Black and White Wednesday #57

Anusha from Tomato Blues is hosting Black and White Wednesday this week and the subject of the photo this week are these fabulous Porri (Leeks) di Cevere.



There is something quite striking about these leeks and it is their height - well over 3 foot and nearing 4 - and most of the leek consists of that prime white part. They are so prized there is even a yearly festival - the Fiera del Porri which will be commencing November 10th in the nearby town of Cevere.

Panzerotti with Red Capsicum and Tomato

Panzerotti is the name given to a Pugliese tomato and cheese stuffed fried pastry but it's also the name used for this triangular ricotta and spinach filled pasta.

Weekend Herb Blogging turns 7

This week I am hosting Weekend Herb Blogging and it marks a very special occasion - Weekend Herb Blogging turns 7 and as always, it means we have a brand new banner.

The food blogging scene has changed quite dramatically since WHB first started in 2005 but I find it quite lovely to see that it still holds an interest. In fact, my non-blogging friends always remark that they look forward to Mondays so that they can read the recaps - they love the cosmopolitan nature of the event and that they can relate to both the recipes and the ingredients.

I would like to take the time to thank Brii - who is the driving force behind the Italian edition and is always there to lend a hand and all our terrific hosts that offer up their time -

Anh, Kris, Simona, Cinzia, Cristina, Rinku, Marta, Simona, Chris, Graziana, Astrid, Lynne, Terry, Fragolivo, Anca, Nuccio, Elena, Rachel, Cleare, Susan and Siri

and also everyone who joins in to share their knowledge - without your continued support there wouldn't be a WHB.

It couldn't be a celebration without a little something and this year I've decided to have two giveaways. The first will be a random draw from those that join in this week and the second will be a random draw from the list of hosts.

I've selected two books, one Italian and one Australian



Slow Food's "L'Orto in Cucina" and "Mr Wikinson's Favourite Vegetables" from local chef Matt Wilkinson.

Now, if you'd like to get a chance to be in the running, here's how to do it.

You have the week to post about any herb, vegetable, fruit, nut, seed, flower or grain - in fact if it is plant based, we would love to know more.

Your post can be informative and/or include a recipe where your featured ingredient is the main ingredient of the dish. Posts can be written anytime during the week but they need to be sent to me by the deadline.

Please include the phrase Weekend Herb Blogging in your post with a link to this hosting announcement.

Send your posts to whb AT cookalmostanyting DOT com with WHB#358 in the subject line and the following details:

• Your name
• Your Blog/URL
• Your Post URL
• Attach a photo: 400px wide

Your email will need to get to me by

• 9am Monday - Torino Time
• 8am Monday - London Time
• 3am Monday - New York Time
• 12am Monday - Los Angeles Time
• 7pm Monday - Melbourne (AU) Time

Hazelnut and Chocolate Cake

Cristina from La Cucina di Cristina is hosting both editions of Weekend Herb Blogging and as I'm still in Alba I'll be featuring one of the areas most prized ingredients - no, not truffles but hazelnuts.

Black and White Wednesday #56

Lail from With a Spin is hosting this edition of Black & White Wednesday and this week it's a step back in time with a medieval Bacchanal.

"Fire and Smoke"

Weekend Herb Blogging #357 Hosting

We're just one week away from WHB's 7th birthday and our next host for the both the English and Italian editions will be Cristina from La Cucina di Cristina.

If you would like to join in, it couldn't be easier.

You have the week to post about any herb, vegetable, fruit, flower, nut, grain, seed in fact, if it is plant based then it's eligible. Your post can be informative - spotlight a particular ingredient and/or include a recipe where your chosen ingredient is one of the primary ingredients in the recipe.

Posts can be written anytime during the week but need to be sent to the host by the appropriate deadlines:

• 3pm Sunday - Utah Time 
• 9pm Sunday - London Time
• 10pm Sunday - Rome Time
• 8am Monday - Melbourne Time

Send your posts to cucinadicristina AT gmail DOT com
with WHB#357 in the subject line and the following details:

• Your name
• Your Blog Name/URL
• Your Post URL
• Your location
• A photo, 400px wide

Mondovì Renette Apple Cake

Terry from Crumpets & Co is hosting both the English and Italian editions of Weekend Herb Blogging and this week I've returned with one of my favourites - Renette Apples.

Black and White Wednesday #55

Simona from Briciole is hosting this edition of Black and White Wednesday and this week I've found inspiration in one of the many festivals that are happening here in Alba - this time it is the Spice Market

Sapori Antichi Focaccia

It's been a while since I've taken part in World Bread Day - in fact I'm sad to say I haven't joined in since the very first edition back in 2006. This year I decided I had to change that and as I'm in Italy I'm taking advantage of the amazing array of different flours that can be found here.

One of those flours will be the focus of the bread I'm baking today - Marino Farina Sapori Antichi which hails from here in the Langhe.

Weekend Herb Blogging #356 Hosting

Terry from Crumpets & Co will be hosting both the English and Italian editions of Weekend Herb Blogging.

If you're new to Weekend Herb Blogging or haven't joined in for a while, here's a quick recap of the rules.

You have the week to post about any herb, fruit, vegetable, seed, nut, flower - in fact if it is plant based then we'll love to hear more. Your post can be informative, spotlight a particular ingredient and/or include a recipe where your chosen ingredient is one of the primary ingredients in the recipe.

Entries must be submitted by:

• 3pm Sunday - Utah Time
• 10pm Sunday - London Time
• 11pm Sunday - Rome Time
• 8am Monday - Melbourne (Aus) Time

Send your posts to abbbella74 AT gmail DOT com
with WHB#356 in the subject line and the following details:

• Your name
• Your Blog/URL
• Your Post URL
• Your Location
• Attach a Photo: 400px wide

Rosato Poached Coscia Pears

Marta from Mangiare è un po'come viaggiare is hosting both the English and Italian editions of Weekend Herb Blogging and this week I have an adorable, tiny pear from Sicily called Pere Coscia - Coscia Pears

Black and White Wednesday #54

Lynne from Cafe Lynnylu is hosting Black & White Wednesday this week and I thought I'd return to the subject of Piemontese Cows.



Strange as it sounds I spent a few hours watching a cow competition here in Alba. The competition was limited to only indigenous breeds with most of the cows being these white Piemontese known as "La Bianca".

The judging proved quite fascinating to watch with most of the attention directed to one place -



the posterior. The assorted judges would variously prod and poke and seemingly pinch the rear with animated discussions occuring as scores were eventually given.

Jam-filled Ricotta Donuts

After making the stuffed zucchini flowers I was left with excess ricotta and not willing to let it go to waste, I needed to think of something to make. The solution came via Paalo's sweet tooth - ricotta donuts but I've added a little twist, after cooking I've filled them with amarena jam.

Weekend Herb Blogging #355 Hosting

This week Marta from Mangiare è un po'come viaggiare will be hosting both the English and Italian versions of Weekend Herb Blogging.

If you haven't taken part or it's been a while since you last joined in, here's a quick summary of the rules.

You have the week to post about any herb, fruit, vegetable, nut, seed, flower or plant. Your post can be informative - spotlight a particular ingredient and/or include a recipe where your chosen ingredient is one of the primary ingredients in the recipe.

Complete information can be found here.

You can post any time during the week but remember to send your email by the following cut-off times:

• 3pm Sunday - Utah Time
• 10pm Sunday - London Time
• 11pm Sunday - Rome Time
• 8am Monday - Melbourne (Aus) DS Time

Send your entries to martarin AT alice.it with WHB#355 in the subject line and the following:

• Your Name
• Your Blog Name/URL
• Your Post URL
• Your Location
• A photo: 400px wide

Weekend Herb Blogging #354 - Recap

It's an intimate gathering this week but it's a good mix of healthy, nutritious and comforting dishes. As usual, I've arranged the dishes in order of main ingredient.

Stuffed Zucchini Flowers

I'm hosting Weekend Herb Blogging and this week I'm featuring Zucchini.

Black and White Wednesday #53

Black and White Wednesday begins a new year with a new administrator - Susan has passed the baton into the capable hands of Cinzia from Cindystar. I'm sure it will be another great year of black and white photographs.

The subject of my photo is week is a plait of tropea onions I have hanging by my window.

Treccia di Tropea - Tropea Plait

Peach and Semolina Custard Crostata

With an abundance of perfectly ripe peaches still available in the markets, I've come up with a simple tart to put them to good use. As the peaches are quite juicy, I've added a layer of semolina custard to help soak up those juices as the peaches cook and save me from that dreaded soggy buttom.

Weekend Herb Blogging #354 Hosting

This week I will be hosting Weekend Herb Blogging.

Weekend Herb Blogging will soon be celebrating its seventh birthday and if you haven't joined in for a while or you've never taken part, here's a quick overview of the rules.

You have the week to post about any herb, fruit, vegetable, nut, seed, flower or plant. Your post can be informative - spotlight a particular ingredient and/or include a recipe where your chosen ingredient is one of the primary ingredients in the recipe.

You can post any time during the week but remember to send your email by the following cut-off times:

• 3pm Sunday - Utah Time
• 10pm Sunday - London Time
• 11pm Sunday - Rome Time
• 7am Monday - Melbourne (Aus) Time

Send your email to whb AT cookalmostanything.com
with WHB#354 in the subject line and the following details:

• Your name
• Your Blog/URL
• Your Post URL
• Your Location
• Attach a photo: 400px wide