While painting an orange landscape...
Orange flows through the undergrowth. Yellow follows. Light brown and deep green too. A stroke of red, and the palette is complete. Pumpkins arrive in the October breeze.
In the heart of each of them, lies the spirit of Autumn. An odd, picturesque, mysterious being. A great painter, sometimes, who can decorate the whole nature with a new colorful atmosphere; a pain in the neck, when he enjoys chasing clouds and cold rain.
But after all, it is impossible not remaining fascinated by his gifts. All those little chubby shapes of orange, with their greenish stalk. All those carpets of rainbow leaves, where a squirrel is about to be found. Without forgetting them, those puffing mugs of hot milk or coffee, topped with cinnamon and whipped cream.
Just tasting my hot, wonderfully sweet, delicacy, maybe glancing at a country field. A tartan blanket on the feet, wool jumpers just found in the wardrobe, and too many thoughts to free. Eyes follow the pumpkins, ‘till the sun is about to set. There’s something strange beyond that tree; something glittering just among orange and roots…
Say “pumpkins in Lombardy, and the echoes of Mantua immediately will respond. No better place where finding the best pumpkin nature can create. A masterpiece. An artwork of flavor, enchanting orange pulp and dark green rind, sometimes even evoking chimney smoke tint.
Let’s open it in two parts, reduce it into little regular morsels and… fire is already waiting for reviving them among its warm hug. Only the recipe has to be chosen… but it won’t be too difficult. Say “pumpkin”, say “Mantua”, then put everything together. “Tortelli di zucca” will be on the table soon. Coming from Renaissance epoch, from the ancient traditions of Gonzaga family, this delicious small chests are the ideal to hide an orange stuffing with sweet notes.
Pumpkin… obviously, but without forgetting amaretti biscuits and the typical pear mustard. Keys for a successful final result.
So, it’s all about yellow puff pastry, Mantua traditional ingredients and… that spirit of Autumn which enters from the half-closed window looking to the yellow and reddish trees…
