Salute

As the Italians say . . . when life gives you lemons, make limoncello.

We tried this digestif recently and realized what we'd been missing!  Authentic limoncello is to be made with lemons grown in the Sorrento region of Italy only.  

The rind is the part of lemon used to make the liqueur, not the juice.  I read that the rind of this particular lemon is different than most lemons so we bought one and tried it. The rind was really thick and it had a mild taste, not bitter or sweet really. 

I must assume that huge cardboard sign, in English, was for us :) 

Limoncello is best served straight from the freezer - remember liquor doesn't freeze - in little aperitif glasses right out of the freezer too. Our dorm fridge freezer is now a chilling station for limoncello and aperitif glasses.  You can make limoncello yourself, but don't.  Just buy this one if you can find it.

Quick FYI - an aperitif is a "before dinner drink" like champagne or a liquer mixed with sparkling wine and a digestif is an "after dinner drink" and is usually sweet.

While wandering the streets of Venice we noticed at least one or two tables at each cafe' with a pretty orange cocktail.  Naturally we had to find out what it was and try one for ourselves.  It is called an Aperol Spritz.  If not ordered at a restaurant, you can make it yourself at home.  I assume Aperol is available everywhere.  I hope so.  Here's the recipe:

Aperol Spritz

3 parts Prosecco

2 parts Aperol

1 splash of soda or seltz

ice + half a slice of orange

In addition to good Italian drinks, these cookies are delizioso as well. They are called pane del pescatore or "bread of the fisherman".  Similar to a scone, they are not too sweet with a few nuts and raisins.  I may try making them because they are so good.  If you'd like to try making them, here's the RECIPE.

Salute

aka Cheers