Italians and Their Food

The moment I saw the opportunity to take a cooking class, I knew I had to take full advantage of it. Gnocchi was on the menu for today, something I've only had a few times but am intrigued by it. It's actually great, the cooking program is through my school and is relatively cheap compared to other places in the city. So this evening I showed up at school, in the basement there is a fully equipped kitchen, and started to prepare the food!
This was on the menu for tonight :
Gnocchi di patate ai tre formaggi (potato gnocchi with three cheese sauce)
Gnocchi de patate alla crema de zucca (potato gnocchi with pumpkin cream sauce)
Arista al latte (pork loin with milk)
Torta di mele (apple tart)


In my past few weeks here, I have noticed that Italians cook very healthily. They are very conscious of what is good and bad for your health (olive oil vs butter). Although this meal sounds rich, there really aren't that many ingredients and all are used in moderation. As much as I would love to go into detail with every recipe, I just don't have the time. Hopefully I'll get a chance to post the recipes so you all can try them :)
My favorite must have been the pumpkin gnocchi. We gutted, chopped and shredded a pumpkin, mixed it with garlic simmering in olive oil, and then let that cook on the stove until the pumpkin was mashed. Afterwards, add a little rosemary and olive oil. Mix. Add to gnocchi. Delicious.
I"m in love with Italians and their food. It is such an important aspect of their culture. Fast food does not exist. Meals are eaten while sitting down. There is a reason why there is a good three hour chunk of the day that everything closes down! People go eat, enjoy a meal with their friends, and then return to work after a nap (well, thats what I do at least. And Margherita!) Cooking the food is just as important as eating it. Italians love their food and treat it with respect, if that makes any sense. I'm finding it hard to put it into words, but food has a completely different meaning to Italians. It is more than something to keep us alive, rather healthy nourishment and a source of care. They respect food.
So. Gnocchi is a definite must to make. It isn't very complicated, just a little time consuming. It is worth every second though!

I need to run and finish my laundry (Italians, actually Europeans, don't own dryers so I have to go hang up my clothes on the veranda to dry) but I still have so much to say! There will be a very, very long post about Vienna coming soon. I had the most amazing weekend and I have wanted to take time to write a blog that does it the justice it deserves.
Also, the weather is cooling down (finally!) and fall is finally settling in. There is nothing better than crisp mornings with cool, fresh air or walking through streets littered with leaves of different colors. This weather makes me feel alive and invigorates every molecule in my body. There is something about it that makes me feel at home, content and the most centered. Maybe the cool air just wakes my brain up and gets the blood flowing quicker than hot, muggy, summer days. Or maybe it just reminds me that its football season (GO PACK) and the end of baseball (GO BREWERS!) season. I love that sports in Wisconsin are such a big deal!! Who would have thunk.

Keep your eyes open for Vienna details and pictures!
Baci a tutti!