Gourmet Food Experience

Gourmet foods are probably one of the most talked about food items and least understood. I have to ask myself all the time what separates the gourmet foods from the regulars? Some persons view? Marketing dollars perhaps? Some people make the foolish claim that they don't actually like gourmet foods. To each their own I assume but how does one make such a broad based comment? There are virtually hundreds of foods that come under gourmet foods. Some people make this claim mainly because they have not tasted enough varieties of gourmet foods. The list of gourmet foods includes meats, drinks, deserts, cheese, fruits and many more. In fact, gourmet foods are considered to be a delicacy that tastes heavenly.

The moment a mention of gourmet food is made, one usually thinks of cheese. However, remember that not all cheese are alike; gourmet cheese is not at all like American and Cheddar cheese that you always eat in the eateries and at home. The gourmet cheese, Agour Ossau-Iraty is a cheese that is made from sheep's milk in Poland. The 34 Degrees Australian marinated feta is produced in Israel and is made from the milk of goat and sheep with some spices. As there are numerous varieties to gourmet cheese, it proves to be rather difficult to choose the right cheese to consume. Take a tip and make it a point to smell the cheese before buying it. What smells good to you is most likely going to taste good to you as well.

Deserts and sweets are another important part of gourmet foods which includes cakes, candies, chocolate and cookies. You find a variety of cakes for you to choose from like chocolate, lemon, cheesecakes, sponge cakes and raspberry cakes. You can also find gourmet cookies that can be either plain, decorated by look and is available in variety of flavors. You can create or use your own toppings to make your dessert really a gourmet desert. Some suggestions for a topping are honey, syrups, jellies, jams and spreads. These toppings are all available at home or can be bought in the grocery store but really do enhance the taste of your gourmet foods.

Exotic tasting coffee and tea is another form of well known food. You can choose between loose tea and tea bags, ground coffee or whole beans or a chilly frappuccino; you are sure to find a gourmet drink out there for you. Not only these gourmet drinks, they are also the right choice for the extra energy that you will need to fight the cold on a winter's day. Great tasting coffee and tea are great for complementing an excellent meal. You can choose between the coffees you like. Biscotti are a great choice with coffee which taste great on its own or when dipped in tea, coffee, milk, wine or cappuccino. There are various flavors for you to choose from in biscotti ranging from hazelnut, gingerbread, chocolate and many others.

If you love meat, then there are also numerous options in meat for gourmet food like Angus beef strip steaks, escargot, hot salami, caviar, free range turkey, Danish brown sugar slab bacon, pheasant and many other options in meat as a gourmet food. As you can see, there is a great choice for you in gourmet food, which will definitely meet the reason of the occasion for gourmet food. It is possible to even gift gourmet foods from a gourmet food store, catalogue or online. 

However it is sure that once you try quality gourmet food, you are sure to get hooked on to its taste.

Gourmet Foods For Every Occasion

Enjoying fine quality gourmet food is definitely one of the pleasures of life. There is so much fast food and bland tasting dishes today because of the lack of time to really prepare food right, that when you do get to enjoy gourmet fine food, it's a special treat.

So what makes any food or drink qualify to be called "gourmet"?

Well, in general it means that a particular food or drink is considered above average in quality, and will appeal even to those who have the most discriminating tastes. It also usually means that a lot of time and effort has gone into it's preparation too.

What comes to mind when you think of gourmet foods? Here is a list of many fine foods and beverages that can be found in the gourmet food category:

1. Coffees - Gourmet coffees include many exotic coffee blends from around the world and flavored coffees. Frequently you can get a nice mixture of various gourmet coffees that allow you to sample them before buying more of each kind.

2. Teas - There are several specialty teas from all over the world that qualify to be called gourmet tea.They can be either green, black, oolong or herbal teas. Again, you can often get sampler packs of these exotic teas to try them out first.

3. Chocolates - Whether milk, dark or white chocolate,gourmet chocolate assortments often come with fruit, nuts, and cream centers that are just incredibly delicious.

4. Caviar - If you really want to taste the good life, enjoy any of the various kinds of caviar, from the American Golden to the Russian Dark variety. Of course this is one type of gourmet food that can get really pricey fast, but there is a caviar for pretty much any budget if you look carefully enough.

5. Seafood - There are lots of seafoods that have been specially prepared as gourmet foods including smoked herring, oysters, shrimp and lobster rolls and bisques. There's lots more in this category too and again you can often get samplers for taste testing in advance.

6. Fish - Some of the favorite gourmet fish foods are salmon, tuna, and halibut.

7. Meats - This is one of the largest gourmet categories and lately has become very popular. Entries in this field include ribs, roasts, steaks, and even some dried and cured meats.

8. Poultry - There are any number of gourmet foods prepared with chicken, but duck and turkey is also top favorites for special dishes.

How to Make Amazing Baked Pasta Quickly and Easily

Oven Baked pasta is a great dish for any buffet party or a lunch or dinner at home. It provides great left overs and can easily be frozen for another meal. I always recommend serving baked pasta with a green side dish such as a fresh salad, or Italian green beans.

Here are the ingredients you will need:

1 Box of short tube pasta such as Rigatoni.

32oz. pasta sauce - for real quick, use a "good" Italian jar sauce

15 oz. ricotta cheese - low fat will not take away from the taste, so I recommend using it for this dish.

1 1/2 to 2 Cups grated romano cheese

13x7 baking pan or 2 smaller ones

Directions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.

2. Add the entire box of pasta and give a stir.

3. Cook for just over 1/2 the normal time. For rigatoni, I time it about 7 minutes. Here is one of the secrets... only cook the pasta 1/2 just under aldente. It will continue to cook in the oven.

4. Drain the pasta and set to the side.

5. Place one scoop of pasta sauce on the bottom of the pan.

6. Add a layer of pasta, do not be shy, it only requires 2 layers.

7. Put a layer of sauce over the pasta making sure to cover it all. Do not be shy.

8. Put a layer of ricotta using about 3/4 of the container.

9. Mix it all together gently so it is evenly dispersed.

10. Add the rest of the pasta on top, then the sauce, ricotta and then add the romano.

11. Mix all together and make sure the sauce covered all the pasta to prevent it from drying out.

12. Cover the pan with foil and bake at 365 degrees F. for 25-35 minutes.

- Note - Once the sauce starts bubbling up from the bottom of the pan, you know it is finished. I always recommend a taste test however.

A few tips I would like to mention however. First, you can add meat to this dish such as meatballs. Make sure the meat is precooked. Second tip, do not tell anyone how easy it is to make! It took me less than 15 minutes to prepare this dish.

As they say in Italian... "Mangiamo!" ("Let's Eat!")

A Primer on Cooking Chicken in The Oven

Tetrazzini is a title that was supposed to be inspired by one Italian opera singer that was referred to as Luisa Tetrazzini. It is however an American dish which is made from non red meat, almonds as well as mushrooms in a sauce that is made with butter or cream and parmesan cheese. This dish also uses several vegetables including celery, carrots as well as onions and is also infused with the flavor of sherry or wine. Tetrazzini comes from in various forms depending on the type of ingredients used to make it and this will include chicken, turkey as well as tuna tetrazzini.

Chicken tetrazzini is easy to prepare and can this can be accomplished using the several recipes that are available. An example of the several recipes is the rich creamy and sherry sauce recipe. You will have to have several things to cook using this recipe and they will include 2 cups of cooked chopped chicken breasts, 2 cups of chicken broth, 2 cusps of milk, 8 ounces of spaghetti, 2 tablespoons of grated cheese for topping,? cup of slivered almonds after being toasted and? cup of grated parmesan cheese. Others include 2 cups of pre-sliced mushrooms,? cup of chopped shallots, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/3 cup of all purpose floor, 1/3 cup of sherry, 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg as well as salt and pepper to taste.

This dish is always served when hot and can be accompanied with any type of thin pasta such as spaghetti. Tetrazzini can as well be garnished using parsley or lemon and also topped with parmesan cheese or additional almonds. After getting together all the ingredients the preparation can now start. The first step will be to preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A large pot with water should then be placed on medium heat and wait for it to boil where you should then add salt. The pasta can then be added and cooked as per the instructions on its cover. Later drain the pasta and put it aside.

You should then use a large saucepan to met 1 tablespoon of butter and this should be at medium heat and later add chopped shallots and saut? until they turn to a light pink color. The next thing to do is to add 2 cups of pre-sliced mushrooms and saut? for approx 4 minutes and follow this by adding flour where you are supposed to stir to prevent the flour from forming lumps. The milk can then be added together with the chicken broth and sherry. These ingredients should be left to boil in order to blend well. The next step will be to reduce the heat while allowing the mixture to simmer for approx 10 minutes.

The cooked chicken breasts should then be added together with? cup grated parmesan cheese and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Remove the mixture from heat and transfer it to a baking dish. Here the cooked pasta should be mixed with? cup of toasted silver almonds, 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, as well as salt and pepper to taste. You should top this with 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. Leave this in the oven to cook for 40 minutes.

 This recipe is an example of the several methods of how to cook chicken in the oven.Please visit here for Oven Baked Pasta.

Pasta Italian Recipes

TYPES OF PASTA

Made from durum (hard wheat) flour, pasta is the familiar pale straw color, but it is brown if made from buckwheat or wholewheat flour. Coloring is added by spinach (green), tomato puree (red), beetroot juice (red or pink), saffron or turmeric (yellow), and squid or octopus ink (black).
Durum wheat can be difficult to work with and, to make it easier, it is sometimes mixed with soft wheat flour which reduces the protein content and makes the product more starchy. Look for pasta that is made from 100% durum wheat for best results.

COMMON FRESH PASTA SHAPES

CANNELLONI - These are available shaped as large, smooth or ridged, hollow tubes. Suitable for filling and then baking with sauces.

CONCHIGLIE - These are shell-shaped pasta - their name translates as little shells or conches. They come in various sizes and may have a smooth surface or a ribbed texture.

FARFALLE - The name of this small shape translates as bows or butterflies, and is available in a variety of sizes. Farfalline is the name given to the very tiny ones.

FETTUCCINE - This is a ribbon-shaped pasta, slightly wider than tagliatelle. It is especially good with creamy and butter-based sauces.

FUSILLI - Resembling a spring, these pasta shapes are also known as twists. Fusilli lunghi is a hollow pasta shape in the form of a long corkscrew.

FIORELLI - The name of this pretty little pasta shape means flower. It is sold in packets of mixed colours - white, green and red - the colours of the Italian national flag.

GNOCCHI - Gnocchi is usually included when describing types of pasta, although it is really a small dumpling. It may be made of flour and water; potato flour and water, or even polenta. Gnocchi is usually added to soups or cooked in a simmering liquid and then tossed in butter or a sauce.
LASAGNE - Lasagne is made in broad flat sheets. The sheets are usually cooked layered with meat, cheese, vegetables and a sauce, or sauces, and baked in the oven. Cannelloni are sometimes made with rolled sheets of lasagne.

PAPPARDELLE - This is a whole ribbon noodle, sometimes made even more distinctive by a crinkly edge. Like tagliatelle, it can be found coiled into nests.
PENNE - The name of this short tubular-shaped pasta means quills, recalling the quill pens of the past. Penne may be smooth or with a ridged surface, in which case they are called penne rigate.

RAVIOLI - This is a filled square or round pasta shape that comes with a variety of fillings, ricotta and spinach being a favourite. They are available in small, medium or large sizes.

SPAGHETTI - The classic pasta, and possibly the universal favourite. Other long strings of pasta include spaghettini (a very thin type of spaghetti); vermicelli (a size in between spaghetti and spaghettini); capellini (a very fine pasta); and fedelini (slightly thicker than capellini).

TAGLIATELLE - Tagliatelle is flat ribbon pasta and so technically a noodle. It is usually sold coiled into nests. The combination of green and yellow tagliatelle is known as paglia e fieno or straw and hay noodles.

TORTELLINI - Tortellini are a small version of tortelli, a stuffed pasta shape. Spinach and ricotta is a favourite filling for tortellini; they are sold ready-filled or you can make your own. Like ravioli, they are served with a sauce or with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.

Asam Prawn (Tamarind Fried Prawn) & Nyonya vegetable stew (Nyonya chap chye) recipes

Tamarind Fried Prawn (Asam Prawn/Asam Heh) Recipe

 Ingredients:

8 oz shell-on prawns
1 1/2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
4 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cooking oil

Method:

1. Mix the tamarind pulp with 4 tablespoons water. Extract the juice from the tamarind by pressing the pulp.
2. Remove the heads of the prawn. Devein the prawn by slitting the back. Rinse prawn with water and pat dry with paper towers.
3. Add the tamarind juice and pulp, salt, and sugar into the prawn and mix well with your hand. Marinate for 15 minutes. Remove the tamarind pulp before cooking.
4. Heat up a wok and add cooking oil. As soon as it’s heated, drop the prawnsinto the wok and pan fry until cooked and slightly burnt. Dish out and serve immediately.

Cook’s Note:

Some recipes call for dark soy sauce but I always do without the dark soy sauce as it will make the prawns too dark in color, and hence less appealing in presentation. You can also leave the heads on, for photography purposes, I had them heads off. You can also pan-fried the prawns with the tamarind pulp if you wish.

Nyonya vegetable stew (Nyonya chap chye)

Ingredients

For the paste:

• 20g candlenuts or cashews
• 70g shallots, peeled
• 20g garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsps fermented soy beans
• 150ml water

• For the stew:

• 20g lily flower, rinsed, knotted
• 1 1/2 tbsps sugar, or to taste
• 3 tbsps light soy sauce
• 6 tbsps oil
• 300g prawns, peeled
• 750ml light chicken or prawn stock
• 15g glass noodles, soaked in cold water for 20 seconds
• 25 dried beancurd skin, soaked, cut into pieces
• 250g cabbage, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 40g sweet beancurd skin or 'tim chok', cut into pieces
• 30g dried Chinese mushrooms, soaked, halved
• 15g black fungus, soaked, cut into pieces

• Method

  How to make Nyonya vegetable stew (Nyonya chap chye)

  Find out more about Makansutra's Nyonya Vegetable Stew.
  1) Combine all of the ingredients for the paste in a food processor and blend. Set aside.
  2) In a braising pot, heat oil and fry paste for about 3-4 minutes or until fragrant. Add the prawns and fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  3) Deep fry the tim chok and dried bean curd skin over low-medium fire till lightly crispy. Set aside.
  4) Add the lily flower, black fungus, dried mushrooms, sweet beancurd and cabbage to the paste, fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  5) Add stock and bring mixture to boil. Lower heat, cover and let chap chye simmer for 8 minutes.
  6) Add fried tim chok, dried beancurd skin and glass noodles and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
  Serve with steamed rice.
• Please visit here for more Traditional Peranakan Food Recipes.

Singapore Famous Food Recipes

Singapore is a melting pot bubbling over with tourists, inhabitants and expatriates from all parts of the world, and these people naturally have diverse eating habits. Through the ages, the Chinese, Malay, Indians and the foreigners (westerners) have cast their influence on Singapore's food recipes and there is no doubt that Singapore is a food lovers' paradise.

Singaporeans love to eat out and there is a feast of multicultural cuisine waiting for them in restaurants and especially in hawker centers and food courts. Here is a list of the major types of foods you can feast on in Singapore:

1. Malaysian Food: Malaysian food, also known as Malay food, is a popular in Singapore simply because Malaysia is Singapore's neighbor and there are a whole lot of Malaysians living there; Spicy Malaysian gravies are laced with belachan, which is made from baby shrimps and the Malaysian desserts are usually based on coconut milk, palm sugar and freshly grated coconut. Then, of course, there are the rice and noodles too, which any Malaysian cannot live without. All these go to make an exotic eating experience. Some Malaysian food you must try out in Singapore: Laksa (coconut-based gravies) and Satay (grilled and skewered meat).

2. Chinese Food: The Chinese have been in Singapore since the last seven centuries and their influence on Singapore's food recipes is authoritative. Chinese food can be subtle and neutral (Cantonese), or it can be fiery (Szechuan). Rice is a staple food in any Chinese dish and you can try out the following dishes to get a flavor of the Chinese influence: Shark fin soup, spring rolls (Cantonese - subtle taste); Fried Hokkien Mee (vermicelli, noodles, chili gravy, garlic, prawns, pork and everything else); and, Teochew food such as steamed fish and braised duck.

3. Indian Food: South Indians (mostly Tamilians) migrated to Singapore in the 1940s and their influence on Singaporean cuisine is undeniable. In fact there is an area in Singapore (around Serangoon Road), which is know as Little India. You must try out the south Indian Dosas, Idlis, Vadas that are served with spicy gravy and chutneys as well as the north Indian Tandoori Chicken (chicken smothered with a spicy paste and cooked in a clay oven).

4. Nyonya Food: Nyonyas are half-Malay, half-Chinese people who cook very hot and spicy food loaded with ginger and turmeric. Their recipes are creative and the cooking methods are elaborate. Some of the famous Nyonya dishes ( Traditional Peranakan Food ) you must savor are: Enche kabin (small chicken pieces marinated in soy and oyster sauce) and Chicken Kapitan (chicken curry made using tamarind juice, candlenut, fresh turmeric root and belachan (shrimp paste)).

These apart, Singapore also offers western cuisine comprising of American, British, and Italian dishes. There are fast food centers, food courts, hawker centers, restaurants and you-name-it. As we said earlier, Singapore's food recipes cater to all kinds of food lovers. Bon Appetit.

Looking for amazing and mouth drooling Singapore Food Recipe to cook back at home for your love one.

Please 

Looking for a New Dessert Idea? Try These Italian Desserts

Italian food definitely has its fans and one of the many tasty varieties of Italian foods are the desserts. Italian deserts generally come in a wide assortment of choices from cakes to cookies to yummy desserts that are prepared for adults with wine and liquors. If you are looking to prepare an Italian masterpiece for dessert, here are two excellent recipes whic I learnt from my nonna.

Tiramisu

Ingredients to Use:

- 1 pound of mascarpone cheese

- About 40 lady fingers

- 3 cups Italian coffee

- 6 eggs

- ¾ cup of Marsala wine

- 12 tablespoon of sugar

- 4 tablespoon of coca (power form)

Preparation:

Use an electric mixer to combine both the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Save egg whites for use later in the recipe. Add mascarpone cheese and stir it in to this mixture as well. Once these three ingredients are well combined, now add the 6 egg whites. Add the 4 tablespoons of cocoa and mix it in as well. Once it is all mixed place half of the ingredients into a cake dish.

Dip lady fingers into Italian coffee and then place them on top of the mascarpone cream. Cover this up with more contents to create layers. You will want to create about two layers. Once you placed two layers of lady fingers in the cake dish spread with remaining cream. Sprinkle some cocoa powder on the top of the cream. Set the cake dish into the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Enjoy!

If this dessert is created for kids, sub the Marsala wine with just the coffee.

Coconut Balls Cookies

For those wanting a great dessert cookie to go with your Italian Coffee or supper, Coconut ball cookies are extremely flavorful and very easy to make. Below is the recipe.

Ingredients to Use:

- 3 large eggs

- About 3 cups of shredded coconut (packaged is fine)

- 3 cups of graham crackers

- 1.5 cups of sugar

- 1/3 cup of cocoa

Preparation:

To prepare this tasty Italian dessert recipe, combine together the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Make sure they are well blended. Add in your 3 eggs. It is best to add each egg in one at a time and stir well before adding the next in. Now add the 1/3 cup of cocoa, shredded coconut and graham crackers. Before adding the graham crackers make sure they are crushed. Mix all ingredients well and shape them into small balls. Once shaped, refrigerate for about 2 hours before serving. Many people also might want to add a little rum, generally a recipe such as the one we've listed requires about 1 to 3 tablespoons of rum.

You Can Make Italian Food at Home - Delicious Italian Recipes

Italian food is something that almost everyone enjoys. Sometimes it is hard to afford going out to eat. There is a solution! You can prepare easy to cook Italian foods in your own home!

If you want to make a full meal, the first step is salad. Check out your local produce department for all kinds of tasty, healthy options. You can choose from any kind of greens, vegetables, and dressings. If you are in a hurry, get a pre-made salad kit. Just like that your first easy to make Italian foods is finished!

Next, you will want to choose an entrée. There are several choices that are easy to prepare. Spaghetti and meat sauce is something you can prepare in just a few minutes. You can choose from several different kinds of pastas, sauces, and meats. If you want to make the dish healthier, use whole wheat pasta and ground turkey breast. Add vegetables to your sauce and give yourself a dose of healthy fiber.

If you have more time, you can prepare lasagna. Usually, you will need to brown meat and add sauce, just like when you make spaghetti. Then, you will layer the sauce, noodles, and cheese. Place the lasagna in the oven and bake according to the directions. Lasagna is delicious and it looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. However it is just another easy to make Italian foods!

All Italian food goes great with hot garlic bread! You can purchase frozen garlic bread that tastes homemade. Check out your grocery store's bakery section, as they may have great-tasting fresh garlic bread. Garlic bread can be prepared quickly in a bread machine, or you can simply add butter and garlic to packaged bread and toast it in the toaster oven.

You may want to prepare an Italian desert as well. Here things get a little tricky. If you are looking to save time, your local bakery may be the best place to look. You might find some tiramisu, which is a delicious Italian desert. If not, you can always pick up a cheesecake, which is often served in Italian restaurants.

Do not forget to serve the right wine with your easy to make Italian foods. A quick search of the Internet should yield some tips to help you choose a great wine. If not, most stores have displays that tell you what wine goes best with certain foods. Even though you will not be going out for dinner, you will still enjoy a great Italian meal. Get out the good dishes, put a nice tablecloth on the table, and light some candles. Enjoy your easy to make, but still delicious, Italian dinner! You will be glad you stayed home.

Italian Food and Quality

he main reason for the popularity of Italian food is probably its taste that pleases all cultures. Another one could be the quality of its ingredients. A good Italian dish depends directly on the freshness and genuinity of its ingredients. During the present times, it is important to preserve quality standards to avoid a quality loss while looking for convenience in international markets.

Quality Brands

To protect the originality of some typical products and processes, the European Union created the quality brands PDO (Protected designation of origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). The PDO protects both the origin of the raw material and the typical production process. The PGI protects the typical process, allowing the raw material to come from other parts.

The weak ring is the low knowledge people have about these brands. They are created to foster the typical products, benefiting the customers, as they distinguish the real typical products from the common ones that are maybe sold as an equal quality product. Some researches showed that the number of people who knows about these brands is still a minor part of the customers.

The most known example regards the parmesan cheese. Most of the customers know parmesan as a type of Italian cheese. How many of these customers know about the sentence from European Union stating that Parmesan is the cheese produced in a determined region of Italy, under the rules of Parmigiano Reggiano consortium? Only this cheese can be called Parmigiano or parmesan. The other ones, produced all around the world (this sentence regarded a German cheese) cannot use this name. If they do so, they are doing it unproperly.

Typical food quality and Tourism

This example shows the importance of preserving the food culture. Otherwise, in a few years, in this globalization environment, we were going to eat the same things everywhere, losing this important culture factor that is made of typical processes and products.

When we travel, we do not go visiting museums or monuments only... each place carries its culture also concerning food.

Studies show that the number of tourists that consider the food as an important factor while choosing a destination is growing. A relevant number wants to experience it visiting wineries, agritourist sites and "touching with hand" the process of producing typical products. Often also buying local products to take home part of that experience lived in that specific territory.

Hunger and quality

Quality is for comfortable people. It should not be like this, but it is. People is able to look for quality when is not hungry. Talk about quality brands and typical products has sense when people is already replete, and have the possibilities to choose. This fact doesn't mean quality shoudn't be present in every product, but it means that look for a special extra virgin olive oil has sense for someone who already uses and know what an extra virgin olive oil is.

This may be a risk for poor civilizations that may loose their typical process while looking for cheaper food. They may buy from the outside more convenient food rather than evaluating their own typical processes, that may cost more and give less harvest.

Quantity x quality

The process of obtaining smaller harvests began with a huge production of butter in the 70's, that was storaged in European warehouses. In a world where there is still people who die for hunger, such economic measure to avoid the prices decrease isn't correct. So, what should be done to avoid this inconvenient problem (too much food stored)? Produce less! The biologic products were born then to fulfill this need: smaller harvests using less chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The process continued and people began to notice that "less is better". Typical products with small outputs began to be considered specialties. If a kind of olive tree gives less harvest, their product is a niche product.

But how a common customer can notice this difference? Through the quality brands. It's a powerful tool for quality food lovers. A unique product has no need of a quality brand. Some special brands of balsamic vinegar are sold by more than 2000 US dollars per litre. These are unique products by themselves, as a Ferrari is between machines. But regarding the good products that can be confused with similar in appearance, the quality brand is necessary and allows the gourmets to buy and enjoy special food that continue to be produced as they used to be, respecting the local traditions and allowing us to live in a global world that preserve the differences cultures need to keep the history alive.

Does Classic Italian Food Mean Pizza?

There is no doubt about it, for most people Italian food means pizza. Well, sometimes it means spaghetti, but nine times out of ten, people are thinking of pizza when they say they want to go out for Italian.

And while it is true, there is pizza I Italy, most times, the pizza you will get there bears little resemblance to the pizza most Americans are used to eating. Because some people think the type of pizza you find in Italy is more authentic, they say once you have it you never want regular American pizza again. But the truth is, as far as food goes (pizza included) the delight is in the taste of the beholder. Perhaps you have read some of the more modern wine courses which teach the theory that any wine is good wine, as long as you like it. Well, taste in food is the same.

If you taste both authentic Italian pizza and American pizza, and you decide that you like the American version better than the original. Then there is no reason that you should have to eat anything else. After all, it's your tongue and stomach, not that of somebody else.

People can be real snobs when it comes to eating, and with Italian food, this happens often. People get all wrapped up in what is the real flavor of the country and neglect the flavors that have been their favorites for years. This is not how meals are supposed to be. Meals are supposed to be fun.

Take pizza, for instance, rumor has it that pizza in Italy actually started in the Middle East where pieces of flatbread were used to hold toppings or seasoned oil and eaten without the benefits of plates or tableware. It is actually a pretty innovative idea, to be able to eat your plate when you are done with your meal. Originally, the flatbread was often unleavened like matzos, but when people found that it was relatively to control the leavening process, they began to make all kinds of breads to eat and enjoy.

One really excellent invention that helped make pizza into the dish we know and love today was the production of mozzarella cheese. The best kind of this cheese is made from the milk of water buffaloes and is from Campania. The cheese itself is eaten in many ways but on pizza, the low moisture style of the cheese is preferred.

When you combine baking the pizza in a traditional wood fire oven, and add a selection of toppings which these days can even include jalapeno peppers, you have a treat that may not be traditional, sure tastes great. Food traditions can certainly evolve and change from country to country but as long as eating remains a fun activity, I think that change is good. And why not, because the most important rule about eating is that good food is meant to be good fun.

Know more about Traditional Italian Food.

Cooking Italian Food- Donuts

Italian food is one of the more popular types of cuisine in the world and it has been around for centuries. Those of Italian decent often have recipes that have been passed down through the generations. When Italian food is cooking in the kitchen, it seems like everyone in the neighborhood comes over to say hello.

Quite a few Italian recipes involve very basic ingredients, but the combination of spices that are used make them absolutely delicious. A dish such as papa al pomodoro is a traditional Italian tomato and bread soup that will have people begging for more. This is a recipe that was born out of necessity by Italian peasants and for the most part is nothing more than stale Tuscan bread and crushed tomatoes.

Because of the spices that are blended in, it is more flavorful than any other tomato soup you have ever had. For this very reason, it is still featured on the menu of some of the finest Italian restaurants in the world. Restaurant menus are filled with recipes just like this. Everyone thinks that because they have a fancy name they are difficult to make, but that is hardly the case.

There are a lot of Italian dishes that are very simple to make and that can be enjoyed at any part of the day. For instance, a frittata works at breakfast just as well as lunch or dinner. This traditional open-faced Italian omelet will usually have ingredients folded into the egg rather than stuffing the omelet. It can then be topped with some cheese and fresh cut tomatoes. Present it with some mixed greens on the side and you have the perfect meal at any time of the day.

Whether you are groomed chef or taking your first shot in the kitchen, cooking Italian food is simple and rewards you with an impressive and tasty meal. Prepare something as simple as rigatoni alla buttera or something more complex, such as a seafood risotto, when your technique is more advanced. One thing is for sure though, everyone in the house will be glad you took up cooking as a hobby.

Donuts

Donuts are not a product of her Italian heritage but she has been asked by a number of close friends to reveal her doughnut or donut recipe so here it is. They melt in your mouth and we have never known anyone to eat just one.

Ingredients

3 cups water
2 tbsp yeast
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups butter
3 cups sugar
2 tbsp salt
8-9 cups flour

Directions

Mix ingredients in bowl and let rise. Knead and let rise for second time on table. Flatten with hands and cut with donut cutter.

Flour pan and place cut donuts onto pan
Deep fry until golden brown

Dip in Icing sugar and let stand. Let dry then move them onto serving tray.

Italian Vegetarian Cooking - Over 50 Exciting Varieties

At times people think vegetarian food offers no variety at all. To prove this myth wrong, switch to Italian vegetarian recipes. These are a great combination of excellent food & vegetarian needs. You can enjoy a wonderful meal while adhering to your food needs. This is due to the fact that vegetable go much in tandem with the Italian cuisines. These recipes are are not just healthy & harmless, but also culminate to a great taste. They are also royal and indeed unique such as Zucchini Corn & Tomato Au Gratin, Eggplant Parmigiana and Vegetables & Beans Alla Veneziana.

Lets have a glimpse of these exquisite preparations:

1. Appetizers

Pre meal dishes in Italian vegetarian offer a wide variety of salads. To name a few:
i. Panzanella Salad
ii. Rotini Salad teamed with Feta Cheese & Black Olives
iii. Italian Potato Salad served with Sun Dried Tomatoes
iv. Pecorino & Basil Crostini
v. Rocket (Arugula) & Baby Corn Panzerotti
vi. Tomato Bruschetta

2. Pasta

Pasta is an exclusive Italian delicacy and are surely world-known. While there are several traditional pastas to choose from, with time many new & modern styles of cooking pasta have come in to being. Some not-a-miss vegetarian pasta varieties are:

i. Eliche Arrabbiata
ii. Linguine teamed with Spinach Pesto
iii. Rigatoni with Gorgonzola
iv. Fusilli teamed with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
v. Courgette
vi. Spinach & Wild Mushroom Lasagne
vii. Cannelloni teamed with Ricotta Cheese in Red Wine Sauce
viii. Manicotti served with Artichokes in Green Tomato Sauce
ix. Capellini in Tomato & Basil Sauce
x. Conchiglie Genovese with Coriander Pesto
xi. Spicy Vermicelli with Oyster Mushrooms
xii. Macaroni with Cheese
xiii. Fettuccine served in Creamy White Sauce
xiv. Tagliatelle with Tomato Sauce
xv. Penne Pesto
xvi. Spaghetti served with Olive Oil & Garlic
xvii. Farfelle Marinara
xviii. Pasta Primavera

3. Gnocchi Dishes

Another exquisite Italian specialty, the gnocchi dishes just like the other categories offers lot of variations. Some of these are:

i. Gnocchetti served in Pomodoro Sauce
ii. Potato Mushroom & Chives Gnocchi
iii. Spinach & Ricotta Cheese Gnocchi
iv. Pumpkin & Semolina Gnocchi

4. Risottos

Italian vegetarian cooking is almost filled of surprises. One among them are the risottos. Some unbeatable risotto recipes for the vegetarians are:

i. Alla Pomodoro
ii. Risotto Alla Milanese
iii. Risotto served with Porcini Mushrooms
iv. Baked Brown Rice served with Roasted Vegetables

5. Sauces

Italian food is served with varied sorts of sauces. Some of the known favorites among Italian vegetarian sauces are as follows:
i. Almond Butter Sauce
ii. Basil Garlic Sauce
iii. Herbed Mushroom Sauce

6. Pizza

It won't be wrong to say that pizza is among the most commonly prepared Italian dishes across the globe. Its list can be just endless. However, they are all based on the fresh dough pizza bases. The base is then garnished with the favorite toppings like:

i. Thin Crust Gourmet Vegetarian Pizza
ii. Deep Pan Pizza Margherita
iii. Cheese & Mushroom Calzone
iv. Spinach & Feta Cheese Stromboli

7. Desserts

Enjoying a rich vegetarian diet and ending up with sweets is a sheer treat for one & all. Desserts in the Italian recipes have a special space and these recipes are indeed different & unique in taste. To name a chosen few, these are:

i. Risotto & Rocket Pie
ii. Vegetable & Rice Timbale
iii. Red Pepper & Spaghettini Flan
iv. Tiramisu
v. Lemon Vanilla Panna Cotta with Wine
vi. Fresh Cherry Sauce
vii. Strawberry Cheesecake

Please visit here for more healthy Italian Dishes recipes.

Italian Fare Defines "Comfort Food"

There are few cultural cuisines that can fulfill the requirements of "comfort food" better than Italian food. Italian dishes are colorful, bright, and inviting for family style dining that all will look forward to. Known for fresh, wholesome ingredients, the air wafting from the Italian kitchen is filled with a savory aroma that is unequaled for whetting the appetite. It is easily understandable why Italian food is a favorite the world over.

A visit to a fine Italian restaurant is an adventure in cultural tastes and flavors, with Italian dishes reflecting the historical influences of a variety of regions. Each regional dish features distinctive flavors from fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with cooking techniques unique to each region, reminiscent of their humble, peasant beginnings. Fish and seafood dishes offer a taste of the Mediterranean, as prepared in Italy's coastal regions, healthy and deliciously prepared from the freshest ingredients. North African and Arab influences can be detected in Sicilian regional dishes, along with the blending of cuisines of early Greek settlers and later French and Spanish influences. Fine spices, wines, and exotic ingredients were introduced by the Roman ships that traveled the world that quickly became incorporated into Italian dishes.

The best known and most widely enjoyed of Italian dishes is, of course, the pizza. Excavations from Pompeii revealed

pizza recipes from the 1st Century AD using ingredients still used today on contemporary pizzas. Today's pizza standard was established by the "Pizza Margherita" as prepared for Italy's Queen Margherita di Savoia in 1889. At that time, pizza was sold for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the street of Naples with the popular dish emigrating to the United States with Italian immigrants in the 19th century.

From the popular pizza and beer to a Veal Capriccion served with a rich, red wine, every member of the family will be delighted with the selections of the welcoming Italian table.

So many of what we eat today comes from over two centuries of Italian history. Through various influences throughout the centuries, including neighbouring regions, conquerors, high-profile chefs, political upheavals as well as the discovery of the New World, a concrete cuisine has formed to what is known today as one of the premiere cuisines in the world. Popular Italian dishes include many pastas and risottos as well as espresso coffee that originally comes from Italy. Also, traditional pizzas are very popular, which many pizzeria restaurants becoming popular all over Britain.

The reasons for Italian cuisine being so popular are that it combines very simple ingredients with seasoning and herbs, creating tasty mouth watering meals to suit most taste buds. You are able to get many vegetarian dishes as well as meat dishes which allows Italian cuisine to be very versatile. Another reason why Italian restaurants are popular is that the food that is made is fresh and healthy.