Tag Archives: Tradition

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Myrtle liqueur: between history and production

Category:Blog,Food Tags : 

Myrtle liqueur is a digestive obtained from the maceration of ripe myrtle berries. It is popular in various areas of Italy, being the myrtle plant (Myrtus communis) typical of the Mediterranean maquis.

In Massa Lubrense, the plant is present along the slopes most exposed to the sun, where it grows from sea level up to an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. It is possible to find it, for example, on the sides of the path that leads to the Bay of Ieranto or along the Sentiero delle Sirenuse.

This digestive liquor is a tradition rooted in Massa Lubrense and is produced both in local homes and in specialized distilleries present in the area. It is loved not only for its unique flavor, but also for its historical connection to the culture and tradition of this region.

Homemade production often involves recipes passed down from generation to generation, while commercial distilleries prepare it on a larger scale, helping to spread its distinctive taste throughout the territory.

The myrtle plant

Scientifically called Myrtus communis, the myrtle plant belongs to the Myrtaceae family and has intense green leaves that give off pleasant smells. It is an evergreen shrub typical of the Mediterranean scrub, which prefers a mild climate. But it can also resist the frosts, if protected and sheltered from the bad weather.

Solitary and elegant, the flowers are simple and white in colour. According to phenology, the plant flourishes between the months of May and June and bears fruit around October and November for the harvest of its berries.

liquore di mirto
Myrtle flower

The origins

Its origins are very ancient and shrouded in mystery. Traces of myrtle plant already appear in ancient Egyptian and Arab written documents. It is said that the ancient Egyptians decorated their cities with myrtle branches during the holidays, attributing to the plant a divine power capable of warding off evil spirits, catastrophes and diseases.

Furthermore, it was also the sacred plant of Aphrodite. In the myth, the plant protected Aphrodite’s virtues from the malicious gaze of satyrs. Therefore, it is considered a plant that represents love, fertility and eros and was used, in fact, as an aphrodisiac remedy or to adorn wedding banquets.

The Harvest

Harvest period begins in November, when the berries are maturing, and extends until January. According to the artisan myrtle producers, however, the best period for harvesting is the month of December, when the berries are neither too raw nor too cooked. The secret to understanding whether the berries can be harvested is revealed to us by the presence of the bloom. A substance produced by the fruits themselves on their surface which makes the myrtle berry an opaque blue color and which gives the fruit an intense and strong flavou

The myrtle picking takes place almost exclusively by hand. Although this type of harvesting affects speed, it is preferable due to its minimal impact on the plant and the ability to preserve all the characteristics of the berries intact.

Once picked, fresh berries must be immediately processed for the production of the liqueur.

Freshly picked myrtle berries

The recipe

Myrtle liqueur’s preparation is long but simple at the same time.

Ingredients (for 2 litres):

  • 1 l of water
  • 500 g myrtle berries
  • 500 g granulated sugar
  • 1 l of pure alcohol (90°)

Preparation:

Take the myrtle berries, wash them under running water and place them in a strainer to eliminate impurities. Leave a few small leaves if you want.

Once washed, leave to dry for 2 or 3 days on some clean cloths. At this point, place the myrtle berries together with the alcohol in a glass container with hermetic closure, essential for maintaining aromas and perfumes intact. Store the container in a dark, cool place for approximately 40-50 days.

After the resting time, drain the berries.Using a clean cloth, squeeze the berries gently to extract the juice.

In the meantime, boil the water on the stove and when it has almost reached boiling temperature, begin to slowly dissolve the sugar. Once the syrup composed of water and sugar has cooled completely, add the alcohol flavored with myrtle berries and mix the resulting liqueur with a wooden spoon. Using a strainer, filter the liqueur and then, using a funnel, transfer it into the glass bottles.

Before tasting the myrtle liqueur, it must rest in a cool place for at least a month. Then all that remains is to sip the excellent digestive with its typically Mediterranean aroma at room temperature.


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The typical sweets of Capri

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The island of Capri, known for its beautiful coastline, the faraglioni (stacks) and many attractions such as the Grotta Azzurra, is the land of Caprese cake.
There is a story that tells that this cake was born from the mistake of a baker who forgot to put the flour in the dough. The result was so surprising that it continued to be prepared only with almonds, sugar, butter and eggs, without flour and yeast. It is, therefore, a soft and fragrant sweet perfect for celiacs and lactose intolerant.

There are various versions: classic with bitter chocolate, lemon, almonds and limoncello or pistachio and white chocolate, as well as many others. It can be enjoyed at room temperature or warm and can be accompanied by whipped cream, ice cream or seasonal fruit.

Besides Caprese cake, ice cream is another symbol of the island.

Ice cream, one of the typical desserts of Capri pastry

Ice cream

In several bars or pastry shops you can find excellent ones, made with fresh and top-quality ingredients. Even the crunchy waffle is handmade and is often still served hot in the shape of a cone or cup.

You can also enjoy it in the “tulip” version, that is enriched with whipped cream and a ganache of melted chocolate. In addition, you can also find cups to customize with hazelnuts, colored confetti and creams, enjoying them just sitting at the tables of places that have made the history of the place.

Biscuits and dry pastries

Other sweets born in the shadow of the faraglioni (stacks) are the goats. These are fragrant and soft biscuits with almond and lemon paste that are prepared with only egg whites and are gluten-free. The original recipe is secret, but it is known to all that these cookies are made by combining almonds with two wonderful typical products: the local lemons and limoncello liqueur, which characterize this icon of tastiness.

Do not forget, then, the ricci capresi, made with pine nuts and chocolate in the double version “black” and “white”. Moreover there is the pistachio cannolo, dry pastry and biscuits. Moreover there is the brioche “with tuppo” with cream, graffe (staples) and Kranz, both with sultanas and chocolate chips.

The staples, an exquisite yeast cake typical of Neapolitan cuisine

It is clear the enormous richness of flavors and scents that the Neapolitan pastry offers in its island declination, which we invite you to enjoy, choosing what appeals to you in the places that have contributed to writing the culinary history of Capri.


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The recipe of the babà

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The babà is a very soft yeast cake, wet with rum and mushroom-shaped. It is a typical product of traditional Neapolitan pastry.

Originally it was a natural leavening cake from Poland and other Slavic countries, then it was perfected by French cooks before arriving in Naples. It is said that the recipe for rum babà in the typical modern mushroom form dates back to 1835 and is attributed to the famous pastry chef Nicolas Stohrer, who would have invented it on the occasion of the wedding of Maria Leszczyńska with the king of France Louis XV.

Another story tells that the king, known for his ugly character, had thrown the cake against a cupboard crushing a bottle of rum, which ended up soaking the cake and that his father-in-law tasted it and thought it was excellent.

The babà has fully entered the tradition of Neapolitan pastry both in the form of donut served with whipped cream, both smaller with custard and black cherry, or oblong mushroom-shaped of various sizes. It can be filled with cream and fruit salad, chantilly cream and strawberries, mascarpone and limoncello cream, hazelnut cream, citrus cream, with pistachio and fresh raspberries. Even were also made savory versions very tasty with meats and cheeses such as provolone, scamorza, Gruviera or pecorino.

Cream babà with berries

In short, there are endless reinterpretations of this timeless sweet symbol of Italian culinary culture, but especially Neapolitan. Below we propose the indications to replicate at home the traditional version.

Recipe of the babà

Ingredients for the babàs

  • 125 g flour
  • 50 g butter
  • 2 whole eggs (large)
  • 1 yolk
  • 15 g milk
  • 15 g sugar
  • 15 g brewer’s yeast
  • a pinch of salt

For the syrup:

  • 500 g water
  • 250 g sugar
  • 250 g rum
  • 1 lemon
  1. To start preparing babas with rum, briefly mix flour and yeast in the stand mixer with the hook, or by hand. Add milk, eggs and yolk, previously mixed and work for a few minutes until smooth. To avoid lumps, add the egg and milk mixture while the mixer is running or, if you are working by hand, keep mixing. Add sugar and mix. Finally add salt and butter, softened at room temperature. The dough should be soft, almost liquid.
  2. Then put the dough in a sac à poche. Pour it, then, into the molds, and fill up to about 1 cm from the edge. Leave to rise for about 30 minutes at 30 ºC in the oven. Turn off the light.
  3. Bake at 180 ºC in a ventilated oven preheated for about 13 minutes. The babas will be ready when they can be easily removed from the mould. You can cut the bottom of a babà and check the alveolature of the dough. Unmold and let cool very well.

The syrup

  1. To prepare the cake syrup: in a saucepan heat water, sugar and lemon peel. Boil it and then filter. Add rum. Put the syrup in a bowl and, when it is still warm, completely immerse the babas for a few moments. Drain on a cake rack.
  2. Put them in the fridge for 1 hour before serving to enjoy them. Rum babas, before being wet, can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week or in the freezer, until the evening before use, tightly closed in a food bag.


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Festivals: an opportunity to get to know the area

Category:Blog,Featured,Festivals,Food Tags : 

written by Claudia Fontana

Festivals are popular local celebrations that generally arise from a religious festivity, often to commemorate a saint. They are generally animated by music, fun activities and excellent cuisine. In Massa Lubrense there are several festivals throughout the year: here you can taste the best products of our land.

Zucchini Festival

It takes place on the second Sunday of July in the village of Acquara to celebrate the patron saint St. Vito. The day of St. Vito is actually celebrated on June 15th, but it is customary to carry out the festival in July. The most important moment is certainly the procession that passes through the whole village. Among the delicious foods that you can eat, there are many zucchini-based dishes such as the famous parmigiana and spaghetti alla Nerano.

Lemon Festival

Among the most famous festivals in the area there is certainly the lemon festival. It is held in July and is dedicated to one of the typical products of our land: lemon. You can taste various dishes and lemon-based specialties such as sorbet and risotto and you can also try the famous limoncello.

Snail Festival

Also very famous is the snail festival held on June 29th in Monticchio. The festival takes place on the occasion of the feast of St. Peter. There is, at first, a long procession followed by the Massa Lubrense music band. Then during the festival, in addition to pleasant musical performances and various activities for the youngest, you can taste the delicious snails.

Potato Festival

It takes place in the village of Termini to celebrate San Costanzo. It is held in July and usually lasts for a weekend. The main product is the potato, which is the basis of all dishes, from the starter to the dessert. Among the specialties are croquette, potato ravioli and Neapolitan staples.

Tomato festival

It takes place on the first Sunday of August in the village of Torca to celebrate the patron saint, St. Anna. As for the zucchini festival, also in this case the feast of the saint is actually on a different day, that is, July 26th. The tomato can be tasted in many traditional and non-traditional recipes, all accompanied by music and fun.

Fiordilatte Festival

On the occasion of the patronal feast of St. Salvatore, on August 6th, the Fiordilatte Festival is held in the village of Schiazzano. Fiordilatte is one of the typical cheeses of Massa Lubrense but you can also taste the famous provolone del monaco and a great variety of local dairy products.

Eggplant Festival

The festival is held on August 15th in the village of Marina della Lobra to celebrate the feast of the Madonna dell’Assunta. For the religious anniversary, a procession takes place by sea to the rock of Vervece. Afterwards, in the evening, you can enjoy various eggplant-based dishes, including the famous chocolate eggplants.


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Typical Easter dishes in Massa Lubrense

Category:Blog,Festivals,Food Tags : 

written by Eleonora Aiello

Massa Lubrense is known not only for its cultural, historical and landscape resources, but also for its gastronomy. In particular, given the imminent arrival of Easter, we will go and see which are the main dishes of the Easter tradition in this area.

Salty “casatiello”

Casatiello, a name that derives from the Latin caseus (= cheese), is one of the savory dishes par excellence of the Easter holidays. Inside we can find a mix of cheeses, lard, cracklings and various cold cuts. All then garnished with unshelled hard-boiled eggs that are woven into the dough as a decoration.

Casatiello guarnito con cubetti di salame, prosciutto, mozzarella e uova sode.

Sweet “casatiello”

It is a recipe that is handed down from family to family, each with its own secrets and procedures.
Compared to the salty casatiello it has a much longer and more elaborate preparation. It has a leavening process that can last for days, thanks to the use of “criscito” which in the Neapolitan dialect is nothing more than the mother yeast, which allows it to be stored for many days without losing its soft consistency.

Pastiera

It is one of the oldest Easter desserts on the peninsula. Its origins date back to pagan cults, prepared to celebrate the arrival of spring. It is a shortcrust pastry pie with a filling made of ricotta, boiled wheat, eggs, spices and candied fruit. The pastry of the pastiera is crunchy, in contrast to its soft gold-colored filling which has a flavor and scent that vary according to the aromas used. The classic version involves the use of cinnamon and orange blossom water, but this does not prevent you from trying different aromas.

Roasted artichokes

They have always been considered the classic side dish of the Easter lunch. To prepare roasted artichokes, you need large, hairless, thornless artichokes with a long, straight stem. They are flavored with oil, garlic and parsley, and then cooked directly on the coals.

Carciofi arrostiti Piatti Pasqua

The handmade Easter egg

The choice of the Easter egg as a symbol of this holiday is linked to the fact that the egg is seen as a symbol of life. All the children are anxiously awaiting the arrival of this day in order to finally be able to break the chocolate eggs and unwrap the surprise. The eggs have been made to celebrate Easter since 1850 and are used only in Italy or in countries where there are large Italian communities.

Today, the Massa Lubrense pastry shops prepare artisan chocolate eggs of all sizes and for all tastes. A gift appreciated not only by children!

Handmade Easter dove cake

It was Dino Villani, advertising director of the Milanese company Motta, who, in the 1930s, invented a dessert similar to panettone, but intended for the Easter holidays. Since then, the Easter dove cake has spread to the tables of all Italians, and even far beyond the borders of Italy. The original dough, based on flour, butter, eggs, sugar and candied orange peel, with a rich almond glaze, has subsequently taken on different shapes and variations.

Piatti del menù di Pasqua

Easter menu with traditional dishes

For those who have no idea what to cook for Easter Sunday lunch, here is a menu to take inspiration from.

  • Appetizer: casatiello, various cold cuts, cheeses and vegetables;
  • First courses: lasagna or baked pasta;
  • Second courses: lamb in the oven or mixed grilled meats with potatoes or vegetables;
  • Desserts: pastiera and chocolate eggs.

These are the typical dishes of an Easter lunch in Massa Lubrense, but nothing prevents you from being able to create a personalized menu based on your preferences.

Buon appetito!


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Liqueurs of Massa Lubrense

Category:Blog,Food Tags : 

Le località della Penisola Sorrentina sono famose per la produzione di liquori. Usufruendo dei prodotti locali, si ottengo distillati dal gusto inconfondibile.

Il limoncello

Tra i liquori di Massa Lubrense è impossibile non citare il Limoncello. La spessa buccia dei limoni locali, ricca di oli essenziali e dall’aroma molto deciso, è l’ingrediente principale della produzione.
Si tratta del liquore simbolo della costiera sorrentina, nato agli inizi del 1900 e amato in tutto il mondo.

La preparazione secondo la tradizione inizia con il lavaggio del frutto. In una brocca vengono poi inserite le scorze insieme all’alcol alimentare e il tutto viene lasciato in macerazione per circa un mese. Successivamente, al composto viene aggiunta dell’acqua precedentemente portata a ebollizione con lo zucchero e poi fatta raffreddare, insieme a dell’altro alcol. Il tutto viene fatto riposare per altri 40 giorni. L’infuso viene poi filtrato e sistemato in delle bottiglie.

In Campania questo liquore è solitamente gustato come digestivo dopo pranzo o dopo cena. È utilizzato per la preparazione di dolci come il babà o la delizia al limone, un soffice pan di spagna bagnato al limoncello, farcito con crema pasticcera aromatizzata e decorato con ciuffetti di panna e scorza di limone. Un dessert dal sapore unico.
Nel periodo estivo viene utilizzato anche per arricchire gelati o granite.

Molto comune è anche la Crema di Limoncello. Differenza rispetto al classico liquore è l’uso del latte al posto dell’acqua. In questo modo il gusto sarà più dolce, dalla consistenza cremosa. Ottimo da gustare da solo, ancor di più da accompagnare ai dolci.

Liquore alle noci

Noci di Sorrento

Anche le noci di Sorrento sono tra i prodotti tipici della zona. Secondo la tradizione vanno raccolte il 24 giugno, nel giorno di San Giovanni, e ancora acerbe vanno utilizzate per la macerazione. Il liquore – chiamato nocillo o nocino – acquisisce un colore marrone scuro con riflessi tendenti al nero e un profumo intenso e persistente. L’invecchiamento ne esalta il gusto amaro, apprezzabile al meglio quando servito a temperatura ambiente.

Il mirto

Liquore al mirto

Il mirto è un pianta che cresce spontaneamente nell’area mediterranea. Il liquore è prodotto dalle sue bacche mature, in macerazione per circa 40 giorni. Appena preparato, in genere ha una colorazione molto scura, tendente al nero con riflessi violacei, e un gusto astringente. Dopo diversi mesi vira al rosso rubino, il gusto è più armonico e vellutato. Si tratta di un ottimo digestivo da gustare freddo.

Liquore di mela annurca

L’annurca è una varietà di mela con marchio I.G.P. che cresce su tutto il territorio campano. È un frutto molto amato, ricco di vitamine e minerali, dalle note proprietà benefiche. Raccolta ancora acerba, termina la sua maturazione al sole, assumendo il caratteristico colore rosso e un sapore che la rende unica. Utilizzando i semi se ne produce un liquore aromatizzato, dal gusto fruttato e molto delicato. Altre versioni della ricetta oltre i semi prevedono anche l’uso delle bucce. Il tutto viene lasciato macerare per circa un mese e mezzo. Il liquore assume poi un colore tenue, tendente al rosso. Solitamente è consumato a fine pasto, ma può essere utilizzato anche per la preparazione di dolci, ad esempio come bagna.

Liquori alle erbe

A Massa Lubrense viene prodotta una grande varietà di liquori alle erbe. Ne è un esempio il liquore al finocchietto, perfetto digestivo fresco. Per la produzione si utilizzano prevalentemente i semi della pianta, oltre che le foglie. Viene servito a temperatura ambiente.

Il liquore alla liquirizia, dal colore nero intenso, ha invece un gusto più deciso e una consistenza più densa e cremosa. L’ingrediente principale è la radice della pianta. Da non perdere se siete amanti del suo caratteristico sapore!

Il profumo delle erbe mediterranee è concentrato nel liquore alle dodici erbe. Tra queste menta, basilico, alloro, rosmarino, ginepro, camomilla, foglie di tè, chiodi di garofano. Liquore dal gusto aromatico, è indubbiamente un ottimo digestivo.

Liquore all’arancia e al mandarino

Oltre al classico limoncello, nella zona si produce anche un liquore a base di arancia. Quest’ultima, come il limone, ha una buccia spessa e molto profumata, in contrasto con la polpa leggermente acre. Ne viene fuori un prodotto dal sapore inconfondibile.
Il liquore al mandarino della penisola sorrentina, prodotto sempre per macerazione delle sue bucce, ha un gusto dolce e più delicato.

Grappe

Nel territorio si trovano anche le classiche grappe, come la barricata, dal colore ambrato, o la grappa di Barbera. Le bacche utilizzate per le produzioni provengono dai vitigni del Piemonte.

Questi distillati, oltre a essere gustabili sul luogo, sono un perfetto souvenir da portare a casa o regalare!


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Cooking classes in Massa Lubrense

Category:Blog,Food Tags : 

di Rosario Sisto

Intervista a Fabio Colucci

La cucina italiana è sicuramente la più famosa e rinomata di tutto il mondo. Gente da tutto il pianeta viene qui in Italia per assaggiare i nostri piatti tipici. Ma molte persone non vengono solo ad assaggiare, bensì anche ad imparare partecipando a lezioni di cucina.

Indubbiamente la cucina italiana possiede un fascino e un livello di qualità senza pari, motivo per cui molti desiderano imparare direttamente dai nostri chef alcune ricette, ma esattamente dove si può andare per imparare le nostre arti culinarie?

Ebbene qui a Massa Lubrense abbiamo una scuola di cucina: la Chez Barone Cooking School, dove sarete in grado non solo di apprendere varie ricette tradizionali della cucina italiana ma anche di passare una bellissima e rilassante giornata presso il Palazzo del Barone, dove la scuola è situata.

Abbiamo avuto l’occasione di intervistare il signor Fabio Colucci, che lavora presso la Chez Barone, così da dare a tutti voi delle informazioni sul tipo di esperienza che potrete avere presso la struttura.

Ci parli della Chez Barone Cooking School: Quali sono le sue origini? Cosa ha motivato la sua creazione?

Chez Barone è nata nel 2019 nel Palazzo del Barone, una villa storica, quasi da un’intuizione: avevamo notato che c’erano molte persone che volevano imparare a cucinare all’italiana, in particolare le specialità sorrentine. A settembre di quello stesso anno eravamo già ai primi posti tra le classifiche grazie alle numerose recensioni positive che ci venivano fatte.

lezioni di cucina

Quali persone tendono a partecipare alle vostre lezioni di cucina? Vengono anche stranieri? In tal caso riescono, nonostante le differenze culturali, ad appassionarsi alla cucina italiana?

Sicuramente chi sceglie le nostre lezioni ha già una certa passione per la cucina, dopotutto non molti frequenterebbero una scuola di cucina in caso contrario, ma i nostri insegnamenti permettono loro di tornare a casa fieri di poter finalmente preparare quelle ricette italiane che tanto amavano assaggiare. Circa l’80% dei nostri clienti sono americani, spesso italo-americani, ma ci sono anche inglesi, tedeschi e israeliani. In passato anche degli chef internazionali hanno partecipato ai nostri corsi.

In cosa consistono le vostre lezioni? Quali ricette vengono insegnate?

lezioni di cucina

Abbiamo 2 corsi di cucina:

Il primo è ogni mattina dalle 10:30 alle 16:30 e insegniamo ai partecipanti come preparare la pizza tradizionale con il forno a legna. Inoltre, insegniamo anche a preparare vari tipi di pasta come gli gnocchi e le tagliatelle. Una parte di questo corso consiste anche in un “Mozzarella Show”, dove viene insegnato come preparare la mozzarella. Infine viene insegnata ai partecipanti la preparazione di dolci come la caprese e il tiramisù, e anche di gelati.

Il secondo corso è ogni giorno dalle 16:00 alle 19:30, e insegniamo come preparare la pizza fritta, che risulta spesso molto interessante ai partecipanti non italiani in quanto non sono abituati a vedere questo tipo di pizza. Inoltre, insegniamo come cucinare le braciole, preparare i ravioli capresi e anche il limoncello.

Entrambi questi corsi avvengono in 2 luoghi diversi dello stesso Palazzo del Barone.

Una caratteristica che apparentemente vi distingue è la vostra filosofia “no-stress e senza fretta”. Le dispiacerebbe specificare?

Le persone che vengono da noi possono godere di un’atmosfera rilassante perché offriamo loro il massimo dell’ospitalità: i corsi non durano troppo tempo e le attività stesse sono molto piacevoli, e una volta terminati i corsi le persone possono tranquillamente restare per rilassarsi nel Palazzo, ad esempio facendo il bagno in piscina.

Nei vostri corsi insegnate anche come preparare il limoncello. Essendo i limoni di Massa Lubrense uno dei nostri prodotti tipici, potrebbe dirci come viene insegnato?

lezioni di cucina

Noi abbiamo un limoneto, insegniamo ai clienti come raccogliere i limoni giusti, poi li portiamo dentro e glieli facciamo pelare. Spieghiamo loro quali sono le giuste dosi di alcol da usare e come fare le infusioni con le bucce appena pelate. Una volta terminato il processo, potranno assaggiare il frutto del loro stesso lavoro.

Ringraziamo infinitamente il signor Colucci per le informazioni che ci ha dato. Speriamo profondamente che questo abbia motivato molti di voi a provare le lezioni di cucina della Chez Barone qui a Massa Lubrense!


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Christmas cuisine in Massa Lubrense

Category:Blog,Food Tags : 

by Rosario Sisto

Christmas has always been a holiday characterized by the consumption of numerous types of meals, according to the tradition of Christmas cuisine of each territory.

It doesn’t matter what place we’re talking about: it is a matter of fact that the culinary Christmas traditions of Campania are always delightful and those of Massa Lubrense are no exception.

Whether it is main dishes, sweets or even fruits, here in Massa Lubrense you’ll find everything you need to spend a deliciously happy Christmas. If you wish to get a general preview of some of the delicacies that you will find here, here are some of our best dishes.

The main dishes of our Christmas cuisine

Christmas cuisine
Spaghetti with clams

Every Neapolitan citizen knows the importance of the main dishes during Christmas meals. For anyone who may not know, tradition dictates that on Christmas Eve one should mainly eat seafood-based first dishes, especially during dinner.

Among these dishes the most famous and appreciated is Spaghetti with clams, served either with a bit of tomato sauce or with none at all.

On the other hand on Christmas Day itself it is customary to eat much simpler meals, such as baked pasta.

You will be able to taste these delicacies and many more at the numerous restaurants scattered throughout the territory of Massa Lubrense.

Appetizers, second dishes and Christmas side dishes

Naturally there are many other types of dishes typically eaten during the Christmas period, especially on Christmas Eve. Now we point out some that we really wish you to try here in Massa Lubrense.

Appetizers:

  • Mixed cured meat: Various arrays of different kinds of cured meat, from salami to ham to many others.
  • Escarole pizza: A type of pie typical of neapolitan tradition, stuffed with escaroles, black olives, capers and anchovies.

Second dishes:

  • Fried mixed fishfood: Another great traditional dish typical of neapolitan cuisine in general, which includes fried shrimp, squid, anchovies and even cod served all at once.
  • Cod fritters: Small balls of salted fried pasta stuffed with salted cod.

Side dishes:

  • Insalata di rinforzo: A type of traditional neapolitan salad made with cauliflower, peppers, green olives, chives, pickles and anchovies.
  • Christmas broccoli: A particular type of broccoli typically served on Christmas Eve seasoned with oil, garlic, hot peppers and lemon juice.

In order to feel completely sated and satisfied we strongly advise you to follow up the aforementioned first dishes with these delicacies!

Delicious sweets for a sweet Christmas

Christmas cuisine

No Christmas meal would be truly complete without a wide array of sweets to savour. In Massa Lubrense you will find many unique ones of the Neapolitan tradition.

Among them, some that we particularily recommend are:

  • Struffoli: Small balls of sweet baked pasta doused in honey
  • Roccocò: Donut-like sweets whose dough contains both almonds and orange peels
  • Mostaccioli: A type of rhombus-shaped cookies covered in chocolate which contain a variety of different spices

This is only a small preview of the types of sweets that you’ll be able to taste in Massa Lubrense by visiting its numerous local pastry shops.

A Christmas specialty of Massa Lubrense

Christmas cuisine

Here in Massa Lubrense you will find a variety of apples unique to this territory: the apples of Sant’Agata, one of our local products.

The apples of Sant’Agata are a type of yellow apples cultivated exclusively in the territory of Sorrento, more specifically in Sant’Agata sui due golfi, one of the hamlets of Massa Lubrense.

Up until the 1800’s this type of apples was by far the most cultivated agricultural product by the local farmers, not to mention their main source of income. However, following various issues that had arisen throughout the 1800’s regarding their farming, the production rate of these apples is nowadays far inferior to what it used to be. But they nevertheless continue to be one of the most iconic products of Massa Lubrense.

They are commonly used in the production of various kinds of marmalades, but during the Christmas period it is customary to bake them in the oven.

An unforgettably delicious Christmas

As you may have noticed by now, here in Massa Lubrense traditional Christmas cuisine has a truly wide array of amazing foods with which you will be able to have a truly delicious Christmas.

Here we were able to show you only a small part of what you could taste in our restaurants, pastry shops and other similar places. If you wish to see how many more delicacies Massa Lubrense has to offer, then we can only encourage you to come here yourselves. In this case, we will welcome you with open arms and – above all – with ready dishes!


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Marcialonga 2022

Marcialonga: the awaited event is back

Category:Events,Featured,Festivals,Outdoors Tags : 

On December 26, 2022, the 42nd edition of the Marcialonga will be held in Massa Lubrense.

The Marcialonga is an amateur free paced race through the streets of Massa Lubrense, discovering the most evocative corners of the area. It is an event organized by the parish community on the occasion of Christmas, which attracts hundreds of participants every year.

More then a competition, it is actually a pleasant walk through the hamlets and natural beauties of the place. For the residents, taking part in it is a way to spend cheerful time in company, in the spirit of the holidays.

The first edition was held on December 26, 1978, involving the entire town. From then on the Marcialonga became a real recurrence. In 2019, 2508 people of all ages took part in it, breaking all records. In 2020 and last year, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the event could not take place.

How to participate

Like every year, the event begins on St. Stephen day at 2 p.m. You can register on the same day from 9 a.m. until 10 minutes before the start at the stands in Piazza Vescovado (Vescovado Square), where the start is also scheduled. The rules of participation will be specified at the time of registration by handing over the regulations.

The route

Three refreshment points are included, two along the way and one at the end. It is possible to taste typical Christmas sweets, such as roccocò, panettone or fried zeppole prepared by the organizers, as well as the inevitable sausage sandwich.

From the square, the walk continues towards Via Roma, Via Rivo a Casa, via IV Novembre and via Nastro d’Oro, before reaching the crossroads for Santa Maria, the first refreshment point. The walk resumes along via Caselle, via Annunziata, arriving at the square of Santa Maria, where a second stop is planned. The longest part of the route then begins from via Padre Rocco, following the rotabile Massa Turro, deviating for via Mortella, crossing via Rachione, G. Marconi square and viale Filangieri. The event ends in Piazza Vescovado, where there will be one last refreshment, usually based on brioche and hot chocolate, served by the staff.

The first 100 drawn numbers will receive prizes offered by the local commercial activities. At the end of the walk, celebrations for young and old will continue.

As in the last edition, the event will be completely plastic free: respecting the environment only biodegradable disposable material will be used.

  • Marcialonga 2019
  • Marcialonga, i dolci natalizi, 2019
  • Marcialonga 2019
  • Marcialonga 2011
  • Marcialonga 2014, partenza
  • Marcialonga 2019
  • Marcialonga 2018

Every year many people work behind the scenes, with passion and dedication, to provide moments of joy and lightheartedness. Among the organizers there are those who make the desserts or other gastronomic delights, those who take care of setting up the stands or taking the registrations, but many more are the activities that make the event a success, which would be impossible without everyone’s cooperation!

Marcialonga on social media:


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Spaghetti alla Nerano, primo piatto tipico del luogo.

Culinary traditions: Spaghetti alla Nerano

Category:Blog,Featured,Food Tags : 

di Claudia Fontana

Marina del Cantone, a Massa Lubrense, è legata allo spaghetto con le zucchine fritte che, già dall’inizio del Novecento, ha assunto il nome di spaghetto alla Nerano. La salsa è preparata con le zucchine fritte, basilico e un mix di formaggi grattugiati. Per quanto riguarda i formaggi, le nonne utilizzavano quello che avevano in casa, pecorino ma soprattutto il parmigiano o la caciotta secca. I migliori ristoranti della zona, invece, utilizzano spesso il Provolone del Monaco, un formaggio tipico della costiera sorrentina. Questo è un formaggio DOP a latte crudo, contenente almeno il 20% di latte di vacca agerolese e invecchiato dai sei mesi in su. La cremosità della pietanza, inoltre, viene resa dalla cagliata di provolone fresco che si scioglie al contatto con l’acqua di cottura della pasta.

Per il piatto viene utilizzata la famosa pasta di Gragnano, soprattutto gli spaghettoni, ma c’è anche la versione con scialatielli o mezze maniche. Questa pasta è ottenuta dall’impasto della semola di grano duro con l’acqua della falda acquifera di Gragnano. In seguito, viene essiccata a una temperatura compresa tra i 40 e gli 80 gradi, per un periodo tra le sei e le sessanta ore, ottenendo quelle caratteristiche che la rendono inconfondibile. Per lo spaghetto alla Nerano è necessario utilizzare una pasta di qualità per una migliore riuscita del piatto, in modo tale che gli amidi rilasciati nella cottura aiutino la formazione della salsa.

Anche le zucchine, ovviamente, sono importanti nella riuscita di questo piatto, ma possono essere utilizzate zucchine di diversa qualità purché dell’orto e fritte in olio extravergine d’oliva. La mantecatura finale, fuori dal fuoco, prevede che sia l’acqua di cottura ad amalgamare i sapori e unire i formaggi. Non ci resta che dare la ricetta affinché chiunque, anche a casa propria, possa apprezzare il gusto dello spaghetto alla Nerano.

Ricetta dello spaghetto alla Nerano

Ingredienti per 4 persone:

  • 400 g di spaghettoni artigianali
  • 700 g di zucchine fresche 
  • 80 g di Provolone del Monaco grattugiato
  • 80 g di Parmigiano Reggiano grattugiato
  • 40 g di Pecorino Romano grattugiato
  • Basilico fresco
  • 350 ml olio extravergine d’oliva + 150 ml olio d’arachide (per friggere)
  • Uno spicchio d’aglio
  • Sale e pepe nero q.b.

Lava e asciuga le zucchine, affettandole a rondelle di circa 2 millimetri di spessore. Friggile nella miscela d’oli a 180 gradi, finché sono dorate; scolale con una schiumarola e ponile a riposare su un piatto foderato di carta assorbente o per fritti. Sala, lava e asciuga il basilico e mettilo sulle zucchine appena cucinate.

Cuoci la pasta in abbondante acqua salata. Nel frattempo, in una padella di alluminio abbastanza grande fai soffriggere, in un giro abbondante d’olio extravergine, uno spicchio d’aglio a fuoco moderato. Quando è appena dorato, elimina l’aglio e aggiungi alla padella le zucchine già fritte, lasciandole sfrigolare a fiamma bassissima.

Scola gli spaghetti al dente e riserva la loro acqua, aggiungili alla padella e completa la cottura aggiungendo gradualmente circa due tazze dell’acqua di cottura. Qualche secondo prima di ritirare dal fuoco aggiungi il basilico e il pepe nero. Versa la pasta e zucchine in un’altra padella e aggiungi rapidamente i formaggi, mescolando continuamente e regolando la densità della crema con eventuale altra acqua di cottura. Buon appetito!