Month: October 2011

Grape Tart

The grapes vines that climb up a wall of my house are very old. I think they were planted in 1912 when the house was built. Every spring my father pruned them with great care and the branches have become so vigorous that every year they become an invading force […]

 

Pumpkin Risotto with Basil

In Italian cuisine you often find pumpkin combined with sage and rosemary. During a holiday some years ago, I tasted some pumpkin gnocchi served with butter and basil. I really enjoyed the pairing, and as usual, when I returned home I began to experiment.  

 

Walnut Sauce for Ravioli

Stuffed pasta is a classic in Italian cuisine. If someone in my family is willing to give me a hand, I like to make ravioli, tortellini, or other forms that inspire me on special occasions. Even though there are many recipes for homemade pasta, usually they require more time for […]

 

Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Mushrooms

This soup contains the flavors of the month of October: pumpkin and mushrooms. It’s a recipe that is low in calories and perfect for a light dinner or to begin an important meal with several courses. Its beautiful orange color brings happiness.  

 

Pumpkins

Buying pumpkins and cooking them means you are contributing to your health. This vegetable is low in calories (only 15 per 100 grams) with considerable satiating power. It is rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and fiber and like all orange vegetables and fruits, pumpkins have moderate amounts of vitamin A […]

 

Growing Pumpkins

Pumpkins require a lot of space but they can still be grown in gardens, a home garden, or in pots. If you have a terrace, you can experiment with the cultivation of a pumpkin plant or small decorative pumpkins. They can grow several meters and grow well as a climber. […]