Paula's Italian Kitchen: Food and Recipes' Blog

Butter Rum Cake | Ciambellone al Rum

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:23:54 GMT

Butter Rum Cake (from Scialo Bakery in Providence, Rhode Island via Lidia's Italy in America cookbook). As with most Italian desserts, it's rich, but not too sweet. Get this moist butter cake recipe n

Organic Products | Italian Products | Italian Food

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:36:49 GMT

Buy organic products for your Italian kitchen. Purest ingredients for your pantry or to give as gifts.

Anise Cookies | anice biscotti | Italian Dessert, Dolce

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:47:44 GMT

Traditional anise cookies (anice biscotti). Get this delicious refrigerator cookie recipe now!

Oatmeal Peanut Fudge

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:13:45 GMT

A never-fail fudge recipe with oatmeal, peanuts and peanut butter. 10 minute prep!

Toscana Saporita Cooking School in Tuscany

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:39:09 GMT

Toscana Saporita Cooking School: An amazing hands-on cooking experience in the heart of Tuscany.

Do you know what's in your Olive Oil?

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:51:38 GMT

Olive oil has long been touted for it's health benefits and is a staple in the Italian/Mediterranean diets, but not all olive oils are alike. Be sure to read your labels!

The U.S. doesn't have strict rules for the labeling of olive oil (no surprise!). Look for labels that say 'cold pressed' AND also list the origin of the oil--a family company or farm.

Olive oils are graded based on the extraction process and the acidity of the pressed oil. Extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed, meaning it comes from the first press of the olives, and has an acid level of 1%.

Click the link below to read the full article on WebMD. See if you have the knowledge it takes to choose the purest olive oil for your kitchen pantry.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe | Desserts

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:09:55 GMT

This recipe for pumpkin bars is really moist and flavorful. Try the recipe today!

Win a trip to cooking school in Tuscany!

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:49:20 GMT

How would you like to spend a week at a Tuscan cooking school? Enter La Cucina Italiana's contest! You could win an all expenses paid trip for two to Toscana Saporita Cooking School in Tuscany.

Prosecco Party Punch

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:46:10 GMT

Prosecco party punch is perfect for any gathering. With a few simple ingredients, you have a refreshing pre-dinner beverage or a delicious drink to pair with munchies for a wedding shower, birthday pa

Olive and Artichoke Focaccia Bread | d'oliva e carciofo focacce pane | Italian B

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:04:41 GMT

Olive and artichoke focaccia bread is an easy fix using the 5-minute bread method. A perfect dinner accompaniment. Get the recipe now.

Ziti with Tomatoes Olives Capers | Pasta | Italian Recipes

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:19:52 GMT

Ziti with Tomatoes Olives Capers is a marvelous summer dish. Kick up the flavor by using garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs.

Pan-Fried Zucchini Blossoms | pan-fiori di zucchine fritte

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:58:58 GMT

Did you know that zucchini blossoms are edible? Get my Italian Grandmother's recipe!

Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:50:11 GMT

My hubby and I stopped at this winery and enjoyed wine sampling and took home a bottle of Neuhaus. Neuhaus is the name of the town that the Millner's ancestors, Franz and Ana, came from in Austria. Made primarily with Marechal Foch and a little Frontenac, this is a light bodied dry red, matured in American oak. It is a decent wine to have with beef, but shines even better with smoked meats or a good Austrian Schnitzel! It won a Bronze medal at the 2009 International Cold Climate wine competition. We also helped them celebrate their 2nd anniversary. It was so fun; discounted wines, a winery tour, a vineyard tour, music, dancing, great hospitality and so much more. If you're in the Kimball, Minnesota area, stop in and see them. The owners are gracious and knowledgeable! Here's their Event Schedule (PDF doc): http://millnerheritage.com/Entertainment/images/2011Events.pdf

Kale Chips | Healthy Snacks

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:18:26 GMT

Kale chips made from farm market kale. A healthy alternative to regular chips. Get the recipe now!

Rhubarb Cake | torta di rabarbaro

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 01:13:31 GMT

Rhubarb Cake - a perfect dessert for this time of year.

Italian Sangria

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:19:43 GMT

Italian Sangria - my version of this great summer drink.

5 Minute Artisan Bread

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:30:36 GMT

Anyone can make 5 minute artisan bread. This easy dough recipe will have you baking a fresh loaf for any meal!

Scones | Basic Recipe | Other Recipes

Tue, 24 May 2011 03:11:26 GMT

Scones - get this basic dough recipe and add savory or sweet to accompany any meal.

Cook in Venice | Italian Cooking Program | Cooking Courses in Venice

Wed, 11 May 2011 21:47:48 GMT

Cook in Venice! Do you want to learn to cook like an Italian Mama? Arianna and Monica will show you how from their home kitchen.

Cook in Italy

Wed, 04 May 2011 02:41:33 GMT

Love to cook and travel? Italy has some of the best cooking schools in Europe! Cook in Italy...more info.

Pesto

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:02:16 GMT

This simple pesto recipe is quick to make and keeps in the refrigerator for weeks. Make some today!

Penne with Shrimp and Broccoli | penne con gamberetti e broccoli

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 01:41:11 GMT

Make this easy penne with shrimp and broccoli for dinner. Try it tonight!

Rustic Blueberry Pastry | mirtillo pasticceria rustico

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:32:51 GMT

Simple, rustic blueberry pastry using puff pastry and fresh or frozen blueberries. Delicious and speedy. Get the recipe now!

Roasting Vegetables

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:23:46 GMT

Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out the best flavor. You can roast any kind of vegetable and change the flavor.

Olivari Olive Oil

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:58:35 GMT

Review of Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil product.
Recently named 2011 Product of the Year for the Cooking Category by the Consumer Survey for Product Innovation.

Olive Oil is a staple in my kitchen. I couldn't cook without it! So when Olivari contacted me and wanted to know if I would try their Olive Oil, I gladly agreed. I tried the Extra Virgin variety, but they also make a Classic and Extra Light variety. I found it to be a great "every day" oil for my purposes.

What I loved:
This bottle/brand has a pop-up pourer that worked wonderfully!

What I'd like to see:
The bottle was not tinted. I prefer to keep my olive oil in a bottle that light cannot easily penetrate - either a colored bottle or another type of container such as ceramic or tin.

Features:
Lightweight, plastic bottle
Readily available at Walmart
A blend of mediterranean olives for a pleasing taste
Quick access to recipes on their Web site: http://www.OlivariMediterranean.com

BONUS: I have coupons to share! I'll send a coupon for a FREE 17 oz. bottle of Olivari to the first 4 readers who share a recipe with me. It has to be a recipe using olive oil. :-)

Submit your recipe by clicking link below.

Torrefazione Italia Coffee

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:19:51 GMT

I was attending an Internet Marketing conference recently in Orlando, Florida. It was held at the Hyatt Grand Cypress Hotel. I'm telling you, I've never had such good hotel food. Everything we had - whether it was sit down or box lunch - was delicious! My favorite part was the wonderful coffee. Nothing like a really good cup of coffee to wake up your day. So imagine my surprise to find an Italian coffee being served. Could I really go wrong? I don't think so! I loved it so much and it reminded me of my trip to Italy, so I ordered some for home. Click below to learn more about Torrefazione Italia Coffee and to see where you can buy a bag for yourself.

Rigatoni with Italian Sausage and Broccoli

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:32:48 GMT

This 30-minute rigatoni with italian sausage and broccoli is perfect for a weeknight meal. Get the recipe now.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Feta Cheese

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:47:23 GMT

Want a new chicken dish? Prosciutto-wrapped chicken with feta cheese is an yummy twist on the usual chicken dish. Serve it tonight!

Feta Bruschetta

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:07:20 GMT

Feta bruschetta is a simple appetizer (antipasti). Perfect served with your apertivo (pre-dinner beverage), this is a simple recipe than can be made ahead.

Cantucci | Tuscan Nut Biscotti (Cookie)

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:59:17 GMT

Cantucci is a Tuscan nut biscotti (cookie) that is authentic to the Tuscan region of Italy. Without the presence of a fat, this cookie can be stored for a long period of time.

Zucchini and Potato Pie | tortino di patate e zucchine

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:47:46 GMT

Zucchini and potato pie is an easy and delicious vegetable side dish (contorno).

Fennel Gratin | finocchi gratinati

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:53:22 GMT

Fennel gratin is an easy dish to prepare. Never used fresh fennel? Here's your introduction to this wonderful ingredient.

Culinary Tour Fall 2011

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:10:32 GMT

If you'd like to go with me to Italy to cook next year, let me know. (Fill out the form on the linked page--see below). Don't delay...deposits are due in the spring for this fall tour!

Links to Italian Chefs updated

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:06:45 GMT

I added direct Web site links to some of my favorite Italian and Italian-American chefs.

Spaghetti with Oil and Garlic | spaghetti aglio olio

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:11:28 GMT

Spaghetti with oil and garlic is a simple pasta you can serve as a main or side dish. Try it tonight!

Trip to Tuscany!

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:49:49 GMT

Well, my trip to Italy was amazing! I had such fun at Toscana Saporita (Tuscan cooking school) and met some wonderful people I can now call friends (pictures on Facebook!). We cooked, ate, drank wine, and laughed a lot! If you love to cook and would love to go to Italy, join me! I'm planning my inaugural trip hosting a small travel group in October 2011. See the link below for more details about the school and how to reserve your spot.
Con amore da Italia (with love from Italy)

Penne with Porcini Mushroom Sauce Recipe | Pasta alla Boscaiola

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:26:25 GMT

Penne with Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Pasta alla Boscaiola, is an earthy pasta. The addition of mushrooms adds depth to the taste of this pasta dish. It will add some variiety to your usual pasta fare.

Italian Culture: Cooking Classes in Italy, Italian Chefs, Travel to Italy,

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:53:04 GMT

Italian Culture - Find out about cooking classes in Italy, links to popular Italian chefs' Web sites, and traveling in Italy.

Cooking demonstration at Macy's downtown Minneapolis Oct. 8 @ Noon

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:08:59 GMT

For those of you in the Mpls area, Macy's Culinary Council Chef Tom Douglas will be sharing insights for recreating recipes at home. Learn his tricks of the trade as he shares how to make your own magic in the kitchen. He is the owner of six restaurants in Seattle and the author of three cookbooks, including the James Beard Foundation Award for best Americana Cookbook: Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen. Following the event, he will be available to meet and greet customers and sign copies of his cookbooks: Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen, Tom's Big Dinners and I Love Crabcakes, which will be available for purchase at Macy's the day of the event. The event is free. Seating is limited. Call 1.800.329.8667 to reserve a space. For more information, visit http://www.macys.com/culinarycouncil. When: Friday, October 8 NOON Where: Macy's Downtown Minneapolis Lower Level-Culinary Kitchen 700 On the Mall Minneapolis, MN I can't be there (cuz I'll be in Italy!), but it should be fun. Ciao for now, Paula

Going to cook in Italy!!

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:08:59 GMT

I'm headed to Toscana Saporita in 1 week to do some cooking with the wonderful chefs in Tuscany. I won't be blogging from there...no easy way. BUT, I will be taking lots of notes and I'll share tips and recipes when I return. I've never been to Italy or Europe. So excited, but my head is whirling with all the last minute details and preparations. Cucinare in allegria. Ciao, Paula

Chicken Enchiladas | Other Recipes | Italian Food Recipes

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:33:12 GMT

Chicken Enchiladas - easy to make, easy to bake! Super quick dinner that can be prepared ahead of time. Get the recipe now!

Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe | Desserts | Other Recipes

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:59:55 GMT

Peach Upside Down Cake is a super simple cake recipe made with fresh or frozen peaches and honey. Try the recipe today!

New 1st Illinois Restaurant Review!

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:40:36 GMT

Gino's East of Chicago
Click the link below and scroll down toward bottom of the page under "Illinois" to read the review.

Italian Sausage Roasted Tomato Rustic Pie | italiana di pomodoro salsiccia arros

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:54:42 GMT

Italian Sausage Roasted Tomato rustic pie comes together quickly using prepared puff pastry. Get the recipe and cook it tonight!

Homemade Farfalle

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:29:24 GMT

Check out this video from Bertolli - an adventure in Lucca to make Farfalle with Chicken and Parmigiano Reggiano. Yum!

Follow me on Twitter, Like my page on Facebook.

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:18:29 GMT

Follow me on Twitter, Like my page on Facebook or subscribe to my blog to get the latest recipes and updates!

Strawberry Spinach Salad | Non-Italian Recipes | Salads

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:23:02 GMT

Light and delicious, this strawberry spinach salad is a summer hit! Get the recipe now and try it today.

Piedmont Potato Casserole | Patate Pasticciate

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:27:18 GMT

I watched Mary Ann Esposito (Ciao Italia) make some side dish recipes on Public Television show. This looked so delicious I wanted to share it with you. I've yet to make it at home.

Potato and Spinach Pie | Torta di Patate e Spinaci