Good Things From Italy - Le Cose Buone d'Italia

Italy in spring? Stunning! But while that’s true no matter where you are (in fact, here are 6 reasons we love Italy in springtime), we tend to think that nothing shouts spring!… more than blooming flowers. And gorgeous views. And verdant landscapes. Especially in a country as full of natural beauty as this one.

You agree? Then make sure you check out our list of places you especially won’t want to miss in Italy in springtime.

Here are 6 of our favorites.

The DolomitesRavello, on the Amalfi coastThe Umbrian countrysideAbruzzo’s Campo ImperatoreTuscany’s Val d’OrciaItaly’s lake district, including Lago Maggiore, Como, and Garda

The classic Italian Crescia is baked in a pandoro (star) pan; a brioche pan is a good stand-in.

Place the following in a bowl; a stand mixer is very helpful here, since you’re going to beat the dough for 10 minutes.

2 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk, white reserved
1/4 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) softened butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper (black if you don’t mind the specks, white if you do)

Click for full recipe and directions