The Befana holiday on the Epiphany marks the traditional end of the long Christmas holiday season in Umbria. While it is celebrated with yet another big meal, the menu is not as fixed as the Christmas Day or New Year’s Day meals. Most often it is my pleasure to offer the extended family the luncheon on this day. This year it was extra special since it was to inaugurate our new house…and show it to my sister-in-law and her family for the first time since we had moved a month ago.
our small but cozy fireplace with the Befana looking on as her stockings hang festively on the 16th C. oak mantle
toasting the New Year and the new house
beautiful Bevagna – so regal at Christmas
the appetizer: tartine and a delicious cream cheese/blue cheese/onion/olives and pine nuts concoction
Homemade Umbrian cannelloni with mozzarella, ragù and bèchamel
Sautèed chicken breasts in a Grand Marnier cream sauce with a side dish of a leeks and potato mousse, followed by a marron glacèes, toasted pine nuts, triple chocolate ice cream pie completed our festive meal…and ended a period of lavish food.
Happy 2013…and Happy Travels to all!
