T is for Tomato

Michigan's Tomatoes are prolific and nearing the end of their growing season as summer comes to an end.  Peaches are being harvested, and the last of the Sweet Corn is found at street-side stands.  I took all of this end-of-summer bounty and created this gorgeous salad.

Italy Day 5-Museo San Severo, Rome

On the way to the train station in Naples, we stopped by the San Severo Museum, famous for The Veiled Christ, a statue carved from a single block of Marble.

No photography of any kind is allowed in the museum.  This photo is from the website.  It was amazing to see in person. 

Below ground are "Anatomical Machines , which are true works of art created by the Palermo doctor Giuseppe Salerno in the mid-eighteenth century on commission from the Prince of Sansevero."    This description and the photo above are from Napoli da Vivere.

We took a short walk over to the Busto di Pulcinella. A quick rub of the nose is supposed to bring you luck for life.  Went back to meet our driver to go to the train station.  There were protest marches in the area, and some of the trains were not running due to strikes.  It was crazy.  What could have been a 25-minute walk, had we not had luggage, turned into an hour and 15-minute drive.

The train ride was quick, we were in Rome before we knew it.  We showered and had a quick pre-dinner cocktail at the hotel bar, before walking to dinner at Pancrazio, which stands on the ruins of the Theater of Pompey.

Upon arrival in Rome, we settled into our rooms at Relais Pantheon Terrace, so named because from the rooftop terrace, where we enjoyed a cocktail, you have a clear view of St. Peter's Basilica.

We walked over to Ristorante Pancrazio, which stands on the ruins of the Pompey Theater.  Julius Caesar was slain in the curia, a large hallway that led to the theater.

We were seated in the basement of the restaurant.  It had alcoves containing artifacts from when it was the theater.  It was such a unique experience, and though the food was not as exceptional as we had come to expect in Italy, it was good, and I would return just for the experience.

Italy Day 4- Isle of Capri

Our day started early with a trip across town to the marina where we boarded a boat and headed to the Isle of Capri.

Peach Bruschetta with Hot Honey #SundayFunday

You definitely want to make this delicious, beautiful appetizer while fresh peaches and tomatoes are still available.  Simple to make, and it's a good thing because they go so quickly, you will need to make another batch.  

Ricotta Cheese base, piled high with fresh Peaches and Tomatoes, then drizzled with Hot Honey.  OH MY YUM!!

Italy Day 3-Sorrento and Cooking Class

Slept in this morning until 8 am.  Had a leisurely breakfast and then a 1.5 mile walk to the town square.  Frank and I enjoyed a glass of wine and some appetizers as the others went on a shopping spree.

Italy Day 2-Herculaneum and the Amalfi Coast

 We were up bright and early to head over to Herculaneum.  Herculaneum was destroyed in the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, along with Pompeii and 3 other towns.  While Pompeii was covered in ash, making excavation a little easier, Herculaneum was covered in molten lava, making excavation much more difficult.

Italy, Day 1- Sorrento

We landed in Naples this morning after a full-day flight, having departed Detroit at 10:30 AM on yesterday.