Was lucky enough to get to join Alessandra at her family's home in Umbria. It was her cousin's confirmation at the local church - so of course plenty of food was to follow. Before the service - you know, we weren't sure if we could get all the way through - Sarah and I picked up a porchetta panino at a small stand near the center of town. Best porchetta (roast pork, often the whole hog) that I have ever had, hands down. The meat was tender and flavorful, the skin super crispy (almost crunchy) loaded with salt and black pepper (the pig is stuffed with black pepper before it is roasted, so it simply bursting with peppery flavor. Can't beat that!
After the confirmation, there was a feast to follow. We started with some apperitivi including the most amazing parmigiano bread, meats, cheeses, farro salad, fried olives, etc, etc, etc.
Next we had scrambled eggs with Umbrian black truffles. The native black truffles seem to be pretty ubiquitous in this area - certainly a special food but far from rare. In fact, when I arrived at Alessandra's house, the thick, earthy scent of truffle was wafting from the kitchen. Why? The dogs had just been by to dig them up from the tree out front of the house. Now I just need truffles to start growing outside my house... any ideas?
These eggs were probably the best thing we have - no doubt the best way, in my opinion, to serve truffles. All the rich creaminess of the egg and the pungent, irreplaceable flavor of the truffles.
Then, a pasta filled with ricotta and squash flowers over a fresh tomato sauce. Yum.
More truffles anyone? Sounds good to me. We then had risotto with black truffles. Thick, flavorful and bursting with truffle flavor. I may have finished more than one of these.
Roast veal, potatoes, spinach souffle, grilled veges.
For dessert, crispy and creamy cake/tart.
Thanks for a wonderful weekend, Alessandra and family!
