Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes was what we at the Book Club read this February. In my case, I found the book only last week and finished reading it only a couple of days back. So I am really really late in posting this.
The book got me hooked to Tuscany. Her writing gave me a feeling of being in person in most instances cited. The beauty of the land is beautifully described in the book making the place seem very enchanting. This book is about Mayes buying a villa in Tuscany and spending a lot on refurnishing it. Her recipes and her delicious decriptions of food are somethign I loved in the book. A friend of mine who read this following mine says it is the only book she didn't regret for reading it entirely...
As for me, just like the author I think Italian food is lovely. I know Italian food as in pasta, pizza et al.. but I have never made a soup or a Zuppa. This place has a lot of recipes to offer and I have made several of them. The Tuscan bread, rolled bell peppers, calamari salad and their rosemary buns to name few. This time I chose the Pappa Al Pomodoro Di Francesca all courtesy a bunch of tomatoes that had lost their firmness.
The recipe was followed as is on the site minus the use of bread.
The soup was creamy and thick.Since I didn't have fresh basil, i had to make do with dried ones. It was not spicy for my palate but I found my comfort in this soup. Croutons would have lent a better flavour but I don't like soggy bread in my soup!!!
Check here to see what the other book clubbers were inspired to cook inspired by the book...
