A gastronomic journey to discover the sweet side of traditional Italian cuisine | Agriturismi.it

Our route takes us today to discover the sweet flavors of traditional Italian pastry industry, in a tour that from north to south lets us find the delicious recipes that tell us so much of the history, but also of the close link with the land and with the climatic and the diverse geographical characteristics that distinguish the regions of our Bel Paese.

1) This short trip in taste starts from Piedmont, a land of great confectionery delicacies: here even the simplest ingredients are skillfully ennobled to pack valuable products, such as marron glacés or gianduia cream, resulting respectively from the processing of chestnut and hazelnut. The contact with the ancient royal houses of Spain and France, whose centerpiece is the lovely former capital of Savoy, Turin, has left its trace in the refinement of the pastry with a variety of fine chocolate, pralines and cookies such as macaroons, baci di dama, amaretti, as well as candy.

An evocative view of farmhouse Rifugio dell’Anima

The Farmhouse Rifugio dell’Anima, in Monticello d’ Alba (Cuneo), at an altitude of 356 meters, is located on the hill of “Bricchi”, surrounded by vineyards and forests of chestnuts and oaks, in an atmosphere of peace and silence. From here the view stretches from the hills of the Langhe to the Roero villages framed by the Alps among which stands the majestic Monviso, which is colored in shades of pink at sunset. The farmhouse is surrounded by trails, ideal for long walks in the woods or for mountain biking, to spot wildlife such as red squirrels and roe deer. On the farm you can taste the typical products of Piedmont, like fruit, wine, honey and cheese, all produced in a natural way. The rooms feature solid wood furniture, and are derived from a rural house of 1886, restored in respect of the original features.

The peaceful atmosphere of farmhouse Le Querce del Vareglio

Still in the province of Cuneo, in Canale, we meet the Farmhouse Le Querce del Vareglio, housed in a seventeenth-century farmhouse restored to preserve the beauty of its architectural elements. The facility is surrounded by a park of thirty acres, connected with the main paths through the Roero, ideal for those who love to explore nature on foot, by bike or on horseback. The farmhouse maintains its traditional role of farm: the orchard gives the scent of flowers and the goodness of the fruit in the summer, while the garden produce supplies the restaurant that will be expertly cooked by the chef. The restaurant serves the best of traditional Piedmontese cuisine, elegantly revisited in a modern key, with new proposals every week. Here we find fresh pasta and a wide selection of wine labels native of the Langhe and Roero, in addition to genuine wine produced from the grapes of the farm. In addition to the beautiful standard and executive rooms, junior suites and executive suites are also available.

2) Let’s go down now to Liguria, in the happy encounter and exchange between rich maritime commerce and the vibrant reality of the hinterland, which has led to a plethora of confectionery: on the one hand, the chocolate-making tradition formerly acquired from the nearby Piedmont, a legacy of the Spanish court and next to it, the tradition of confectionery and candied fruit, developed thanks to trade entertained with the Arabs, major exporters of sugar.

A view of farmhouse La Ca’ dell’Alpe

In the splendid setting of the Cinque Terre, in the province of La Spezia, the Farmhouse La Via del Sale is simply furnished in the taste of the rural culture with bright and spacious rooms. The farmhouse is surrounded by a large garden with a playground for children and a grove of chestnut trees that provide shade and refreshment. On request it is possible to dine at the farm, tasting the typical dishes from Liguria prepared with local produce. The farmhouse, immersed in the Regional Natural Park, is a few miles from Levanto and from the beautiful Portovenere and Portofino.

The Farmhouse La Ca’ dell’Alpe, in Rialto in the province of Savona, offers different types of accommodation: rooms, independent houses surrounded by nature and apartments, while the camp is also equipped with tents and campers. Thanks to its location it is a strategic starting point to visit the area and the hinterland of Finale: and it is exactly the kitchen of the farm to propose the characteristic flavors of Liguria made with natural ingredients, the dishes include ravioli and noodles, fresh meats, cheese, muffins and omelettes, accompanied by local olive oil and wine. In fact, before being a farmhouse, La Ca’ dell’Alpe is a farm: 8 hectares of cultivated land, orchards and vineyards and garden products are at the origin of the restaurant’s recipes.

3) We move now into the heart of the peninsula, Umbria, a land of great monasteries and strong religious roots. It is no coincidence that its traditional confectionery includes at the forefront the typical recipes handed down within the ancient monastic traditio : among these we mention the torciglioni (almond paste decorated with dried fruit in the form of a coiled snake), mostaccioli , and rocciata (puff pastry stuffed with fresh and dried fruit in a spiral shape).

Some products from farmhouse Villa Stampa

The Farmhouse Villa Stampa is located in a valley called Pian di Marte, on the border between Umbria and Tuscany. The complex is formed by the eighteenth-century manor house and adjacent houses, which form a small village. The rooms are furnished with antique furniture and are the result of passionate restoration work. For a relaxing stay guests can enjoy the terraced pool of 100sqm overlooking the valley, as well as make excursions nearby: Lake Trasimeno, Perugia and Cortona are within easy reach. The cuisine is the result of the encounter between tradition and culinary imagination, and all the ingredients are of biological origin. Try the Chianina beef and homemade salami without forgetting the famous panna cotta prepared exclusively with fresh cream. Among the specialties: risotto, torta al testo with ham or bacon with homemade honey and fennel, elderflower fritters, wild boar stew, scalloped potatoes and chicory … bon appetit!

The Farmhouse Farina, also in the province of Perugia, and a short distance from Tuscany, includes two country cottages completely renovated, Oliviera and La Victoria, old farmhouses in a panoramic position with cozy apartments inside a farm land of about 100 acres, consisting of cereal fields, olive groves and woods, where they breed beautiful thoroughbred horses grazing free. A beautiful swimming pool is located on the edge of the large green area that surrounds the facility. The company is specializing in the cultivation of organic products for a greater respect of nature, and devoting itself to the cultivation of barley, wheat, sunflower and olive groves.

Farmhouse Villa Stampa

4) The next stop is Campania, a veritable crossroads of peoples who have lived through the centuries: the Arabs, the Normans, Greeks, Spaniards, but also the French and Austrians. It is impssible not to mention to excellence regardless of the products Neapolitan: the world-famous pastiera, sfogliatella and babà! There is no shortage of rustic recipes related to agro-pastoral tradition, such as bagels, nougats, donuts and fries, and desserts that make heavy use of fresh ingredients that this land produces abundantly, such as citrus fruits, figs, honey and cherries.

The Farmhouse La Botte, in Fragneto Monforte in the province of Benevento, has a spacious and welcoming rustic atmosphere, and it is located in a panoramic position in the beautiful hilly landscape. The kitchen serves unique flavors, accompanied by excellent local wines such as Aglianico, Barbera, Sangiovese and Falanghina. Among fresh pasta: cavatelli, lasagna, fettuccine, ravioli, as well as arancini, pizza and croquettes. The surroundings offer the opportunity to go trekking and bird watching.

Wholesome products at farmhouse Zio Cristoforo

The Farmhouse Zio Cristoforo is set in the heart of the Cilento National Park, on the hills that overlook the Gulf of Velia. Immersed in the green of the olive trees and fruit trees, a short walk from sandy beaches and a small marina, the farm offers rooms and apartments and a spectacular swimming pool with picnic area. Main dishes are the restaurant’s specialties based on mushrooms, the first of fusilli, ravioli, noodles, homemade delicious dishes of meat, to finish with the typical sweet “pizza … roce”. The farm also produces an excellent wine both red and white and it offers cooking courses, with the opportunity to participate in different activities depending on the season, such as the harvest of grapes, olives, chestnuts and mushrooms. From the farm you can easily reach some famous tourist destinations such as Velia, Paestum and Pompeii, the Amalfi coast and a short distance there are the beautiful Sorrento, Capri and Punta Licosa.

5) Let’s conclude with the beautiful Sicily, an island that has always been a meeting point for the peoples of the Mediterranean and beyond, and has been able to enclose in its culinary tradition and reinterpret the precious perfumes that they have brought with them in the course of history: spicy aromas from the East, and then the exotic and vibrant scents of cedar, pistachio, jasmine, lemon. It’s the kingdom of ice cream, cannoli, fruit from Martorana and delicious cassata.

Relax at farmhouse Casale Imperatore

Near the coast, nestled in a garden of citrus trees, Farmhouse Casale Imperatore offers hospitality in a typical farm. Guests have access to the swimming pool with whirlpool, and an equipped area for the kids. From October until March and you can taste the delicious oranges in all varieties: Navel, Tarocco, mandarins and clementines. In a few minutes you can reach the coasts of Marina di Ragusa, Camerina, and the baroque towns of Modica and Scicli. Not too far away the natural oasis of Vendicari, Cava d’Ispica, and cities of historic and artistic interest such as Siracusa, Noto, Caltagirone and Agrigento.

The Farmhouse on the sea Stella di Sicilia is located in the territory of Caronia, in a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, thanks to its adjacency with the beach and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north, and the Nebrodi Park to the south. Here guests can enjoy walks among olive trees, or admire the botanical garden with all varieties of fruit trees typical of the area. But it is also a great starting point for those wishing to discover the vast Sicily. A weekly program of daily excursions with multilingual guides will allow you to visit the most beautiful and characteristic areas.The restaurant serves traditional Sicilian dishes, to be enjoyed on the terrace surrounded by nature and by the sounds of the countryside and the sea.