Averna, 2 Homes and an Army of Workmen
You need one of these
If you have one of these
When a blogger disappears for a while one of two things may have happened. Either she has been engaged to write a cookbook or she has been traveling, trekking through Abruzzo on the trail with five hundred sheep. Oh no wait – that trekking thing, that was my friend Linda of Ciao Chow Linda. And as for the book, no publisher has come knocking yet.
No, there is something else that can keep a woman out of her kitchen and away from her computer. And that something is a home remodeling project. All-consuming. The Mother of All Decision Making Endeavors, a home remodel is a life changing experience. To those readers and friends who have expressed their concern at my overlong absence, thank you. Your kind words and thoughts have meant the world to me.
Bart and I have been living in a rental home across the street from “the project.” The truth is that when you’ve got no real home to call your own, you need a bar. That way you can make a good cocktail. That way you can get through a project like this.
I’ve been experimenting of late with Averna, Sicily’s famous amaro. First developed by Sicilian friars, production was given over to Salvatore Averna in 1868. Like all amari, it is big and bittersweet, sort of like watching as an army of workmen tear down your home of twenty-five years.
Long thought of as primarily a digestivo, Averna has taken on new life as innovative barmen and women come up with mixed drinks like the Palermo and the Viale. Lush and thick, chameleon-like Averna blends beautifully with other spirits such as rye and vodka, and it’s a marriage made in heaven with citrus, especially blood oranges or orange bitters. The herbal aroma gives way to tasting notes of dark chocolate, vanilla pipe tobacco, coffee and citrus underpinned with licorice and laced with dark, sweet caramel.
Averna is particularly good in long drinks mixed with ginger beer, perfect for Southern California’s triple-digit heat. As for the ginger beer, get the good stuff. Get Fever-Tree. At once bright, bracing, earthy and aromatic, its pure, fresh ginger flavor comes from the masterful blending of three gingers from Nigeria, Cochin and the Ivory Coast, astounding complements to the multi-layered flavor notes of the Averna.
Averna e Agrumi
Averna and Citrus Cocktail
Serves 1
This light, but bracing cocktail is heaped with paper-thin slices of mixed citrus. Lime, lemon and blood orange, they are all here. Meyer Lemon slices are good here too, if you can find them. I just noticed that the last truly seasonal fruits, blood oranges and Meyer lemons, are now being shipped to Los Angeles from Australia and New Zealand. As sad as I am to see the seasonality go, it is indeed nice to have them when I want them. I have called for blood oranges, but you may substitute full bodied fresh orange juice.
1 ½ oz. Averna Amaro Siciliano
1 oz. blood orange juice
Fever-Tree ginger beer
blood orange, lemon, and lime, sliced paper-thin
Place one or two slices of citrus at the bottom of a rocks or highball glass. Fill the glass ¾ full with ice. Slip more slices of citrus down the sides of the glass, wedging them between the ice and the glass. Pour in the Averna and blood orange juice, and top with ginger beer. Finish with more citrus slices. Serve at once.
Both Averna Amaro Siciliano and Fever-Tree products are available at BevMo! (bevmo.com) and other fine liquor stores.
Note: You can click on any picture for a larger image, and to see a slide show!
I have no affiliation with any product, manufacturer, or site mentioned in this article.
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 7:59 pm |
Well Adri – I wouldn’t call that a home remodeling project. I call that building an entirely new home!! Brave, brave people you and Bart are. Yes, a bar is definitely called for here – so glad you found a rental with one. You’ve introduced me to Aperol in the past, which I love, and now I have to try Averna. The cocktail sounds perfect for a summer night. And thanks for the shout-out dear friend, re: trekking with sheep. Yes, that’s a whole lot more fun than having to move out of your house for a re-do. But oh, the finished home will be so gorgeous, I’m sure. And I saw on FB that you got to hold a baby lamb too!
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 8:34 pm |
Ciao Linda,
I certainly thought of you when I held that baby lamb. What a cutie pie. I think that the best of both worlds would be to go and count sheep in Abruzzo and return home when this is all over. You are absolutely correct about it being an entirely new home. At one point there was so very little of the old place left, I just had to laugh. And then I started making drinks. I think you will flip for Averna. It is sweet, with much less bitter kick than Campari, but still lots of that nice citrus that you get with Aperol. Cheers, amica!
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 8:24 pm |
Welcome back! I’ve missed you. Remodeling is such a big project, and you’ve certainly decided to do it in a big way! Love the pictures. And love this drink — it sounds incredibly refreshing. Thanks.
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 8:36 pm |
Hi John,
Thank you. That is quite a compliment coming from you, a gentleman who certainly knows his drinks! And indeed we’ve gone about this in a big way. Everyone told me it was going to be a big deal, but in truth, I was unprepared for the scope of it. I’m gonna need a bigger glass. Cin cin!
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 8:41 pm |
Just looking at the photos makes me want to whip up a batch of these cocktails
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 8:44 pm |
Hi Anthony,
This is really good. And the good news is no gin here! I bet that you would enjoy this one. Maybe I should have called this one “The Homeowner’s Dilemma.” I think every homeowner who is undergoing “transitions” could benefit from a few of these.
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 10:09 pm |
Great recipe! You are so creative. I’d never heard of this liquor/digestif so now I’ll have to keep a lookout for it. I hope the remodel speeds up and ends soon!
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 10:13 pm |
Hi Pam,
This is really a wonderful liquor, quite versatile, and far less of a challenge than some amari. I hope you try some. Our remodel continues apace. Next spring I should be cooking in a new kitchen! Alla prossima!
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 11:07 pm |
Welcome back dear Adri ,this is a really brand new home !I will wait for your recipes next spring in your new kitchen, i’m so curious ! I only drink wine but I know Averna,it’s well known in Italy.All the best, alla prossima amica mia, un abbraccio forte !
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 5:54 am |
Hi Chiara,
Thank you. Yes, we are very excited about our remodel-next year I’ll be able to say “Coming to you from my new kitchen…” I hope you try Averna. More gentle than some amari, it really is full of flavor, and truly delicious. Its reputation is well deserved.
Monday, September 1st 2014 at 11:19 pm |
This looks like a very big project, Adri, but I’m sure you will be very pleased you had it done when it is finished! I never had a cocktail made with Averna Amaro–I must try it as it sounds delicious!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 5:56 am |
Hi Pat,
Oh, it is a big project alright. I had no idea until I stood in the middle of what was once my living room. I have a new found respect for these tradesmen. They are amazing people. I hope you try Averna. It was a revelation to me. It makes the most extraordinary mixed drinks, and I have a few more to share. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 12:10 am |
Ciao Adri! You are very creative. I love this post. Sooo happy that I can receive your posts again. Happy cooking and big hug, Paola
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 5:57 am |
Ciao Paola,
It is a pleasure to be back, and thanks for the kind words. I really have to say that I was completely inspired by Averna. I owe this one to amaro! Un abbracio a te!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 1:34 am |
I suggest two Adri;-)
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 5:58 am |
Hi Val,
I think maybe I ought to purchase a case of Averna. People tell me I am going to need it, and I am starting to believe them. We have, by the way, planned an outdoor bar! Thanks for stopping by. Alla prossima!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 4:20 am |
Hi Adri, Thanks for sharing a glimpse at why you’ve gone missing–wow. I’d be stirring up pitchers of cocktails. This is beyond remodel! It’s a do-over! But how wonderful it will be when it’s done and you are in your ideal kitchen. Bill and I will be in the same situation in a few months. We just bought a piece of property with a shell of a house on it. The house will be razed and we’ll build our down-sized dream home. Alla prossima! as you say 🙂
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:02 am |
Hi Nancy,
It was my pleasure to share. I have debated for a couple of months whether or not to put these pix up on my site, but I decided to go ahead, and I am pleased that people like to see them. I never know how personal to get. I am thinking I’ll be mixing up lots more cocktails before this project is finished. What a lot of work. The planning, as you probably already know is absolutely monumental, and it pays to be prepared and to do your home work. How exciting that you too will be building a new home. I hope you share your progress with your readers! Thank you for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:03 am |
I can certainly understand why you have been absent from the blogging world. My husband and I have been in your shoes and a cocktail like yours is much appreciated at the end of each construction day…or should I say destruction day. The end result will be so worth it…beautiful just like your Averna cocktail.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:40 am |
Hi Karen,
It really is something, what a massive undertaking this is. It also reminded me just how much time it takes to put together a blog post. I really did have to step back for a time. I never knew just how welcome a cocktail could be at the end of a day. Belly up to the bar, I say! Thank you for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:11 am |
Adri, welcome back! You’ve been missed! Oh how I understand. If I had been blogging during our remodel, I would have had to stop. It’s been 7 years and my husband still hasn’t recovered from it! 😀 Even though he had very little to do with it. I was acting as general contractor and one day my husband drove up and saw I had about a dozen guys from three different trades out front and he literally just kept on driving!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:46 am |
Hi Jean,
HA! That’s a good one about your husband just driving on. I can relate. My husband often asks if I want to come over to the project, and there have been times when I am so overwhelmed that I stay cocooned over here across the street and peer through the shutters. I am utterly impressed that you ran the operation. What a tremendous amount of work – juggling, cajoling and checking on every little thing. Congratulations to you, and how proud you must have been when your home was finished. Naive as I was, I had no idea what went into building anything. Thank you for stopping by and for sharing your “Home Story.”
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:19 am |
Wow. It pains me to just look at those “remodeling” photos. I think you only do that once in your life, and drinking helps, for sure. Good luck, and thanks for turning me on to Averna!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:48 am |
Hi Mimi,
It really is something to look at the photos from the demolition phase. Thank heavens we have now moved into framing, and it looks less disastrous. It is still, however absolutely “under construction.” You are right about how the drinking helps. It helps a lot. I hope you try the Averna. It really is wonderful. Alla prossima!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 7:08 am |
My heart goes out to you, Adri. I’ve been through a big remodeling project and know how awful it is. And it usually seems like it goes on forever. I hope everything is progressing well and there haven’t been any huge glitches that affect your time table. I’m sure you are ready for a cocktail at the end of the day. I’ve been to Sicily but am not familiar with Averna. I hope to try it some day.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 7:13 am |
Hi Cathy,
This is a trial alright. I hope to be done by the spring, however everyone says these things go on far longer than expected, so I am anticipating delays aplenty. I figure I ought to know an awful lot about cocktails before this project comes to an end. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 7:53 am |
Oh, my! I remodeled a home when I was in my late 20s and said, “Never again!” You and Bart are definitely brave to do this! We love every Italian amaro we have tried, but I have never seen Averna. I will definitely look for it, though, as this cocktail sounds really refreshing – perfec for the desert heat where we live!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 8:12 am |
Hi David,
Yes, a remodel. Dig it. Hopefully by next spring I will be coming to you “from my new kitchen.” We’ll see how it goes. As for amari, I adore them. There are so many that are available to us here in the United States now – it seems that every time I go to the liquor store I find another new import. Try this one. I bet you will love it. With much less of a bitter kick than some, it really is an absolute delight. Cheers!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 8:40 am |
Hi Adri, what a project, it must be both exhilarating and disorienting at the same time. So many decisions to make. Can’t wait to see the final result. In the meantime, will try your drink recipe. I am sure it’s helpful even without a major reno:)
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 8:48 am |
Hi Dina,
You have hit the proverbial nail on the head (sorry, I could not resist.) Exhilirating and disorienting about cover it. I suppose you could throw in exhausting also. I so look forward to “coming to you from my new kitchen.” I do hope you try the drink. It is perfect after a day of dealing with workers, dust and bumps in the road. Thank you for stopping by. Alla prossima!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 11:29 am |
I’m so glad to see you back Adri. In fact, I think I’ll celebrate with an Averna e Agrumi even though I’m not a cocktail kind of person. Cheers:)
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 12:43 pm |
Ciao Mette,
It is wonderful to be back, but I am surprised at how difficult I found it to get back to my keyboard. I bet you will enjoy this-the ginger beer marries so beautifully with the Averna and citrus. Cin cin, and thank you for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 11:33 am |
Adri, Welcome back! We have all missed you but it is OK to take a break from blogging until you have time and your new kitchen. You will be busy for a while with building your new home (it is definitely a new construction you are doing, not a remodel, and I have done both so if you have any questions feel free to ask). Have you ever tried Amaro del Capo from Calabria? If you haven’t, it is another one for you to try and make a new cocktail.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 12:55 pm |
Ciao Rosetta,
Thank you for the kind words. I am surprised at how much I enjoyed not writing and I am somewhat dismayed at how difficult it is to return to it. This project really is all-consuming. So you have been down both roads before – remodel and brand new. (We don’t say new within earshot of the bank.) I wish you were nearby to check in on site. We certainly have a lot to learn, and the learning curve is awfully steep. Every day brings a new set of adventures. So naive was I, and so inexperienced at this, I really had no idea just how extensive this project would be. I look forward to being in our new home, and I may well come to you with questions.
I have quite a fondness for amari, something that will serve me well during this project. They are remarkably nuanced, with multi-layered taste that just entrance me. As a kid, I thought they were brown, bitter and just awful. I never understood why the adults in our family enjoyed them so thoroughly, literally savoring every sip. I’ll have to be on the lookout for Amaro del Capo. I am not familiar with it, but I love to try new things. It seems that with each year more and more of these amari are imported to the U.S. I recall back in the day it was difficult to find Campari. Thank you for stopping by and thank you for the support. Un abbraccio a te!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 12:41 pm |
I can’t imagine living across the street and watching that happen to my home! I would surely need a drink. Or four. You are very brave and I look forward to seeing more of this project unfold. –Rocquie
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 1:07 pm |
Hi Rocquie,
Well,one thing for certain is that being directly across the street makes this a 24/7 thing. There’s no “down time.” There is no getting away from it. However, on the up side is the fact that it is good to be nearby and to be able to see just exactly what is going on. Viewing the progress is quite exciting. The rumble of the trucks, while doubtless somewhat disturbing to the neighbors, heralds each new day’s event. You are spot on about four drinks. I can see that it is going to take plenty to get through this. It’s a good thing the Italians have so many wonderful liquors and so many terrific cocktails. Cheers and thank you for stopping by!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 2:17 pm |
You were missed, Adri. Your project looks exciting but certainly all that disruption can make a person crazed. You have the right frame of mind to just go with the chaos — drink in hand! The bitters will make it all better.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 2:33 pm |
Hi Karen,
It is wonderful to hear from you. I have been crazed indeed and pulled in so many directions, that I am feeling so terribly unfocused. But the liquor helps! Let’s hope that by next spring I’ll be coming to you from my new home! Thank you for stopping by and thank you for the support.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 4:22 pm |
Here’s hoping you and the remodel finish in one piece!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 4:31 pm |
Ciao Yummy,
Thank you, and let’s hope that soon I will be coming to you from my new kitchen… in one piece!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 5:46 pm |
Oh my word! I know it will be worth it but that is an unbelievable remodeling project! I guess you wouldn’t be in the kitchen or doing anything remotely close to cooking for quite awhile. Hope it all goes well!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 5:53 pm |
Hi Chris,
It is one big project, no doubt about it. I have been doing a bit of cooking in our rental home, but not too much, and certainly not what I hope to do in my new kitchen. Thanks you for stopping by and for the good thoughts. Alla prossima!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 5:53 pm |
Brave of you to take on such a massive kitchen remodel… I don’t know if I’d be able to handle a project of that scale. You’ve definitely earned one (or two!) of those delicious-looking cocktails, indeed. Good luck- I’m so glad to hear that you’re okay! I was getting worried about your silence, too.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:06 pm |
Hi Hannah,
It was weird being off the grid. I am so accustomed to the back and forth I enjoy with everyone. I really missed seeing what people were cooking and catching up on everyone’s news. This project has really been an upheaval, no doubt about that. It is very exciting, but I certainly am looking forward to the finish line. Hopefully in late spring Bart and I will be in our own home again. Thank you for your concern, and thanks so much for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:36 pm |
SO good to hear from you! We lived in our house during a major remodel…thank goodness it was well before blogging days, but my kitchen was out of commission for WAY too long. Good luck with your renovations. I’m certain your home will be incredible when it’s all finished. Till then, Cheers!!!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 6:39 pm |
Hi Liz,
I applaud your fortitude to have lived in your home while remodeling. That must have been so trying. I know we’ll get through this, but it sure is one heck of an upheaval. I love hearing from everyone. I was out of touch for far too long. Thank you for stopping by!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 8:06 pm |
Whoa! That’s a lot of construction. I think you’re going to need SEVERAL of those libations to cope. I know I would! 😉
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 8:14 pm |
Hi Carolyn,
It’s a good thing that Averna is so wonderful. I think it is going to get me through my remodel! Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well with you!
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 9:01 pm |
Adri, I would say that’s a total teardown and rebuild! It’s nice that you’re so close to see the daily progress and keep an eye on things. Butter those workers up and bring some of your wonderful food to them, maybe they will speed things up for you. When it’s over it will all be worth it because you’ll have the house and kitchen of your dreams, in the meantime drink up girlfriend! I must try Averna now.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 at 10:18 pm |
Hi Marie,
Ha! Bart said the same thing, suggesting I trot out the deep fryer and my giant coffee maker and serve bomboloni and coffee on the front lawn of our rental house! I think it would be fun, and I really may do it. Or maybe I could make some of your Plum Torta for them all. That would butter them right up. I am really looking forward to a new home, and I think I will have ball in my new kitchen. Thank you for the welcome back to the blogosphere, and I hope you enjoy Amaro Averna. It is magnificent. Un abbraccio a te!
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 12:03 am |
We are busy building a home so I can sort of relate but I think remodelling is worse. I didn’t see Averna when we were in Sicily but I am going to look out for it on our next travel to Italy 🙂
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 7:03 am |
Hi Tandy,
Best of luck with your project. I hope you will share some photos. Amaro Averna is absolutely wonderful. I hope you try some soon. Alla prossima!
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 1:20 am |
Welcome back Adri! And what a refreshing looking drink. I must look out for that Fever Tree brand. It sounds amazingly good! 😀
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 7:05 am |
Hi Lorraine,
Thank you for the welcome. I was away for so long. I am glad this drink caught your very discerning eye, and the Fever-Tree brand is fantastic. I know you will enjoy their line. Alla prossima!
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 5:33 am |
Love the sound of your project Adri – sounds exciting! And I can not wait to try the cocktail – I have often looked at Averna in the shop, seems like I have a perfect excuse to try it. Grazie cara and hope the project goes well, look forward to seeing it finished!
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 7:07 am |
Ciao Paola,
This project is so exciting, overwhelming, but exciting. I hope you enjoy the cocktail. Amaro Averna is such a classic. You must get to know it. Have a toast to my new home. Un abbraccio forte a te!
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 6:23 am |
Welcome back sweet Adri! I cannot even believe these photos… I think you will need more than just one drink! Wow. We moved into our new house about 3 months ago now, and although we did not do an overhaul like you, lots of construction had to be done before settling in. Let’s just say I have a few new gray hairs. But in time, your beautiful new house will be perfect! I can’t wait to see your kitchen and the new recipes that you will create 😉 Lots of love!!! xoxo PS- Fever Tree is the best!
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 7:09 am |
Ciao Emilie,
Thank you for the welcoming words. Your observation about needing more than one drink is spot on. I hear you about the gray hairs. This really is something else. Character building, as my mom used to say. I look forward to sharing photographs of the project with everyone. Un abbraccio a te!
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 10:34 am |
So glad you’re back, Adri! And I’d be living on cocktails going through a renovation/rebuild like yours! When we did ours (we at least had walls) 10 years ago it was a lot of work, but the final outcome is absolutely worth it. Will look for Averna – saluti! xo
Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 10:55 am |
Ciao Laney,
Thank you for the welcome. Yes, I see lots of cocktails in my future, and we are even installing a small bar outside. Can you stand it? This remodel is quite an undertaking, but I am really looking forward to the finished product. I hope you try some Averna. It is spectacular. Un abbraccio forta a te, amica!