September 15, 2008

The Tuscany Effect

Issue #1 

In This Issue:

• Welcome

• The Tuscan Approach

• Hot to eat like an Italian

• Tuscan Spotlight:  Exclusive Villa Offer to Toscana Mia clients – Last Minute Special

• Website and Blog

• Proverbs and Sayings

• Contact Us

Welcome to the "Toscana Mia E-zine"

On my first day of kindergarten in California, I spoke no English. Being a curious and adventurous Tuscan, I quickly learned to join in the fun and joyously discover graham crackers (strange and exotic food for me), finger painting, singing, playing and other pleasurable activities in the company of my fellow playmates. The English then came naturally.

If you do not yet "speak the language" of the vivid and passionate Tuscan lifestyle of art, wine, food and unique attitudes, I invite you to jump in and learn all about "The Tuscany Effect."
What is "The Tuscany Effect?" It is a special feeling you get in Tuscany - as though you are finally coming home.

When you visit this famous region of Italy, it's easy for you to eat languorous 2-hour lunches, saunter the cobblestone streets and discover breath-catching beauty around every corner. You learn a style of living a "Dolce Vita" (sweet life). You can be overwhelmed by the sensuality as you taste the mouth-watering food, listen to new sounds, feel new emotions and take in the vivid colors and landscapes that look like a painting by Leonardo da Vinci. You are forced to be (pardon the over-used phrase), "in the moment."

My friend Susan called me the "Eckhart Tolle of Tuscany" because I extol the benefits of each detail and moment spent in Tuscany.

How to experience The Tuscany Effect is what I want to share with you, whether you travel to Tuscany or enjoy living alla Toscana (in the style of Tuscany) while at home.
 

Benvenuti!
Serenella Leoni

Experts tell you that Tuscan food is exceptional because it is based on "fresh ingredients." Fantastic! What does that mean?

Imagine holding a fresh egg that is still warm from the hen. Hear the distinct snap as you crack that egg and place it on a flat surface. Take in the fresh smell. See the shiny orange (yes, orange) perfectly round, thick yolk that stands about ¾ inch high. Notice the compact and lustrous white of the egg, so very distinct from the yolk. Observe that the entire circumference of the egg is around 4-5 inches. Perfect.

You combine this egg with freshly ground (Italian) flour to make pasta dough. The color of the dough is a vivid gold, the smell of the pasta is enticing and the texture is smooth and firm in your hands.

Toss that pasta into briskly boiling salted water. It retains its shape and easily cooks to an "al dente" (firm in the middle) phase.

Finally, combine your perfectly cooked pasta with your favorite sauce or ragú (that you made using all the freshest possible ingredients). Heaven!

Compare the egg used in this case with that of an egg bought from your local grocery store. Crack it and the shell might crumble into many pieces. Place it on a flat surface; you will often see a pale yellow yolk that blends into the white of the egg. The egg white is runny and quickly spreads all over the surface.

You may, of course, not be able or willing to reach under a hen's rear end to retrieve a warm egg. The point is, always be meticulous about using the freshest possible ingredients. Learn to read the signs of freshness and quality.

This is how the Tuscans approach cooking - with simplicity, attention to freshness and details and love. This is how my 92-year-old mother still cooks today.

Try this approach, no matter what you are making. This can apply to cooking, sewing, writing, painting or whatever you enjoy. Your outcome is only as good as the attention and love you put into each detailed step of the process, each moment along the way.

And, when your end result is something totally wonderful? Like the Tuscans, share it joyfully with people you love!

Just say No to Parmigiano!! Did you know that it's a no, no to ask for or add Parmigiano to seafood? Learn about this and other ways to eat like a native Italian on our blog under How to Be a Tuscan (or Italian) and Fit in with the Locals - #1 Tuscan Meals and Drinks - Do's and Don’ts
 

Exclusive Villa Offer to Toscana Mia clients – Last Minute Special:

My friend Luca Borselli and his family own the Villa Ghiaia Estate near Lucca in Tuscany. Luca's family has own this property since the 1500s. About 5 years ago, Luca had most of the buildings on the estate completely redone into wonderful rustic apartments and villas. The attention to details and the good taste of the architect and owners are evident throughout.

Villa Ghiaia is in a very secluded, quiet position on a hill overlooking the verdant valleys of an area called Freddana (about 20 minutes from Lucca). There are hiking trails and many extra services offered. You can even get a massage among the olive trees.

When Luca heard about the launch of my e-zine, he offered me this special deal for Toscana Mia clients:

All Villa Ghiaia rentals for September/October 2008 are 20% off the regular price for the following properties:

Capannina, Gemelle 1-2, Tirasotto, Tiglio and Casolare.

This is a last minute special and subject to availability.

Tiglio includes a beautiful antique olive-oil press and stone in the center of the home.

To take advantage of this offer, click here (from the Villa Rental Section of my website). Select Search, in the pull-down menu, select the Tuscany/Lucca location. The Villa Ghiaia properties are under "Luxury Estate Rentals."

Chi ride toglie un chiodo all barra - (each laugh removes a nail from your coffin)

Need more information about traveling to Tuscany?

Please contact L. Serenella Leoni, your Tuscany Lifestyle Expert, to reserve your place and to answer your questions.