky recipient. And some, like this guy, figured that there was a whole world waiting out there. Kinda reminds me of myself when letter-writing and penpals took me beyond the confines of a small island in the middle of the Pacific. Come to think of it, I've always hated molasses.</p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcfSpBRATwb8l0dBMH9aZO4dNU-zHMR2m8hg49Td49EO4ZnUqNu-rApPnEFuiKPNLKwh-MpOTK605sjve1DXTBKJfD8dTIPZCZ-EmEv6pvSn2vR3QGSeoITpK4MY7EG3g5KQAP4W_Lx9e/s1600/bear-escape-1.jpg" style="border:none" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411421959407185282"></p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRHzJzZbXc8RkhoikG6kS0rOO0XmIcFlM1xEYegBFofho5PeOD6EJkOt8Rpwwu3fUneWzFsE5j_XvDPFMUVEC7K2v_a6wnooL7mCocpEu7r2zr9EGXKjwBwF0ADxl2ExfSe-y1aXoFGW7/s1600/bear-escape-2.jpg" style="border:none" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411421962016726930"></p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzovDO608raocaFTTIeCKJkf5EaZFAolFlAPFmSfAoPEiuVyuRV5auiMbCt4zq2qN8B852nM12fWb4rpjqYb0zqTdqSc3LrApo0El3QpfyNz3Klct7V7ag5awgzAcLc_AhesQoNFOWUFZM/s1600/bear-escape-3.jpg" style="border:none" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411421970358095954"></p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxWsQeaYa28H0DFsEJ-CBCby1UaL9Ce7QFI0Rg_6K6-uO4eXqwxbhFWaNkLKovyhWPTN6rOi4UNEFllx4FTNbR3K7odWqs52ML1RWtXSdIcRMzHAYLjIbbZcfSul0_0QnQzUuWkFbwVJF/s1600/bear-escape-4.jpg" style="border:none" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411421970858790562"></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7486684/posts/default/697334946714254448" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-67165708598730855402013-09-11T11:51:00.000-07:002013-09-11T11:51:00.222-07:00Happ-ay 4th of July type='html'><IMG src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2gf2RwVTcw/TDD2Ai8A1CI/AAAAAAAACsQ/gJd0HRu6-ZE/s1600/4th-of-July.jpg"><p align=justify>I don't get a lot of visits from family back in Hawaii so this 4th of July weekend was an extra special one. Cousins from Maui made the 6 hour drive...from <strong>Rome</strong>...to the chestnut forest. No need for anymore words (my brains are still reeling from the rapid-fire exchanges in pidgin english). Happy 4th!</p><p align=justify><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4761843774/" title="4th of July 2010 by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4761843774_90111e4c00.jpg" alt="4th of July 2010"></a><br />About the bottom right photo...the temps went up to the mid-80's but that didn't deter mosquito warriors in the afternoon. Italian skeeters are nasty, hence my stash of weapons of mass destruction.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4761843768/" title="Potato salad by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4761843768_3f0d069b57.jpg" alt="Potato salad"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4761843770/" title="Pork ribs, peking-style by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4761843770_1937e5d92b.jpg" alt="Pork ribs, peking-style"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/303016654766051889/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-57439779706148122782013-09-11T07:46:00.000-07:002013-09-11T07:46:00.150-07:00La Balote (it's got nothin' to do with duck eggs)type = 'html' ><p align="justify">Als je zelfs vaag bewust van de 101 manieren om te eten een ei (I 'm guessing dat ik zeer nauwe), de titel kan een vertrouwde... af opmerking opgevallen? Ja ik verwijs naar wat bekend is als <i>balut</i> of <i>balot</i>, de gekookte eend of kip embryo dat heeft gefascineerd de geesten en onzeker gehemelten van degenen die graag wonen aan de rand van de fijnproever. Nooit geprobeerd kwam het en nooit zal, zo te struikelen over de Festa della Balote als een verrassing. Gekookte kuikens in Italië? Niet aan mijn kennis. De <i>balote</i> dat ik spreek van hier is langs dezelfde lijnen van "verpakt" zoals de Aziatische balut zelf definieert, maar het is eigenlijk afgeleid van het woord <i>palla</i> die in het Italiaans bal betekent.</p><H3>Het is niet zo veel anders dan het maken van arancini</H3><p align="justify">Sicilië's gevuld en gebakken rijst ballen hebben reeds een naam voor zichzelf onder zoekers van de Italiaanse keuken, dus het is hoog tijd dat het noorden een kans in de schijnwerpers ook krijgt. Natuurlijk is het voor de hand liggende verschil dat <i>balote</i> wordt gemaakt met polenta. Niet de zachte en romige typt dat dia's naar beneden uw tong als een droom, maar de dikke, saai versie, die vasthoudt aan yer ribben. Het recept dat ik volgde aangedrongen op regelmatige gele polenta maar ik gebruikt wat ik had op hand - <i>polenta taragna</i> (polenta met boekweit meel).</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5189619710/" title="Balote prep by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1307/5189619710_81f6aec371.jpg" alt="Balote prep"></a><br>Koken tot een partij van polenta tot dik, roer in een handvol geraspte <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montasio" target="_blank">montasio kaas</a> of andere relatief stevige, op smaak gebrachte kaas, dan wacht een paar minuten totdat het is koel genoeg om te verwerken. Licht vochtige handen, beginnen met het vormgeven van honkbal en middelgrote lichtbollen, een stuk van semi-zachte kaas stopte in het midden. Deze zijn vervolgens geplaatst en verwarmd in een goed gekruid gietijzeren koekepan of nonstick pan (een dunne film van olijfolie helpt) tot verwarmde via en licht bruin aan de buitenkant. Het is de meest heerlijke ding willen graven in op een koude, mistige dag als deze.</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5189619714/" title="La Balote by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/5189619714_9051437989_m.jpg" style="margin-right:5pt" align="left" alt="La Balote"></a>Hoewel dit gerecht misschien de belangrijkste tekenen op de <strong>Festa della Balote</strong> in Clauzetto (Pordenone) in augustus van elk jaar, zijn blijkbaar kaas gevulde polenta ballen rollen helemaal over de plaats in Noord-Italië. Er is gorgonzola of taleggio-gevulde <i>pulenta balota</i> in Laglio, Como (thuisbasis van Clooney) en <i>el balott</i> van de lombard gebied dat bekend staat als Brianza. Van wat ik gelezen heb, is deze een strikt gevuld met gorgonzola. En dan is er <i>la balòta</i> op het Gardameer aan de oostelijke zijde waar Veneto en Trentino elkaar ontmoeten.<br><br>Degene die op mijn hart snaren trekt is niettemin dat van Friuli traditie. Dit is zo zoet. Aangepaste zegt dat toen een jonge man ging naar het huis van een meisje met de bedoeling te vragen haar hand in het huwelijk, hij enkele van deze balote als een geschenk aan de familie bracht. Als de balote werden gebracht in de haard om op te warmen, was het een teken voor de goedkeuring van de betrokkenheid.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5189619708/" title="More than enough cheese to shake a stick at by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5189619708_84c1991873.jpg" alt="More than enough cheese to shake a stick at"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/7972618974460628094/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-59926733363472045192013-09-11T03:30:00.000-07:002013-09-11T03:30:01.710-07:00Kerstmis 2010: Ready, set, EAT!type = 'html' ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5285764300/" title="Bombardino by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5285764300_ae8cb966f8.jpg" alt="Bombardino"></a><p align="justify">Uiteraard op het moment van dit bericht ben ik eigenlijk in de keuken in plaats van spelen op de pc, en de foto's zijn verondersteld om de stemming te plaatsen. Zoals elke xmas gaat door we hebben gedaan minder en minder van de traditionele voedingsmiddelen en koken meer van wat we voelen ons als eten, zolang het past binnen het thema van dingen. Van wat ik heb geleerd, de italo-Amerikaan gewoonte van het hebben van een <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Seven_Fishes" target="_blank"><b>feest van de 7 vissen</b></a> op <i>la Vigilia di Natale</i> (xmas eve) wordt niet beoefend overal in Italië, maar ik hou van het idee van een all-seafood maaltijd in een vergadering zo vis altijd op de 24e is. Kreeft souffle, zeevruchten risotto en zeebrasem gebakken in zout op het menu vanavond. En morgen? Een 4-inch hoge schotel van wilde zwijnen lasagne samen met een salade van ruwe venkel met sinaasappels omdat wij willen besteden veel van de 25e op sneeuwschoenen, weer het toelaat. Op zondag wordt het zelfs beter als ik ben busting uit de bagna cauda gerechten voor een heleboel veggie dompelen om te gaan met de roekeloze imbibing voor de hele middag. Oh, en deed ik vergeten te vermelden kaas? Panettone en pandoro? Kerstmis bieren? Bombardini met veel van de slagroom? Ik wens u allen een rits-busting, knop-knallende Kerstmis!</p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5285145397/" title="Christmas cheese plate by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5285145397_7e858b0c3b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Christmas cheese plate"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5285145401/" title="Broccoli-cheddar souffle by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5285145401_0088b7fa7d_m.jpg" alt="Broccoli-cheddar souffle"></a></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4415407408/" title="Bagna cauda: piemontese hot pot? by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4415407408_886d92ef66_m.jpg" alt="Bagna cauda: piemontese hot pot?"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5218320986/" title="Hiroshima-style modan yaki by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5218320986_f9c80f2095_m.jpg" alt="Hiroshima-style modan yaki"></a></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/5285764298/" title="Mele Kalikimaka 2010 by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5285764298_bc8ff0d1b8.jpg" alt="Mele Kalikimaka 2010"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/2811012331480028879/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-23203067021256325982013-09-10T23:59:00.000-07:002013-09-10T23:59:00.387-07:00Hiking in Canzo (Como): Rifugio Terz'Alpe type='html'><p align=justify>All that snow last Wednesday? <i>Pfffffft!</i> Gone in 2 days like some flailing lightweight when the sun blew into town. By Friday it was a definite go for spring hiking conditions anywhere on a south-facing trail, and this is a fairly easy one (ascent of 317 meters) that I suggest if you're not afraid of the woods. I felt as if someone was watching me...</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4435327004/" title="The Woods Have Eyes by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4435327004_15df1bb1db.jpg" alt="The Woods Have Eyes"></a><p><IMG src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHY0i9f8qIutxTSJtsOQA9sF808yDhI5HEPpar03dcuiPs3w2XbPeflG5oDSnwZbhrtS4oTML4_XOxx3jQ3-8FeDI9Kii6-IcmEdQ1PTQejV-xU4ikKtD4j_BZZuJMSCTajyz-tleQLhd/s400/spirito+bosco.jpg" style="border:none;margin-left:5pt" align=right alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448830607676262994">All kidding aside, there is, or there should be, an area along the path where carved wooden creatures exist in <i>il Sentiero dello Spirito del Bosco</i> (the path of the spirit of the woods). Well, not that I was <i>expecting</i> an Ent-like entity to walk up and start shaking my hand or anything, but we didn't see friendly tree people and probably walked right past in our quest to reach that steaming bowl of polenta and cheese at the end of the road. I suspect that if we had explored the large picnic area at the first stop/info point, this guy with the owl may have willingly posed for my lens.<div xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" about="http://www.flickr.com/photos/finny1975/3593309874/">Photo: <a rel="cc:attributionURL" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/finny1975/">www.flickr.com/photos/finny1975</a> / <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></div></p><H3>Getting there</H3><p align=justify><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8UxJTSj0sRgWNENJlJql05b9adL4o8dumpajFVXWKRSnwKbxzSZ0ovrPilukRM6urrvwuCyrKuNDXobr_kjN7rEMz1y4SdqTbWn9LFZmd_Jxt1NsdLtF6YzHPqxh4aFP_Fb4jMxxGYFj/s1600-h/No-entry-Canzo.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8UxJTSj0sRgWNENJlJql05b9adL4o8dumpajFVXWKRSnwKbxzSZ0ovrPilukRM6urrvwuCyrKuNDXobr_kjN7rEMz1y4SdqTbWn9LFZmd_Jxt1NsdLtF6YzHPqxh4aFP_Fb4jMxxGYFj/s200/No-entry-Canzo.jpg" style="border:none;margin-left:10pt" align=right id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448838617380807954"></a>The trailhead to Rifugio Terz'Alpe is a short distance from Canzo at the end of <a href="http://maps.google.it/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Via+Rimembranze&daddr=Via+Gajum,+36,+22035+Canzo+Como,+Lombardia&hl=it&geocode=&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=45.849818,9.278383&sspn=0.021224,0.038581&g=Via+Gajum,+36,+22035+Canzo+Como,+Lombardia&ie=UTF8&ll=45.851731,9.280572&spn=0.010611,0.01929&z=16" target="_blank"><b>via Gaium [B]</b></a>, but we kept seeing "no entry/parking" signs like these on the way up and thought better to park at the designated areas for visitors <b>[A]</b>. Upon reaching Canzo, look for the "P" on brown street signs to Gajum - ample parking where via Rimembranze and via Gasperi intersect at the cemetary. From there it's only about a 20-minute walk on paved road (uphill of course!) with easy-to-spot <b>GAJUM</b> signs pointing the way. I imagine that this trail is quite popular with families, hikers with dogs, and nature lovers of all ages, thus the need to restrict traffic on weekends when everyone escapes to the mountains to let loose in the woods.</p><H3>To Rifugio Terz'Alpe</H3><p align=justify><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4435327000/" title="Fonte di Gajum by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4435327000_9ca83e43d9_m.jpg" style="border:none" alt="Fonte di Gajum"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4435326996/" title="Via per le Alpi by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4435326996_d2b22d2df7_m.jpg" style="border:none" alt="Via per le Alpi"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4434513569/" title="Rifugio Terz'Alpe in mid-March by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4434513569_a15390dbd4_m.jpg" style="border:none" alt="Rifugio Terz'Alpe in mid-March"></a><br>This can be enjoyed as a loop trail - <i>percorso ad anello</i> - tackling thigh-busting Via Per le Alpi on the left and returning by way of Via San Miro. The path initially zigzags through peaceful forest on sun-dappled stones, arriving at the first rest point/info center (40 minutes) where I missed seeing the wood sculptures. From this point, Rifugio Terze'Alpe is a half hour away on flat terrain. The return on via San Miro takes about 45 minutes.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4434513567/" title="Rifugio Terz'Alpe in Val Ravella by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4434513567_61d3a3dcb0.jpg" alt="Rifugio Terz'Alpe in Val Ravella"></a><H3>The food</H3><p align=justify><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4434513565/" title="Polenta, sausage, pork ribs and beans by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4434513565_a3d643501b.jpg" alt="Polenta, sausage, pork ribs and beans" /></a><br>There is nothing like a rustic, hearty meal of <i>polenta taragna</i> (corn and buckwheat polenta), <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4434513561/" target="_blank">pizzoccheri</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4434513557/" target="_blank">cheese made on the premises</a>. Add to that a quarter liter of cheap, local wine and you're set for the lazy stroll back home. The total came to 22€ for 3 plates - cheap! No credit cards or receipt given (i.e. they don't pay taxes???)</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/4434513553/" title="Ent by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2779/4434513553_62a7cc549d.jpg" alt="Ent"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/4765702480226074245/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841602375632802680.post-58824199194193392122013-09-10T20:02:00.000-07:002013-09-10T20:02:00.739-07:00Wandelweg van Ornica naar Val d'Infernotype = 'html' ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6459186003/" title="Pizzo Tre Signori... by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6459186003_39b7c6d7c3.jpg" alt="Pizzo Tre Signori..."></a><br>Best bekeken op <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6459186003/in/photostream/lightbox/" target="_blank">zwart</a>.<p align="justify">Welke bijzondere kwaliteit het is over Ornica - de externe locatie, de bergen op de achtergrond, de rustieke chalets puntjes de heuvel of een combinatie van alles - maar everytime we gone er kijk ik uit naar een terugkeer zelfs voordat we vertrekken. Slechts 50 km ten noorden van Bergamo, onderhoudt het gebied een rustige charme die leven in een langzamer tempo, een bestaan volledig op het ritme van de seizoenen omarmt. Deze wandeling deden we 2 weken geleden tijdens een periode van grote daling weer.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6459142031/" title="Walking to Val d'Inferno by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6459142031_56d90e78bb.jpg" alt="Walking to Val d'Inferno"></a><p align="justify">De meest directe route van Ornica naar Val d'Inferno is een steile klim (trail 106) volgende langs de stroom die van de berg loopt. De eenvoudiger optie is de landbouw toegangsweg (voertuigen van ingezetenen/boeren alleen) - het is langer, maar de standpunten breed openstellen als je gaat op. In de trail kaart hierboven is de dikkere lijn de toegangsweg vanuit het dorp. Parkeergelegenheid beschikbaar in een <a href="http://g.co/maps/stbkk" target="_blank">kleine veel</a> na de kapel. Er zijn een paar bomen omzoomde snelkoppelingen vanaf de parkeerplaats, het eerste wezen net na de Waterfontein (onderste foto), vertakking links uit het asfalt.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6459142037/" title="Beginning of walk to Val d'Inferno by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6459142037_b980869550.jpg" alt="Beginning of walk to Val d'Inferno"></a><p align="justify"><b>Agriturismo Ferdy</b>. Gelegen op 5 km van Ornica in de buurt van de voet van de berg Pizzo Tre Signori, maakt de farmstay een goede bestemming wijs. Het verschil in hoogte van Ornica naar de agriturismo is amper 500 meter. Totale tijd en afstand: ca. 2,5 tot 3 uren voor een heen-en terugreis van bijna 10 km. We vonden het als een grote trail voor de honden waren er niet een heleboel mensen, dus we draaien laten off-lijn toen was het al duidelijk.</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6459142029/" title="Fall hike from Ornica by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6459142029_3146ee6593.jpg" alt="Fall hike from Ornica"></a><br><br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/6459185991/" title="Up through Val d'Inferno by Rubber Slippers In Italy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6459185991_bcd2e9d3b8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Up through Val d'Inferno"></a><p align="justify">Bijna daar aan de agriturismo. Deze foto doet geen recht op hoe ongelooflijk prachtige van een ruimte is. Google aarde illustreert onze gps-pad in het groen, terwijl de blauwe stippen parcours 106 zijn.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfHbrveWbTBQowKDrmAgPaBqXj-7ySuLvNo93oWUAOLQwihS9o5YENg-rr-j-RqbaRWSJZNoKZr3SGCItN0kz-1mDatFfFGouFTSi801mLU5CbNDLl99FsFjGfkpoi6osdubgJiFOlbFZ/s1600/Ornica-Agriturismo-Ferdy.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfHbrveWbTBQowKDrmAgPaBqXj-7ySuLvNo93oWUAOLQwihS9o5YENg-rr-j-RqbaRWSJZNoKZr3SGCItN0kz-1mDatFfFGouFTSi801mLU5CbNDLl99FsFjGfkpoi6osdubgJiFOlbFZ/s240/Ornica-Agriturismo-Ferdy.jpg"></a><br /><p><a href="http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/feeds/2090279355995867651/comments/default" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435638300197118705noreply@blogger.com0