One of my favorite dishes is a traditional Gatto….traditionally from Naples.. the dish was a joint creation of French and Italian hence the name Gatto (Pronounced like the French word for cake- Gateau) but spelled in an Italian way..probably in a dialect of the Neapolitan language….. and it is a creamy potato casserole that bakes in the oven and can come out looking a bit like a fluffy cake…but anyway you describe it is absolutely yummy… makes a great substitute for those (boring) mashed potatoes…

As promised for those who joined me at my appearance at the Suburban Home Show and the Philly Food and Wine Show..here is one of the recipes made on the Fiestaware Baking Dish…what a beautiful way to show off this artisan recipe…

Gatto

*2 lbs potatoes baked or boiled, peeled

*1/2 cup milk

*4 tablespoons butter

*3 eggs

*8 ounces provolone cheese

*4 ounces shredded fontina cheese

*4 tablespoons grated Parmigiana-Reggiano cheese

*Handful fresh parsley leaves chopped finely

*!/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

*Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

*Optional pinch of salt

Boil or bake potatoes till cooked, peel and mash while still hot. Add in milk eggs, parmigiana-reggiano, softened butter, black pepper and salt. Blend in food processor till well blended. Add in chopped parsley. Butter baking dish,sprinkle bread crumbs on bottom of dish. Spread thin layer of potato mix on baking dish, cover first with slices of provolone cheese, then shredded fontina. Top with remaining potato mixture, Top with 1 tablespoon grated parmigiana-reggiano cheese. Bake in oven preheated to 425 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with finely chopped parsley on top.

**Join me in Italy on May 3,2012 for an all inclusive luxury cruise to the Mediterranean. I will be hosting on board culinary demos, dinners and vineyard excursions. And best part is everything is included. This is truly the way to see Europe. Your flight from a major city anywhere in the world to Venice and one night in a luxury hotel in Venice is included. With stops in Sorrento, Tuscany, Sicily, Ancona, Monte Carlo, Dubrovnik,Montenegro and Corfu this promises to be a true luxury experience. All food, gratuities, tips,meals excursions transportation to and from Italy are all included with a $400 on board credit..A few places left..reserve your spot and join me..call Julie at Rosenbluth Vacations at 1-880-257-8279

Get your copy of The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: DaVinci Style for 100 recipes from the very regions DaVinci traveled to with poetry from Davinci’s prized notebook and stories on his travels to some of Italy’s most delicious places..

Thanks to all my fans that ‘spent the weekend with me’  (this weekend)and attended my appearances at the Suburban Home Show and the Philly Food and Wine Show.  It is always fun  to meet you and thanks you for sharing  all your stories about your experiences and questions trying the recipes in The Basic Art of Italian Cooking book  series  and questions about the places I visit in the books …. and sharing stories about your family’s origins in Italy and stories about the  towns they come from.

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: DaVinci Style has had a very successful release and is doing very well ..thanks to the support of all of you…thanks for all your love and support!!

As promised, here is another recipe from my onstage cooking appearances and photos of the beautiful items I paired the recipes with. It is just as important to know what foods to pair together as well as the items they are presented in, And I am sure you will agree that the Fiestaware and Wendell August pieces were the perfect pairing. Fiestaware’s  75th anniversary color –Marigold- added the perfect touch to show off the other colors in the ingredients used.

Rotini Pasta alla Spinaci

1 pound rotini pasta (whole wheat )

8 ozs. fresh spinach (washed, chopped)

2 cloves garlic (peeled)

1/4 cup cooking cream or cream

4 ounces steamed crabmeat, shredded

3 ozs. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup dry white wine

Cook pasta in boiling water  10-12 minutes. While pasta is boiling, place olive oil in saute pan, place in whole garlic cloves. Saute just till garlic becomes golden. Add in fresh spinach, saute for 2 minutes, than add in crabmeat. Saute for 3 minutes, add in wine. Saute for 5 minutes or until half of liquid has been absorbed.  remove garlic cloves.Add in  cream. Saute till creamy. remove from heat,keep warm. When past is al dente, drain and place into saute pan and toss pasta to coat with creamy sauce.  Serve hot.

**Join me on in Italy for my Cruise to the Mediterranean and a culinary adventure (May 3, 2012). This luxury cruise will leave from Venice Italy and go to Rome, Tuscany, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Monte Carlo, Your flight to Venice,  and a night in a luxury hotel in Venice (included) and all your food, excursions, on board alcoholic beverages,flight back and shuttles to and from airport are all included. The suites you wil stay in are luxury suites. No better way to see Europe and I iwll be happy to introduce you to the Mediterranean that I know so well! I will be doing on board dinners and cooking demos and taking you on a visit to a vineyard in Sicily. Only a few spots left..join us call Julie at Rosenbluth Vacations at 1-800-257-8279…see you then

copyright Art of Living, PrimaMedia,Inc/Maria Liberati 2011

If home is where the heart is then it’s the details that count, the little things that make you feel comfortable and remind you who you are… a recipe, a sound, a fragrance…some of the things that help make someplace feel like home..

A recipe that makes makes me feel like home at the country home here in the mountains of Abruzzo is a frittata made with fresh cipolotti onions since they are so easy to find at the local open air markets or sometimes one of my neighbors will surprise with a bag of onions from their ‘giardina’ or garden.

I received a surprise visit that came with a small bag of freshly picked onions today..It was an unexpected visit and a special one from a couple that has a small farm in the next town…..just a hop,skip and a jump over a few hills from me….

Fresh Onion Frittata

10 eggs

½ cup parmigiana-reggiana grated

8 ounces ricotta cheese

3 fresh cipolotti onions

½ cup milk

½ cup dry white wine

pinch of salt and pepper

pinch of nutmeg

2 tablespoons of butter

Peel and clean the cipolotti onions, removing the tougher outer layer. Chop the onions and saute in butter (on low heat) with pinch of salt and pepper. Add in wine, be careful not to brown onions. Let alcohol evaporate, add in 2 tablespoons of water and cover, cook this way over medium low heat til onion has become transparent.

Place ricotta, eggs, milk, grated cheese, nutmeg in a bowl and whisk together with a wire whisk. Pour into non stick and /or buttered, round casserole dish. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place in oven for 20 minutes or until firm and brown on top.

Serve with a dry, chilled white wine like Trebbiano D’Abruzzo. As the Italians say the this wine and the frittata “make the perfect marriage…. the hint of sweetness of the frittata and the acidity of the Trebbiano wine”.

**Join me in Italy, on my all inclusive luxury cruise to experience flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean in May 2012. Only a few spaces left, includes airfare, meals, taxes ,transfers, everything. Email :events@marialiberati.com or call Rosenbluth Travel  1-800-257-8279

Besides, my frequent trips to the internet to find out about the latest weather reports in the East Coast of the US, I was preoccupied with making 2 chocolate ricotta cheesecakes for an outdoor ‘spaghettata’. A spaghetta is a sort of a dinner  or party and the menu is made up mainly of different spaghetti dishes.

The event will be held at the villa of an acquaintance..luckily it is in the mountains so I know the air will be cool and fresh. But the dessert will be a ricotta chocolate cheesecake.

I cheated a bit on this one..with temps in the 100’s here everyday… I did not feel like making  a full blown cheesecake and used as a principal ingredient, a  chocolate box cake mix that has pudding added to . It is half homemade and half pre made…well anyway it was surprisingly delicious and not one piece of 2  of these cheesecakes was left over.

Chocolate Ricotta Cheesecake squares

2 lbs ricotta cheese

8 ounces baking chocolate  chopped

rind of one orange

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup sugar

! box chocolate cake mix with pudding

3 eggs

1/3 cup canola oil

1/2 cup water

In bowl, mix ricotta with orange rind and chopped chocolate and sugar. Set aside. Mix cake mix as package directs with rest of ingredients. Blend. Butter and flour a 13 x 9” pan. pour in batter. Spoon ricotta mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until ricotta on top becomes brown. Remove from oven and let cool.Cut into squares

**Join me on a culinary cruise to Italy in May 2012. Besides a visit t oa vineyard in Sicily, I will be doing culinary demos and dinners throughout the cruise to explore tastes of the Mediterranean. And best of all everything is included, it is all inclusive, airfare, meals, tips, excursions, my events, are all included. Only a few spots left, to reserve your spot or for more info email: events@marialiberati.com

Lemons have been used in many ways throughout history. During the European Renaissance, the fashionable ladies used lemons as a way to make their lips red and pronounced. In the early 1900′s , an elixir of warm water, fresh lemon juice and sugar was thought to help digestion. Today, a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice is said to relieve extremely rough, dry hands.

But for me fresh, fragrant lemons signal summer. The bright yellow peel resembling a bright summer sun and the fresh, hypnotizing perfume of the juice all make this one of the summers symbolic fruits.

Oh yes, you can get lemons all year round but not like the fresh summer lemons here in Italy, especially in Sorrento. The simplest way to brighten up any dish and really wake up the taste is by adding in lemon zest and/or lemon juice. For a quick,light, refreshing summer dessert to eat alone or with some vanilla gelato or ice cream mix a pound of fresh strawberries (hulled and cut in half) with the juice of one lemon and a tablespoon or so of sugar. Let marinate for one hour and serve.

The perfume of this lemon torta wafting through my kitchen, always reminds me of summer stays at a small Bed and Breakfast (called Agriturismi in Italian) in Sorrento ( the town that is famous for their trademarked lemons)- where fresh lemons infuse the air in the summer. The view of the bay of Naples, the perfume of fresh lemons and the vibrant colors all combine to make a resplendent experience.

Torta al Limone

(from The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays & Special Occasions-2^nd edition)

Ingredients for 6-8 people

2 cups flour (sifted)

1 ½ cups sugar

4 fresh lemons

½ cup butter (unsalted)

1 cup (warm) milk

4 eggs

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

6 fresh lemon slices

1 cup candied fruit

6 maraschino cherries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in saucepan and set aside to let cool. Juice 4 lemons into a small bowl ,set aside. Grate peels of 4 lemons, set aside. Cut candied fruit into small cubes, set aside.

Separate eggs into two bowls. With a hand mixer, whip egg yolks together with sugar until well blended and creamy. Add lemon peel and lemon juice ,a little at a time to the egg yolk mixture while blending in. Add in sifted flour ¼ cup at a time, blending in after each addition. Add in warm milk and melted butter, a little at a time.

Beat egg whites till peaks have formed. Fold egg whites into egg yolk mixture.Add in baking powder, candied fruits,vanilla. Butter and flour (or cover with parchment paper) the pan. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove cake from oven and let cool. Place on serving dish and decorate with lemon slices and maraschino cherries. And serve.

** May 2012-Hope you can join me on a Culinary Cruise to Italy and the Mediterranean which will include a visit to a vineyard in Sicily. The cruise is all inclusive, so even airfare is included, all your food, tips, excursions with me and more! Only a few places left,  and you can join me from anywhere in the world, as long as we can fly you to the destination city of Venice. email:events@marialiberati.com or call Rosenbluth travel 1-800-257-8279

copyright 2011, art of living, Prima Media,Inc./Maria Liberati

Nestled amongst four seas, the grandiose beaches of Italy look like storybook paintings come to life with water infused sapphires and emeralds, amidst imposing mountains and sorbetto colored sunsets. Artfully sprinkled with natural rock formations and crashing waves, Italy’s breathtaking beaches look as though a hypnotic mermaid might sit atop a rock at any moment, waiting for her next sailor to enchant.

Aside from having some of the most popular historical sights in Europe, Italy presents some of the worlds most incredible beaches, frequently populated during peak summer season. Visiting one of Italy’s beaches not only has unreal picturesque sights, but light, appetizing and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh fish, colorful salads and delectable fruits and vegetables are everywhere you turn. The idyllic serenity of Italy’s coastlines is perfectly reflected in the Mediterranean cuisine. Take notes from the healthful Mediterranean diet and let it play a starring role in your cooking this summer.

Visit the Island of Capri and you may feel like an extra on the set of the  “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series. Located off of Southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast, tourists flood Capri every summer taking in all that this magical Island has to offer. From white sand beaches to mild 70-degree temperatures, the Island of Capri has remained one of Italy’s most popular beach destinations. Seaside restaurants line the edges of the island, with locals and tourists enjoying the island’s delicacies, while swirls of salt-kissed breezes gracefully dance through the air. Order from one of Capri’s many restaurants and try authentic stuffed Calamari with a Caprese salad. Taking advantage of the bountiful amounts of fish, chefs will often times serve you fish caught a few hours beforehand. The pairing of Calamari stuffed with mushrooms, garlic and creamy cheese with a light Caprese salad made with whole slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil completely embody the flavors of Capri.

Even further south, the island of Sicily has an overwhelming selection of beaches to choose from. From fine white sand to black sand volcanic beaches, small fishing towns to glamorous resorts, this large island rich in tradition has a personality all its own. Like Capri, Sicily uses many of the islands amazing fruits, vegetables and fish into their diet. However, Sicilian cuisine also merge’s hints of neighboring countries and Middle Eastern spices, nuts and fruits into a cuisine all their own. To soak up the special flavors of Sicily, try pasta with prawns and pistachio pesto. This dish incorporates Arabic influences with rich pistachios, a hint of Spanish spice and the heartiness of prawns. Cooked with penne and a garlic tomato sauce with white whine and olive oil, this Sicilian pasta dish represents the variety of flavors and distinct tastes of the island.

Whether you bask in the sun at your neighborhood pool, float down a lazy river in an inner tube, or have a chance to experience Italy’s many beaches for yourself, incorporating a Mediterranean diet into your summer meals is a healthful and fresh way to celebrate a season full of life, warmth and sun. From a Caprese salad to Sicilian pasta, dishes inspired by the plentiful resources off of Italy’s coasts can be easily transported from the Mediterranean Sea to your kitchen.

Join me to visit these places on a luxury culinary cruise to the Mediterranean on May 3, 2012! it is truly a trip of a lifetime and everything and anything you can think of is included in the price…you only have to bring your clothes! Already included in the price is airfare, tips, food, excursions, culinary events, beautiful luxury rooms! and don’t forget the stop to a vineyard in Sicily is included also!  Call Rosenbluth Travel to book this once in a lifetime adventure..places are limited and only a few places remain..call now  1-800-257-8279 or email:   events@marialiberati.com

Editor: Lisa  Zatulovsky

Copyright 2011  Art of Living,PrimaMedia,Inc/Maria Liberati

Romantic emeralds, flashy rubies and elegant diamonds sparkled in the light on the stage of the Teatro Alla Scala during a three-week engagement of the ballet Jewels. Milan’s La Scala Ballet recently performed multiple performances of George Balanchine’s acclaimed Jewels this May. Balanchine captures the beauty of “Emeralds,” “Rubies,” and “Diamonds,” translating them into distinctive ballet sequences. The grandeur of the theatre framing the dancers of La Scala enhances the opulence of this dazzling ballet, like a menagerie of rare gems in a jewelry box, garnished with bracelets, necklaces and rings. Deep scarlet seats emblazoned with gold and delicate crystal chandeliers, paired with exquisite dancing are all ingredients for a magical recipe.

As the lights dim and the composer carefully waves his baton for “Emeralds”, dancers in deep-green velvet bodices with lithe tulle skirts adorned with emerald accents and magnificent jeweled crowns decorate the stage. A dreamy melody by Gabriel Faure brings the dancers to life, harmoniously chaining the movements together like the links of a delicate gold bracelet.

As the curtains re-open, the next section, “Rubies,” is introduced. Igor Stravinsky’s staccato, alluring and jazzy score starkly contrasts with the previous movement. Dancers in short red costumes with encrusted scarlet stones ooze sensuous appeal. Extreme extensions, angular movements and dazzling turns are front and center in this playful sequence. Like a bold-statement necklace with layers of rubies set in gold, this section demands attention.

The last section begins, presenting “Diamonds,” the culmination of Jewels. Paying homage to the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky, Balanchine creates a magnificent and sophisticated conclusion. Corps dancers in mid-length white tulle tutus ornament the stage like a set of small diamonds decorating a silver engagement ring. As the leading couple starts to dance, a princely cavalier presents a majestic, long-limbed ballerina looking as though she were the central princess cut diamond of the engagement ring.

For an appetizer, inspired by ‘Jewels’ start with Bruschetta al Pesto. Reminiscent of the ballet’s green color, the understated deep emerald pesto sauce made with garlic, basil, olive oil and pine nuts, brushed onto a thin slice of crusty bread is an ideal antipasto.

Let your main course take a front and center role much like Rubies by presenting a show stopping Lasagna . Bold and hearty, Lasagna made with layers of tomato sauce, beef, al dente Lasagna sheets and creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano will demand your attention with every bight.

For the grand finale of your meal, finish off with a sparkling Italian dessert white wine, suggestive of the cold finesse of a clear-cut diamond. For one last ovation, make your meal sparkle like a radiant diamond by enjoying sips of the sweet notes of Moscato d’Asti, as the last traces of radiance catch the light before the curtain closes one last time.

For recipes get your copy of the Gourmand World Award Winning Book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays & Special Occasions-2nd edition

Ju;y 21- 24, Festa Italiana- the USA’s largest Italian Festival in Milwaukee Wisconsin- See you there at Cucina Showcase. The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm will be doing on stage events every day and book signings by Maria Liberati throughout. For more info email: Info@marialiberati.com

July 29=31 Gourmet Food and Wine Show, Bally’s Atlantic City, Maria Liberati will be doing on stage cooking demos and book signings

 text copyright 2011 Art of Living, PrimaMedia,Inc/Maria Liberati

An Italian Frittata is one of the most versatile  dishes that I can think of. And in the summertime, it can be ohh so refreshing with a touch of fresh mint. For a quick casual lunch for a picnic or on the beach..but a frittata is not just an omelet! It can be lunch or dinner with a glass of chilled, light dry white wine, or  cut into smaller wedges or squares for an appetizer or snack. But I love being able to make the night before and quickly wrap this up in the morning before heading to the beach here in Italy..the protein gives you a lot of energy and the fresh mint…it is a way to chill down on a sunny day at the beach.

Once cooked cool, and wrap cut slices in parchment paper to take with you and enjoy. A mint frittata is proof of the beauty and art of simplicity..no more than 4 ingredients to make this luscious, healthy meal..

Mint Frittata (Frittata con Mentuccia)

(for 2)

2 whole eggs

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

2 tsps chopped fresh mint

pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in round frying pan. Break eggs into a bowl and whip with wire whisk till foamy. Add in chopped fresh mint and pinch of salt. Pour into pan with oil,distribute evenly into pan. When top is firm, not watery, flip onto a dish, then flip uncooked side back into pan until firm and cooked, not watery.

Place on round dish and cover, cool in refrigerator for approx 30 minutes. When cool, cut into wedges and wrap in wax or parchment paper, take with you. Don’t forget the napkins!

July 21-25-look forward to seeing you at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee Wisconsin. I will be on stage doing cooking demos and book signings thorughotu the event at the Cucina Showcase. For more info on the event and/or sponsoring The Basic Art of Italian Cooking booth email:info@marialiberati.com

For more great recipes, get your copy of the upcoming release before it is released in Oct 2011 book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking:DaVinci Style

In honor of Independence Day, a recipe that may have been influenced by Thomas Jefferson’s love for many Italian things- he was the  first to bring  over the maccheroni machine and parmigiano -reggiano cheese from Italy from his European travels .One of the first to plant tomatoes at his gardens in Monticello. So here  is  a recipe our Founding Father would have loved. It’s summer, so I didn’t think that you would want to labor over making maccheroni by hand, so this recipe calls for store bought spaghetti- but be sure to get 100% durum wheat pasta. makes  a great eating ‘al fresco’ pasta dish. This is from my upcoming book The Basic Art of Pasta:

Spaghetti Primavera

1  lb spaghetti

4 red, ripe tomatoes

1 handful freshly chopped basil

1 handful freshly chopped parsley

2 cloves garlic

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons freshly grated parmigiana -reggiano cheese

Cook pasta till al dente. While pasta is cooking, prepare the  sauce.  Chop tomatoes , basil, garlic, parsley. Drain pasta and place in serving dish. Place tomato mixture on top. Place olive oil in saute pan to heat or just until oil begins to bubble. Remove from heat. Pour over pasta and cover bowl for 1 minute. Toss and serve with freshly grated parmigiana reggiano cheese.

Happy 4th of July!

“You ought to have seen what I saw on my way
To the village, through Mortenson’s pasture to-day:
Blueberries as big as the end of your thumb,
Real sky-blue, and heavy, and ready to drum
In the cavernous pail of the first one to come!
And all ripe together, not some of them green
And some of them ripe! You ought to have seen!”

Blueberries by Robert Frost

One of my favorite things about summer are fresh blueberries..all over the place..you can pick your own or find them at your farmer’s market or supermarket..almost everywhere there sits that box with a beautiful purple blue hue peaking out with  berries overflowing on top. My not so favorite part of  summer is traveling  to places that do not have local blueberries available. ( I so miss the little guys). You can only get the best, juiciest fresh blueberries in the summer..an experience not to be missed…and as the days of summer dwindle down so do the number of days that these bursts of flavor will be available at their best…. As summer goes on I find myself creating more ways to use them from simple salads to ice cream desserts and of course cakes and muffins. Popping a juicy berry into my mouth produces a burst of momentary euphoria..and they sometimes never make it into the recipe..

and wouldn’t you know it…. I had an inspiration yesterday ..combine blueberries with another one of my addictions…coffee..a great ending to an alfresco meal or a cooling, rejuvenating afternoon pause!

Blueberry Cream Frost

*1 tsp (3 gr) cinnamon

1 tablespoon (15 gr) honey

6 shots of espresso (measure with small espresso cups)

1/2 cup whipped cream

1 cup of frozen blueberries  (Place fresh blueberries in freezer for approx 40 minutes before making this)

1 cinnamon stick for garnish

unsweetened dark chocolate (minimum 65% cocoa) for garnish

Place cinnamon, honey in a shaker. Make the espresso and pour into shaker. With a small wire whisk, whisk all ingredients together.  Divide whipped cream into 4 ice  cream glasses (3 ozs each) filling each glass about halfway.

Place frozen blueberries in shaker with coffee mixture, cover and shake 8 times. Pour into ice cream glasses top with whipped cream,divide evenly between all 4 glasses. Garnish with cinnamon stick and shave dark chocolate.

copyright 2011 Art of Living, PrimaMedia,Inc/Maria Liberati

July 21-24- See you at Festa Italiana, the USA’s largest Italian Festival . The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm will be hosting many on stage cooking demos throughout the event, Nick Stellino will be onstage as well.

July 29-31 Gourmet Food and Wine Show-Bally’s Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm will be onstage throughout the weekend.

For info, sponsorship or advertising info  on any of these events, email events@marialiberati.com

For more recipes get your copy of the Gourmand World Cookbook Award Winning Cookbook at http:// www.marialiberati.com

**Free BOOK Offer..If you were not able to get to Book Expo America for the pre release book signing/event of The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: DaVinci Style, email: info@marialiberati.com and put free book in the subject and request the pre release mini version of the book. We will send a pdf  for download.