Organic Market in Perugia Italy

Today was the much-anticipated organic market in Perugia, which takes place the first Sunday of every month. It is exciting to see the beautifully displayed produce, prepared food, other food items, and crafts. The jam above is just one example of the adorable (and flavorful) goods at the market.

I finally found some kale and made a stir fry with kale, white onions, and zucchini in addition to a curried cous cous with carrots.

On Friday, my History and Culture of Food course went to Florence to enjoy a Renaissance-style meal cooked by a very eccentric chef. Renaissance-style food does not resemble what we today consider Italian food.

The dishes included pasta with walnuts and ginger (and something that made it creamy), a rice dish that ended up being potatoes in the shape of rice with an interesting sauce, and a broccoli and cauliflower flan-type item (which was amazing) paired with an onion tart/quiche/thing that had a sweet crust. The dessert—mind-blowing— was an almond cake with pine nuts on top and a vanilla custard on the side. I had the vegetarian meal, but for the omnivores in the group, there was a boar dish with chocolate sauce and another meat dish.

Renaissance food is definitely not my cuisine preference, but I am thrilled that I was able to try it.

-Kate D.