Dancing in the street...

A big hello to you all from chilly Puglia. While it may not be as cold as some other places here in the heel of the boot, I always make sure I've got my nice big coat and scarf on if I'm having a mooch around outside. Talking of mooching around, the other day, whilst I was in the town centre, I happened to notice (well, perhaps saying 'couldn't ignore' would be more appropriate) the fact that there was jolly Christmas music coming from somewhere. That somewhere turned out to be the town hall. Yes folks, our charming commune had gone and rigged up a speaker and was blasting us all with a dose of Jingle Bells. It is possible that, much to the amusement/embarrassment of my man, I decided to do a little hop, skip and a jump. Well, if there's music in the street, surely someone's got to dance to it?

Talking of dancing around, I may have done a little happy dance yesterday, as a copy of Italia! magazine, complete with my very first Notes From Puglia article, found its way into my letterbox. I have been writing the Blogwatch section in this magazine for quite a few months now, so when the editor recently approached me to do a little Puglia section, I was chuffed. Make sure you get your hands on a copy of this glossy publication; not just for a little dose of yours truly of course, but also because it's packed full of the  best Italian locations to visit, some truly delicious looking recipes  and all the vital info you need for visiting the Boot.

 And finally, let me take this moment to wish you all a very merry Christmas; relax, chill out and eat a LOT of mince pies. Well, that's what I'll be doing anyway...

Buon Natale!!!

Freddie, Food and Festivities....

Well dear readers, I feel I must chiedo scusa  AGAIN for not writing for a while! I have been far too busy for my liking recently (bring on Christmas!) and haven't had the chance to write! When I did check my blog page however, I saw a new comment and two new followers, so I am absolutely chuffed that people are still reading! Thanks so much :)

So, what's new here in the south? Not a lot to be honest. The olive harvest has taken a bit of a hit due to some TERRIBLY English weather (ie a massive amount of rain) that we've had recently, so I have yet to get my hands on a bottle of the yummy green stuff. However, despite my lack of oil, I have still been stuffing my face (sorry, what an awful image) with lots of yummy Italian treats. While I may not have been writing lately, I have got a nice little collection of images to share with you....

Ahh, everyone needs a winter warmer...

This calorific cake is made from pan di stelle cookies and a whole load of cream and nutella. HEAVEN.

The classic brodo (broth) and pasta. Looks simple, tastes amazing.

Our local town hall, all festive and whatnot.

I ordered this from Amazon a little while ago. I had a bad cold recently so got all snuggled on the sofa and read about fabulous Freddie. 

A new local Enoteca in San Severo...

...where we ate these delicious treats.

They may like serving lemon with their tea (sacrilege!) but at least you get a nice selection of biccies.

Buon Natale indeed.

Cook in ten minutes with five ingredients. This book is on my Christmas list.

The panettone and pandoras are flooding in....

And today's lunch? Tortellini with butter and parmesan. Simple. Easy. Yummy.

Back soon folks...have a wonderful weekend!