Italians can get tired of Italian food. I know it is hard to believe, but it’s true. So I volunteered to make chili for the Cosi family and a few friends last night.
The only place to buy foreign food in Florence is Vivi Market where they have a selection of different cuisines, including oriental, Indian, Mexican, British and yes, even American food. Note the rows of Betty Crocker mixes, marshmallows and peanut butter. At thanksgiving the canned pumpkin is in demand!
American food, on display at Vivi Market
I bought fresh cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, kidney beans and fresh tortillas. Then a trip to the Coop in Fiesole for wine, meat and some vegetables and I got to work. . Italians as a rule do not like food that is too spicy so I have to be careful to make chili on the mild side.
An interesting evening with Anna, Francesco and Lise with Tomas, from Argentina and his Italian girlfriend, Olivia. Conversation in Italian, English and maybe a bit of German . We all learn from each other. Now I know a bit about life in Buenos Aires and about kokedamania, the art of designing miniature plantings with moss, similar to bonsai, but also very different.
I am salivating. I don’t know if I want the chili or that delicious looking pizza!
Everything looks so delicious–I can almost smell it!!!!! So happy that you are enjoying yourself to the fullest! Next time get in the picture too.
Si Mama. I will try! XXXX
head south. The Calabrese like a little kick in their food. they use pepper flakes. This is half of Donald’s heritage.
Fantastico! Is that Italian?
Looks delicious! Please say hi to Anna for me. I still think about that gorgeous summer dinner on Anna and Francesco’s balcony/porch. I loved the different languages – at one point, one could hear German, English, Italian and some French spoken all at the same time. And riding on the back of Anna’s vespa! What freedom.