Italian Harvest Season

yesterday was Columbus Day and I had forgotten to mention it in this blog. It's nice to have one day dedicated to Italian cooking however the entire month of October should be devoted to it. This is the season for truffles in the north and various grape harvests throughout The Republic. It's the season for hearty pasta dishes and delicious vegetable rich soups.

Italy offers a wide range of flavors during the autumn. Truffles are prime for the picking right now in my family's Piedmont, especially around Torino and the smaller wine towns of Asti and Alba. This are delicious shaved over risotto or polenta. They're also pressed into oil which is a great addition to any pasta or meat dish. The autumn is also a time for rich brodos , meat broths filled with pastas and late season tomatoes. This is also the time for pumpkin soup popular around western Piedmonte. it's so deliciously thick and flavorful, redolent with the gourd along with onions chicken broth and milk. It's perfect for those cool evenings when you want something satisfying and warming.

Italian harvest include fruits as well. There are the light delicate apple fritters that go well after a brunch to the raspberry and plum laden crostatas. these are buttery crusted tarts that have been filled usually with fruits and an almond paste. It's also the season to put away the gelati and make zablalione, that frothy concoction of egg yolks, sugar and Marsala wine.

The entire month of October should belong to Italy, and not just one day. This is the month where kitchens abound with the all sorts of fruits and vegetables. Its the season to appreciate nature's bounties and good recipes.