Federico da Montefeltro

Illegitimate child of Guidantonio Earl of Montefeltro and Urbino, when he was a young boy he was hostage in Venice.
In 1437 he married Gentile Brancaleoni.
In 1444 after killing his brother, he was called by Urbino citizens in order to succeed him and soon he showed his qualities of ability and moderation.
He offered his favours to the Sforza family, in 1445 he negotiated the transfer of Pesaro coming to terms, for himself, the purchase of Fossombrone causing him the papal excommunication later withdrawn in 1450 by Nicolò V, and Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta's hatred with whom he fought long time in the Marches and the Romagna.
In the 1451 he offered his favours to the Aragoneses of Naples, he fought for Pio II.
In 1459 in Romagna he fought for the Pope against the Malatesta deafeating him at the Cesano river near Senigallia (1462) taking him away nearly all his lands and Fano too.
The Pope named him Vicar of the conquered lands, commander of the Italica League, he fought the Colleonis in the first battle where the field artillery was used.
When, according to the treatise of 1463, the Pope wanted to take Rimini under his direct control again, frightened from the rising papal forces, he formed an alliance with Roberto Malatesta and in charge of the league of Naples, Milan and Florence, he struck the papal army at Mulazzo near Rimini assuring the town to the Malatesta. In 1472 he was captain of the Florentines in the submission of the rebel Volterra which was horribly plundered.
In 1474 Sisto IV named him Duke of Urbino planning the wedding of his grandson Giovanni of the Rovere with Federico's daughter, Giovanna.
Then he took the command of the papal forces against Florence. He was captain of the league against the Venetians.
After Pope Sisto IV' s death his possessions were practically tripled. Very praised captain for his value, prudence and loyalty, he distinguished himself above all by the art of peace.
In the war he looks above all for the means for its magnificent works.Conousseur of Latin language, of sacred and profane letters, he collected around him a court of humanists and poets founding the greatest library of the West in Urbino engaging from 30 to 40 writers to transcribe books for more than 14 years.
He made the Urbino ducal palace erected, he built up palaces as well as fortresses in Saint Leo, Montefelcino, Pergola, Fossombrone, Cagli, Gubbio. He built the Dome of Urbino and the bridge on the Foglia river between Urbino and Mondavio.

TRUFFLE CROUTONS
CHEF DI KITCHEN: F.G. for Marchenet
REALIZATION: Truffle Croutons Acqualagna way
Number of the portions, 4			WORKING METHOD
INGREDIENTS	U.M.	Q.ta
Consommè ( jelly broth ) Butter Grated parmesan Lemon Drops Acqualagna White Truffle Bread slices already toasted Salt Pepper	dl. Gr. Gr. N° Gr. N°	2 50 100 12 40 4 QB QB
			1 - Melt the butter in the warm broth 2 - Add the parmesan out of fire melting it vigourously; once well done add the lemon drops to the sauce. 3 - Pour the sauce on the warm bread croutons and add the truffles seasoned with a pinch of salt and a "little turning" of grinding pepper machine. 4 - Immediately serve them very warm. Marchenet
Tools: Little pot, wooden spoon, whisk, grinding pepper machine.	Sauces:			Garnishings:
	Difficulty degree:

Commis (student)
Chef de Partie (good ability)
Chef de Cuisine (excellent abilities)