Poor old Lombardy has no seacoast. So she has to make do with some of the finest lakes in all of Europe. Its capital Milan is Italy's center of finance, fashion, and the media. Did we mention the region's voluminous agricultural output? Expect to find fine wine and food in this lovely region.
Colomba Pasquale (Easter Dove) is a great yeast cake that ends up looking like a dove, especially if you buy a mold. Among its ingredients are egg yolks, diced candied orange and lemon rinds, milk and almonds. It's a hands-on recipe, but if you're lucky enough to live near a good Italian bakery you may be able to buy it at Easter. Traditional wine pairings include fizzy or sparkling (the sparkling is more fun) Asti DOCG from the neighboring region of Piedmont, the nearby red or rose Malvasia di Casorzo d'Asti DOC available in a wide variety of styles, and the Tuscan white Moscadello di Montalcino DOC. You won't have trouble finding the Asti or probably the Moscadello. No promises for the Malvasia.
Desserts Food
Panettone is a classic Italian Christmas cake. The Lombardy version is said to be the best and the hardest to make. To do it right, use baker's yeast. Among the ingredients are egg yolks, melted butter, raisins (soak them and squeeze them dry), butter, and diced candied orange and lemon rinds. Italian bakeries should carry this delicacy at Christmas time. Suggested wine pairings include the red fizzy or sparkling Acqui/Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG from neighboring Piedmont (if you can find it), Asti, and Moscadello di Montalcino DOC.
Sbrisolona (Crumbly Cake) starts with white flour and cornmeal. Other ingredients include butter, white wine, chocolate, and candied cherries. As its name indicates, make sure the dough stays crumbly. Slice while hot so it doesn't break. Among the many recommended wine pairings try Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG from the Friuli-Venezia Giula region of northeastern Italy, Vino Santo di Chianti Classico DOC from Tuscany, and the hard to find Ramandolo DOCG also from Friuli-Venezia Giula. In spite of what you might think from its name, Vino Santo di Chianti is often white.
Torrone (Nougat) is a delicious candy made from honey, sugar, egg whites, pistachios, almonds and some other goodies. This should be fairly easy to purchase. I'm told that Torrone keeps for a long time when wrapped in waxed paper or aluminum foil. Don't believe it. Enjoy with wine pairings such as Greco di Bianco DOC from Calabria, Moscato di Trani DOC from Apulia, or Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC from Tuscany. This last wine may be white or red. At least the last two should be relatively easy to find.
Our final Lombardy dessert recommendation is Torta Paradiso (Angel Cake) said to be best in Pavia. You'll need potato starch, more egg yolks than egg whites, butter, and a few more ingredients. Serve the day after you make it. And what dessert wines should you serve? Suggested pairings include Loazzolo DOC from Piedmont, Malvasia di Cagliari DOC from Sardinia, and Recioto di Soave DOCG from Veneto. This last wine may be sparkling and whether or not it sparkles will probably cost more than the others. But it's a lot easier to find.
I Love Italian Regional Cuisine - Pairing Lombardy Pastries and Desserts With Sweet Wine
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink Italian, French, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and spend time with his wife and family. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his site devoted to Italian food at http://www.fooditalyfood.com
You'll find a weekly review of wines and lots more wine information and reviews on his global wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com
Friends Link : all clad lasagna pan all clad masterchef 2 7 piece cookware set cuisinart multiclad unlimited 12 piece cookware
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.