So many things to celebrate!!

Food festivals are a big deal in Italy.  There is always something to celebrate when it comes to food here.  Some weekends we have to make a tough choice between 2 equally solid options.  Yup, I can hear the strains of the world's smallest violin playing just for us.

In the past few weeks, we've enjoyed 3 different food festivals, starting with CioccolaTò in Turin.  This 10 day event celebrates all things CHOCOLATE, with demonstrations, chocolate carving, and delicious chocolate in all possible forms from dozens of Italian chocolatiers. 

The roots of European chocolate production are here in Turin, dating back to 1560, with wannabes coming to the city from Switzerland, France, Germany and Belgium to learn the tricks of the trade.  I must say, they know what they're doing here, and we felt a bit guilty for having this all to ourselves!  

Nearby Alba is famous for white truffles (fungus, not chocolate).  Truffles grow around the roots of hazelnut and other trees, and specially trained dogs forage through the undergrowth to find them.  Some of the highest quality truffles are found near Alba which has celebrated this strongly flavored delicacy with a festival for the past 88 years.

As truffle lovers, we had to check out this 6 week festival, and we were not disappointed.  It was fun to see the truffle hunters selling their prized finds, sample truffle products and local wine, and treat ourselves to the most delicious fried egg covered with a blanket of shaved white truffles. This year's festival theme is truffles with eggs -- in 'equilibrio perfetto' -- perfect balance.  Couldn't agree more! 

Next up was Bagna Cauda Day celebrated in Asti and neighboring towns in the Piemonte region.  Bagna Cauda (which means 'hot bath' in the local dialect) is a sort of fondue or warm dip made with anchovies, olive oil, butter and lots of garlic!  It is VERY PUNGENT and pretty tasty.  Common dippers are assertive veggies like endive, fennel, scallions and cabbage, hard boiled eggs and bread.  We each had our own vat of dip, a personal terracotta dip warmer, and a trough of veggies.  We were grateful for the commemorative bibs and the (somewhat) palate-cleansing dessert afterwards. 

Even though this region is landlocked, we've seen and eaten plenty of anchovies here.  What's up with that??  Well... in 1540 the Pope put a very high tax on salt in Italy.  Italians found lots of clever ways to avoid the tax, including smuggling salt under a layer of anchovies from France.  But what to do with those anchovies??  Add some garlic and eat them, of course!  Bagna cauda is just one of several regional dishes that incorporate these fishy little buggers.  

Eric assures me that I no longer smell like anchovies and garlic, so I'm ready for my next food adventure! 

Until next time~

Peggy