SugarLoveSpices

Life & Lifestyle, Pasta, Pizza, Risotto, Vegan/Vegetarian

Spelt Flour Maltagliati Pasta and a Cooking Class in Tuscany

Nicoletta March 21, 2019

Spelt Flour Maltagliati Pasta and a Cooking Class in Tuscany. A lovely Saturday spent in a Tuscan kitchen making 4 different kinds of fresh pasta, led to a pasta making day with my mother in our kitchen in Rome. On the menu, spelt flour maltagliati, which means “badly cut”. The sauce, a combination of local seasonal veggies: artichokes, squash, red onion. A mouthwatering lunch!

Song of the day: High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco

This post combines two of my favorite things: making homemade pasta and attending a cooking class. Well, maybe three, because it also involves spelt flour, which is by far, my favorite flour to use.

Food, Life & Lifestyle, Travel

Nicoletta Goes to Japan (part 3)

Nicoletta March 18, 2019

Nicoletta Goes to Japan (part 3), or, how I had to pinch myself that I actually was in Japan, delving into its culture and tradition.

Song of the day: Big In Japan – Alphaville

If you read Part 1 and Part 2 of the “Nicoletta Goes to Japan” saga, you know that I recently returned from an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, where I appeared on the TV show ‘Who Wants to Come to Japan‘. In part 3, I am enjoying some time in Tokyo where I got to taste Dorayaki from two of the best stores in Tokyo.

Meat and Poultry

Polenta with Sausage and Rib in Tomato Sauce

Loreto March 16, 2019

Polenta with Sausage and Rib in Tomato Sauce. Winter is entering its last stages and the smell of Spring is in the air. I didn’t want to leave Winter without making the epitome of comfort and taste with a dish that screams gathering and feasting with authentic Italian rich flavors!

Song of the day: “Shine a light” by The Banners.

[This post is sponsored by The Italian Centre Shop. We’ve been compensated but -as always- all opinions are our own.]

Polenta with Sausage and Rib in Tomato Sauce. A recipe that brings nothing but warm fuzzies and memories of being Italian during the Winter season. Imagine polenta (slow cooked cornmeal), a rich tomato sauce simmered for hours infused with the richness of good quality Italian sausage and some wonderful ribs, coming together on a wood board to be shared with the ones you love. I guarantee you will see your family smile, eating good wholesome food and your family sharing a meal that brings you closer together. After all, Italian culture is truly about family.

When thinking of what recipe to do for The Italian Centre Shop and thinking about the long hard winter we had, only one recipe came to mind, Polenta with Sausage and Rib in Tomato Sauce

Food, Life & Lifestyle, Travel

Nicoletta Goes to Japan (part 2)

Nicoletta March 12, 2019

Nicoletta Goes to Japan (part 2), or, how my dreams came true and one day I found myself in Japan.

Song of the day: You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates.

If you read Part 1 of the “Nicoletta Goes to Japan” saga, you know that I recently returned from an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, where I appeared on the TV show ‘Who Wants to Come to Japan‘. In part 2, I am in Japan and my exciting adventures are just starting. The itinerary was kept a secret by the producers, so every stop and experience was a surprise and an adventure. Follow along…

Soups, Stews and Sandwiches, Vegan/Vegetarian

Mushroom Bread Soup

Loreto March 9, 2019

Mushroom Bread Soup, rustic, homey, total Italian comfort food. Hosting bold rich Porcini mushroom flavor, a deep flavorful broth, and that wonderful sopping soup wet sourdough. As a result this dish screams utter deliciousness!

Song of the day: “You Make Lovin Fun” by Fleetwood Mac.

Mushroom Bread Soup, from Jamie Oliver’s cookbook “Jamie Cooks Italy”! Winter still has us in its grasp and the chills have us begging to come home to a soup dinner. Warm, chunky, and so rich in flavor and texture, however you gotta love those plump waiting to explode mushrooms! The aroma alone of this soup will have you at the table with a spoon in hand ready to eat!

Food, Life & Lifestyle, Travel

Nicoletta Goes To Japan (part 1)

Nicoletta March 6, 2019

Nicoletta Goes To Japan, or, how your dreams can come true. I got to travel to Japan, invited by a local Tv, all expenses covered for 8 days, to shoot an episode of a show called ‘Who Wants to Come to Japan‘! All of this, because of my passion for Japanese culture and, in specific, Dorayaki.

Song of the day: Lost in Japan – Shawn Mendes

[Disclosure: I traveled to Japan in December 2018 in order to appear on the TV show ‘Who Wants to Come to Japan‘! I was invited by the producers and my travel and costs were covered. I was not asked to share any posts about it with my readers. I’m doing so because it was an amazing adventure, and I want to tell you all about it!]

That life can be unpredictable and reserve surprises, I was already a firm believer. Now, I have proof.