Spanish-suited cards of the Napoletane deck, which is widely used across central and southern Italy.
20201231
The Negroni: my favorite cocktail and symbol of the Italian aperitif.
1.
I'm preparing to celebrate the end of the year with a relaxing and enjoyable night at home...
The origin of this iconic drink is said to date back to Florence in 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender Fosco Scarselli at the iconic Caffè Giocosa, to strengthen his favorite drink, the Americano, with a shot of gin in place of the usual soda water.
Ingredients
1 ounce (30 ml) gin
1 ounce (30 ml) Campari
1 ounce (30 ml) red, semi-sweet Vermouth (aka Vermouth Rosso)
Ice
Slice of orange or a sliver of orange peel for garnish
Preparation
1. Fill a low tumbler with ice until it is ¾ full.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and Vermouth to the tumbler.
3. Stir until combined and well-chilled.
4. Garnish with a slice of orange (as it is served in Italy), or with a sliver of orange peel (as it is served outside of Italy).
20201229
20201225
Gloria 'n cielo e pace 'n terra!
The Mystical Nativity or Adoration in the Forest, painted by Fra Filippo Lippi, c.1459.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth... For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 1:1,14, 3:16)
20201224
Christmas Eve, 2020.
The Neapolitan Baroque Crèche and Christmas tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!