Giusto Giuliani - The Love of My Life

Giusto Giuliani bread where are you? I miss you so. We had a wonderful fling throughout Italy, first the Tuscan countryside, then Florence, then Oleggio in northern Italy outside Milan. At the farmhouse you were perfect for bruschetta and prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, basil, garlic and pepperoncini sandwiches smothered in olive oil. We enjoyed each other almost three times a day, every day. You came in an unassuming package with only a few slices, you were pricey and could only be found at the farmacias. But, you were so fresh! Beautiful, large slices, the texture of an Italian loaf and sourdough mixed together with a hint of olive oil in the background. You didn’t need to be toasted to be enjoyed. I fell in love. I hadn’t been this excited about bread since my gluten days. I came back to life when I met you. We went to restaurants together. Chefs took you to the back kitchen and made you into lovely crostinis with a variety of delicious pates. When I announced that I would be eating sans gluten most restaurants would first ask, “avete portato il vostro pane,” did you bring your bread or you have carried your bread? And, yes, yes, most of the time I had you with me. Stashed deep down into my purse, waiting for your moment to shine with each meal. A few times in my rush to get out the door, I left you behind. Those were sad, sad days. I couldn’t wait to get back to the farmhouse or apartment to see you, to taste you. Oh how I fell in love. I smuggled some packages of you back home to enjoy. Making you last as long as possible. Then, one day I went to use you as my vehicle for prosciutto and olive oil and… You were gone, you had turned green and fuzzy! So much so that you couldn’t be saved. Why hadn’t I refrigerated or froze you? I’m an idiot, I thought you’d be with me at least until I was finished with you. I sound heartless, I don’t mean to offend. I will always have our fond memories of traveling and gorging throughout Italia. Wish you were here or better yet, I was there. I must, I will come back to enjoy you soon.