Poggio Etrusco in Tuscany

 From Florence, we headed to the Tuscan countryside for a an Agritourism experience at an working  organic farm while sleeping in a 1600's farmhouse originally part of the estate of the noble family Contucci. Located nearest Chuisi-Chianciano train station.

Named, Poggio Etrusco for "Etruscan Hilltop" owners Pamela Sheldon Johns, cook book author and Johnny Johns, artist, were our gracious hosts for 8 days.

We had a choice for our itinerary and selected three days of cooking with Pam. Learning how to make pasta and many other dishes, discussing the Italian regional artisanal pantry to better understand traditional ingredients vs industrial. A visit to the local market and seeing first hand the bringing of olives to market. Kudos to Karen for having the vision to visit this beautiful area and experience the taste of Tuscany.

We also included three days of personal tours of the area which will follow in the next blogs.

It was hard narrowing down the best of photos to describe my experience. Fortunately I took lots of photos and had the chance to paint plein air on the property between all our excursions. So I've included some of my paintings in a previous posting on Nov. 3 and now few sketches to share with you.

AgriTourism in Tuscany

1600's farm house Poggio Etrusco

Our 2 bed, 2 bath Apartment gathering area

Breakfast dining every morning

Always a fresh egg, fruit, pastry and coffee

Farm workers

Door Bell

Rose Hips

Grape Vines around the property

Olive Groves my favorite

Every farm  must have a truck

Pamela at home in her kitchen

Sylvia gathering grapes for foccacia

Sylvia helping with garden

Time for Autumn Crocus

Yes fresh saffron and herbs from their garden

Ravioli with Peposo di Guanciale (Peppery Beef Cheeks)

Risottoc/porcini

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake and Ricotta  with berries

Homemade pasta-  Pici al Aglione

Always some Procesco

La Ribollita (Tuscan Bread Soup)

 

Crostata di marmellate with Ricotta and Chestnut Honey

Salsicce de Pollo e peperonata (Sausage and Peppers)

Plus Johns Famous Coffee Bar

There were many more dishes and appetizers but I'm afraid no photos survived between scarfing down the tastiest nibbles.

Note-Thanks again Jeannie for the traveling sketchbook. Came in very handy.

More information at www.FoodArtisians.com  and www.Poggio-Etrusco.com