Welcome and thank you to our very first guest blogger, from the Pierotucci Italian Leather Factory.

Many equate the Italian idea of Carnevale with Venetian masks and flowing costumes, however this event is huge all over Italy since the roots are found in the religion which unites them. Each region of Italy expresses itself differently showing off a different aspect of their cultural personality. In Tuscany, many will make the pilgrimage to Viareggio, on the coast, to join in the fun, where the events include games, contests and a weekly parade with non-politically correct floats poking fun at everything from local events to national or international politics. Even Florence, between the XV and the XVI century, was famous with the Medici family organizing large parades in costumes with floats called "Trionfi" followed by songs, poems and dancing.

The one thing that is similar wherever you go in Italy are the sweets they feast on. As in any region, each will proudly and stubborn ly profess that theirs are the BEST – and the Florentine are no different! If youwere to go into a pastry shop you would probably start your taste testing with Chiacchere, which literally means lots of chatter! But if you wanted to find these feather light fried crips in Florence you would need to ask for cenci - which translates into means a rag or strip of cloth. In fact the image of this delectable treat is that of a strip of dough with ragged edges covered in powdered sugar.

Next on the list would have to be the frittelle which are little balls of a simple batter or batter with rice, then deep fried and sprinkled with sugar. You can't eat just one, when they are hot and delicious it seems that your hand has a will of its own, picking up another to pop in your mouth.

Another, and perhaps the most popular in Florence, is the infamous Schiacciata Fiorentina, the beauty of which is in the simplicity of the cake. The characteristics of the dessert are the lightness in the dough, the whiff of orange or lemon in the batter, the powdered sugar on top (normally with the symbol of the Florentine Giglio) and the fact that it is normally no more than 3 cm high. It is a very soft, light and simple dessert – which will many times be “complicated” with a layer of fresh whipped cream or Nutella.

Whatever you choose, the end is the same: delicious!

The Pierotucci Italian Leather factory proudly carries on the Florentine tradition of designing, assembling and selling handmade genuine Italian leather bags, jackets and accessories such as wallets, gloves and belts.  They are based in Florence and surrounded by the beauty of the Chianti vineyards, the perfume of delicious food and a culture rich in art and craftsmanship.