Under the Tuscan Snow

The month of February found Italy covered in snow. A winter storm battered much of Italy, bringing arctic temperatures to the north and snow as far south as Naples, disrupting transport and commerce across the country. Rome had between six and eight inches of snow, the most in more than a quarter century, downing trees, snarling traffic and leaving shops shuttered. Some vehicles were trapped for 10 hours on the ring road that surrounds the capital in Rome and trucks were forced to pull off highways in much of the center and north of the country. International news reported that snow blanketed Italy from Venice to as far south as Naples, but the vast amount of snow that fell on Tuscany was not as widely covered.

Temperatures were below zero and roads were icy and dangerous. Trees had fallen everywhere, making many small villages appear to be war zones. Unusually heavy snow fell over much of Tuscany, causing disruption of train and road transport, especially in mountainous regions where emergency services struggled to reach isolated villages.

This bad weather that impacted all of Tuscany originated in the Balkans. The people of Tuscany were advised not to take any trips except those absolute necessary. There were thousands of people without heat, without water, without food. In our area, local farmers brought out their tractors and kept most of the roads clear.

In Montefollonico, we recorded about 125cm (50 inches) of snow. Urbino, about 150km to our northwest set a record with 327cm (128 inches)-the deepest snowfall in over 128 years.

With this much snow and extended low temperatures, there are both positive and negative thoughts concerning the local agriculture. Tuscany saw an autumn and a beginning of winter with little rainfall, so little that in many cities the water was rationed. With these abundant snowfalls, the earth is filling up with water and even the springs will feel the positive impact. However, many farmers are worried about the olive trees. In 1985 there was an extended period of extreme cold in our area, and most all of the olive trees died. Because it takes years for the olive trees to mature after they are planted, it took some time for the local industry to recover.

Through it all, the Tuscan people are very resilient knowing the green fields covered in brilliant red poppies and brocoletti are just around the corner awaiting spring.   

Dania Misotti

Our first class each week is at the gorgeous Hotel & Ristorante La Chiusa with the equally beautiful Dania Misotti. Dania is one of the most amazing chefs we've ever had the pleasure of working with. Our guests immediately fall in love with her, as she amazes everyone with her vivacity and charm. She has earned Michelin stars numerous times over the years for her wonderful cuisine. For this newsletter we want to share a video of Dania in the kitchen preparing risotto made with Brunello wine. Click here or on Dania's photo to watch the video.     

Breaking News! 

The cover story of The Costco Connection magazine (March 2012) features Jane Pauley as the "reinvention evangelist" for her inspirational work on the AARP show "Your Life Calling".

Patty and I were honored to be featured on the show in November and now to be spotlighted in the magazine article with a wonderful sidebar about Tuscan Women Cook (page 23). Costco Connection has the second highest distribution of any magazine in the USA!

Click here or on the cover image to read the article.

Click here to watch the Jane Pauley interview shown on The Today Show plus a video of Jane learning to make pasta.