Greetings!
A HUGE THANK YOU for your continued support of Villa Vita International and a very warm welcome to our newest friends from around the globe. Thanks also to our dear colleagues in Italy and other parts of the world who work closely with us to bring you amazing travel opportunities. Our collection of Life Enriching Holidays continues to grow with new and exciting people and places!
Here is a sneak preview of things to come and a sweet idea for the holidays . . .
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Costa Rica! |
 For those who love a peaceful environment in the midst of lush natural beauty - the perfect place to relax, replenish, and explore - our friends at AmaTierra have just the place for you! Join Villa Vita in our upcoming wellness and artist retreats (details to be released soon) or come on your own for an unforgettable and very affordable week immersing yourself in the tropical forests, taking advantage of restorative therapies, and allowing yourself peace, tranquillity, and a bit of adventure! . . . more |
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Artista Creative! |
 Do you remember how much you used to love to draw, paint and create? You would travel off to another world - just you and your crayons, paints and pencils. Recapture your creative spirit and find the inner artist in you again. Artista Creative is an outstanding studio based in beautiful Carmel California designed to do exactly that - help you to rediscover your inner artist in a nurturing and supportive environment... 3 and 4 day programs - perfect for a unique girlfriend getaway...or go solo and meet new friends who share your creative passions. So much more to come. . . . more |
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Sicily! |
 There is no other place on earth like Sicily. It has long been noted for its fertile soils, pleasant climate, and natural beauty, as well as a long, rich and varied history. Sicily is a mecca for diverse cultures and steadfast traditions. Our partners in Sicily help visitors to discover the extraordinary places, meet fascinating people and enjoy authentic experiences that have lured travelers for centuries. Savor the flavors of Sicily with culinary classes and vineyard tours, visit the majestic temples, hike up a volcano... . . . more |
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Villages of Tuscany! |
 Photographer Joel Wolfson returns to Tuscany May 2010! Join in for an unforgettable experience in learning how to best capture one of the most stunning places on earth. Click here for a slide show from one of our previous workshops. Accompanied by his wife Barb, a Field Naturalist, Joel provides individual attention in a unique, small group environment while together they share with their students a deep knowledge of the countryside. All levels are welcomed. Designed also to include a few non-photographer companions, this program caters to those wishing to experience the heart and soul of the small, alluring villages of Tuscany. . . . more |
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Rosenclaire House! |
 I had the good fortune to visit the Rosenclaire House in October, nestled in the hills of the slow food region of northern Tuscany - a fabulous house at a fabulous price! Take advantage of an amazing offer. Book before December 31st to receive huge discounts for travel in 2010 - up to $750 in savings! This charming house located just north of Lucca sleeps 7 comfortably with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a large family room, eat-kitchen, and a great dining and living room - ONLY $750 for the week! Stay for 2 weeks, and pay only $1250 (normally $1000 per week!). A few ideal dates still available for next year. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. You can afford a villa vacation in Tuscany. . . . more | |
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Please continue to stay tuned for more details on all of our new programs such as Adventures of Tuscany, Sicilian Life, Castles and Kitchens of Italy, wellness and artist retreats in Costa Rica, all-girl Surf Safaris in Mexico, as well as our signature and wildly popular program Lessons of Tuscany! All for which I am very thankful to be able to share with you!
May your table be always blessed with the company of those who share your love of life and your love for exploring new places near and far.
Sincerely,
Gina Ruggiero
Villa Vita International
Enriching Life Through Travel
866-590-8181 |
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Featured Recipe
Well Worth Repeating...
It's been 2 years since we first listed this - and what a great Holiday Dessert Idea it is!
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Torta di Mele Con Crema Allo Zabaione
(Apple Cake with Zabaione Cream)
Oven 350 degrees Fahrenheit
(A cake ring works well for this but any pan will do)
3 eggs
Same weight in sugar
Same weight in flour
Same weight in melted butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
7 apples
Beat eggs with the sugar. Add the flour a little at a time with along with the baking powder - then add melted butter - mix well - set aside.
Peel, core and thinly slice fruit. Mix well with batter.
Add to baking dish (coated with butter and flour). Bake for at least an hour - cover with foil if starting to brown too much.
Torte is cooked when inserted knife is clean.
Zabaione Cream
(or zabaglione)
4 egg yokes (save one shell half as a measuring cup)
4 half egg shells of sugar
4 half egg shells of Vin Santo*
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Beat eggs with sugar until frothy.
Add Vin Santo - mix well. Put on top of double boiler (boiling) and whisk constantly until sauce starts to thicken. Make sure all little yellow specs of raw egg are gone but do not over cook. Let cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form and fold in the Zabaione.
Variations
Make just the Zabiaone as above... Serve over roughly chopped fresh ripe peaches and top with crumbled amaretto biscotti ... Yum!
*Vin Santo (Saint's Wine) is a sweet after dinner wine - usually paired for dipping with almond biscotti ... Any fortified dessert wine like Marsala maybe substituted.
Buon Appetito!
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