Sunday 23 September 2012

Zio Mimmo's Sweet Delight (Crema di Limoncello)












In the heat of an Italian Summer, you can  easily forget long Winter's days and short nights. The snowy footprints of a cat outside your door, a sprig of holly, the smell of the earth on a rainy day, seem so far removed from life in a hot climate.


I'm thinking of hot days and even hotter nights, when it's hard to sleep and every little sound, from the street, becomes as deafening as thunder. It is sometimes impossible to stand that kind of heat... it takes over your life, but I love it!

I'm thinking of Summer evenings, at my sister's house, spent laughing and chatting, and watching the world below... so many lives, so many people and cars... cars and then cars. The whistle of a smartly uniformed police woman stops the noise... for a few seconds, and then... the carousel starts again: voices, laughs, music, cigarette smoke and the smell of sun lotion in the air.











I love Italy! I love the colours, the music, the lack of discipline and the fact that every Italian is an individual. In Italy, we don't like uniforms...

Our house up on the mountains of Cilento, is something else: peace, quiet, the sound of the wind softly blowing through your hair and the scent of wild herbs and lemon trees. I love our house and the pace of life ( we couldn't do it for over 5 weeks, though! Too quiet for us!)

This Summer I found out that we have tiny baby gekkos living in the box which covers the door bell, and I saw a snake, making its way down the stairs, outside our house right behind my husband. I told him later...

So, I have brought back with me the scents, the colours and the music of my native beautiful Italy. I sometimes stop and wonder: if it's true that God created the World, why and how could he have placed so much beauty just in one place? Italy is a land blessed in many ways.

 With these very happy thoughts in mind and a little supply of beautifully scented and coloured lemons, I decided to make Crema di Limoncello, following my brother Mimmo's recipe. He's quite THE CHEF!






Crema di limoncello is creamy, lemony and very, very smooth. It goes well with any cake made with ricotta, which is what I did: I made a ricotta and strawberry cake, using a new recipe (to follow.)

If you want a real smooth, soft, velvety taste of my Italy, try this recipe. I used Spirit, which I brought back from Italy. Vodka is a subsitute, but I cannot guarantee it will taste the same... but it's better than nothing, I guess!

Crema di Limoncello di Zio Mimmo
(Uncle Mimmo's Crema di Limoncello)


Makes about 1 1/2 litre of wonderful liquer

Ingredients:
1/2 litre Spirit or Vodka
(use Spirit if you want an authentic flavour)
The zest of 6 lemons
( my mum always used 4 lemons and 2 limes)
1 kg sugar
1l whole milk
250g pouring cream
some vanilla


Very easy to make! Peel the zest off your lemons and limes (if using) making sure to avoid the white pith, as this would make your liquer bitter (and if you were making normal limoncello, it would also make it cloudy!)

I put my Spirit (which I brought back from Italy) in a jar, then added my lemon zest, made sure the jar was tightly closed and placed in a dark place for two days.
Two days later... my spirit had turned a lovely shade of bright yellow and I knew I could now make my lovely creamy liquer.







In a saucepan, I brought my milk and sugar to the boil and, stirred continuously, to make sure the sugar was melted. I then let the milk cool down and waited... I was so impatient... I couldn't help it... it was quite exciting... Eventually my molk was cold and I was ready to add all my beautiful cream, my vanilla (did you know the pods are orchid seed pods?) and the spirit.







All I had to do, now, was stir, and taste... so good, so creamy... just fantastic! Mimmo was right: adding cream makes Crema di Limoncello really delicious!







I took some photos of my beautiful vintage bottle, filled with the sweet delight I made. I went outside and picked what possibly might have been the last of the Summer's bloom: roses and hydrangeas, to add colour and beauty.









 The little vintage glasses were given to me by an old lady at a flea market. It had been a beautiful day and I thought I would make a ricotta cake, as, apparently, ricotta and Limoncello go well together. I made my cake look pretty, with leaves and fruit. It tasted delicious!







We had a wonderful Italian meal with a "Gran Finale": my chilled Crema di Limoncello and my Torta alla Ricotta were a fantastic combination!

As you can see... I'm finally back to share my Taste of Italy with you all!

ANNA
xxx

38 comments:

  1. Dearest Anna.
    Hello, How wonderful to have you back again with us. I missed you.
    I can feel how you felt about Italy. Portugal has the same kind of lifestyle.
    When I am in Lisbon..with all the noise of the cars and the trams and the people laughing and chatting, i used to think i couldn't sleep..but i do and well too.
    Summer is over.. It rained heavily last night.. but we need it.
    It will be warm in a few days again. its 25º today.

    I am loving the recipe. Oh. gosh.. i think i could get a little tipsy on this one.
    Great photos and super post.
    big hugs and welcome back
    val x x x x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Val! I'm glad you love the recipe! I'm going to modify it to make a coffe and cocoa version of this liquer, like a kind of liquid Tiramisù, creamy and delicious (though I am not a lover of Tiramisù!

    It's good to be back... I've been very busy, here and in Italy, and at times unable to even go online (we don't have a phone landlanine at our place on the hills, in Campania, as we are not there often enough.) It was frustrating. I prefer the city lifestyle, really.

    It's raining as I write, Val... I can hear the sound of drops on the windows, and it feels a bit chilly, but it's romantic and very nice!

    I'm glad you commented, Val... off to read your post, now!

    ANNA

    xxx

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  3. Lovely post and great pictures I love Italy too I am a complete Tuscan fan and would love to go back, I can almost smell the lemons :-)
    Annie x

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  4. Hi Annie! Thank you for saying hello and visiting my blog. You must go back to Italy and visit different parts of the Country. There is beauty everywhere you look! Tuscany is beautiful, though, I do agree!

    PS: I'm glad you, too, can smell the lemons!

    CIAO!

    ANNA x

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  5. Welcome back bella barese!!!
    I had a good laugh when you mentioned the Summer heat..boy, it was really unbearable this year!
    It's a true feast for the eyes looking at your colourful pictures now that Summer is *fading*!
    Ciao!
    x

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    Replies
    1. Ciao e grazie per il "Bella barese!" Un complimento fa sempre piacere, no?

      Yes, it was very, very hot in Italy... you could have fried an egg on my hand!

      I'm glad you liked my pictures, Michela... I always spend a great deal of time editing my pics, and I hope I always manage to convey the magic of sunny, colourful Italy, through them.

      BUON AUTUNNO, MICHELA... ormai è con noi!

      CIAO!
      ANNA
      x

      Delete
  6. Oh !!! Welcome back !!!!Why did you missed so long?You had a wonderful summer !!! But I should prefer to stay out of town ,only quite ....your recipe looks easy and delicious for sweet!Do you know how we can make limoncello for drinking ..like cherry ...Please ,post it...your photos are so beautiful ! Welcome back !!!!!
    Olympia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Olympia, if you type the word limoncello in the search box, here on my blog, you'll find my Limoncello recipe, the traditional one, without cream. I would post a link, but for some reason, I am unable to copy and paste it.

      I had a good Summer, but busy and it was so hot! Olympia, I love the countryside, but after a while, my husband and I get a bit bored and miss the noise and buzz of city life. Having said this, Bari, my city is right on the Adriatic Coast, so we are in touch with nature, of the marine kind, all the time.

      Thank you for your very kind comment, Olympia!

      Hugs

      ANNA

      Delete
    2. http://inmyitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2011/04/lemon-blossom.html

      Copy and paste this link, Olympia.

      ANNA

      Delete
  7. I missed your posts so much!
    Happy that you are back now and writing such wonderful *lemon* italian tasting posts!!!


    ♥ ♥ ♥ Franka

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Franka, it gives me great pleasure to read that you can almost "taste" my posts! That's exactly what I try to achieve!

      I'm back now, so you'll be getting a few more of my posts, I dare say!

      PS: I'm glad I was missed!

      CIAO

      ANNA
      xx

      Delete
  8. Dear Anna, How lovely to look on the blog on a grey, soggy Monday morning and see a lovely post from you, drenched with the sunshine of beautiful Italy.
    I make my own lemon vodka liquer but never tried making a creamy one. Does it keep ok? I love the thought of finishing a special meal with a rich, creamy treat!
    Glad you are back and happy you've had a wonderful summer, Jane xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jane! It's very grey here, too, today. My sister told me that in Italy they still go to the beach!

      My crema di limoncello keeps well in the fridge, or even freezer, I guess. I have had mine refrigerated for over a week, now, and it's fine (I know because I had some last night and it was delicious. I just had to shake the bottle a bit!)I guess if you made it with Vodka it would still taste ok. Try!

      I will watch you on Channel 4, today. Did you say Come Dine With Me is on a 4.30? I won't miss it!

      CIAO!

      ANNA
      xx

      Delete
  9. ciao Anna!
    bellissimo e dolcissimo post!
    lo adoro!

    hip&chips

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ciao Selene! Che nome evocativo! Grazie per aver "trovato" il mio blog. Spero tanto che ti farai risentire. Amo tanto scrivere nella mia lingua!

      Mi fa tanto piacere leggere che trovi il mio post "dolcissimo." Mio marito mi accusa di nazionalismo, pensa un pò. Dice che esagero. La mia dignosi, invece è... AMORE!

      CIAO!

      ANNA

      Delete
  10. Welcome back Anna! You have been missed. You bring the sun and scent of Italy into our blog-world. Thank you. And thank you for a wonderful recipe.
    I loved your little story about your house in your beautiful place in Italy - and the snake following your husband!
    Best wishes
    Grethe ´)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Grethe! The thought of bringing "sun and scent" to this blog world really makes me happy. Thank you!

      Yes, the snake... it made its way down the stairs right behind him and then went its way. I asked Antonio, a gardener, whether those snakes were poisonous or not, and he said:" Non ti preoccupare, sono ciechi!" "Don't worry, they are blind!" I asked:" Does that mean they are not poisonous?" and he said:" They are poisonous, but blind, so don't worry!" It didn't make sense, to me. I think I should still worry about those snakes!

      I'm glad to be back!

      ANNA
      xx

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  11. Hi Anna, so sorry for my long absence.What a wonderful picture you paint, both of the noisy busy Italy and the quiet rural Italy. I love it all! Your Crema di Limoncello sounds gorgeous! Lots of love to you, Linda x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda! Don't apologize for your absence! I have been away for over two months, too busy living my life and very busy in Italy. But now I'm back... still busy, but posting. I so enjoy my photography and writing!

      Thank you for coming to say ciao.

      Love to you, too...

      ANNA
      xx

      Delete
  12. Welcome back Anna! Bentornata! Leggendo gli altri commenti, sembra veramente che porti sole e gioia anche a me che sono italiana e vivo qui!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CIAO! Mi fa tanto piacere rivederti sul mio blog- Grazie per il magnifico commento. Di sole ne avrai tantissimo, dalle tue parti, ma di gioia non ve n'è mai abbastanza nella vita (tu sembri un tipo che sa vedere il bello ovunque) Ho letto i tuoi posts durante l'estate, e quelli di altri, ma purtroppo lassù, su quelle montagne del Cilento, senza linea telefonica, rea un'impresa venire online!

      CIAO, CARA E A PRESTO!

      ANNA

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  13. Ciao Anna, l'Italia sarà anche bella......
    ma vuoi mettere la tua meravigliosa, strepitosa,
    nuvolosa e magnifica Inghilterra??? Un Paradiso!!
    Adesso berrei volentieri un pò del tuo limoncello....
    Love Susy x

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    Replies
    1. Cara Susy,

      le nuvole dell'Inghilterra sono molto romantiche e il senso di mistero che permea questa terra, ha ispirato tanta poesia e letteratura. Amo tanto questo paese e non mi stanco mai di apprezzarne la bellezza sia naturale, che architettonica, insieme alla calma (troppa) della provincia e il caos (che mi piace) delle città. Credimi, Susy... vivere con nuvole e pioggia 12 mesi all'anno ti farebbe agognare un pò di cielo azzurro e un pò di sole e la calma a volte quasi preoccupante, è un pò soporifera. Comunque, hai ragione:è magnifica e una vera miniera per gli amanti di antichità. Quanti magnifici negozietti!

      Love to you, too!

      ANNA

      xxx

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  14. Hello, I just found your lovely blog I came over from Helen Tilson Painter. Your writing paints such wonderful pictures. I love the photograph you posted of the street... its just lovely the way the lights are reflecting from the shiny cars, it's the BEST and really makes me feel like I am actually there looking out of a window! It's a lovely part of the evening, just as all the lights come on and everyone's mind turns to dinner and which restaurant to choose.

    All your photographs are lovely and I would love to try that recipe for Crema di Limoncello, alas I can't tolerate dairy anymore, :(

    Ooh! Blind or not...I don't think I'd like those snakes either, thank goodness he didn't realise it was behind him or that it didn't catch up with him!

    I'm off to read some more of your lovely writing and I'm definitely following along now!

    Jane

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jane!
      I am so happy to have such a fantastic lady as my newest follower. I just had a look at your lovely blog. I would like to follow it and read you!

      That photo is very nice and yes, it is the view of the Corso (Avenue) where my sister lives. We spent hours there, looking at the world, in Summer. The best time was when she had a bad dream and woke me up at 3 a.m because she was upset. We went outside, to talk and watch the new day start. What a wonderful time we had!

      I am a romantic. My romanticism is fuelled by nostalgia. I love nostalgia... don't you?

      Thank you for becoming my follower, Jane. I hope you read a few more of my "tales" and enjoyed them.

      CIAO!

      ANNA

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    2. I tried commenting on your blog, but there seems to be a problem with it!

      I'll try again another time.

      ANNA

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  15. THANK YOU, ANNA! Now I know why I did not make Limoncello this year. I was waiting for this recipe! It sounds wonderful! I must try it out! There is some sadness in your post... Italy is where your heart is - am I right? I was in an Italian bar here in Berne this morning. They only speak Italian, the newspapers are in Italian - it is magic! I could feel myself how much Italy is lacking to me without being Italian myself. You are just a great woman! BMH&B Christa

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    Replies
    1. Ciao Christa! I hope you make my crema di limoncello, as it really is delicious! The bar you went to this morning sounds really lovely, just like the one across the street from my sister. We sit inside when it's too hot to be out in the sun, and have a G&T with lots of ice and lime, or have a coffe granita.

      Christa, I am nostalgic about lots of things. There is an old Italian song which fills me with lots of sadness and nostalgia for something, but I am yet to work out what. I think it's something to do with my childhood.

      Feeling a bit sad and romantic is wonderful, as a lot of good things are and were born out of sadness.

      I feel I have a lot to look forward to and my past behind me. Without a little "drop" of nostalgia and romanticism, I would just write recipes. But I love telling stories and also write poetry (as well as recipes!)

      Italy is a wonderful place, a land blessed with much beauty and I am in love with it and my history!

      BMH&B

      ANNA
      xxx

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  16. Lovely to see you here again with your gorgeous words and photos Anna, so pleased you had a wonderful summer.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lindy! Yes, I am back and still trying to catch up with you all. Thank you for your comment. Our trip went well and I think we have achieved our goal!

      See you on your blog. I enjoy all your News from Italy!

      HUGS

      ANNA
      xx

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  17. Hi Anna, sorry you had trouble signing in to leave a comment, someone else also found it a pain as well, I'm really hoping it was just a gremlin that particular day.

    I came back here anyway, so I read your words to me, I'm definitely a romantic too, my Dad used to say, 'Life's just not like that Jane!' It didn't make a scrap of difference though ;))

    I loved your story about your sister and you outside at 3am one night. How wonderful was that, a night to be cherished and remembered forever I think! After all even though I live a few miles into the suburbs of the city I wouldn't venture out in the night, so it must have been wonderful to feel so safe.

    Glad that you enjoyed my little blog and I'm SO glad to meet you and follow along with all your lovely photo's stories and recipes.

    Hugs,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Jane! Yes, I love your blog and I have actually now realized that the passage I commented on was written by someone else, as you actually put the author's name at the top of the post. My mistake!

    Jane, I tried posting on your blog, again, but... no luck! probably something to do with your settings? I'm ok with every other blog, but I'm also experiencing a similar problem with Rosemary's blog, which I have been following for a while. I am puzzled!

    Thank you for replying.

    Hugs

    ANNA
    x

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  19. Dear Anna - I am so sorry that you been having problems commenting on my blog, hope you have seen that your last message got through alright.
    I am so pleased you are back safe and sound from Italy, I have missed you.
    I did not see this post, I think you must have done it whilst I was away.
    What a happy zingy colourful post it is - full of the colours, and scents of Italy.
    I have some lemoncello bought back from Sicily last Spring so will give it a try.
    Glad you are back♥

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    Replies
    1. Dear Rosemary,

      I will look at your blog in a minute. Yes, I had problems with commenting on your blog and another one, but I tried commenting from my desktop and found that it worked!

      Thank you for your comment. My creama di Limoncello is delicious and creamy. You should open your Limoncello (I find it a bit too sweet for my taste, though homemade is good!

      I'm glad you are back, too!

      CIAO!

      ANNA
      x

      Delete
  20. Hi me again Anna, it worked this time!
    Comment duly published, thank you!

    No...It IS my writing in the main part of my blog, although sometimes I place a quote or a line from a poem by someone else at the beginning or the end. Sorry you were confused. Looking forward to more of your lovely blog soon I hope!
    Have a good week.
    Hugs Jane

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  21. I like the way you write, Jane! Really, really good!

    More posts and recipes coming soon, Jane! In the meantime you have almost 100 to read through!

    I'm glad Monday is over!

    You have a good week, too!

    Hugs

    ANNA

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Anna.
    I have tried to make crema di limoncello but the alcohol always separates from the milk mixture. Not sure why.

    With your recipe it looks like you boil the milk and sugar first, then remove from the heat and let cool, and after cool you add the cream and vanilla bean. I wonder if adding the cream after the milk/sugar mixture cooled makes the difference. Curious to know.

    Thanks,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  23. I loved reading this piece! Well written! :)

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    ReplyDelete