Living in Virginia, it's easy for us to miss the charming nuances of our Italian life in Lucca. While we may not be able to stroll through ancient piazzas or enjoy fresh pasta made daily, we can certainly bring a slice of Italy into our home.
These curated Italian items will help you feel a bit closer to the Mediterranean, infusing your daily routine with the essence of la dolce vita.
If you've returned from Italy looking for ways to savor your holiday memories and incorporate them into your daily life, look no further - these products capture the spirit of Italy...
Italian Espresso Maker - In Italy, the traditional macchinetta, or Moka, is an iconic fixture in almost every household, symbolizing the nation's deep-rooted coffee culture. This durable aluminum stovetop espresso maker, known for its unique shape, brews rich, aromatic coffee by forcing boiling water through finely-ground coffee under pressure, creating a robust and flavorful espresso beloved by Italians and coffee aficionados worldwide. The process is as much about ritual as it is about taste; the familiar hiss and gurgle of the macchinetta working its magic is a comforting morning soundtrack. Unlike the quick convenience of modern coffee machines, using a macchinetta requires time and attention, making each cup a cherished moment of mindfulness. This daily tradition not only delivers a superior coffee experience but also reflects the Italian ethos of savoring life's simple pleasures, greeting you with the rich, bold flavors of authentic Italian espresso.
Kimbo Coffee - Experience the authentic taste of Naples with Kimbo, the quintessential Neapolitan ground coffee. Specifically crafted for use in your macchinetta, Kimbo brings the rich, robust flavors of traditional Italian coffee right to your home. Each sip transports you to the vibrant streets of Naples, where coffee is more than just a drink—it's a way of life. With its deep aroma, full-bodied flavor, and perfect balance of intensity, this coffee is the ideal choice for those who appreciate the true art of Italian coffee-making. Brew a cup with your Bialetti and savor the taste of Italy in every drop.
Demitasse Spoons - Elevate your coffee experience with these elegant Demitasse Spoons. Perfectly crafted for espresso or any small dessert, these spoons combine sophistication and functionality. Whether you're enjoying a shot of rich espresso or a delicious affogato, these demitasse spoons add a touch of class.
Espresso Cups - Serve your espresso up in these Italian porcelain cups and saucers and you'll feel like you're back standing at a bar in your favorite Italian city!
Olive Oil Decanter - This dispenser is a kitchen essential for anyone cooks with olive oil, an indispensable part of Italian cuisine. This tool not only stores your olive oil but also ensures a perfect pour every time. The design keeps oil fresh and prevents drips, making it ideal for dressing salads or drizzling over pasta.
Handheld Mandolin - Meet your new kitchen MVP: the Mandoline Slicer. Ever wish you could slice veggies faster than a ninja without risking losing a digit? This multi-functional slicer is here to make your dreams come true! This is a must-have for making our Zucchini Scapace recipe.
Pasta Maker- Our boys bought us one for Christmas last year and it was surprisingly easier than we thought it would be! And, a fun family activity. Transform your kitchen into an Italian trattoria with this pasta maker machine. Crafting fresh pasta from scratch is a beloved Italian tradition, and this machine makes it easy. Whether you're rolling out sheets for lasagna or cutting delicate strands of tagliatelle, you'll appreciate the authenticity and taste of homemade pasta.
Rolling out pasta by hand with this traditional birch wood pasta board and this rolling pin is a true Italian experience, connecting you to the roots of authentic home cooking. Use this 00 Flour for a truly authentic Italian pasta! Finally, this pasta drying rack will make the whole process easier!
Pistachio Cream - To be blunt, you could put this stuff on shoe leather and it would be delicious! A beloved delicacy often used in pastries and desserts throughout Italy, this creamy spread offers a rich, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness. Made from pistachios and blended to perfection, this gourmet treat is sure to elevate your breakfasts, snacks, and desserts. I recently used it to top a pistachio cake and it was divine! Whether spread on a cornetto, drizzled over gelato, or used as a filling for cakes and pastries, Italian pistachio cream is a must-have for any foodie looking to indulge. If you love Nutella, you won't be able to resist this! When we're in Lucca, we buy Cioccolateria Caniparoli's artisanal version (to die for!), but when we run out of the stash from our suitcase, this one will do in a pinch.
If you’re looking to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen, the Italian Pizzelle Maker is a must-have appliance. This device allows you to create delicious, authentic pizzelle cookies right at home. Pizzelle, traditional Italian waffle cookies, are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings. Our family makes pizelle around the holidays and gives them as gifts.
Parmesan Knife - Introducing the ultimate tool for cheese connoisseurs – the Hard Cheese Knife. Crafted with precision and expertise, this specialized knife is designed to effortlessly cut through hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano with ease. We inherited Dario's Dads and it's a staple utensil in our kitchen. Store your parmesan in these Cheese Storage Bags to keep it extra fresh!
Prosecco Glasses - Did you know that prosecco should be served in a wine glass and not a flute? Designed to enhance the tasting experience, these glasses are perfect for savoring Italian prosecco. The elegant design and quality craftsmanship make them a sophisticated addition to any home bar or dining table, allowing you to toast to good times and great flavors in true Italian fashion.
For those willing to splurge on something really special, check out these premium glasses. They feature perlage points, aka nucleation points, which are tiny rough laser-etched dots or rings at the base of the glass. The purpose of these etchings is to give the bubbles a point of release, helping them to form in your glass. Each point provides a surface that releases the gas suspended in the wine. Seven circular rings form at the top of the wine above each point. The Italesse "Sparkle" is the most unique and innovative glass for sparkling wine that we have ever experienced. We discovered them in a restaurant on Lake Garda a couple of years ago and hunted them down.
Prosecco Savers - Ever faced the tragic dilemma of not finishing a bottle of Prosecco? Fear not, for the mighty Prosecco lid is here to save your bubbles! Imagine the shame of watching those precious bubbles fade away. With a quick snap, it seals in the effervescence, ensuring your Prosecco stays as lively as your dinner party conversations. So, wave goodbye to wasted wine and hello to sparkling sips tomorrow, because nobody puts Prosecco in the corner... or the sink!
Amarena Cherries - Like a maraschino cherry but a juicy black cherry. These cherries are delectable and incredibly versatile. I've baked them into a ricotta cake, topped them on ice cream and dropped one in a glass of prosecco for a festive touch. The syrup is perfect for enhancing cocktails too!
Breakfast Cookies - You heard me right, COOKIES for BREAKFAST! For years, we had our kids convinced that certain sugar cereals were only available on vacation in Colorado. Our kids called it "Colorado Cereal," until one ill-fated shopping trip. Busted. If you you needed yet another reason to love Italy, how about cookies for breakfast?! It's truly a brilliant idea. As Italy's most popular brand, they offer a wide range of varieties, (but this one is our favorite) all perfect for dunking in a cup of coffee.
Double Concentrate Tomato Paste - Once you experience the rich, sweet intensity of double concentrate tomato paste, you'll never want to use the regular kind again. Its robust flavor means you only need a small amount, as it's much richer and more concentrated than the standard canned paste.
Anchovy Paste - Anchovies often have an undeserved reputation. I mean, have you tried fried anchovies? YUM! Many still believe they dislike these small fish, yet when used appropriately, their presence is subtle but impactful. The true test comes when you taste a dish like a perfectly balanced puttanesca; without anchovies, something essential would be missing.
Vitabath Spring Green Scent - For some reason, Vitabath takes us back to Italy with its luxurious and piney aromatic scent. This body wash is like a mini-vacation, transporting us back. While Vitabath is not even a European product, it was originally developed in Europe. The inspiration for Vitabath's formulas came from European spa traditions, which is why it evokes a sense of European indulgence and relaxation.
Dr Vranjes Rosso Nobile Reed Diffuser - If you've stayed at Casa Campolattaro, then this scent is familiar to you. I love how scents can transport you back to a specific place or time. We have this diffuser in Lucca and Virginia! Dr. Vranjes scents are powerful without being overpowering. Their Rosso Nobile is an opulent and captivating fragrance that evokes the rich, sophisticated ambiance of a Tuscan vineyard.
Italian Rose Water - A natural antibacterial. Apply morning and evening as a toner on cleansed skin and gently massage until completely absorbed. It helps prevent redness and irritation and keeps my skin feeling fresh.
Marvis Toothpaste - Transform your daily dental routine with Marvis toothpaste, a luxurious Italian brand known for its unique flavors and stylish packaging. Marvis offers a range of distinct and refreshing tastes, from classic mint to exotic options like jasmine and ginger.
Incorporating these Italian essentials into your home can make the distance between you and Italy feel a little bit shorter. Whether you're sipping espresso, crafting homemade pasta, or enjoying a glass of prosecco, these items help infuse your everyday life with the charm and flavor of Italy. Embrace these small joys and create your own Italian oasis, no matter where you are. Cheers to living la dolce vita!
As discussed in a prior post, some Italian food items sold in the U.S. differ from their counterparts in Italy due to a variety of factors, including regulatory requirements, consumer preferences, and distribution logistics. U.S. food regulations may necessitate changes in ingredients or packaging to comply with local safety standards. Additionally, American consumers might have different tastes, leading manufacturers to tweak recipes to better suit the local palate. Sometimes, certain ingredients available in Italy are substituted with more accessible ones in the U.S. market. Moreover, the need for longer shelf life during international shipping can also result in altered formulations. For example, Nutella sold in Italy typically has a higher hazelnut content and a smoother, creamier texture, resulting in a richer, more authentic flavor compared to the slightly sweeter and thicker version available in the US. Despite these differences, many products strive to retain the authentic flavors and qualities that make them popular in Italy. But, if you really love something while traveling in Italy, I recommend tucking some in your suitcase to savor stateside!
What are some things you buy in the US or bring home from Italy to enjoy?
** Did you like how I didn't make you scroll through tons of ads or click next to see each item? You're welcome. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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