You don’t have to be Italian to love cheeses as much as I do, but if you were raised around a family like mine, then chances are you have a great appreciation for it.  I’ve said this many times–and it is the total truth–I could live happily until the day I die with some good red wine, cheese, and some salumi (not to be confused with the term salami). Now what my cholesterol levels might be come that day when I do die is a totally different story…!

My darling Grandfather comes from a very small town called Castel di Ieri in the province of L’Aquila in Abruzzo and the province itself is known for sheep, strong meats, and great cheeses. There is a family located in an equally small town called Anversa and the Marcellis are heralded for their formaggi. Outside of their bioagriturismo business where you can go to La Porta dei Parchi  and see what life is like there, they also import their cheeses to New York City where they are served in some of the best restaurants in town.  On top of it all they have this wonderful program known as Adotta una pecora or “Adopt a Sheep” where your contributions can help keep this dying industry alive. (In return you can reap some excellent benefits like a partially paid tribute to La Porta, fresh cheese, and amazing wool products.)

If you love great, farm fresh products made by real people preserving tradition, then I urge you to visit the Marcelli’s website where whether in the US or the EU you can see which restaurants carry their cheeses and place orders of your own.  Go visit them here to learn their story, philosophy and order some great goodies: http://www.marcelliformaggi.com/

If you are an animal lover like me and are interested in adopting the most adorable sheep to ever roam Italy, then please visit http://www.laportadeiparchi.it/help_usa.htm

For more information on the bioagriturismo movement in L’Aquila and Abruzzo go to:  http://www.laportadeiparchi.it/index.htm

All the information provided on these websites come in a variety of languages, so no matter what you prefer you will be able to better understand what makes this part of Italy so wonderful and hopefully enjoy some of the delicious things I got to have growing up!