When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore! I’m back to blogging about our Italy vacation this summer–the 12-day trip we took for our son’s college graduation. So far I’ve blogged about our adventures in Venice and Florence. Today is all about Naples, or Napoli as it’s called in Italia. Or as Dean Martin sang: “‘Scusi me, but you see, back in old Napoli, that’s amore!”
We spent three nights in Naples, which is situated on the west coast of southern Italy. The weather was perfect, the food fabulous (I seriously think it’s impossible to get a bad meal anywhere in Italy) and the tours we took were fabulous. First up–a full day in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. I fell in love with Sorrento. We saw a demonstration of how they make their exquisite inlaid wood products–fascinating. And then we sampled limoncello, which is a potent lemon liqueur. It’s made primarily in southern Italy because of the abundance of lemons there. Have you ever seen such huge lemons?? They’re are big as our son’s head!
Now THAT'S a lemon!
After Sorrento, it was off to the Amalfi Coast. This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The scenery was breathtaking, and the drive up the narrow, curving mountain road completely exhilarating. We gathered shells on the beach at Positano then ate lunch overlooking the water.
View of the Amalfi Coast from the curving mountain road
After lunch we continued our drive along the coast, stopping to sightsee and shop. It was a perfect day. We absolutely plan to someday return and spend more time there. Next time I’ll blog about our next stop–Capri. Until then, arrivederci!
View of Positano from the restaurant where we ate lunch
On the beach at Positano
What’s going on with you? How’s your week going so far? Any Amalfi coast stories? Have you ever tried limoncello? If the answer is no, you really need to get some. Keep it in the freezer. Sip a shot glass serving of it after dinner. You’ll be glad you did 
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Jacquie –
I have a bottle of limoncello in my freezer at all times – LOL! Really I do!
A little shot of it in my sweet tea is wonderfully refreshing….Maybe that’s why I am always drinking iced tea…? Ha!
I have never been to Italy but your photos make me want to go there!
Our neighbors went to Italy about a year ago and came back with some Limoncello. Sunshiney yumminess!!! And Sherri, if you do move to Italy, can I join the club? I’ll dig up some good Cosmo recipes to take with me.
Sunshiney yumminess–yes! That’s the perfecto way to describe it!
Okay…
Limoncello and Berry Mousse:
Mousse
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar (divided)
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbs limoncello ( we used 1/4 cup)
2 tbs water (we cut this and upped the limoncello accordingly–as above)
1 cup Whipping Cream
To Layer:
3 tbs sugar
2 tbs limoncello
8 ladyfingers
2 cups mixed berries
4 sprigs mint
The mousse: Beat the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of the sugar and the salt in large stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water. Whisk in the Limoncello (and water if preferred)
Beat vigorously for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and triples in volume; it should mound slightly when dropped from a whisk. Cool by transferring the bowl to a larger bowl filled with ice water, whisking constantly.
In an electric mixer, beat the cream until soft peaks form; beat in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and fold into the cooled Limoncello mixture.
To layer: In a small pot over medium heat combine 1/4 cup water with sugar. Cook until sugar dissolves. Add the limoncello. Brush ladyfingers with the mixture using a pastry brush. Break the lady fingers in half and set aside.
Layer the limoncello mousse, berries and ladyfingers in each of 4 wine glasses. Refrigerate, covered for 2 to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, garnish the top with the mint.
TO DIE FOR! (and not as complicated as it reads).
Oh yeah! Yum! Thank you!
Oh, wow–that sounds fab! Thanks, Dee. And I snorted my ice tea when I read: 2 tbs limoncello (we used 1/4 cup).
Hilarious! xox
Your blog reminds me of one of my favorite movies, “Under the Tuscan Sun” Lemoncello and Positano are featured in the movie and a very sweet story of love.
I want to go to Italy very badly. I am Italian, Sicilian to be exact, but have not yet ventured over. I love to tour museums and would love to spend time in the little towns listening to music and shopping and of course eating and drinking. Hopefully someday soon I will get over there.
I thought of Under the Tuscan Sun too! Love that movie!
Love that movie, too! I hope you get to Italy, Lisa. I really do think we need a Whine Sisters Italy Tour.
Let’s all retire to Italy. We can grow lemons and make Whine Sisters Limoncello. Sounds like a plan?
I’m in!
That’s the best idea I’ve ever heard!
Sherri for President!
I’ve had limoncello out, but I don’t think I’ve ever bought it for home. I think I will buy some, and toast to the fabulous D’Alessandros! What a great trip. I have to go to Italy.
I have a great recipe for a dessert using Limoncello. It’s fabulous!
Share?
Yes–must have recipe. And yes–Sherri, you must go to Italy. You can also mix the limoncello with vodka for a kick-butt Limontini.
Italy sounds like so much fun. I want to see the ruins though in Rome. Plus we have seen so many interesting places to visit on tv; those really cool historical documentaries.
I have tried Limoncello. Much better than doing lemon drops! (keep vodka in the freezer, do a shot then suck a slice of lemon covered in sugar.)
My week has been hectic. Between doctors and job interviews, I really could use a Calgon bath! Calgon! Take me away!
Ti, hoping you get that Calgon moment!
I hope you’re getting your Calgon moment, too, Ti. Never heard of a lemon drop. We did visit the ruins in Rome–that’s for another blog