Missing Roma!

While waiting for Nikki to edit Southern Italy Part 3 & 4, I thought that I would send a few thoughts about how I have this need to embrace my Italian heritage but my eating habits in Italy are horrendous. Thank goodness, it doesn't effect my wine drinking habits!!

My mom's parents Francesca Forte and Alphonso Lantieri were from Valguineri Caropepe in the farm hills beyond Enna. We did get to drive by the area and had my pix taken in front of the area sign! My father was born outside of Budapest so this may explain my Bohemian passion for my life of life!

How can anyone be half Italian & raised very Italian but not like to eat tomatoes, onions, peppers, ricotta cheese etc? I am asked that question all the time. I am a cheap date. When my friends have me over for dinner, just plain pasta please!

So as you can see, eating in Italy is not that easy for me. When in Italy, I seem to eat my prima pasta plate with aglio e olio (olive oil & garlic) every other day. But when we were in Rome we had lunch in Trastevere at Trattoria Mario. Our friend Charlie wanted to eat there & he suggested that I try Pasta Cacio e Pepe which is a nice change but straying not too far from my old faithful pasta. I thought that I would share this recipe with you!

Cacio e Pepe

Cook your pasta al dente (I prefer 1 lb.of #8 or rigatoni), save 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
After draining, add 1 cup Pecorino cheese & 1-2 TBsp freshly ground pepper.
Slowly add your water to mix. - Some people add a swirl of olive oil.

DO NOT use fresh pasta. It's quick and easy & perfect with a nice salad and Quatro Mani red wine!

Try it as it is surprising flavorful.