beautiful yellow mimosa flowers for International Women s Day
Happy International Women's Day
~ Festa Della Donna ~  
 
It's no secret that we have a very soft place in our hearts for women here at Tuscan Women Cook in Montefollonico. We honor the women who teach you how to cook the most memorable Italian dishes passed down from generations. Many of our guests are glorious, free-spirited women who have a sense of adventure we admire and salute every day.   
 
Clearly we have lots of reasons to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8!
 
International Women's Day began in the early twentieth century as a way to promote awareness of universal suffrage. Today, it celebrates the contributions of women everywhere to the betterment of the world.
 
In Italy, International Women's Day (Festa Della Donna) is celebrated in many ways. The symbol of the day is the yellow mimosa that usually blooms in early March in northern and central Italy. On this day, women and girls are given small bouquets of mimosa flowers. This fragrant tradition is rumored to have started in Rome after World War II. The scent of mimosas fills the air and reminds everyone not only of the meaning of this day, but also that spring is near.
 
We especially love the Italian Ministry of Culture's invitation to all women to take advantage of free admission to museums and cultural sites on March 8.

Breaking News! Tuscan Women Cook is celebrating International Women's Day with a special offer. Take an additional 10% discount if you join Tuscan Women Cook the week May 28-June 3, 2017. Say YES! to the trip of a lifetime!
 
What's a celebration without cake? Here's a simple citrusy mimosa cake recipe to bring a touch of Italian to your Festa Della Donna party. 

--Coleen Kirnan & Rhonda Vilardo
Tuscan Woman Cook Torta di Mimosa
For the cake:
11 egg whites
1-1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 cup cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar

For the orange cream:
1 cup mascarpone
1 tablespoon zest and 1 tablespoon juice from one orange
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (Aperol works nicely)
2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
3 oranges, cut into segments
For the cake : Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 350°F. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. In a separate bowl sift together confectioner's sugar, cake flour, and salt. Whisk the egg whites on medium-high until they form soft peaks, about 1-1/2 minutes. With the mixer running, add the granulated sugar in a steady stream and continue to beat until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute longer . Add remaining dry ingredients in four additions until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Gently pour into an ungreased tube pan and bake until cake is deep golden brown, about 40 minutes. Allow to cool on a rack.
For the orange cream : Wash out mixer bowl and fold the liquids into mascarpone along with orange zest and powdered sugar. Serve the cake topped with orange cream and orange segments.

Get Packing!
We are always looking for ways to help our guests to get the most out of their week AND the most into their suitcases. How and what to pack for your Tuscan Women Cook week is the subject of endless discussion. We suggest you pack light, leaving plenty of room for all the beautiful Italian clothes, shoes, handbags, specialty foods and rolling pins you'll be buying for yourself along with a few gifts for lucky friends and family members. Here is a valuable packing link that will help you travel in style without jamming your entire closet into a carry-on.
 
Want to be a savvy traveler? Avoid these common mistakes.
 
Here's an invaluable link for navigating your way through international travel.

Finally, here are some ideas on what to include in your carry-on bag.

See you at Tuscan Women Cook!

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