Friday, July 1

July giveaway is inspired by Italy!




My Mum always swore she was actually swapped at birth with an Italian family – she was darker in complexion and hair colour than her siblings and parents and when she discovered Italian food from an Italian next door neighbour as a pre-teen she cemented this feeling of being a ‘lapsed Italian’ when she experienced the food.  She learned some Italian recipes from that neighbour and then for some years in my young life worked in an Italian restaurant..

Years later I started to learn Italian at school and continued this for many years culminating in a long-awaited trip to Italy when I was twenty-one.  The food in Rome was a total anti-climax but Florence and Venice made up for it.

Now having read (and owning) Tobie’s book ‘Cook like an Italian’ it makes me want to go back and discover food in a whole new way.  I want to learn how to make my own salami. My Mum is her own brand of 'Nonna' and still makes us great Italian recipes, which I still call on from time to time.

The making and eating of Italian food is a spiritual one for me and I know Italian food is a favourite of many – so this month I’m celebrating the love affair with Italian Food with this fabulous giveaway!

One winner will be sent:


A Masterchef stainless steel pasta machine 
You can make your own lasagne sheets, ravioli, fettucine – the list goes on!








Pizza stone and cutter  
Make your pizza super crispy and authentic with a pizza stone!








Basket of Italian food goodies from Coles valued at $50!
Check out their online magazine too - winter warmers 


A copy of ‘Cook like an Italian’ by Tobie Puttock  
A beautiful pictorial journey with authentic recipes from many regions of Italy.  A visual feast in more ways than one!


Tobie & Matt is the new stunningly photographed food, wine and travel series from LifeStyle FOOD featuring best mates chef Tobie Puttock (Restaurant Fifteen Melbourne and Jamie's Kitchen Australia) and sommelier and wine writer Matt Skinner (Head of wine operations for Restaurant Fifteen Group and author of The Juice). Tobie returned to Australia from Europe in 2005 to set up Restaurant Fifteen in his home town of Melbourne and Matt returned to Australia early this year. Seizing their last opportunity for some time to travel around Europe together, they visit four famous food and wine destinations – Lucca in Italy, Bergerac France, Barcelona Spain and Athens, Greece.



“Zumbo” is a delectable mix of behind the scenes kitchen reality, mouth-watering desserts and core-cast driven story lines. Tied together by an over-arching journey towards a stunning end-of-show gastronomic extravaganza. “Zumbo” is a delectable mix of behind the scenes kitchen reality, mouth-watering desserts and core-cast driven story lines. Tied together by an over-arching journey towards a stunning end-of-show gastronomic extravaganza.







Presented by food explorer Maeve O’Meara and legendary Melbourne chef Guy Grossi (Grossi Florentino, Mirka at Tolarno) Italian Food Safari spends time with Australia’s top Italian chefs and producers…. in fact the whole 13-part series is a culinary Who’s Who of Italian Australia.
o Shot across Australia and covering the four seasons, Italian Food Safari introduces you to the concrete backyards full of abundant tomato and basil plants, the cosy home kitchens where masterpieces are whipped up, the elegant restaurants filled with delicious cooking aromas, the specialist providores and extensive delis, bakeries, cheese-makers and pasticcerias.






2 bottles of of your choice of wine from Cellar Key 
Cellar Key is for wine-gumbies like me and even if you’re not a wine gumby.  It is a free download on your iphone, and you can scan any bottle with the Cellar Key identification and it will tell you what that wine pairs with food-wise!  How good is THAT?  Download it here and learn more about the wine in the Cellar Key program here







And for you ceoliacs – an EXTRA giveaway for you – 10 packets of Gluten Free pasta – thanks to Syndian!







WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
- Comment and tell me your favourite Italian thing – it can be food, cars, sporting team – whatever you like!
- EXTRA Entry if would like to win the Gluten free pasta – tell me your fave gluten free dish
- Another entry clue will be revealed on 15th July!

Boring bits:
- 1 entry per person by each method for duration of competition terms
- Entries must have an Australian postal address
- Competition concludes July 31st at Midnight


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107 lovely comments:

Amber on July 1, 2011 at 5:15 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

What a fantastic giveaway. My favorite Italian thing would have to be gelato, omg yum! There doesn't seem to be a limit on the most amazing flavors (pistachio, green apple or baci flavour anyone? :)) Perfect way to finish meal.

Diminishing Lucy on July 1, 2011 at 6:00 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is the deli in the area that I live in - it's staffed entirely by Italians.
I feel, every day when I go to get our bread, that I walk into a little slice of Italy. Above the door is their motto - "A tavola nessuno diventa vecchio" which roughly translates to "At the table no one grows old"...

MariaL said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Excellent prize pack!!!

My favourite Italian things are the sweets, in particular: canoli, that custard is just the best, vanilla is my fave. Also I LOVE the continental sponge cake - a cake soaked with alcohol, yum yum, and to remember we had this often at special ocassions while growing up. I used to have slice after slice, how funny that I was introduced to the alcohol so young!!

Anne Freier said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is their philosphy of life - La Dolce Vita - the good life. Everything they do is infused with this motto especially when it comes to food and family. They embrace life passionately and eat and love well - surely this is the secret of a happy life!

Kirsty S said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

What a gorgeous prize!

My favourite thing is... hard to choose. I've got one child mad for gelato (she likes strawberry, I'm a fan of limoncello) and another who is mad for pasta in all shapes and forms. Seriously, he'll eat it plain (if it's a decent pasta, of course) or with a simple tomato/basil/mozzarella sauce or as macaroni cheese (the real stuff, not the one from the box!) on cold days or even as a hearty lasagne.

Will be back later on for a gluten free entry :)

muppy on July 1, 2011 at 8:35 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

One favourite Italian thing is so HARD, there are so many :D But i am going to say I am always inspired by the inscription on the incredible cathedral in Milan "Pleasing is just for a moment, Grieving is but for a moment, Nothing is important but that which is eternal"

Dee on July 1, 2011 at 8:55 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Ooooooohhhhh ... what an exciting giveaway!!!
Hard to pick just one favourite Italian thing cause I LOVE everything Italian but I can't go past a nice homely lasagne... yum yum yum for my tum tum tum!!!!! So versatile too... can be made so many different ways but they are always so satisfying and delicious mmmmmm.... :)

DaniV on July 1, 2011 at 9:05 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My mum was born in Sicily and migrated here with my Nonna & Nonno when she was just a child. My favourite italian thing would have to be a traditional sicilian sweet called Casatedde (not sure of the correct spelling) - I remember being a child in my Nonna kitchen helping her make them and eating them while they were still warm! (they are deep fried parcels of ricotta, lemon and choc chips rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm).

Linda Woodrow on July 1, 2011 at 10:33 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I've been reading Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and the chapter on her trip to Italy would be one of my favourite bits of the book. The attitude to food, that food should be local, fresh, and lovingly produced quality, enjoyed in company with friends and family.

The Mummy Hat on July 1, 2011 at 11:31 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is Limoncello, I love it!
Last year I actually made a Limoncello Tiramisu which was beautiful and quickly gobbled up by my husbands Italian relatives.
My other favourite Italian thing is hearing my husbands Nonna speak Italian to all of her in-laws in Italy. I love that they still speak weekly even though his grandparents have been here for over 50 years! Family is really important with his clan and I love that I can teach these values in our daughter with such a fine example.

Julia @ Boredom Abounds on July 1, 2011 at 11:47 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is Frappe. More commonly known as crostoli, my Roman Nonna called it Frappe and made it by hand. Paper thin pastry, fried lightly until it was crispy and crumbly, then sprinkled with icing sugar. It would disappear in seconds from the dinner table!

Kelley @ magnetoboldtoo on July 1, 2011 at 12:05 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Shoes. Duh.

;)

Anonymous said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

What a great giveaway!

My favourite Italian thing is their food - spaghetti, lasagne, pizza, gelato.

Oh and the sound of their language comes a close second.

A Cheeky Tiger on July 1, 2011 at 12:41 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is... my husband. LOL. Okay seriously, my favourite Italian thing is Ricotta ravioli with a plain tomato sauce. The big ravioli, not the little tiny ones, home made pasta mmm yum nom nom nom always so satisfying. :)

pinkchook on July 1, 2011 at 1:35 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

favorite italian thing is pasta love it all, all shapes types with tomato sauce or cream yumm.

geek anachronism on July 1, 2011 at 2:23 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Pasta! And the food culture.

Jodie on July 1, 2011 at 2:56 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Hmmmm, can't decide. Definitely the food, but which one I can't decide. Probably pizza....

Marnie on July 1, 2011 at 3:13 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Oh wow! What a prize!

My favourite italian thing is the language. There was nothing like listening to my Italian next door neighbours having an argument. It sounded so poetic even though dishes were breaking and the volume was loud!

A very VERY close second was the aroma of their food that came wafting through our windows!

Seana Smith on July 1, 2011 at 3:43 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

What a fab giveaway, but so many things to chose from! I lived for a year in Italy when I was 18, working as an au pair in the beautiful port of Genova. I think my favourite Italian thing is the gorgeous little church in Piazza San Matteo, we lived just opposite and every day I was amazed to be living in the midst of all that history.

Deb @ inner compass designs on July 1, 2011 at 4:46 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love many Italian things - the language which I studied at uni, the food which I cook all the time, the country and people, everything! If I could go anywhere right now it would be Italy!

recently I had green apple gelato and that would have to be my newest favourite Italian thing!

Gael Macpherson on July 1, 2011 at 6:52 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I have never been to Italy, but I would love to go there one day. I would love to learn to cook Italian food the way the Italians cook it - I imagine it's nothing like the pizzas, pasta, etc, that I have been making for years!

babycakequeen on July 1, 2011 at 6:56 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love Italy and all things Italian :D
My fave Italian thing right now is one of my dearest besties Toni, she is my rock. She encourages me to get going with my blogging and shows me how to make the best Italian sauces!

I also love Pasta (can I please say another thing?) because it's the only thing my daughters eat. Thank goodness you can add so many different nutritional ingredients and still make it toddler tasty!

Amanda from Amanda's Mummy Jeans
xoxoxo

Veggie Mama on July 1, 2011 at 10:02 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love taleggio! And gnocchi. I should really combine the two xo

Leanne on July 1, 2011 at 10:14 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

What an amazing giveaway.

I love all things Italian - beautiful fresh handmade pasta is high on the list, but my all time favourite is gelato - macadamia and white chocolate yum!!

Petra on July 2, 2011 at 8:25 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Home-made Italian gelato eaten on a summers day - ideally in a small Italian village.

Megan said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is a memory...memories of a trip to Italy in 2007. My husband and I had been there pre kids, but this particular trip was when our first son was 9 months old and we went for a family wedding. We went to Lucca in Tuscany, and it is one of my all time favourite holidays. After 9 months of no sleep it was soooo nice to relax, stroll the cobbled streets and spend some time with family. And to see our little boy enjoy the company, strolling and eating as much as us. He had his first taste of gelati there, and, after the initial shock of the cold, he couldn't get enough of it! Still makes me smile when I think of it now.

Mel on July 2, 2011 at 8:45 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

fabulous giveaway!
I absolutely love Italian food, be it pasta, pizza or lasagna.

good luck everyone!

K_Bom on July 2, 2011 at 9:55 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is the Aussie-Italians and their fabulous functional gardens, chock full of fruits, olives, vegetables and herbs. I also love that these folk are so enthusiastic to share their knowledge and welcome non-Meditteraneans into their homes, proudly serving up feasts of home grown, home cooked deliciousness! I've been so lucky to know so many wonderful Italian friends, colleagues, and neighbours over the years; they have taught me a lot.

Unknown on July 2, 2011 at 2:24 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian food is crostoli which I never knew was Italian (or its real name thanks to a pp!) when I first tasted it aged about 7 thanks to my grandma's neighbour. Heavenly. But I can't make it, so I make a gluten free pasta bake with home made bolognaise and bechamel sauces topped with mozzarella which is always polished off by the kids (and that's the main thing, right?!)

I would dearly love the gluten free pasta btw!!!

Ally on July 2, 2011 at 3:04 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite thing about Italy is the Nonnas of my Australian-Italian friends!

By going to their functions and events, I get to 'holiday' in Italy several times a year. I get gorgeous food pushed at me until my tummy is bursting, my kids get endless cuddles and cheek smooshes, and we all get schooled in the Italian language.

So many good times :)

J-A said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing would have to be the Italians love of family & how they all stick together no matter what. Growing up I had a few italian friends & I have to admit I was a little envious of the "bond" as a family they had. I am now trying to recreate this within my own family. One day I hope to be my own version of a Nonna.. I also LOVE their food - yum.

Amy on July 3, 2011 at 3:53 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My fav italian thing would be my hubby :-P His family are italian, lol

Awesome prize pack!

Heidi said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My very favourite Italian thing is my gorgeous husband :) I really love the minestrone he cooks, I am sick tonight & he is in the kitchen now cooking it for me to make me feel better.

Christie on July 3, 2011 at 9:01 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing? Holidays in Italy! I've been once and would just love to go again! I'm coveting that pasta maker, I haven't made my Ravioli since the time I did it by hand and wore my poor ol' hands out!
Great giveaway, Liss!

Unknown on July 4, 2011 at 11:08 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Bellissimo give away!!!

My favourite Italian things - Italian fashion, Limoncello and all pasta dishes.

(and the accent!)

Karen said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love pesto. I think its Italian. I have really only made it when I was still living with my parents. Back then it was very exotic. My fave gluten free dish is rather boring but pretty yum, brown rice chocolate pudding that I make in the slow cooker for my 4 kids for brekkie. Absolutely fab blog!!! I too have twins - identical boys.

Luana on July 5, 2011 at 10:48 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite thing is hand making your pasta, whatever variety (my current obsession is gnocchi) serving it with a delicious sauce on a big platter for the family to share at the table. There's nothing quite like the oohs and aahs of family enjoying your hand-made creation and pasta always gives me that.

Elisabeth on July 6, 2011 at 2:33 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]
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K on July 6, 2011 at 9:13 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love pasta and pizza, the best pizza I have had was all of 3 euros! and it was in Italy and it was a locals restaurant and they only served Margarita pizza and boy was it good! We sat next to local Italian people who didn't speak a word of English, I think this mad it even better! lol. It is such a popular place you have to line up and wait to get a table.

IMnot here on July 7, 2011 at 2:13 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]
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IMnot here on July 7, 2011 at 2:15 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

risotto! love risotto, I find it so soothing, no matter how bad you feel it always makes you feel good. No italian meal would be complete without gelatio, pistachio and coffee are my favs. Great giveaway too :-)

kerrie czernia said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Since I was a little girl and saw the movie 'three coins in a fountain' I have wanted to visit Trevi Fountain. Also on my bucket list is a mass at the vatican.

Anonymous said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

wow what a great prize!!
My favourite Italian thing is their food, Pasta, gelato, yummo!!

Liz on July 7, 2011 at 11:15 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is actually a pair of blank Italian hand-made leather ankle boots my grandmother bought for me from her European holiday! But of course I have to love the country which brought me such wonderful delights as pizza and gelato!

Marita on July 8, 2011 at 2:16 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Oh gosh, I don't know if it is even a specifically Italian thing - but that combination of Garlic, chilli and olive oil that is found in my favourite italian dishes. That is divine and a thing of the gods.

Leimay on July 8, 2011 at 9:49 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love Italian food... although there are various things i don't eat that i know are in many dishes. I go by the if i don't see it or taste it then it isn't in there rule :)

Leimay on July 8, 2011 at 9:52 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love the gluten free simple bacon carbonara i made recently. A basic substitution of gluten free pasta allowed everyone attending our function to enjoy the dish and no-one knew it was gluten free pasta (except those who needed to of course).

Becky on July 9, 2011 at 10:33 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Great giveaway!

Okay, besides the men :) it would be pasta. You can make anything with this and in little time. What's not to love about Italy!!

Anonymous said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

So much Italian that I love it all, the food but most of all the wine, vino, makes the food taste even nicer.

Tracy Boulter
t.boult@hotmail.com

twcourt on July 10, 2011 at 8:15 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love any Italian food, the flavours and the taste are divine. All washed down with the perfect wine.

sargef on July 10, 2011 at 8:42 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Thanks so much for a fabulous give away. My all time favourite Italian item would have to be Italian Salad dressing. Definately the best recipe for a delicious salad anytime of the day. I get cravings for this dressing and even sometimes drizzle some on my mashed potato!

Vija on July 10, 2011 at 11:58 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

The history, the accent, the isle of Capri and the pasta, signora!

Renee David said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is Arancini :)

KathC said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

What a awesome giveaway!!! I ♥ Italian food. It tastes so homely and always gets the family together. When Mum makes pizza she dosn't make just one or two she will make nine or ten. That way she can call the family together over the excuse of too much food ;)

Mel B on July 11, 2011 at 12:09 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

It would have to be pizza. We love making it in this household... the smell of the dough rising is almost as pleasurable as eating it.

Domesblissity on July 12, 2011 at 12:53 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Without a doubt it has to be my husband. Although not born there, his great grandfather was there. Even though I'm of European heritage, I think I was Italian in a former life. I love everything Italian, in particular the food. But my husband and I are HUGE MotoGP (motorcycles) fans and big fans of Valentino Rossi. Our dream is to visit Mugello near Florence for the Italian Grand Prix.

Kimmie on July 12, 2011 at 2:17 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My fav Italian thing would have to be Italian food full stop *drool*

LisaW on July 12, 2011 at 9:26 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

The little Italian restaurant near my office makes the most delicious chicken scallopini!! Definitely a lunch time treat! I would eat it everyday if I could.

Kirsty on July 13, 2011 at 10:28 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Oh wow what a amazing giveaway this month Liss!! I would have to say my favourite Italian thing would have been the holiday that I took there in 2000, it was the year of the Jubilee and got to see the Pope! Which was such an amazing experience for a 17 year old back then! We also went to this beautiful little pizza shop and had the most devine pizza, nothing like whats sold here in Australia, so my favourite thing would be REAL Italian Pizza!

Kristy Chan on July 13, 2011 at 3:51 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is Italy itself - I'd love to have A Roman Holiday of my own!

Jessica said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love all Italian food! I can't wait to try my hand at making pasta with a pasta roller! Belissimo!

Cotter Blog on July 14, 2011 at 2:55 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Ciao
My favourite Italian things are the passion and style with which life goes on. This is applied to their food and drink, politics and media and the way they wish to be seen (or not seen). They never take the simple things for granted.
However, the thing I like most about Italy is it's pace of life. Everything can be done...'domani'!

Jasmine1485 on July 16, 2011 at 1:43 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

FOOD of course! I love spaghetti, manicotti, gelato, limoncello... *sighs happily*. By far my favourite is pizza though, I love to make it at home from scratch and experiement with new topping combinations. One of the best so far is chorizo, mushroom and cheese with basil torn over it. It's been a steep learning curve making pizza since going gluten-free, but it's still fun!

kate1485 at hotmail.com

Jasmine1485 on July 16, 2011 at 1:45 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

As I'm gluten-free, I'd love to enter for the pasta too. I have so many favourite gluten free dishes (like the pizza I mentioned), but two of them are slow cooked beef and vegies with red wine (which is great as a pie filling, I had this for tea last night, with a very simple homemade pastry), and Chicken Bolognese pasta bake (made with plenty of tomatoes and white wine, with gluten-free penne or shells). YUM!

kate1485 at hotmail.com

Candice on July 16, 2011 at 5:09 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Wow this really is an amazing giveaway!!!! Well my favourite Italian thing is their Ferrari Fomula One racing cars. My hubby and I love Formula One so much that even on our trip to Italy we just HAD to visit Maranello (the home of the Ferrari F1 team). We even managed to actually SEE them testing on the track....we were soooo lucky and it was soo exciting!

Pam on July 16, 2011 at 8:32 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

What an incredible giveaway!! My favourite Italian thing is to lie on the lido in the sun on the bank of Lago di Como, hoping against hope that Mr George Clooney is going to come out of his villa; and failing that to eat all manner of yummy italian things in the outdoor restaurant under that blue Italian sky....yup, I am back there :)

Thanks for the chance. This is the best giveaway I've ever come across!

Andrea on July 16, 2011 at 11:50 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite italian thing is actually a memory...of a visit to Sienna, where we stumbled upon a little festival at night where the locals were dressed up as elves, witches, fairys etc and welcomed us to join. It was like a dream.

IndigoElephant :: Sash on July 18, 2011 at 12:58 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I can really relate to your mum's feeling of being a lapsed Italian!! I am struggling to select just one favourite thing but if I had to, I would say hazlenut gelato. I was also in Italy in 2001 and had to try it in every city we visited, can't say i had a bad one... ever!

Mer on July 19, 2011 at 12:23 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I would have to say nocciola gelato in Italy. Have found a few ones here is Aus that are close but there is nothing better than eating it in Italy.

carmenkgrima on July 20, 2011 at 1:42 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Italy has many favorites for me,food wine,lovely cheese a country with romantic history.Beautiful place delightful people I was born Australian but there is ITALY IN ME.

Simone on July 22, 2011 at 5:08 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is my Fiat 500 or 'Bambino' although a close second is Tiramisu. The gluten free dish I love is pesto - YUMMO.

celia on July 22, 2011 at 8:06 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is big family gatherings and the food to go with it. I love family style meals with lots of food in big platters and bowls and everyone shares.

Helen @vintageglorybox on Insta and FB on July 22, 2011 at 8:10 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing would be food and drink; pasta, cheese, dried meats and all things anti pasta--and to drink, the red, the white and of course the black--COFFEE! Unfortunately many of these things are officially off limits to me at present as I am expecting a bub in October--but I still savour my one coffee a day (it is almost a necessity when you have 2 other kiddies to negotiate!)

Helen @vintageglorybox on Insta and FB on July 22, 2011 at 8:11 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Gluten free recipe--cannot go past orange and almond cake--so easy and so delish!! Always a winner for all!

In The Good Books Blog on July 22, 2011 at 8:28 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is a dear old lady named Giovanna. We worked together at my first job in an Italian pasticerria. She worked in the kitchen, making lovely sweets. Everything about her was beautiful! In my lunch breaks she'd tell me stories in her thick Italian accent, tales of growing up in a small Italian village; of migrating, and raising a family. She would drink her short black coffee, and we'd share biscotti and it made for a very happy work environment. We remain great friends.

bardie on July 22, 2011 at 8:49 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love Italian men ;)

SusieA said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favorite Italian thing is the Cinque Terra. Astoundingly beautiful scenery, fabulous food, great atmosphere (in the off season!). The best part about the Cinque Terra for me is that I fell pregnant with my first son there. <3

Mummy loves craft on July 22, 2011 at 9:26 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Where to start, the countryside, the people, the men, the fashion, the language and of course the food is ............ l can't think of words to describe how much l love the food, my mouth is salivating just thinking about it but if l had to pick one thing it would be pasta. Pasta, pasta, pasta how l love thee, so versatile delicious with any topping no matter how simple or complex and l can happily have a meal of it plain, yes pasta is my favorite.

Loz on July 22, 2011 at 10:18 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Viva Italia! Hands down.. The gelato. A few years ago travelling with my husband to be.. We were given a very sketchy hand drawn map of how to get to alittle outtatheway gelato shop. After a failed attempt to try the local lingo.. He asked where we were from. Melbourne. Crickets. We impersonated kangaroos. Koalas. Even Rolf freaking Harris. Nope. Until he got it. Oh. Moto grand prix... Australia!

JenniferB on July 22, 2011 at 10:42 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

A strong latte in one of the cafes fringing Siena's beautiful Piazza... recovering from shopping in the gorgeous nearby ceramics shops! :)

Lisa said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite things would be Italian wine with Italian food, all served with an abundance of good friends and family! Absolute Bliss!! As a child we were close family friends with an Italian family and they way the mother whipped up the MOST amazing meals I have ever seen in no time and fed everyone!! It was a lovely feeling of family and love she created around the kitchen table. I now work for an italian family and I see the very same philosophies there. Family and food really seem to go together in italian culture!! Love it!

Anonymous said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

OK, so if I write, "Pizza Hut" I'll be automatically disqualified won't I?! Seriously though, a proper Italian meal is the best...they really know how to cook carbs - am I right or am I right!? Pizza & Pasta!!
On a side note, I'm quite partial to a bit of Gucci and Prada ;)

glam-12wbt on July 23, 2011 at 6:44 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

The food and the coffee. Absolutely adore the traditional flavours as well as the updated versions of classic dishes.

glam-12wbt on July 23, 2011 at 7:06 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Here is my FB timestamp link too! http://www.facebook.com/woolnough/posts/209342142446175

Miss Pink on July 24, 2011 at 11:37 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Ohhh great giveaway!
My favourite Italian thing (besides the men!) would have to be either lasagne or cannelloni. Mmmm. I had a chicken lasagne from an Italian restaurant once and oh my gosh....it was divine.

MM on July 24, 2011 at 2:04 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

definitely the food. can't go wrong with pizza or a big bowl of pasta!

Heather S said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

The food. Any of it and all of it:)

Kellie on July 24, 2011 at 9:37 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

The food. The men. The scenery. The accent. The men. Oh wait......

dipatbun said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

A few years ago my husband and I went to southern Italy to visit his family there. Wow, what a cultural experience it was. There was the weekly baking of bread. As a treat, some small buns were made with fritolli added to the dough. Fritolli comes from boiling off meat and fat from the bones of the pig. Sounds yuk, but the taste was awesome. A bit like hot pork in hot bread. That remains my favourite Italian food.

Rochelle said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Love love love ricotta cheesecake from Pasticceria Papa in Haberfield. Not Quite Nigella has a recipe I am dying to try.

Gluten free lasagne in the slow cooker is my go to dish though!

lauren on July 26, 2011 at 1:24 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

my favourite Italian thing- cake for breakfast. And the desserts- gelato and tiramisu are my favorites.

Orlando on July 27, 2011 at 1:05 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]
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Orlando on July 27, 2011 at 1:07 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

What I love most is Italian peasant food that I grew up with, a few simple ingredients thrown together, but what made it special was that it was so fresh, usually out of our own garden, it was quite unusual when I was growing up not to find an Italian family who hadn't converted half or more of their backyard into a field of homegrown fresh produce, the figs, pricky pears, persimmons to name a few delicacies. Give me some home cooking like pepperonata, roasted chestnuts or stuffed artichokes and I am always reminded of the simple, but best things in life that I still enjoy.

PetiteTreat on July 30, 2011 at 7:18 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

The cheese, the cheese, I can't go passed the cheese! Parmiagiano, REAL buffalo mozzerella, provolone, I could go on! Oh, the cheese!

Mum on July 31, 2011 at 12:07 AM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

mmm! Lasanga! Cheesey, saucy, creamy and naughty..

Sue on July 31, 2011 at 3:51 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite is Italian food, pasta of any kind makes my mouth water, the creamy sauces or the rich tomato ones. I love when we go out to try something different a pasta that I haven't eaten before is always a fun experience

EmmleeA on July 31, 2011 at 3:57 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite italian thing is the people, happy, cheerful and generous to a fault, our community has benefited so much from their influence, and the local italian restaurant is a real treat!

Clairbear said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favourite Italian thing is listening to my 15year old son talking Italian to his host family who looked after him in 2010 on a trip he made to Italy.He got to have an experience of a lifetime and was emmersed in food,culture and beauty of Italy.We got to return the favour when his host sister visited us earlier this year. Loved him being such a good host to our own link to Italy.

♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys on July 31, 2011 at 4:13 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Definitely the food , beyond imagination the realm of their culinary delights. Their leather handbags tempt me too.

Zoe said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

For me it would have to be the culture and the close knit families. If you where to ask me what the best thing about my trip to italy was i would probably pick the freshly fallen snow fights with cousins :D

Unknown on July 31, 2011 at 5:57 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I would have to say that I can't go past Italian gelato. Ohhhh, the light and creamy texture, with gorgeous flavours like blood orange and limoncello. Delish!
Great giveaway!

Amanda on July 31, 2011 at 6:20 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

fave Italian thing? TIRAMISU! *grools over keyboard*
fave gluten free meal? Nut Meat Rissoles!

Eliza whitton said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

My favorite Italian would have to be Adriano Zumbo hehe
But have to say ricotta is my favorite food, spinach and ricotta cannelloni is by far my favourite!

Kylie G on July 31, 2011 at 7:25 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

Food, food, food! Nothing more lovely that a BIG bowl of beautiful pasta with a gorgeous glass of red wine. Oh, and the bread... and the salad.... and the gelati. Oh the gelati!

Sophie S said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love the fact that Italians are so passionate about food. Every meal is always a family affair. They will always be home for lunch and spend so much more time with family. Some Italians that live in Italy will often spend their week's paycheck on a gourmet Sunday feast for the family. Might sound silly to some but they are some of the happiest people in the world so I think they're onto something.

Simone Hughes on July 31, 2011 at 7:59 PM said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love eating clam chowder at a cafe at Portofino after taking the boat from Santa Margharita Liguire. On a full belly, walking back along the winding roads, taking in the sights of the beautiful Italian coastline. I also love Murano Glass - and Italian leather shoes!! And shopping in Milan! And ...

Anonymous said... [Reply to this amazing comment]

I love everything and anything Italian - but my favourite is definitely gelato! We have a fantastic little gelo shop in Melbourne that we travel to go sample many a flavours, we are so spoilt here in Australia to have such a diverse country where we can indulge in such beautiful cuisine.
Anthea@mawbyfs.com.au


 

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