PINE OF ROME

STONE PINE

It is also known by the name of Parasol Pine or Umbrella Pine, and the botanical name is Pinus Pinea.  I am fascinated with the shape of the tree, lanky trunk and a beautiful top head - a rounded umbrella-like canopy.   The Stone Pine has been an aesthetic landscape element since the Italian Renaissance garden period as I understand.  I love to call the tree the Pine of Rome.

These pictures were taken twelve years ago while we visited Rome.  Lovely green scenery in the Papal garden.

Pine Stone with Its Tall-Long Trunk

Beautiful Pine Stone Trees
in the Garden.

The only wish of souvenir from Italy was the stone pine seedlings, but of course, I did not get, until today, the dream of having the Pine of Rome as I call it, in my backyard garden is only a dream.

I have been reading about it. Indeed there is a possibility to have it in any one garden; however, it will take a long time to grow, and it could well be taking years to be mature.

Yes, it is too late for me to have.  The tree grows very tall anyway, it may be too big for our backyard.

A part of the Pop's Garden

The Pine Stone Fruit

(Wikipedia)

To reminisce about the beauty of the plant, love to see it in my cooking.   How good is it going to look and to taste?  Challenge myself, how I go about it, and how I will deliver it. 

The kitchen is mine for today, just as well, it is perfect.  Rayner is attending the Geisha Girls in the backyard, Duranta Repens - the botanical name.  They have grown so wild, they need slowly trims.

I told him, have fun in the garden, we need to tidy the trees badly, I know, they look green and healthy, but too large and shapeless.  Unfortunately, the weather has been cold and windy,  the job has not been completed.

Pictures of the Duranta Repens Geisha Girls

The Geisha Girls have been neglected, and now it is time to be given love and attention.

They are well-nourished, healthy and tasty, but they need grooming.  The plants occupy a large space that we don't have.

No, I never will have the Pine of Rome in my backyard.  But,  I could see it in my kitchen through my cooking.

The Pine of Rome - Parasol Pine

A Beautiful Vegetarian Dish

The Pine of Rome with the Gnarled Trunk-Stump and Its Fruits

Using the deep-fried technique, prepare a light batter, and making salpicon mixed vegetables as well. 

The plan was well executed, and the final result is a good looking tree, the Pine Stone.
The Gnarled Stump and the fruit-pine looked good, and we enjoyed eating them.

Stone Pine trees grow everywhere.  Here they are more Stone Pine somewhere in Monaco.

I did not see the fruit of the Pine Stone in Rome, it could be I did not look closely as I was happy enough to look at a distant, the shape of the Tree is so artistic, add the beauty of any garden.

We have not been back since we visited Vatican-Rome, but a short visit to Tuscany and revisited Pisa, and enjoyed the Pine Stone trees along the road which we could see, or merely a glance from afar.

Pine nuts are delicious; apparently, they come from this Pine Stone fruits.  The process of getting them are complicated, that makes the price of pine nuts is very dear.  Lots of recipes using pine nuts but often I omit it, using almond nuts instead.

A packet of Pine Nuts

Pine Nuts Kernel

The Pine Nuts are easy to be found in any market, supermarkets here in Australia.
It has a delicate taste, very creamy and tender.  Add into savoury and sweet dishes.
Indeed, we can enjoy the cooking preparation using these nuts.  Pesto is one of them, and good to have ready in the refrigerator.  Serve it with red grill meat instead of the rich, creamy dressing.  Or tossing it with pasta, you will have a yummy dish.

Using Pine Nuts

Radicchio and Rocket Salad with Pine Nuts

It goes well with Frittata

Frittata served with the Salad.

Leafy Raddicio and Rocket Salad with Pine Nuts

Mixed mesclun, bitter lettuces I used, and add sliced roasted carrot to give a touch of sweetness as for the dressing was only olive oil.




No recipe I followed for the dishes, the salad was a simple one, and the Frittata was very plain, using baked vegetables-parsnip, sweet potato, pumpkins, an onion which are diced into small pieces and fresh parsley, add also diced Feta cheese. Pour in egg mixture which contains 3 large eggs-flour, Parmesan cheese, olive oil.  Salt and white pepper to taste.  Bake in a hot oven 190 degrees C (fan-forced) for 12 minutes.  Sprinkle the pine nuts at the last minute baking.

It is beautiful home cooking, a quick and simple meal but delicious.  My thought was to share the idea, and I am sure everyone can do the cooking without the recipe.

The Frittata is served warm or cold.  It can be handy for the following day to have for lunch if you are lucky enough to have a leftover.

The Frittata is ready to Serve

Sliced Frittata

The sliced frittata looks colourful, attractive and appetising.

To create a pretty and lovely dish is a fun thing to do.




What the next dish you would like to do with the Pine Nuts?  Sweet dishes-desserts and cakes, I let you decide, creativity brings us joy.
I believe the right ingredients, simple food preparation is the best.  Is cooking an art.  Well, I let you give the answers.

One thing I know and love doing is to explore and play with fresh produce and ingredients to make the food with the difference.  Just like  these dishes - The Pine of Rome

The vegetarian dish can be yummy, and next time different meals will be prepared, cutting down protein from meat is suitable for our diet right now.  It suits me well, relaxed and friendly cooking, simple food is the best.

Pasta with Pesto

Delicious and simple pasta dish to serve with pesto, it reminds me of when we visited Provence.  Here, I served it garnished with the pine nuts.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Leonardo da Vinci

Until Next Time
Susy