Blog 2011/07/18
I was too young to appreciate my first visit to Italy. My return to Italy with my partner of 15 years in 2008 made me want to share our experience of the place and the people that create the culture of the country. In Venice we enjoyed Spritz for the first time; we carried the enjoyment of this aperitif through Bologna, Florence, Rome, Frascati and for the last few years since our return to Australia.
Summer in Sydney is not conducive to creating a Christmas conjuring memories of the northern hemisphere. For the first time in over 13 years of living in Australia we celebrated Christmas in July with eight of our friends. We enjoyed a dinner with an Italian flourish:
Christmas Negroni (amended) aperitif cocktail - 1/3 each gin, Aperol, Cinzano Rosso, over ice topped with soda and a slice of lime
Borscht soup with home made bread and Chianti
Roast prosciutto wrapped spatchcock stuffed with apple, thyme and pistachio, roast veggies and Cotes du Rhone
Washed rind Brie, ash Brie, mature cheddar and Stilton with Riesling
Polly Basset's Christmas pudding with sparkling Moscato
