ANACAPRI

ANACAPRI

Anacapri is splendidly set out along the gentle slopes which descend from the steep sides of Mount Solaro and it is  the second most important centre on Capri island. It is set out like on oil stain on the vast thickly-cultivated plateau, in a context of shimmering Mediterranean beauty. It was an elevated settlement during the Greek presence on the island and was a favourite haunt of the patrician Roman families who built numerous villas here. Anacapri was loved and frequented by Tiberius who spent many long periods at the imperial villa of Damecuta. This area of the island was also chosen by the illustrious Swedish humanist and medic Axel Munthe as a home. Munthe, in his   History of St. Michael has wonderfully captivated and handed down to the following generations, the image of this fairytale-like enchanted island. Even today, in spite of transformations undergone due to the huge numbers of tourists, Anacapri has managed to retain its characteristics as a typically elevated centre on a Mediterranean island. The white houses, with their decidedly Caprese architectural lines, are set out in their bright splendour (given to them by the whitewashed fronts, by the airy and luminous terraces, by the often curvilinear volutes of the roofs of the buildings). All around, a lush vegetation betrayed by the gardens, by the orchards and by the bowers can be seen, whilst the neighbouring districts are marked by the presence of myrtle, juniper, lentil, broom and by various other species, alternating with the maritime pine and the Aleppo pine.
Anacapri is an ideal holiday village and a renowned health resort which enjoys the benefits of an extraordinary mild and healthy climate. As a starting point for interesting naturalistic excursions and also history trips, it is clustered around the beautiful Parish Church of St. Sophia. This was built during medieval times and is brightened up by the central cupola, by the small minor cupolas and by the majestic Clocktower. The elegant Baroque facade (XVIII century) in two orders is vertically divided by pilaster strips.

CHOOSE A REGION OF ITALY

For 6-8 servings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) whole unblanched almonds
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cookie sheets or jelly roll pans covered with parchment or foil

Set a rack in the middle level of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. In a bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon; stir well to mix. Stir in the almonds. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the vanilla then use a rubber spatula to stir into ... continue