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Spring Newsletter
Let it snow........ Just before Christmas we had at least 90cm of snow over the weekend of 15/16 December. This winter has been much colder (more normal) and the Sibillini ski resorts have been enjoying a roaring trade. The whole area looked like winter wonderland and of course we had to make the compulsory snowman with Grace. We were extremely impressed with how quickly the road network was cleared and we even had a snow plough down to us by 6.00 pm on the Sunday evening – not bad eh!
What's happening at Caserma Carina
The laundry room is now in full operation for our guests. We are also currently installing a solar shower by the pool and have replaced our large outbuilding doors (Dean's fine craftmanship lasted longer than expected but didn't quite survive the very high winds we suffered a few weeks ago!). A lesson learnt - leave it to the experts!! We are also looking into purchasing a summer pool cover to keep the water a few degrees warmer.
We've been spending some time clearing the land in front of our own side of the property and this will give our guests an even better view, now including 5 old Leccino olive trees which were very kindly donated by a friend from Petriolo. We are also going to plant our very own vegetable garden which we hope to start in the next few weeks.
Don't forget all of our apartments are fully air-conditioned and we also have WIFI.
We are offering a special 15% discount for any holidays taken during April 2008. The weather here in April is usually beautiful - not too hot but very warm and a great time for exploring this gorgeous region. We always feel that April is forgotten by people but it really shouldn't be as this is the time when everything comes to life.
Macerata Opera Festival For you budding opera enthusiasts, don’t forget that during July and August the second largest opera festival is held in the open air Sferisterio in Macerata (only 25 minutes from us). Carmen and Tosca are just 2 of the operas being performed this summer. Tickets can be easily booked over the internet www.sferisterio.it. Alternatively we can arrange them for you. (Please don't panic, this picture was taken during January - we don't have snow in July!!!!). 1744 Festival in Mogliano Many of our guests have already experienced this wonderful event where the whole of the town spend at least a week of festivities in period costume to celebrate the Queen of Austria, Maria Teresa who visited in April 1744 (we believe very briefly!). The festival includes dancing, music, re-enactments from 1744 around the town, and to end the whole event a spectacular firework display to music. Throughout the week tavernas open up in the historic centre of Mogliano where you can eat local and international cuisine al fresco. It really is an event not to be missed. This year the event will be running the first week in July.
Camerino Music Festival Held from 29 July to 16 August, this classical annual music festival attracts national and international musicians. Please keep an eye on the following website for the 2008 programme www.gmicamerino.it There are many festivals held throughout the region all year round, but particularly from April to September. Whenever you book your holiday we will be able to let you know about any local music or food festivals which may be of interest to you. Walking in the Sibillini Mountains and Monte Conero Don’t forget we are on the doorstep of both these areas offering fantastic walking for all levels. The months of March, April, May, September and October are usually good walking months – not too hot and not too snowy!! Guided walks can be arranged in the Sibillinis where you can also enjoy the delights of local mountain food at the many local restaurants and agriturismos. Also, the flowers on the Piane Grande are a real treat during the months of late May and June. Monte Conero also offers 18 walks around this stunning coastal nature reserve. Why not combine a walk with a delicious fish lunch in the stunning coastal town of Sirollo, nestled into the mountain and offering wonderful views. Food, food food...... The 2008 dates for our cooking courses are now on our website. We can also arrange alternative dates and for shorter stays. We now have a fresh fish van visit Caserma Carina every Wednesday morning so you can purchase some local delights and perhaps bbq it later! We have managed to sample many new restaurants during 2007 and can recommend some great places to eat. Below is our second recipe which is a local speciality, enjoy………
Coniglio in Porchetta (serves 6) Ingredients
1 rabbit de-boned and prepared into a flat rectangular piece of meat liver from the rabbit good handful of the foliage at the top of fennel 10 slices pancetta salt & pepper 2 tbsp olive oil cup of white wine green head of garlic chopped onion chopped The rabbit meat should be laid out in a flat rectangular shape. Fry the livers for 5 mins until cooked through. Add a layer of chopped fennel top to the rabbit, then the fried liver, then place the pancetta and finally a further sprinkle of fennel top. Tightly roll the rabbit and tie it with string. Place in a roasting tin with the olive oil (drizzled over the top), white wine, garlic head and onion and cook at 180° for 40 mins. Then turn, baste with the cooking liquid and cook for a further 40 mins. Slice, pour a little of the sauce over the slices and serve with pollenta, beans or boiled vegetables.
This recipe can be prepared and cooked for you to enjoy in the comfort of your apartment by a local Italian friend during your stay at Caserma Carina.
Dean & Lesley |
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