you’re wondering how an Italian can go without pasta, pizza and bread dipped in a big pot of sauce. Well, to be honest, sometimes I don’t! Some might call this “cheating,” but I call it portion control and making the right choices. Sometimes my Italian nature craves a small bowl of pasta, so I’ll indulge it. I am a Paleo advocate, but I also love food and cooking for my family and friends. I feel that if you decide you want that bowl of pasta or slice of pizza, then enjoy it, but don’t over-indulge or make a habit of it.
In the course of writing this book over the past four years, I have been updating my Paleo blog and living the Paleo lifestyle. I’m living proof that it’s easy to keep your traditions and adhere to the Paleo lifestyle while bringing happiness and love to your guests. I hope that this book creates a place in your heart for my tradition and culture by letting you try out Italian recipes for your friends and family. I also hope to inspire you to create your own traditions for passing on your love and joy through cooking. This book is filled with real food that real people want to eat!
KEEP GOING, AND ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY INTO PALEO ITALIAN CUISINE.
Italian Chopped Salad (page 45) and Antipasto Platter (page 36)
Different types of Italian sausage
Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca (page 122)
Custard Pie with Pine Nuts & Almonds (page 145)
THE SEASONS AND SAVORS OF ITALY
The weather in Italy can vary greatly. The seasons tend to be similar to New England’s: summers can be brutally hot and winters can be freezing. When deciding on the best season to choose for a trip to Italy, there are many factors to take into consideration.
Spring in Italy is very beautiful and peaceful. Although early spring may still be a bit chilly, late spring brings warm weather and beautiful flowers. You can enjoy eating outside, and you might even get some swimming in. Traveling to Italy is cheaper in spring than in summer, and far less crowded. There are a number of festive occasions to enjoy; Holy Week festivals take place around Easter, and there are many festivals of light and flowers to celebrate as well. Bring light clothes for hot weather, as well as some sweaters and jackets in case it gets cold. You should also bring a rain jacket and boots, as spring in Italy can be rainy.
Summer is the most popular time for visiting Italy. Many families take their vacations in the summer and want to travel when the weather is nice. Although summer in Italy can be hot and crowded, it’s a great time to take advantage of Italy’s beautiful beaches and explore its gorgeous cities and medieval villages. Pack light clothes; Italian summers often reach over 100°F (42°C). Definitely bring a bathing suit so you can cool off after a hot summer day!
Another great season for traveling to Italy is fall. The weather is starting to cool off then, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy great outdoor activities. It’s an ideal time for hiking the mountains or cycling your way through the cities and towns, enjoying the gorgeous fall foliage and natural beauty before winter comes. It’s also the best time to taste Italian food, as fresh mushrooms, truffles, olives, and wine are at their peak. There are many food festivals during the fall where you can enjoy delicious Italian treats. As in spring, airfare in fall is usually very cheap, and the enormous summer crowds are gone. Be sure to bring warm clothes—maybe even a winter jacket if you’re traveling late in the season. Don’t forget your rain jacket, rain boots, and umbrella, too, because November is the rainiest month in Italy. Bring comfortable sneakers for hiking or exploring!
You can always visit Italy in the winter, too. Though it may be cold outside, you can still have a great time, especially if you enjoy winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Italy’s majestic mountains are a great place for this. The winter holidays in Italy—Christmas, New Year’s, and Carnival celebrations, among others—offer an excellent way to witness Italian traditions and sample delicious holiday foods. It’s also a great time to explore cultural opportunities such as operas and theater events. Italian winters are beautiful and romantic, with gorgeous snow-covered hills offering amazing views. Be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, including a jacket, gloves, a hat, boots, and scarves.
No matter what the season, the rich culture, beauty and delicious food of Italy never disappoint. In deciding when you want to travel there, consider the kinds of activities you enjoy and factor that into your decision. Spring and fall are great for hiking, summer is great for swimming, and the winter is great for snow sports. Visiting at a time when you can take advantage of your favorite activities will help you make the most out of your Italian vacation.
MY FAVORITE PLACES IN TUSCANY
If you go to Italy, Tuscany is a must-see spot. Located in central Italy, it comprises beautiful countryside, gorgeous hills, the sea coast, and even some islands. It’s rich with culture, history, delicious food, and abundant beauty.
Florence, the capital of the region, was home to many influential Western artists and thinkers, including Leonardo da Vinci, Petrarch, Dante, Lorenzo de Medici, Alberti, Botticelli, and Machiavelli; Tuscany boasts numerous museums dedicated to these important figures. The area also has an abundance of fine art and architecture from the Etruscans, Romans, and the artists and artisans of the Renaissance, with thousands of amazing sculptures, frescoes and architectural masterpieces to enjoy. If you are interested in Tuscany’s amazing art and history, I recommend visiting the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence, the Accademia Gallery in Florence, the Siena Cathedral in Siena, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the churches of Saint Augustine and San Biagio in Montepulciano, among others.
The foods of Tuscany are justifiably famous. People from all over the world travel there to enjoy fresh homemade pastas, outstanding wines, and delectable pastries. One excellent place to taste the one-of-a-kind Tuscan food is Gigi Trattoria in Lucca, Italy. This quaint Italian restaurant, located on the Piazza del Carmine, has been open since the 1950s, and is well known both for its traditional dishes based on Tuscan cuisine and its friendly service. Another great spot is Osteria del Borgo in Montepulciano, which serves various Tuscan specialties including homemade pasta. It offers indoor and outdoor seating, and when the weather is good, the seats on the terrace offer a stunning view of the Tuscan Hills of the Orcia Valley. Montepulciano is also famous for its fabulous red wines. Be sure to try Nobile di Montepulciano, which is one of the most highly regarded Italian reds.
There are many spectacular places in Tuscany to relax and have fun during your stay. The Castello di Spaltenna, located in Gaiole Chianti, is a magnificent hotel with a castle-like appearance and luxurious rooms appointed in beautiful Tuscan style. The hotel offers all the usual amenities such as Wi-Fi and satellite TV, and also boasts two swimming pools, a gym with sauna and steam room, a tennis court, mountain bikes, a restaurant, and even a boutique. Nearby attractions include the Parish Church of Spaltenna, Vertine Castle, Brolio Castle, Le Miccine winery, Meleto Castle, and Coltibuono Abbey. The Hotel Cala del Porto, located in Punta Ala, right near the Bay of Follonica, is also highly recommended. This five-star seaside resort and hotel offers magnificent views of the water, along with amenities to meet every possible need. You can spend your time here relaxing by going to the spa, lounging in the pool, soaking in the hot tub, or enjoying
