...That I won't be eating this fresh proscuitto and melons
...and that I won't be listening to the church bells in my favorite corner cafe.
I have lot's and lot's of photos to organize. We'll be looking at pictures of Italy for a while!
Don't forget to check in at Smiling Sally for more blues.
y'all enjoy~
Sandi
How 'bout this shot from the walls of Montepulciano.
Believe me... the picture is just not the same!
The pizza dough is a simple yeast dough, made ahead and allowed to rise for 2-3 hours. You will need enough dough to make 2-10 inch rounds.
The top layer is pressed to a slightly smaller circle. the edges from the bottom are brought up to seal the top.
It is baked in a hot oven, then allowed to sit and rest for 30minutes. The result is a thick and hearty pizza with a light crust.
As luck would have it... we picked the perfect day. 
There was an antique fair going on!
We missed Alessandra in her shop Girasole , but ran into her later.
Like I said... a very LucKy day!
Should I post a photo of the leather market in Florence?
Or Mercato Centrale?
For those of you who have followed me for years, you know Montisi is the little villiage in Italy where I spend a week (or two) with . This quiet village is such a special place. A step back in time. 
With the sound of church bells.
and an occasional buzzing 'ape'
Ahhhh~ the music of Italy!
Y'all join in~
Apparently, officials in Florence have tried to stop the practice... There is even a sign that says the fine for attaching locks to the railing is 160 euros. It doesn't seem to be working.
Especially when the vendor right on the bridge is selling cheap padlocks and replicas of the David.
I wonder if Snookie and the Situation have attached thier Lucchetti?
The most recognized buildings in all of Italy is the Cathedral of the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore. It is in the heart of the city of Florence and can be seen from many backstreets. 
During the day, the piazza is a sea of people... many brought in for day trips by cruise ships.
The best part of staying a few blocks from the duomo, is that I can just wander over. I found a seat and enjoyed the light show. 
As the sun sets, the light bounces off the mosaic tiles and is magical.The gray, pink, and white marble shines.
The facade above the central portal is a figure of Mary enthroned and holding a flowered scepter, Thereby the name Santa Maria del Fiore. The size is amazing... but the tiniest detail, even more so.
The pictures just don't do it justice. Sitting in the piazza with the bells ringing. It is all just a part of the lights and sounds~ the music of Italy.
Of course~ PercheNo! at the Piazza della Signoria~ I have to taste Crema, which is cooked in the old way with lemon rinds and vanilla and my favorite Pistachio with natural Sicilian pistachios. 
First... to recover from the jet lag.
One of the things I love best about going back to Florence is getting to see old frends. While I am here I always stay at Hotel Burchianti. It is a small hotel that is on Via Del Giglio, within a few blocks of the train station. It is just steps from Santa Maria Novella and a short walk to the Duomo and Leather Market.
The hotel Burchianti established in 1936 by the Burchianti sisters under the name Pensione Burchianti. The building it is in is the Castiglioni Palace...Now, my home.
All of the rooms have original frescoes, and are beautifully decorated. There are only 11 rooms, so you have the feeling of staying in someone's beautiful Italian home.
Marcella's gelato recipe is the perfect time to show off my Cuisinart hand mixer. After all~ I'm trying to save face after the 'no double boiler' incident.
This smart stick is a clever kitchen tool. It is a mini food processor, a hand-held immersion blender, and a whisk stick.
Which is all that is needed to make a batch of fresh gelato... well, that and an ice cream machine. As a good southerner~ of course I have one of those.
Prune gelato. Of all the gelatos in the' Essentials of Italian Cooking' to make... my luck to draw prune gelato. It is simply not my favorite. It's a good thing there is also a recipe for Banana Rum, Egg custard, Lemon and Strawberry. Those are all my favorites!Y'all share some favorites today!
Lula and I are Very Happy~ Because in 1 week this blue suitcase will be full of clothes and headed to Italy.
Now... if only Lula my little travel fairy could squeeze in too.
What did we do before we had cell phones that could take digital photos?
We missed chances like this to capture a pic, without being to obvious.
We spent the evening with Nick Saban at the Crimson Caravan.
I was overwhelmed at the houndstooth...
and the red elephants (no that is not me standing with Bill)
I was busy snapping photos
Happy hunting y'all~
Sandi
