Experiments in "la Cucina"

Since arriving in Italy I have been attempting to cook a couple dinners a week in my apartment. So far there have been some high points, and some low points. In general the appliances are not as advanced as those that I am used to-- I have to light a gas stove with a lighter, I have yet to figure out how the oven works, and microwaves have yet to cross the Atlantic. That being said, some pretty dang tasty dishes have made their way out of my kitchen. My favorite has been some ravioli with a pesto cream sauce. While I cheated a little on the ravioli and bought pre-made, the pesto sauce I made myself and was very proud!

I've also been eating about a pound of broccoli a day! My roommate and I are addicted. We just saute it with olive oil and lemon juice and it is delectable! Inheriting my father's taste buds, I also liberally pepper just about everything that goes into my mouth. Yum!

Another successful, though American, dish has been a good ole grilled cheese sandwich. This is one of my staples in Champaign, so I was craving one after just a few days here. I know it is a crime to buy Kraft cheese and pre-sliced bread in Europe, but biting into that buttery sandwich was like tasting America and banished any hint of homesickness that was threatening to surface.

Less successful was my attempt at making pomodoro (basically tomatoes and basil) sauce. While it sounds pretty basic, the tomatoes cooked waaayyyy too fast so the skin was coming off but they weren't cooked through and the store was out of fresh basil. Oh well, lots of time to perfect my techniques!

Following are pictures of some successful meals in BHI #8B!

Ciao,
Em