Panettone – An Anticipated Holiday Tradition in Italy

  Panettone is an anticipated holiday tradition that places it at the center of Christmas celebrations. It is also one of the most involved and difficult Italian cakes. Derived from  panetto, the size of a small loaf, it later rose to dome-like proportions as panettone "big bread”. A native Italian panettone is made over several days …

The Eve of Easter in Milan

I wrote this post several years ago but the memory is as vivid now as then.  A must see under the Duomo if you are in Milano. Even though we have 40 days to prepare, celebrating Easter seems to be more about bunnies and brunch then it does about a life changing transformation. For if …

5 Rules You Should Always Break When Traveling in Italy

5. Never Drive in Italy Contrary to popular opinion, driving in Italy is not an extreme sport. Italy has an excellent network of motorways and if you are comfortable driving in the States, exercise common sense and be aware of your limitations based on language skills and itinerary you should be fine. Like all road …

Milan’s Cathedrals of High Fashion

Napoleon who said to his troops "Follow me to Italy where there are opulent towns with clothing stores on every block" and his troops cried out in one voice "Vive l'Empereur". Shopping in Italy is like shopping no where else.  Italian manufacturers and artisans present you with products made by that "fine Italian hand".  One of …