TRUFFLES - it seems most people either love them or hate them, but truthfully, I’m not sure how many people have actually tried them!!  Sometimes the smell will steer you away.

Personally, I think the first time I tried a truffle was a chocolate truffle!  That’s not the same as the ones we are talking about here.  Chocolate truffles originated in France in 1895 and it was here that the ball of chocolate ganache dusted with cocoa received the name, truffle.  As it turns out, chocolate truffles are named after the mushrooms because of their resemblance to the dark and bumpy mushroom.

So let’s talk about the mushroom truffles.  They are actually a spore or fungus growing wild and nearly always found at the roots of certain trees.  Truffles have a very unique, earthy taste and an even rarer aroma.  Truffles are highly regarded in many countries.

Is there only one kind of truffle?
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No, there are several different kinds of truffles.  There is the prized white truffle (Tuber magnatum pico), black truffle (Tuber melanosporum), two varieties of summer truffle (Tuber aestivum), winter truffle (Tuber brumale) and the bianchetto truffle (Tuber borchii). 
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Why are they so expensive?

Truffles are so expensive because mankind cannot cultivate them.  They are wild and difficult to find.  Because they have a distinct taste they are highly desired in the culinary world.

How do you eat them?

Truffles are usually grated or sliced with a truffle slicer directly on to food and into sauces or soups, just before eating.  The heat will damage the flavor and aroma so don’t cook them!  Cream cheese or other cheese dishes are excellent with truffles.

A few ideas:  Shaved on eggs, grated in butter with bacon and mushrooms over pasta, truffled potatoes or truffle risotto.  You can add grated truffle to unsalted butter or infuse olive oil to add to your favorite chicken or fish dish.
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Where can we find truffles?

Most of the best truffles are found in Italy, France and the Pacific Northwest.

Abruzzo produces 60% of Italian truffles including the prestigious white truffle.  This amazing region is full of wild truffles that are just waiting for us to find them.  Truffles are more commonly found growing on the roots of oak, poplar, hazel and beech trees.  We have been lucky enough to go with Fausto our local truffle hunter.  He has taken over a forest that was specifically planted for truffles.
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Here in Abruzzo, the  Romagno Lagotto dog is the most common dog used for the hunt.  They are excellent working dogs because of their attitude and physical capacities. Their great sense of smell, paired with their memory, help them to perform truly amazing searches.  And because of their temperament and loyalty, the Romagno Lagotto makes a wonderful family dog.

Dogs are often used to find truffles for two reasons, firstly, they can smell truffles making them much easier to find, and secondly, by digging they’re spreading the spores, leading to new truffle growth. (While pigs are used, too, they tend to eat the truffles.)

How can I get involved in a Truffle Hunt?

Experiencing the truffle hunt is like no other.

Fausto and his family use their land on the outskirts of Raiano to harvest the truffles and sell them to famous chefs around Italy and recently they have started taking small private groups for hikes in the forest and to experience the truffle hunt.  Often times he will start the day with a short hike through the countryside before the hunt.  During the hunt, he will introduce you to the dogs and explain a bit about truffles and how the dogs are trained to find them.  Then off you go!!  Try to keep up with the dogs because they go fast!  After hunting for truffles Fausto’s wife sets out a beautiful table in the outdoors with various dishes using the truffles that you find.  If there are any truffles left over, they’re happy for you to take them home.

If you’ve always wanted to meet the dogs and search for truffles, we will be happy to organize a private truffle hunt with Fausto and his dogs.

With its breathtaking scenery, four national parks plus beaches along the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo is truly extraordinary. 

Experience it all, Stay at La Rocca Mia House B&B in the Heart of Authentic Unspoiled Italy and Join us for the Truffle Hunt.

Email us today:  [email protected]

Last year in June, Domenico’s cousin brought over a huge bag of zolle or garlic scapes (as they are called in English) and gave them to me.  My first question was,“what are these and what do I do with them?”  
 
Zolle or garlic scapes come from the garlic plant and, in our case, from the famous Sulmona Red Garlic plant.  It is the first tender stem and flower bud of the garlic.  It grows straight up and then starts to curl as it grows longer.  

​These little treasures are not harvested until late spring or early summer, the bulb isn‘t dug up until later in the summer.  If the scapes aren’t cut off, the plant uses all its energy to grow the stem and flower leaving nothing for the bulb.  So we cut off the scape so that the garlic bulb can grow big and strong.  It kind of looks like a green bean.  It reminds me of the curling tendrils of the grape plant. 

So what do we do with the scapes and what do they taste like? 
 
I’ve heard that zolle can be used in a ton of recipes as you would garlic cloves or scallions.  They can be sautéed, pureed, roasted, and pickled.  
 
What we like to do is pickle them.  This is the recipe was given to me at the time of receiving this lovely gift of garlic stems, and it is pretty easy to do.  Most of the time, the tips of the scapes will have a little bulb on it. Snip off the tips and the bulb, and cut them to the size of your jar.  In a large pot, use 1.5 liters of vinegar and 2 liters of water with a handful of kosher salt.  Boil for 20 minutes and then put them on a cloth to cool.  Fill your jars and add oil and, presto you’re done! 
  
Garlic scapes taste like a blend of onion, scallion and garlic. However, scapes are usually less fiery and have a fresher, “greener” taste than the actual garlic bulbs. The texture is similar to that of asparagus. 

Click h​I’ve googled garlic scapes to see what others suggest for recipes or things to do with them and found a great site. I am going to try the scape soup!  Check it out to see what else you can do besides pickle them: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/06/the-crisper-whisperer-what-to-do-with-garlic-scapes-recipe.html 
 
Happily, we are OPEN and hope that you will come visit us at La Rocca Mia House B&B on your next trip to Italy.  Get away from the crowded cities and come out to the countryside where you too can jar garlic scapes with us.   

Email or call:  [email protected]  or  +39 3888 272982 

Click here for our how to jar garlic scapes video!

​Siamo sicuri che avrete già sentito parlare dell’Abruzzo, regione dell’Italia centrale, e delle sue gemme nascoste tra cui eremi e rovine romane, ma avete sentito parlare dei suoi maestosi laghi?

​Ce ne sono più di 14, naturali e artificiali, in tutti i parchi nazionali della regione.
Li abbiamo elencati di seguito e raggruppati in base alla provincia in cui si trovano.

Se vi piace la natura, la pesca, il canottaggio, i picnic o semplicemente passeggiare lungo il corso del fiume in una giornata estiva, questi laghi sono il luogo ideale per voi.

Quattro di questi non sono lontani dal nostro B&B a Roccacasale e sono tra i più grandi dei laghi d’Abruzzo. Per questo abbiamo scelto di evidenziarli qui, riportando informazioni su cosa fare, dove mangiare e come arrivarci.

​Lago di Scanno
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Il lago di Scanno si trova in provincia dell’Aquila ed è il più grande lago naturale in Abruzzo.
Una metà è protetta dal Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, nell'altra invece la pesca (principalmente di pesce persico e trota) è controllata dal comune di Villalago.
Potrete osservare molte anatre ed altre specie appartenenti all’avifauna, composta in gran parte da falchi pellegrini, falconi, gufi e aquile.

Questo lago è diventato famoso perché sembra avere la forma di un cuore se lo osservate dall'alto.
Fa parte dell’avventura anche il viaggio stesso da Roccacasale verso il lago: si percorre una rocciosa strada di montagna che attraversa la gola del Sagittario. È a soli 45 minuti dal b&b e le viste lungo il percorso sono spettacolari.

Le attività da svolgere intorno al lago sono molte: infatti le magiche e scintillanti acque invitano nuotatori, rematori e canoisti. Spesso i visitatori scelgono di fare picnic sui numerosi brevi tratti di spiagge di ciottoli ed affittare un pedalò per fare il giro del lago.

Ci sono alcuni ristoranti lungo le rive, tra cui l’Hotel Del Lago dove è possibile sedersi all'aperto con una splendida vista sul lago e gustare un buon piatto di pasta, un panino oppure i famosi arrosticini abruzzesi (spiedini di agnello).

​Lago di San Domenico
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Lungo la strada per il Lago di Scanno, appena fuori dal paese di Villalago, di solito ci fermiamo vicino le tranquille acque blu del Lago di San Domenico.
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Potete attraversare un ponte sul lago, che è decorato con mattoni che riportano i nomi delle famiglie che hanno donato per la sua costruzione. Il ponte conduce all'Eremo di San Domenico; sotto questo passaggio si trova un delizioso e antico ponte romano che un tempo era l'unico modo per attraversare il lago ed arrivare fino ad una piccola cappella e all'Eremo.

Secondo la tradizione, nel X secolo, San Domenico scavò la grotta in cui visse da eremita. Più tardi, questo la zona di ritiro del santo divenne un luogo di culto per molti e una bella chiesetta (cappella) fu costruita per omaggiarlo. Sul retro di questa, c'è una porta che conduce ad una ripida e stretta scala fino alla buia caverna dove un tempo dormiva San Domenico.

Se camminate lungo il sentiero a destra della cappella troverete un grazioso piccolo parco con tavoli da picnic dove potrete sedervi godendovi la natura. È possibile ascoltare anche il suono di una piccola cascata e seguire un sentiero per arrivare fino ad un punto panoramico.
C'è un piccolo ristorante dove è possibile acquistare panini, patatine, gelati o bibite.

Lago di Campotosto
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Il Lago di Campotosto è il più grande dei laghi artificiali abruzzesi e copre 14 km quadrati. Il lago fu creato tra il 1930 e il 1940 con la costruzione di tre dighe con l'obiettivo di utilizzare l'acqua per la centrale idroelettrica situata nella valle del Volmano. Il bacino del lago è circondato da pendii contenenti argilla e roccia, montagne gessose.

Il lago è molto amato dai turisti durante i mesi estivi. La sua attrazione principale è il lungolago di 40 km, molto popolare per il ciclismo, il jogging, il trekking e l'equitazione. Gli sport sul lago includono kayak, kitesurf e windsurf.

Potete fermarvi sul lato del lago in un ristorante chiamato The Kiosk per fantastici panorami, ottimi drink e snack. Potreste anche trovare la sua rinomata mortadella di Campotosto. La posizione è piuttosto isolata ma perfetta per un aperitivo pomeridiano.

Se state cercando qualcosa in più di uno spuntino, provate uno dei due ristoranti sul lago. Entrambi hanno ottime recensioni a 5 stelle: Locanda Mausonium (carne alla griglia, ottimo vino e servizio) e Osteria Del Pescatore Di Masci Silvana (accogliente e informale con un menu semplice e gustoso).
 
Lago di Bomba

Il lago di Bomba si trova nella provincia di Chieti, a circa un'ora e mezza dal B&B. Questo pittoresco lago artificiale è circondato dai caratteristici borghi di Bomba, Colledimezzo, Pietraferrazzana, Villa Santa Maria, Montebello sul Sangro e dalle imponenti montagne.
La prima volta che ho visitato questa zona sono rimasta sbalordita alla vista del lago che appariva dal nulla mentre giravamo l’angolo. È stato creato nel 1962 per produrre energia idroelettrica che viene trasportata a Roma.

Le acque del lago sono ricche di fauna ittica, dal cavedano alla carpa, dal pesce persico reale alla tinca, al pesce gatto, alle anguille e alla trota. La stagione più favorevole per la pesca va da aprile a fine ottobre.

Sebbene la funzione principale del lago sia la produzione di elettricità, è apprezzato da molti anche per turismo e sport. Diverse competizioni di pesca, canottaggio e windsurf si svolgono sul lago, nonché gite organizzate in barca e pedalò, soprattutto durante i mesi estivi. È anche una destinazione popolare per escursionisti, campeggiatori e arrampicatori.
Luoghi dove mangiare durante la visita al Lago di Bomba: L'Altro Pianeta “la migliore pizza del mondo” e la Pizzeria La Collina “Abbiamo trascorso una serata indimenticabile in questo posto e chiamarlo pizzeria è davvero riduttivo! Abbiamo mangiato superbe pizze con trippa e baccalà e peperoni davvero sublimi! L'impasto della pizza è insuperabile, la prossima volta proveremo la pasta gramigna con salsiccia.”
 
Se state cercando un contatto diretto con la natura, assicuratevi di non perdere questi favolosi laghi.
 
Se desiderate pianificare un viaggio per vedere tutte le meraviglie dell'Abruzzo, compresi i suoi suggestivi laghi, chiamateci e faremo un piano per voi.

Visitate il nostro sito all'indirizzo www.laroccamiahouse.com o inviateci un'e-mail a [email protected] per lavorare con il nostro organizzatore e progettare un viaggio appositamente per voi.
 
 
Elenco dei laghi d’Abruzzo
Nella provincia dell’Aquila
Lago di Campotosto
Lago di Scanno
Lago di Barrea
Lago Sinizzo
Lago di Provvidenza
Lago del Sirente
Lago di San Domenico
Lago di Campo Imperatore
 
Nella provincia di Chieti
Lago di Bomba
Lago di Sant’Angelo
Lago di Serranella
 
Nella provincia di Pescara
Lago di Penne
 
Nella provicia di Teramo
Lago di Talvacchia
Lago di Piaganini

​I’m sure you have heard by now of the Central Italian Region of Abruzzo and its hidden gems from hermitages to roman ruins but have you heard of Abruzzo's majestic lakes?  There are more than 14 natural or man-made lakes throughout the region’s national parks.  We’ve listed them below. They are grouped according to the province in which they are found. 
 
Whether you enjoy nature, fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking or just strolling along the water’s edge on a summer’s day – these majestic lakes are for you.
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Four of these lakes are not far from our B&B in Roccacasale and are the largest of Abruzzo’s lakes.  so we’ve chosen to highlight them here with information on what to do, where to eat, and how to get there.
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​Lake Scanno
 
Lago di Scanno is in the province of L’Aquila and is the largest natural lake in Abruzzo.  Half of the lake is protected by the Abruzzo National Park and in the other half fishing (mostly of perch and trout) is controlled by the municipality of Villalago. There are plenty of ducks on the lake and other birdlife.  It is largely composed of peregrine falcons, hawks, owls, and eagles.   
 
This lake has become famous because it appears to be shaped like a heart if you are looking down on it from above. 
 
Half of the fun of going to Lago di Scanno is the journey from Roccacasale to Scanno on the rocky the mountainous road through the Sagittario Gorge.  It’s only 45 minutes from the house and the views along the way are spectacular. 
 
There is plenty to do around the lake.  The magical, sparkling waters of the lake invite swimmers, rowers, canoeists, and pedalo rides.  Many visitors choose to picnic on the many short stretches of pebble beaches. 
 
There are a few restaurants along the water’s edge including the Hotel Del Lago restaurant which serves pasta, Panini and Abruzzo’s famous arrosticini (lamb skewers) where you can sit outside with a lovely view of the lake.
 

Lake San Domenico 
 
Along the way to Lake Scanno, just outside the village of Villalago, we usually stop at the peaceful, blue waters of Lago di San Domenico.  You can cross a bridge over the lake, which is decorated with bricks with the names of the families who donated to its construction. The bridge leads to the Hermitage of San Domenico.  Under this bridge is a lovely, ancient Roman bridge that used to be the only way across the lake to a small chapel and the hermitage of San Domenico.
 
According to tradition, in the 10th century, Saint Domenico dug the cave in which he lived as a hermit. Later, San Domenico’s retreat became a place of worship for many and a beautiful little church (chapel) was built as a tribute to him.  At the rear of the church, is a door that leads to a steep and narrow staircase right to the dark cavern where San Domenico once slept.  
 
If you walk along a path to the right of the chapel you will find a lovely little park with picnic tables where you can sit on the side of the lake and have a picnic and enjoy nature.  You’ll be able to hear the sound of a small waterfall across the lake from the chapel and a walking path to hike up to a lookout point.  There is a small restaurant where you can buy a sandwich, chips, ice cream or a bottle of soda.
 

​Lake Campotosto
 
Lago di Campotosto is the largest of Abruzzo’s man-made lakes covering 14 square km.  The lake was created between 1930 and 1940 with the construction of three dams the aim was to use the water for the hydroelectric plant located in the Volmano Valley.  The basin of the lake is surrounded by slopes containing clay and rock, chalky mountains.
 
The lake is well-liked by tourists during the summer months.  Its main attraction is its 40 km lakefront which is very popular for cycling, jogging, trekking, and horseback riding.  Lake sports include kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
 
You can stop on the side of the lake at an eatery called The Kiosk for great views, good drinks, and snacks.  You may even be able to snag some of its renowned Campotosto mortadella which is a type of cured meat. The location is somewhat isolated but perfect for an afternoon aperitivo. 
 
If you are looking for more than a snack, try one of the two restaurants on the lake.  Both have excellent 5-star reviews: Locanda Mausonium (grilled meats, great wine, and service) and Osteria Del Pescatore Di Masci Silvana (cozy and casual with a simple and tasty menu).
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Lake Bomba
 
Lago di Bomba is in the province of Chieti, about an hour and a half away from the B&B.  This picturesque artificial lake is surrounded by the quaint villages of Bomba, Colledimezzo, Pietraferrazzana, Villa Santa Maria, Montebello sul Sangro and the majestic mountains.  The first time I visited the lake, I was in awe as we rounded the corner and saw this magical lake appear out of nowhere.  It was created in 1962 to produce hydroelectric power which is transported to Rome.
 
The lake waters are rich in fish fauna, from chub to carp, from royal perch to tench, to catfish, eels, and trout. The most favorable season for fishing goes from April to the end of October,
 
Though the main function of the lake is the production of electricity, it is also enjoyed by many for tourism and sport.  Several fishing, boating, and windsurfing competitions take place on the lake as well as organized boat and pedal boat trips, especially during the summer months.  It is also a popular destination for hikers, campers, and free climbers.
 
Places to eat while visiting Lake Bomba: L’Altro Pianeta “best pizza in the world” and Pizzaria La Collina “We spent an unforgettable evening in this place that calling a pizzeria is truly reductive! We ate superb tripe and baccala (codfish) pizzas and peppers to say the least sublime! The pizza dough is truly unsurpassed, next time we will try gramigna pasta with sausage.”
 
If you are looking for direct contact with nature, be sure not to miss these fabulous lakes. 
 
If you’d like to plan a trip to see all the wonders of Abruzzo including its picturesque lakes – call us and we will do the planning for you.  Visit our website at www.laroccamiahouse.com or email us at [email protected] to work with our planner to design a trip specifically for you.
 
 
Useful list of Lakes located in the Abruzzo region of Italy
In the Provence of L’Aquila
Lake Campotosto
Lake Scanno
Lake Barrea
Lake Sinizzo
Lake Provvidenza
Lake Sirente
Lake San Domenico
Lake Campo Imperatore

In the Province of Chieti
Lake Bomba
Lake Sant’Angelo
Lake Serranella

In the Province of Pescara
Lake Penne

In the Province of Teramo
Lake Talvacchia
Lake Piaganini

​Roccacasale, Italy boasts the most stunning views of the valley from its castle perched at the top of the village.   It has tons to offer visitors who enjoy authentic Italian rural life. 
​Visit Roccacasale and see for yourself.

​Here’s 15 reasons you should choose to visit Roccacasale and the region of Abruzzo, Italy
 
1. Travel the long country roads that wind through the Peligna Valley…watch out for sheep on the road and meet the shepherd! 

2. Take in the mountain views at every corner … 

3. and dream of owning an Italian villa nestled in the picturesque countryside … 

​4. or just take a short hike up to the castle in Roccacasale  and look out over the Peligna Valley … 

5. It’s so easy to hop on the train to the scenic Adriatic coast …

6. visit some of the pebbly hidden away beaches … in San Vito along the trabocchi coast.  

7. or follow one of the many coastal paths by bike …  

8. Why not be adventurous and paddle away on a river kayak?  

9. Abruzzo is home to three National Parks, you can take a challenging hike across a river gorge …  
10. sit by the River Tirone, and just watch the natural world pass by …  

11. or indulge in a bit of wild swimming (if it’s not too cold for you) …
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12. Dine at one of Roccacasale’s restaurants or pizzerias tucked away in the countryside… 

​13. Try Abruzzo’s famous arrosticini and a glass of Montipulciano D’ Abruzzo wine  

14. Or maybe you prefer hot pasta served handmade to order.  

15. And finally, don’t miss staying at La Rocca Mia House B&B in the village of Roccacasale and let us show you what we mean!

Call now to reserve your comfortable room with a view of the castle of Roccacasale.  

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