Our cooking class commenced at 4:30 pm, and I arose at 4:50 pm. FFS!
Cosí, following a swift application of makeup, I rushed downstairs to a warm reception.
Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to stuff some mushrooms, prompting the instructor to jokingly remark, “Per favore non schiacciare i miei funghi!”
We prepared an array of anti-pasta dishes, in addition to the stuffed mushers, all of which were exquisite. See the blackboard.
Given the substantial amount of food we consumed, I am now retiring to bed, feeling quite satiated and fat as a very fat thing at 8:30 pm…
Buffalo Mozzarella, Fassonova Abbey, and Terracina
By Paul Bryers
Following breakfast on the verandah, surrounded by the mists swirling in the valley below…..
…..we proceeded to sample Water Buffalo Milk Mozzarella. The buffalo appeared content while chewing, whereas the youngsters seemed somewhat anxious. The cheese was exquisite.
Next, we visited Fossanova Abbey, renowned for its association with St. Thomas Aquinas.
We then headed to Terracina for lunch on the beach.
…we embarked on a visit to the Municipality of Arpino to explore the cultivation, harvesting, and production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cold Press.
Arpino is a charming small hilltop town. We had the opportunity to view it from the elevated Acropolis di Civitavecchia….
…And then from ground level….
The Acripolis is a historic site featuring a castle, walls constructed from massive boulders, intriguing arches, and breathtaking views.
The olive bushes on this particular farm are several hundred years old, necessitating the use of specialized tools for harvesting. The oil exhibited the characteristic just-cut-lawn aroma and a distinct peppery flavor.
Generally, oil of this quality can be stored in dark glass bottles at room temperature for approximately 20 months before it begins to degrade. I bought a tin for Glasgow – to go with my Deep Fried Mars Bars.
The 12.42 pm Trentalia 12613 from Roma Termini to Castro-Pofi-Vallecorsa was a picturesque 1.5 hr journey, through the base of little hill towns backed by high mountains.
A short car journey then took me to Casa Gregoria where my friend Lisa DeMars and I shall be cooking up a storm over the next week.
Casa Gregorio is a culinary school located in a 17th-century palazzo offering hands-on cooking classes focused on authentic Ciociara cuisine, cultural tours, and accommodations in the countryside: https://www.facebook.com/share/161zJ1HWHq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The school and accommodations are within the elegant and historic Palazzo Gregorio which is located in the charming hilltop town of Castro dei Volsci.
The town offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains from its 300 meters (~1000 feet) elevation.
The culinary school is a beautifully regenerated piece of architecture.
The living areas….
….the Olive oil production basement…
…….the bedrooms; my accommodation – Juniper – offering views of the hills……
….and of course, the kitchen, where will learn to make traditional dishes, are all wonderful.
Before we had dinner, we took a wee swish up to the local Church – Santa Olivia. Simple by Catholic standards.
We then sauntered up to the top of the town.
You may recall the famous Italian actress, Sophie Loren. She starred in a 1960 movie called La Ciociara (Two Women) in which she played an Italian woman protecting her daughter from aggressive soldiers during WW2.
This highly evocative sculpture below is in memory of all those mothers that have tried to protect their daughters from sexual violence.
After our swish, we went back to our Casa for an early dinner. We met lovely folk and had a good time and good food, ending with a nice Grappa.
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