Pizzas, Bread and Polenta

The farmhouse and all the cottages at La Cacciata have outside wood-burning bread ovens. Several are derelict, but the one behind the farmhouse is used regularly and consists of a stone domed chamber with a flagstoned floor. There is no chimney, and smoke escapes out of the small door and is drawn up a flue positioned above. Filled with burning vine and olive trimmings, this oven can reach inferno-like temperatures (500°C). When the fire dies down a little, the oven retains much of its temperature; the ashes and embers are swept to the side of the oven, leaving a clear channel of glowing flagstone on which to cook pizze.