3 years ago i went to Italy and had the very best time! it was my first trip to Europe, let alone across the world and i think it will always be closest to my heart. When i was in Florence I took a cooking class with Silvia. She met us at the market where I sampled 30 year old balsamic vinegar on sun warmed strawberries, watched old Italian men breakfast on tripe soaked baguettes with a glass of red wine and savored meats, cheeses and whole candied oranges from local venders. i have no words to describe how special that was for me. Then she brought us to her gorgeous flat where we cooked pork loin, roasted pepper souffles and made pasta stuffed with asparagus and ham while we drank a variety of wines from her pantry. I have never forgotten that day with her.
SO, just yesterday I got an email from her! i was so surprised to hear from Silvia. She sent me merry christmas wishes AND a traditional recipe from her family for limoncello! i had to share it with you.
Silvia’s Limoncello
12 big lemons (thick skin and organic)
alcohol 95 proof 1 LT
sugar 1kg
water 1lt
Lemons should be perfect and show no stains and a thick skin
with a peeler zest lemon in thin strips (only yellow part, no white)
place lemon zest in a big jar and pour the alcohol on
seal jar and set aside for 15 days, shaking from time to time.
when done, prepare the sugar syrup; bring water to boil, pour the sugar and cook for 15 minutes, until completely disolved.
wait until the syrup is completely cool and then add it on the alcohol/zest mixture, otherwise your limoncello would look milky.
stir and let rest one day before you bottle it.
I cant wait to try it! i still have my bottle of limoncello from italy just because i dont want it to all be gone. i am still trying to get Silvia out to Portland for a cooking class. Stay tuned.
ENJOY AND STAY WARM. Oh and my furnace is fixed YIPPEEE i am warm!
