Don't just scream for icecream: make it!

I first heard the word Presidium during my time at Slow Food International's Terra Madre conference in 2010. I recall sampling Presidio goat cheese and brought my dad back some Presidio olives from the Salone del Gusto (which translates roughly to "The Tasting Hall"). Mmm mmm mmm.Now, I concede that I am tragically unhip -- always have been -- and so suspect that I am probably the last person on the planet to have heard of the prestigious award. But in case you are new to it as well, the Presidia, according to Slow Food International, are "projects that involve food communities in safeguarding native breeds, plant varieties and food products (bread, cheese, cured meats, wines, etc.). Their objective is to save traditional, artisanal, quality foods, strengthening the organization of producers, raising the profile of geographic areas, preserving traditional techniques and knowledge and promoting environmentally and socially sustainable production models." That's pretty impressive. It's kind of like the food version of a UNESCO historic site.Well. Wouldn't you know it, when I was in Florence last month for a friend's wedding, I caught wind that there was a Presidia-certified gelateria called "Perche no?" somewhere in the city. Perche no, indeed. While my friends shuffled off to the Ufizzi -- eh, I'd been there in college -- I prowled the winding backstreets in search of creamy, Snail-worthy, dairy goodness. And I found it:Yes, I cropped myself out of that picture. I mean, seriously, language barrier or not, what kind of friendly stranger taking the photo doesn't tell me I have chocolate gelato all over my face? Anyhow, the important part is the delicious gelato. I daresay I had at least two cones of it each of the 10 days I lingered in Italy. Mmmm....Suddenly find yourself hungry for delicious frozen dairy? Learn to make your own. SFDC is teaming up with Moorenko's in nearby Silver Spring to offer an artisanal icecream making class later this month. Space is limited, and tickets are required. It's not Presidio certified, but you know, it's pretty darn good. Perche no?