Archive for August, 2011
Cooking Italian Food at Home
Many people love Italian food. They enjoy a dinner out at their favorite Italian eatery. But what if you could have that same experience in your own home? Cooking Italian food is fun and easy, and can be a lot easier on your wallet than numerous meals out. Before you can start cooking Italian food, you will need to stock the pantry.
Balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil are commonly used in many recipes. Cheeses such as asiago, fontina, mozzarella, and provolone are also essential. Vegetables like tomatoes and peppers are often used, so be sure to visit your local farmer’s market. Arborio rice will be needed for risotto.
If you plan on making your own pasta, you will need some semolina wheat. Fresh herbs are another must, so you might consider starting an herb garden with basil, oregano, and rosemary. And don’t forget your favorite meats! For beverages you will need water, coffees, and of course a couple of different varieties of Italian wines.
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Italian Food is a Family Affair
If you are looking to get lucky by obtaining your Italian neighbor’s fine pasta sauce recipe you better think again, as Italian food is a family affair. There are very few things that will slip out of the lips of an Italian cook, when it comes to recipes or food preparations. The Italians take their food very seriously, and this means that they are more than willing to sit on a recipe and its ingredients for however long it takes to keep it out of prying eyes. The Italians pride themselves of family recipes, and they do not want you meddling in their recipe books.
The Neighbor Has Different Sauce
When it comes to anything to do with the culinary circuit, Italian food is a family affair. Two neighbors side by side from the same region in Italy can actually have pasta sauces that are so totally different that you would mistake the two sauces as regional differences not household mixes. This is because each family has its own thing, and they are not willing to share what they are doing to make each sauce unique. This is great for those that get to experiment with the different family recipes, yet it is very hard to please everyone that is looking to experience as much as possible. There are many subtle differences that can be picked out of sauces from different families, and when you live among this type of setting you will have no problems picking out the extra or hidden ingredient. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: italian cuisine, italian foodRelated posts
Italian Food Gift Options
For a true food lover, Italian food is one of the best cuisines ever experienced. It is world renowned for its simplicity, its flavors and its influence on Western cultures. Italian food gifts are therefore great for any occasion, and are certainly not just limited to cheese and meat.
Jams and Jellies
Italian jams and jellies have a different taste than something store-bought. They are often fresh and homemade, no matter where they’re coming from. Most of them claim to be processed and sealed at the peak of flavor; this is more than likely true. Thus, you’re getting a sweet little piece of home with something as opening a jar. And the flavors are surely exotic – not limited to grape or strawberry. Apricot, peach and raspberry are often popular, as are nut cremes like hazelnut.
Oils & Vinegar
Adding a bit of canola and olive oil to every meal certainly gives it an Italian flavor. For people who love pastas and salads, oils are a must in their kitchen. Olive oil is the most popular option, but there are several more to consider. Instead of just plain olive oil, try to find something exotic, like oil that’s fused with peppers or spices.
Balsamic wine and vinegar is another option. Often drizzled on salads, it can also be used to give a tender, flavorful touch to meat, or used over the top of bread as a glaze while baking. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: italian cuisine, italian food