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It is hard to believe, but October arrives tomorrow and the holidays will be here before we know it. We have had a gorgeous few weeks and with just over 3 weeks left before we leave Umbria we have been busy trying to enjoy some of the fall festivals. The photo shows a glorious Sunday in Montefalco during the Enologica (wine festival). With Montefalco being our wine capital here in Umbria, the wineries are busy picking grapes now for this years harvest.

Over the past week, we also had a lovely day in Norcia, and visited Foligno for the Primi D'Italia which is a city wide celebration of Italian first courses. We are now looking forward to the upcoming black truffle festivals in October.

All About Figs & 13 Of My Favorite Fig Recipes
Although it is difficult to see the summer pass each year, fall brings new treasures to tempt me into the kitchen such as apples, pears, winter squash, and figs. We have huge fig trees growing in an empty field behind our property here in Umbria and for most of September I can forage for fresh figs every few days. There is something very sensuous about a ripe fig with its velvety skin and luscious rose colored inner flesh, and although I had never even tasted a fresh fig until I was an adult, they are now one of my favorite fruits. Read More......

Banana Fig Bread
Every September I head behind our property to the immense fig tree that is growing in an empty field to forage for figs. I love fresh figs and for almost a month I am lucky enough to be able to pick a bowl full almost daily. This year I've used the figs to make two batches of fig jam, fig muffins, roasted fig and onion relish, as well as a couple of fig desserts I sent over to our farmhouse guests. This banana fig bread was one of my favorite baked treats I made recently using my fig bounty and it was very moist and tasty. Get The Recipe......

Breaded Chicken Cutlets With Tomatoes and Arugula
You know that one recipe you can make with your eyes closed because you've made it so many times before? The dish that always gets rave reviews? Well this one's mine. There's nothing fancy about it—most of the preparation can actually be completed ahead of time—but it's really appealing visually, and absolutely delicious. The tried and true combination of crispy, golden brown chicken cutlets, ripe cherry tomatoes, and peppery arugula also takes a mere 45 minutes to prepare, from start to finish. Get The Recipe......

Apple Farro Muffins
I am truly loving all the varieties of local seasonal apples that are now available since fall has arrived and have been busy using them in everything from applesauce to apple cakes and muffins. I love a good muffin, but they can be a lot of empty calories depending on the ingredients. This recipe replaces some of the all-purpose flour with farro (or spelt) flour which adds a lightly nutty flavor as well as improved nutritional value. I have started to incorporate farro flour into a lot of my baked goods and breads because I love the flavor and I like the idea of enriching my cakes, cookies and breads and making them a little healthier. Get The Recipe......