Cooking Classics The Technique Zuppa Toscana Zuppa Toscana is a traditional Tuscan soup prepared with bread, beans, kale, potatoes & aromatic vegetables. Tomatoes or zucchini may sometimes be found in this hearty soup as well. This version does not have bread added to it but most certainly should be served with it. A homemade artisan […]
The Basics: Kale
Cooking Essentials The Technique Kale Kale is a leafy green member of the cabbage family that can be relied on in the winter months to provide valuable nutrition during meal time. It offers a faint bitter flavor to salads, sides & main dish recipes. Although available year round from your local market, kale is grown & […]
Cooking Classics: Ribollita
Cooking Classics The Technique Ribollita Ribollita is a traditional Tuscan soup prepared with bread, beans, kale & aromatic vegetables. Cabbage or chard may sometimes be found in this hearty soup as well. Be certain to use homemade artisan bread such as Ciabatta as it makes the meal even more special & look to The Basics: Cannelini […]
Baking Classics: Ciabatta
Baking Classics The Technique Ciabatta Ciabatta is easily recognizable by it’s flat, rectangular shape that may be scaled into various sizes from rolls to loaves. The Italian term translates quite literally to mean “slipper”. It was created in 1982 with the purpose of crafting something comparable to the French baguette. One point to note is that the dough […]
The Basics: Olive Oil
Cooking Essentials The Technique Olive Oil Olive oil offers good flavor & versatility when cooking & entertaining. It may be used to season dishes or sauté vegetables for soups, side dishes & entrees but it also may accompany homemade bread for dipping in place of butter. Extra virgin olive oil in particular has long been […]
Cooking Classics: Pasta e Fagioli
Cooking Classics The Technique Pasta e Fagioli Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup that translates to mean “pasta & beans”. It’s a filling soup packed with valuable nutrition. The the cannellini beans are a great source of vitamins, minerals, protein & fiber. Be certain to serve with a homemade artisan bread such as […]
The Basics: Ditalini
Cooking Essentials The Technique Ditalini Ditalini noodles are a petite pasta style ideal to use in soups. They may be added to them about 8 minutes before the cook time is up or boiled separately & tossed in just before serving to keep the noodles from over expanding. I prefer the latter method when I […]
The Basics: Cannellini Beans
Cooking Essentials The Technique Cannellini Beans Cannellini beans may be served by themselves or cooked & added to a variety of recipes from soups & stews to main dishes. Puree them with a bit of olive oil & fresh lemon juice, then season the beans further & you have created a delicious appetizer that may […]
Winter Entertaining: Antipasto
Winter Entertaining The Technique Antipasto A beautifully arranged collection of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, marinated vegetables, relishes & jam is a lovely way to get casual or elevated gatherings underway. Antipasto platters are designed to be served quite literally “before the meal”. They may be as simple or as lavish as you so please & […]
The Essential Guide To Classic Italian Recipes
Cooking Classics The Technique The Essential Guide To Classic Italian Recipes Getting family meals on the table that taste great & appeal to a wide variety of palates is no easy feat. However, with a bit of planning & forethought, you can create recipes & meals that may be prepared whether entertaining beckons or quality […]
