Olive Oil Cake with Orange Zest

We are not kidding when we say that this timeless Tuscan cake is perfect! It's light, tender, and beautifully understated flavors will definitely have you going back for seconds, thirds, and before you know it you would have eaten the whole cake. Tuscan cooks use olive oil instead of baking because of its unique combination of buttery taste and rich density and helps the cake stay moist for days (if it last that long).

There are endless variations for those who love to mix and match flavor, but our favorite is the tangy citrus infused versions such as combining orange zest into the mix such as Nancy Silverton's recipe below. We love what she says about the images evoked by this delicious cake, "I imagine tasting Tuscan hillsides, hard work, sleepy kitchens, and sprightly conversation. I can see it eaten in big wedges from a large farmhouse table, people hungry at the noontime meal, as well as dainty ladies stopping for a mid-afternoon tea, picking up each small piece without the use of her pinkie."

Olive Oil Cake with Orange Zest

2 cups + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons orange zest (about 2-3 oranges)

Sift together all the dry ingredients in a bowl. I usually just throw them all together then fluff/whisk them all together with a whisk. Make a well in the middle, add eggs, milk, and olive oil. Stir with wooden spoon to combine, add the zest and stir until mixed in. Pour into a round baking pan that has been buttered and floured. Bake for about 50 mins or until toothpick comes out clean at 350 degrees F.

Credits:

Photo & recipe courtesy of Eating Is Art.

Real Weddings: Emma & Paul's Adorable Hilltown Wedding

Emma and Paul from the UK are one adorable couple, an absolute joy to work with and completely and wonderfully in love with each other. Their joyful summer wedding was held in the gorgeous medieval town of Certaldo Alto located south of Florence on the border of Siena. 

The incredibly romantic civil ceremony was held in an ancient stone abbey adorned with frescoes dating back to the 13th century, a stunning setting for their intimate wedding. Cheers from the local residents and cocktails in the cobbled streets of Certaldo Alto followed the ceremony, then a ride in a  vintage Bentley back to the rustic farmhouse where the celebrations continued with poolside aperitifs under the Tuscan sun and an alfresco style reception... a charming wedding full of lots of laughs and wonderful memories that will be remembered for a lifetime. 

For The Men!

We all know it is a pretty stressful time for the man who is proposing, asking the one you love is a moment you will both remember for the rest of your lives, so you definitely want to make sure you get it right. If you have decided to take her to a romantic destination and make it an experience she will never forget, Tuscany offers some of the most romantic sites in the world that are ideal for popping the question. Whether you choose to propose in a hot air balloon floating over the Chianti countryside, on the Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking Florence, or in an authentic Italian restaurant in a medieval village,  we can offer a little creative help with the when, where and hows of your proposal and ensure that every single detail goes according to plan.

We’ll discreetly work together to plan your proposal and assist you with venue selection, photographer referrals, hotel and restaurant bookings, and any other assistance needed.  Contact us at info@weddingsintuscany.info for a complimentary initial consultation and we can brainstorm ideas with you and work out a customized quote.

Eco-Friendly Jewelry!

We have completely fallen in love with Blanca Monros Gomez organic-looking jewelry collection. Her beautiful delicate pieces are made to order, by hand, and they're also eco-friendly (Blanca only uses recycled materials to create her stunning designs). So if you are looking for a perfect piece of jewelry with luxurious materials like black diamonds, cognac diamonds and rose gold, be sure to check our Blanca's website and if you don't see anything you like, she can also work with you to create a customized piece just perfect for you!

Wedding Ideas: Live Painter

How romantic would it be to have an Italian artist painting their interpretation of your Wedding Day? 

A live painter will capture your day on canvas and offer you an beautiful and intimate look at your celebration. The artist also provides a blank canvas which can be used as a unique guest book, this a delightful way for guests to become a part of your day, and their messages and paintings then become a heartwarming reminder of all the special people who shared this wonderful occasion with you.

For more information about having your own live painter, contact Chiara at: info@weddingsintuscany.info.

Real Weddings: Rhona & Alan's Siena Wedding

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Here in Tuscany spring has finally arrived, the flowers are blooming all over the Tuscan hills, the spring vegetables are available at the local food markets,  and the wedding season has begun! We are so excited about the weddings we are currently planning for this year, so many couples from all over the world will be visiting our home and be able to experience for themselves all the delights Tuscany has to offer.

One of the must sees in Tuscany is definitely Siena, this historical city located in the heart of Tuscany has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is famous for it's delicious cuisine, art, museums, medieval landscape and the Palio di Siena, a horse race held twice a year in summertime in the main square of the Palazzo del Campo (regarded as one of the most beautiful civic spaces in Europe).  Siena is also a fabulous location for weddings, the most popular choice being the Palazzo Pubblico, an incredible Gothic building which dominates the Piazza del Campo. Within the walls of the Palazzo is the stunning hall ‘ Sala del Concistoro’, beautifully adorned with frescoes, paintings, sculptors and period furniture dating back to the 14th century, a divine setting for a wedding.

One of our favorite Siena weddings  was the gorgeous Rhona and Alan from Ireland. From the intimate setting in the ‘Sala del Concistoro’, to the lovely shots captured by Domenico Costabile as they wandered the cobbled streets on a perfect summer’s day, Siena provided a perfect backdrop for Rhona and Alan’s wonderful day.

Perfect Groom's Attire For A Tuscan Wedding

We are loving the J-Crew linen and cotton suits for grooms, perfect attire for a summer wedding in Tuscany. These lovely suits are a great alternative to the traditional tux and keep the groom cool and comfortable, but still look very handsome and stylish.

See more J-Crew suits here.