Tuscany Part 2: Foods of Siena

San Gimignano, Siena, Tuscany

Our last stop in the province of Siena was a San Gimignano - a gorgeous, walled medieval town from the 900s, and famous for its towers. 15 of the original 72 towers remain. We arrived after lunch and before dinner so had to make do with a bowl of sausages and tuscan beans, which was tasty, but a few other edibles caught my eye. Like this curing cinghiale, otherwise known as wild boar.

 

This selection of cinghiale prosciutto was almost as impressive as the curing meats in a butcher's shop from the town of Siena. Sorry for the blur - I had to take this incognito.

 

As amazing as all these lovely cured meats are, there lies a special place in my heart for all things sweet. And while I am a moth to a flame for sunshine and warm weather, I love fall because it means Halloween, Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas cookies, and harvest time for nuts! Celebrating the cooler weather spirit is a famous Christmas cookie from the region of Siena - ricciarelli. 

 

This traditional Christmas cookie (can be enjoyed at anytime of the year, of course) is made up of almond paste, egg whites, sugar, and often orange zest. The dough is made and formed into balls or the more traditional diamond shape. These are left out for a couple days to form a crackly skin, sprinkled with 10x, and then baked. Ricciarelli are very similar to the more well-known amaretti. 

Another sweet treat we discovered in Siena was panforte. It's basically a fruit cake loaded with nuts, candied fruits, and spices. There also exists a chocolate version!

 

A proper panforte is said to have 17 different ingredients, representing each of the 17 contrada that make up Siena. If you want to know a bit more about Siena's contradas check out my previous post.

Its as if the gods knew our trip to Tuscany had come to an end in San Gimignano, as the clouds rolled in and it began to sprinkle.

 

Good thing we managed to have the last of the summer tomatoes the day before...

 

Summer is officially over in my book. A real chill has come to London and this time I think its here to stay. I've even had to pull out my heating blanket for the bed this week. Plum jams on deck, just got my first batch of pears, and already writing my grocery list for Thanksgiving. Fall is definitely here.

Comments

[mycookinghut]

I love cured meat!!!! miam....
Yes - summer is over in London, gets pretty chilled at night.. but there sun is still out in the morning, which is good than the rain.. :)

Maybe we should meet up one day for Dim Sum?

[The Duo Dishes]

Ooh, look at all the meat. Agreed the sweet treats are one of the most fun things to see and taste though.

[Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite]

You are bringing back memories of Summer 2005, spent meandering through Unbria and Tuscany.... Lovely post!

[lisa]

Wow, all the meat and those delicious Christmas cookies. Yes, Fall has definitely arrived. But, I like it, makes me feel cozy and warm. I also look forward to all the Thanksgiving cooking and baking!

[Maria]

Wow, that all looks quite beautiful. The cookies sound amazing--I've got a sweet tooth too!

I know what you mean ... it's definitely Fall here in NYC too!

[Natasha - 5 Star Foodie]

I would love a taste of that panforte! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience in Tuscany!

[Tangled Noodle]

The photos of curing meats are temptingl sights! I would love a taste of cinghiale prosciutto . . . or of ricciarelli. What a wonderful way to end your summer travels - and it sounds as if you're well-prepared for fall/winter. Great memories to keep you warm! 8-)

[sophia]

It's rainy and chilly today, and I definitely am mourning that summer is really over.
I also really, really enjoyed your pictures. Touring Europe is my dream, but in the meantime, I'll just live vicariously through you.

[Juliana]

Oh! Nice pictures, thanks for sharing it...the Christmas cookies look so yummie!

[gastroanthropologist]

mycookinghut - Would love to meet up for Dim Sum. Have not had any in London, bit scared i'm going to choose the "wrong" place. I'm a bit of a dim sum snob, hailing from San Francisco and all...

[Sophie]

I feel that I just went on holiday all over again,...

Thanks for this useful info on panforte,...I love it!!

Beautiful & very appetizing pictures!!!

[lisaiscooking]

Interesting about the 17 ingredients in panforte! I'll have to try making my own until I can visit Siena.

[OysterCulture]

What fun, one thing I love about Italy, and I know its not exclusive there is the local food and the history behind them - the panforte you mentioned is the perfect example. I have to say those cookies and the charcuterie looked amazing and worth a trip by themselves.

[Esme]

All this food looks incredible. Love the photos.