Lunch at Le Proposte in Piacenza

I was invited to go to lunch last Sunday with a group of ladies from school. They had all been to this place before and raved about it... now I see why! It is about an hour's drive to Piacenza from Milan. The drive is gorgeous... especially once you get to the area and there are rolling hills of vineyards.

Panoramic of the area:

We had lunch at Le Proposte - a cozy little place with amaaaaaazing food!

We started with the antipasti dishes, which they bring (and seem to never stop bringing!) and we shared. Then we each ordered a primi (pasta) - I had the pumpkin ravioli. We skipped over the secondi and went straight to dessert from there! And, of course, finished up with un caffe.

The drive to and from Piacenza was almost as delicious as the food!!

PUMPKIN coffee and muffins

One of my goals for today was to not leave my apartment.   : D

By that... I mean that I was looking forward to relaxing, drinking coffees, getting work done, packing for two upcoming trips, etc. etc.

It was FABULOUS having my mom in town for the past week and she helped out around my apartment a lot... but now I'm already thinking ahead to the upcoming conference and travels that need preparing for.

I'm definitely succeeding at my day's goal task-wise... but I did just venture outside.  : )

Mom made some delicious pumpkin latte concentrate for me to have - and it's deeeelicious. I now have some extra pumpkin puree to use and figured I would make pumpkin muffins to enjoy.

Low and behold... no eggs in the fridge.

I contemplated knocking on my neighbors' doors... asking to borrow a couple of eggs... huffing and puffing included if need-be... (kidding)... (get it?!?)... buuut this thought quickly passed and a short walk to the Punto store near my place won.

About 20 minutes later, with eggs purchased and in a bag, I found that the day had turned from gray and damp to sunny and lovely! ...There is a small celebration of sorts going on in town tonight (Notte Bianca) and there is already live music and a bounce-house in the small piazza down the street. I also followed a scurrying lizard to my door.

Take THAT daily goal! ...Now... back home and ready to make PUMPKIN MUFFINS!



PS... I have enjoyed two lattes today - both including Mom's pumpkin spice concoction.   : )