Christmas in Florence

One of the ways I stay in touch with Florence when I am away is to watch television shows about Italian cooking.  I have two current favorites, both on The Cooking Channel:  "Extra Virgin," about a Los Angeles actress who marries a Tuscan farmer; and "David Rocco's Dolce Vita."  David Rocco and his wife Nina live just outside Florence, and Sunday Nov 27 will be the airing of their Christmas program, "A Very Rocco Christmas," which will feature stuffed and fried squid; spaghetti with braised octopus; and Christmas shopping in Florence.  The re-runs are well worth watching for the street scenes.