Italy Beyond Fashion

Green, white and red - these are the colors of the Italian flag. These are also the same colors often seen in the straps of the bags produced by the House of Gucci, a world-famous Florentine luxury brand.

Yes, Italy is the fashion capital of the world. It houses the headquarters of various brands like Prada, Versace, Fendi, Armani, Ferragamo, and others. However, one must not presume that Italy is nothing but a mere fashion destination. Even if Italy is actually one, the country still has a lot of magnificence to offer.

The Vatican City in Rome, Leaning Tower of Pisa, La Rotonda, and the Roman Colosseum, the most famous destinations in Italy, for instance, are there for one's enjoyment. Sports fans, meanwhile, can watch water polo, fencing, ice hockey, rugby, cycling and football matches in sports arenas in Milan. Additionally, an Italian getaway will never be complete without a Venetian visit. Tourists can enjoy cheap Italian shopping through the floating merchants in Venice that sell authentic Italian merchandise. There are also floating musicians to entertain tourists.

After visiting Italy's famous churches, museums and parks, one must not forget to sample Italian cuisine. Now, it would be a total waste if a tourist in Italy chooses not to dine in an authentic Italian restaurant. For the discriminating taste, nothing beats pizza, pasta, gelato and foccacia in Italy itself because it is here, of course, that the flavor of Italian cuisine truly stands out and topples down the attempts of many non-authentic restaurants all over the world that desperately try to replicate Italian cooking.

How to Make an Old Fashion Baked Lemon Pudding

I love old fashion or vintage recipes. I have a collection of thousands and would not want to part with one. Sometimes there is just no substitute for some of the old recipes. And this Baked Lemon Pudding is one of those examples. This old recipe from a Methodist Church in Iowa and is worth the time and effort. This is a great recipe for family dinners and is loved by all, from the little ones to the grandparents. Why not make it for your family soon?

ANDI'S BAKED LEMON PUDDING
This recipe is from an old Methodist church in Iowa.

1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 eggs
2 tsp grated lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp melted butter
1 1/2 cups milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.

Sift together 1 cup of the sugar, the flour, baking soda, and salt. Separate the eggs; beat the whites until stiff. Continue beating and add the remaining sugar, one spoonful at a time. Set whites aside.

Without washing the beaters, beat the egg yolks until light. To the yolks add the lemon rind, lemon juice, melted butter, and milk. Stir this mixture into the flour mixture. Beat until smooth. Add the egg whites and fold in gently until no white spots are remaining. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Set dish in a pan of hot water about 1/2" deep. Bake for 45 minutes. Chill at least an hour before serving.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

Note: The top of this pudding will be cake like. The lemon custard beneath provides the sauce. Best when served warm.

Enjoy!