Archive: Jan 31, 2007
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Our feature this week is Italian Cooking. But don't think red-checkered tablecloths and Chianti bottles wrapped in raffia. We're talking about northern Italian influence. The homeland of my maternal grandparents. |
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My grandmother ("Nonna") was born in Parma, Italy (famous for it's Parmesan cheese) and came to America with her family when she was only a year old. My grandfather ("Nonno") lived in Riparbella (just outside of Pisa) for the first 17 years of his life, then took the big boat ride across the ocean to America to build a better life for himself. My grandparents lived next door for most of my childhood years. Nonno loved to have a good time and he loved to play his clarinet. Most of my memories of Nonna involve eating! |
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We have four Italian-themed recipes for you this week. All are relatively easy to make. Make the Chicken Cacciatore on the weekend or on a day when you have the time to let it simmer. The fish and pasta recipes can each be prepared in under an hour.
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Italian Cooking |
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Prosciutto & Provolone Paninis
"Panini" is the Italian word for sandwich. "Expensive grilled cheese sandwiches" (as my husband likes to call them) make a delicious and quick appetizer when you cut them into pieces and serve with toothpicks. They can be made ahead and reheated just before serving.
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Pappardelle with Bean Bolognese Sauce
Pasta and beans is a classic combination in Italian cuisine. Butternut squash and a variety of beans give this vegetarian dish a hearty texture. Amazingly good flavor for such a simple dish.
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Chicken Cacciatore
A hearty, full-flavored chicken cacciatore. "Cacciatore" means "hunter style" in Italian and refers to a method of cooking fresh game by sautéing it with wild mushrooms, onions, and other vegetables and then braising the meat in wine or stock. Can be made up to three days in advance.
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Italian Baked Fish with Potatoes
Swordfish is popular in areas of Italy and is used for this traditional dish called "Pesce Spada con Patate" in Italian. You can use Mahi-mahi or any firm-fleshed white fish. This simple dish has lots of flavor and makes a great weekday meal.
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Zuppa Inglese (Italian Trifle)
Zuppa Inglese (literally "English Soup" and pronounced "zoo-pa ing-lay-za") is one of Italy's most popular desserts. Layers of jam-coated lady fingers, custard, strawberries and whipped cream make for a rich but light treat.
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