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Christmas in Italy or Panettone vs Pandoro.
Christmas in Italy is a special holiday. It is always celebrated with family. As the saying goes, “Natale con I tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” (Christmas with your family, Easter with whoever you want). From the beginning of November, Pandoro and Panettone appear in stores. These are famous sweet cakes. They are available in industrial and artisanal varieties. They differ in price and, of course, taste. Christmas is also the time for the famous Cantucci and Vin Santo. People think about the holiday menu, buy gifts, decorate their homes, and put up Christmas trees. Artificial ice rinks are set up in the city, concerts are held, and Christmas markets open.…
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Admission to Italian universities 2025/26.
In Italy, there is no common deadline for submitting applications. Each university decides independently when to open enrollment, and most do so only once a year. If you miss the application period, admission is postponed for a year. General cases: At many universities, “normal” enrollment ends in November. Late enrollment: It is possible to enroll in December by paying a late fee, but the exact date varies by university. Specific examples: University enrollment dates for the 2025/2026 academic year vary depending on the university and degree program, but generally range from July/September to the end of October/November for open-access courses, with subsequent deadlines (often subject to a fee) until March…
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How much does it cost to study in Italy?
Here is a guide to how much it costs to study in Italy, a budget-friendly destination with public university tuition from €900 yearly. Studying in Italy in 2025 offers affordable public university tuition from €900 to €4,000 annually, higher private fees up to €35,000, and monthly living costs of €800-€1,200, enhanced by scholarships for international students. So, how much does it cost to study in Italy in 2025? Public universities offer affordable tuition fees ranging from €900 to €4,000 per year, often adjusted to family income. Private institutions charge higher fees, typically €6,000 to €35,000 per year, for specialized programs such as economics or design. With scholarships widely available and…
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Castagnaccio Recipe: A Rustic Taste of Tuscany
Long ago in the Tuscan mountains (Lunigiana), chestnut trees ruled the hillsides. During harsh winters, local families relied heavily on the rich, sweet chestnut flour to nourish themselves. Moreover, Castagnaccio was more than just a cake; indeed, it was a humble celebration of nature’s gifts, simple yet soulful. Legend says an old grandmother once invited lost travelers into her home, offering slices of warm castagnaccio and stories by the fire. Those slices carried comfort, hope, and a touch of magic, the secret rosemary whispering tales of the forest. Prepare your ingredients: Prepare your ingredients: Start by washing and drying the raisins. Set the pine nuts aside. Mix the batter: In a…
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Lombardy traditional cake.
Legend has it, the cake was so easy and delicious, it became the “go-to” dessert whenever there was a shortage of fancy ingredients because nothing beats love mixed with a bit of orange zest! So whenever you make this cake, think of Nonna winking as she slices a piece—because this recipe is a little slice of Italian countryside magic straight to your table. Have fun making your own country cake, known as TORTA PAESANA! Bon appetito!
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Carrara rice cake.
This cake has deep roots in Tuscan tradition, known for its creamy, rich texture without any flour or butter. It is made with rice, milk, eggs, sugar, and flavored with hints of lemon zest and anise liquor, resulting in a sweet custardy delight that is both comforting and elegant. The Torta di Riso Carrarina comes from Carrara, Tuscany—a region famed for its marble but also for its simple yet flavorful peasant cuisine. This rice cake is traditionally prepared during festive occasions and has been passed down through generations, capturing the rustic charm of Tuscan sweets with its smooth, creamy texture and lightly aromatic flavor. It’s a superb example of how humble…
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The guide to admission exams for Italian universities.
Tests can be selective or evaluative. Many universities use the TOLC (CISIA Online Test) for admission to various degree programs. To enroll in the first year of a university course, most Italian universities require students to take an orientation and assessment test to determine their aptitude and preparation. Some universities may use the test to limit access to certain courses that accept a limited number of students. Here I wrote the post that talks about limited and open access to Italian universities. Since 2018, there have been different types of TOLCs, each designed for a specific field of study: Based on the results students obtain in the TOLC English, the…
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What are the limited-access and open-access faculties in Italy?
Open admission faculties allow students to enroll without having to pass an entrance exam. These degree programs have no fixed limit on the number of students who can enroll, making admission easier. This means that anyone who meets the general admission requirements could apply and be admitted. The most common open admission faculties in Italy include: These programs are ideal for students who prefer a less competitive admissions process and want to avoid the pressure of admissions tests. Limited admission faculties require students to pass competitive entrance exams before being admitted. The number of available places is limited and set nationally by the Ministry of Education (MIUR) or by individual…
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Savory pie with wild herbs, said “Erbazzone”
The word erba means “herb” or “grass” in Italian, so this pie is made from a mix of wild herbs. Specifically, a blend of chicory, chard, turnip greens, and sometimes spinach. You’ll also need a few small potatoes, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pancetta. First, prepare your herb mix by briefly blanching the greens just enough to make them soft. Then sauté them with pancetta in a pan for about 10-15 minutes so the herbs absorb the pancetta flavor fully. You can make the dough yourself or buy ready-made. I recommend using pâte brisée (shortcrust pastry) in round shapes; you’ll need two discs. Once the herbs have cooled, spread them over the…
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Homemade Anchovy and Potato Pie.
Hey, do you like garlic? Check out this recipe: Classic Spaghetti Aglio, Olio, and Peperoncino. Enjoy this pie warm or slightly cooled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a versatile dish that works well as a main course or a side, bringing a touch of Mediterranean charm to your table. Serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete and delicious meal. Don’t forget a good white wine!
