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Taking Care of Business
Date: Mar. 1st 2006
Category: Flavour of the Month, 2006 Winter Olympics, Food of Piemonte
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What happened to February?
Between immersing myself in the delights of chocolate and then quenching my Olympic thirst, the month just flew right by me! And what a month it was!
As March begins, I decided it was time to take care of some unfinished business and wrap February up so that I can properly focus on the month ahead.
For starters, I must take this opportunity to thank all of you for your tremendous support and 
encouragement for my series on the food of Piemonte. When I first thought of the idea, I had no clue as to the breadth and variety of Piemontese cooking. As much research as I did, I only scratched the surface of a culinary way of life that is spectacular and breathtaking. While I lost some steam at the end due to work constraints (regular life getting in the way once again!), for those of you are interested I encourage you to continue the journey. If you’re looking for a starting point or two, may I suggest the following two books: Rustico by Micol Negrin and A Passion for Piedmont by Matt Kramer.
Negrin’s book is an all-encompassing look at the regional food of Italy. Every part of Italy is included, which is a nice switch from other books on regional Italian cooking that tend to ignore the smaller regions of Italy. So from that standpoint alone it’s a good investment as it provides an excellent overview of Italian cuisine in its entirety. The section on Piemonte, in particular, is impressive. While the recipes are not what I would describe as typical (you won’t find recipes for penne alla vodka or eggplant parmigiana in this one), they are authentic and true to the spirit of the region from which they originate.
As for Kramer’s book, my only wish is that I had discovered it sooner. I came across this book about a month before the Olympics when my idea for a series on Piemontese cooking was still in its infancy. By the time I ordered the book and received it, the Olympics were already underway. A Passion for Piedmont is thorough in its presentation of Piemontese cooking. It covers all topics, including cheese and wine. Like Rustico, Kramer does not cut corners nor does he oversimplify recipes. They are as true to the nature of the original as can be.
So for those of you who don’t want to leave Piemonte just yet, I wish you buon viaggio …
The next bit of business to address is my final thought regarding February’s Flavour of the Month: Pure Chocolate by Fran Bigelow. While I did try three new recipes from the book (White Chocolate Coconut Cream Bars, Princess Pudding and Blanc et Noir), it was not nearly as many as I had hoped. The Olympics really did take my attention away from my chocolate discovery. But that’s alright. The three recipes that I did try were tremendous, and while the Blanc et Noir was somewhat complicated, especially for an untrained baker like myself, it was worth the effort. I look forward to visiting Pure Chocolate again when the occasion calls for it.
But just as the months have changed so too have my tastes. While chocolate is a part of my life on an almost daily basis, it’s time to try something new. And in order to combat some of the excesses of February (at least in the chocolate department), I’ve decided to choose something a bit lighter and dare I say it … healthier … for March’s Flavour of the Month: A Beautiful Bowl of Soup by Paulette Mitchell. It’s not that chocolate or Piemontese food aren’t healthy, it’s just that I need to simplify a bit this month after the culinary exertions of February.
And with a cold Canadian winter wind blowing outside, I can’t imagine anything more comforting than a bowl of warm soup. So join me, my friends, and let’s see what we come up with!
Happy March!
Ciao!
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03/1/06 at 10:52 pm
soup!! this sounds great. can’t wait to see what you create
03/2/06 at 1:55 am
This is a nice round up.
Chocolate IS healthful though. And you can remain healthy whilst eating it. it is all about grammer and the way you look at it…
Happy March, by the way.
03/2/06 at 3:23 am
I enjoyed the chocolate and Piedmonte region cuisine. I look forward to what you post from A Beautiful Bowl of Soup. Sounds like another winner to me.
Paz
03/2/06 at 6:51 am
As much as I enjoyed to travel with you to Piemonte, as much do I look forward to soup cooking !
03/2/06 at 8:03 am
Great idea Ivonne and great work you accomplished! I am looking forward to reading about the soups as I love them!
03/2/06 at 10:16 am
Hi Ivonne, thanks for your wonderful series on the food of Piemonte. The recipes all looked delicious! Also thanks for pointing out these books, they both look very good. That’s what I love about Italian cookbooks - it’s impossible to have too many!
03/2/06 at 10:29 am
Soups sounds like the perfect antidote to blustery March. I have my spoon, I have my bib, and I’m looking forward to your recipes.
03/2/06 at 11:58 am
You’ve made me committ cookbook lust.
03/2/06 at 7:10 pm
Soups! YES! xoxo
03/2/06 at 7:42 pm
Hi Kat,
Me too!
Hi Shuna,
Thanks for stopping by. And I couldn’t agree more … chocolate IS healthful … and you’re right … it is all in the grammar!
Ciao Paz!
Thanks so much. Since I have yet to try a recipe from this cookbook I’m really looking forward to it!
Bonjour Anne,
Yes the soup will be a nice way to ease out of Piemonte!
Bonjour Bea!
Thanks so much! Did I mention that I am so glad that you are back?!
Melissa,
You are so right. It’s very hard to go wrong with Italian cookbooks and the recipes tend to be so adaptabe in nature. They are a great investment. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hello Tania,
Thank you! You know there’s always a bowl of soup for you!
Hello Darla,
Was it good for you???
:o)
Hi Karina,
I hope you enjoy them! You are such an inspiration when it comes to being healthful … I only hope I can meet your standards!
03/2/06 at 9:16 pm
i love soup and plan on inventing something interesting in the next week or so. can’t wait to come back and see what you’ve made!
03/3/06 at 8:38 am
Hi Easily Pleased,
Looking forward to having you back!
03/3/06 at 2:56 pm
Beautiful post Ivonne. And we forgive you. I got behind on movies AND writing posts because of the Olympics, now I have to scramble to catch one more before the Oscars. I love your recipes from last month, and am on the edge of my seat waiting for this month’s yummy soup ones.
03/3/06 at 3:57 pm
Soup. My favorite, along with a slice of crusty bread and a hunk of cheese. I’m looking forward to this!
03/3/06 at 7:32 pm
I happen to own and LOVE A Beautiful Bowl of Soup cookbook! I’m going to have to find me a copy of Rustico … I’m very intrigued (thanks to your wonderful posts!)
03/3/06 at 9:31 pm
Hi Mona,
Thanks so much! I know how you feel about the Olympics. I missed reading so many blogs … including yours! Look forward to entertaining you with soup as long as you keep those reviews up on your blog!
Hi Patricia!
Soup + bread + cheese = I’m with you all the way!
Hi Rorie,
Well it seems like you like “A Beautiful Bowl of Soup” so that’s reassuring. I highly recommend Rustico!
03/7/06 at 6:31 am
Hi Ivonne,
But with the latest change in weather (snow, snow and more snow), what’s better than a steaming hot bowl of soup?
The last thing I need is a cookbook about soups - just because I love soups and already own more cookbooks focusing on soups than I can justify…
03/7/06 at 7:02 pm
Hi Nicky,
One can never have too many cookbooks!!!
03/23/06 at 7:09 am
I have to mention about this small deli based in Sheffield called Bragazzis. Matteo Bragazzis has developed and found some of the most beautiful and undiscoved products from Italy. He is now in the process of opening a website to offer next day delivery. Things are a little bit on the expensive side…but I have not found them anywhere before. www.bragazzis.com if you are ever in Sheffield pop in and visit him. Soups are to die for! Home deleivery coming soon!