Above is a picture of my Italian family taken in 1919 in the countryside near Vicenza. To me it represents the idyllic Italian lifestyle and the pleasures of "villegiatura", leaving the life of the city for a villa in the countryside. Even though my Italian family was not traveling to their villa along the Brenta Canal, they still enjoyed picnics in the countryside.
Traveling in Italy and staying with my Italian family and friends has led me to believe that they seem to know how to balance work and relaxation. They travel through the work day with a mid day break, surrounding themselves with beauty and art in their homes and businesses, eating fresh and vibrant food at meals that are the culmination of a day well spent. I want to imitate this but can I. Can Italy be duplicated?
Unfortunately no! Italy is unique with a historical landscape that colors all that has come before and will come after. But for those of us for have visited this remarkable land we yearn to bring a part of Italy home.
One of the best ways to live Italian is to eat Italian and there is no better way to do this than during the summertime
Andare a fare un picnic . . . an Italian picnic
According to Pecks, the venerable Milanese food emporium, the perfect Italian picnic begins with "excellent bread". Fresh rolls, panino and soft crusty bread are filled with meats and cheeses. Bruschetta or crostini are prepared with tasty toppings of olives or crema, vegetable spreads. Conserve e sottolii, tinned or bottled food and vegetables pickled in oil, would be a good accompaniment. A variety of cheeses and salame can also be served with selections typical of the region. If the tomatoes are ripe nothing is better than a caprese, sliced tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese with basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil . . . and of course a good bottle of wine!
Bruschetta toppings and spreads are available at CosituttiMarketPlace and if you're traveling in Southwest Michigan you can find our products at the Joy's of Life Gallery in Douglas.
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Authentic Italian
The designation (DOP) is given by the EU to products of excellence, typical of Italian food quality, many specific to a particular region(IGP), for example Mortadella di Bologna.
The designations promote the authentic characteristics and reputation (yes, in Italy food has a reputation!) of certain agricultural products such as cheese, meat, salumi, vegetables, fruit and olive oil. Wine has it's own designations (VdT, IGT, DOC, DOCG). I try to use authentic Italian products whenever I can although it can be difficult because there are many pretenders.
Visit Cositutti's on-line store www.cosituttimarketplace.com for authentic artisan Italian food products, extra virgin olive oils from Liguria, Tuscany and the Veneto, linens from Montefalco in Umbria and Pienza in Tuscany and a line of skin care products made with 100% Italian Virgin Olive Oil. Sourced over 10 years and 10,000 miles of taste testing regional Italian food from producers who are committed to preserving the cultural and culinary traditions of Italy.
A Word of Caution
Not all products labeled Italian are truly Italian. According to the Italian Food Board "food piracy or agro-piracy" is a major problem in the US, Canada, Argentina, Great Britain and other countries where counterfeit Italian products especially cheeses, salamis, wines, oils, pastas, balsamic vinegar and even peeled tomatoes are the most copied. They are sold as Italian with vaguely Italian sounding names and labels but are not the local product or regional specialty from Italy. The taste and substance often have very little in common with the original product. Be aware of what you're getting and what you're paying for. I buy authentic Italian products whenever I can rather than the knock off brand. The quality of the product is far superior and my purchase supports Italy's food business and helps to ensure that the traditional flavors of Italy are protected. Look for the DOC or IGP designation for authentic Italian food and the Vdt, IGT, DOC and DOCG designations for wine. I will make every effort to authenticate all products as truly Italian in origin and to make you aware of the products that are an "imitation of Italy".
It matters where you buy your products and we appreciate your consideration in purchasing products authentic to Italy from COSITUTTI.
