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When one comes to visit Florence, Italy the museums, architecture, and countryside are some of the most memorable attractions, but no one comes to Italy for the sights alone. Florence, Italy recipes are what awake the senses and keep the memories of a visit to Italy alive. The food is good, not overly fancy, and easily created at home. In fact, the best restaurants in Italy have taken what Italians have created in their own kitchens and made it available to the public just as if they were close friends or family who have come for warm family dinner.

The Typical Italian Meal * Anything but Typical

In Florence and around Italy the typical Italian meal consists of 4 courses: the anti-pasta, pasta, meat, and dessert. The anti-pasta is a platter of cold cuts, olives, and other non-pasta foods. It is served with a plain salad of just lettuce and tomato with plenty of olive oil and a splash of vinegar.

Next in line is the pasta course. American cuisine has turned pasta into a main course. In Italy, it is served as a side dish or course before the entr*e. Pasta is served *al dente* or *to the tooth* meaning it is not overcooked or mushy, but just softened to the point it is chewable. It can be served with butter and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, a red, marinara sauce, or white Alfredo sauce. Pesto, made of basil, pine nuts, and olive oil, is also another common pasta sauce used in Florence Italy recipes.

Meat also accompanies the main course in Italian cooking. A pork roast, lamb, or veal is usually sliced thinly and served with a side dish of pasta or by itself. Only in America will you find a side of green beans served with the spaghetti or ravioli. Italians consider the salad to be their green vegetable serving. You may find some roasted peppers with or without sausage slices on the side.

Desserts served with coffee are the final course in Italian cuisine. Many, such as the cannoli are served with a sweetened ricotta cheese filling. Pastries and cookies with a jelly filling are another common dessert. Tiramisu made with coffee and mascarone cream are an Italian favorite.

Wines for Dinner and Dessert

There are several Tuscan wines that each have their own flavor and go well with different foods. For example, the Galestro is light and fruity and goes well with snacks and light meals. For seafood, the Vernaccia de San Gimignano is good with its dry and full bodied flavor.

Wines that are especially good with desserts are the Vin Santo and Aleatico dell*Elba. Of course, there is the famous Chianti with its bright red color and smooth dry flavor that is perfect with most foods and all meats.

There are not many places around the world where the food and wine can be the main attractions for tourists, but Florence, Italy is one such place with the unique recipes, wines and traditions that go along with the Italian dining experience. Whether you stay at a posh hotel in the city, a private villa, or countryside farm house, the food is sure to become one of your greatest vacation memories.