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Pasta Memories….

cc2  copyright, 2010, art of living ,PrimaMedia,Inc/Maria Liberati

Nothing better than fresh pasta…the taste or maybe the memories of (making fresh pasta in Italy..in Umbria..in Le Marche..in Abruzzo) how could I even think about pasta and not think about the memories created around a large table of flour and water and eggs and people..lots of people passionate about the same thing ..food…. fresh pasta to be exact..

In all the cooking programs that I have hosted, throughout Italy…fresh pasta is the most requested course…one of my favorite recipes for a pasta dish and some of my favorite memories in photos of making pasta are here… Create your own pasta memories around a table…ones that you won’t soon forget….what you create will linger in your mind ..the camaraderie, the fun,the taste of an artisan dish of pasta…

cc3 These are some pasta memories from a country house in Umbria….

Fresh Pasta with Zucchini & Ricotta

FreshPasta

2 ounces ricotta

2 cups white flour

1 ½ cups cold water

pinch of salt and pepper to taste

2 zucchini

10 cherry tomatoes

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons plain tomato sauce

Preparation for pasta:

Place flour on wooden board and shape into a well. Place water and salt in center of well. Blend by hand and work the dough till smooth and well blended. Let rest for 2 hours covered with a clean towel.

Divide pasta ball into 4 portions. Roll out each portion on well floured board. Cut into noodles that are ½ inch thick with the help of a pasta machine or by hand.

Cut each noodle into smaller strips. Sprinkle with flour, let sit.

 

Preparation for Sauce:

Place olive oil in saute pan with the zucchini that has been cut into quarters. Cook over high heat for 2 minutes. Place in tomatoes that have been cut in quarters with the plain tomato sauce. Let simmer together for 5 minutes. Add in salt as desired. Turn off heat.

Boil water ion pasta pot. Place in fresh pasta, cook for 2 -4 minutes (taste after 3 minutes do not overcook). Drain. Place in saute pan with zucchini, toss, serve with grated dried ricotta

Serve on rustic plates in a bright, sunny house in the country..ohh and don’t forget the wine..a Chianti..from the hills of Tuscany will do or a Montepulciano from the mountains of Abruzzo..

 Wednesday,May 26th, 11 AM-Book Expo America-Book Signing /release of second edition of The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays & Special Occasions. Hope to see you there. If you want more info on this appearance- email: info@marialiberati.com

Hudson Valley Wine Fest-Sept 9-12-Rhinebeck NY. I am very excited this year to be one of the two Celebrity Chefs selected to appear at this event.  Along with Celebrity Chef Vincent Tropepe, I  will be doing cooking demos all weekend. If you want more info on attending this event or sponsoring one of my on stage cooking appearances –email : info@marialiberati.com

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Flavors of Life’s Chapters

copyright 2009, Maria Liberati tuna-and-cannelini1

ricotta-creamLife seems to be broken up into chapters that could be described in tastes–sweet, salty, bitter..think of all the experiences in your life that can be described  per  these tastes..

Now that you have had some food for thought..here are the recipes I promised from some of the cooking programs and book signings in the past  few weeks.

Insalata di riso con rucola e pomodori

2 cups of short grain brown rice

8 red, ripe plum tomatoes-chopped with seeds removed

4 ounces arugula chopped

1/4 cup shelled pistachios chopped

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tsps balsamic vinegar

4 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, shaved

Place chopped tomatoes, chopped arugula, olive oil, balsamic vinegar in bowl and let marinate for 30 minutes.

Boil rice till al dente as directed on package. Add to tomato mixture. Add in pistahchios, shaved parmigiano-reggiano cheese. Stir serve.

Tuna & Beans Tuscan Style

1 6 oz can albacore or yellow fin tuna packed in water

1 can  cannelini beans drained, rinsed or 1/2 cup dry cannelini beans soaked over night, cooked till tender

1 fresh lemon

4 tblsps olive oil-extra virgin, cold pressed

2 slices of red onion finely chopped

Drain tuna and place in bowl, flake with fork and drizzle approx 2 tsps on top and blend in. Add in cannelini beans, chopped onion and remaining olive oil, Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

Ricotta e Frutta

3/4 cup freshly made ricotta

3 tblsps sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

3 tablespoons dark semi sweet chocoalt e chipps or shaved chocolate

1 lb fresh strawberries hulled ,washed and quartered

8 ozs fresh blueberries  washed

Place fruit in bowl, sprinkle 1 tblsp sugar on top, stir gently. Place ricotta in bowl. Place in remaining sugar, cinnamon. Divide fruit into 8 serving dishes, top with a dollop of ricotta cream and 1 tblsp chocolate chips or shaved chocolate and serve .

 

June 15th  Willngboro Library, Willingboro, NJ 7 PM- Cooking on a Budget with The Basic Art of Italian cooking. Join me for a fun book signing and cooking demo. Open to the public. Call library for info or email events@marialiberati.com

Get a copy of the best selling book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking at www.marialiberati.com

Mangai Bene, Vivi Bene,

Maria

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Flavors of Life's Chapters

copyright 2009, Maria Liberati tuna-and-cannelini1

ricotta-creamLife seems to be broken up into chapters that could be described in tastes–sweet, salty, bitter..think of all the experiences in your life that can be described  per  these tastes..

Now that you have had some food for thought..here are the recipes I promised from some of the cooking programs and book signings in the past  few weeks.

Insalata di riso con rucola e pomodori

2 cups of short grain brown rice

8 red, ripe plum tomatoes-chopped with seeds removed

4 ounces arugula chopped

1/4 cup shelled pistachios chopped

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tsps balsamic vinegar

4 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, shaved

Place chopped tomatoes, chopped arugula, olive oil, balsamic vinegar in bowl and let marinate for 30 minutes.

Boil rice till al dente as directed on package. Add to tomato mixture. Add in pistahchios, shaved parmigiano-reggiano cheese. Stir serve.

Tuna & Beans Tuscan Style

1 6 oz can albacore or yellow fin tuna packed in water

1 can  cannelini beans drained, rinsed or 1/2 cup dry cannelini beans soaked over night, cooked till tender

1 fresh lemon

4 tblsps olive oil-extra virgin, cold pressed

2 slices of red onion finely chopped

Drain tuna and place in bowl, flake with fork and drizzle approx 2 tsps on top and blend in. Add in cannelini beans, chopped onion and remaining olive oil, Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

Ricotta e Frutta

3/4 cup freshly made ricotta

3 tblsps sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

3 tablespoons dark semi sweet chocoalt e chipps or shaved chocolate

1 lb fresh strawberries hulled ,washed and quartered

8 ozs fresh blueberries  washed

Place fruit in bowl, sprinkle 1 tblsp sugar on top, stir gently. Place ricotta in bowl. Place in remaining sugar, cinnamon. Divide fruit into 8 serving dishes, top with a dollop of ricotta cream and 1 tblsp chocolate chips or shaved chocolate and serve .

 

June 15th  Willngboro Library, Willingboro, NJ 7 PM- Cooking on a Budget with The Basic Art of Italian cooking. Join me for a fun book signing and cooking demo. Open to the public. Call library for info or email events@marialiberati.com

Get a copy of the best selling book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking at www.marialiberati.com

Mangia Bene, Vivi Bene,

Maria

http://twitter.com/marialiberati

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Farfalle..the Stylish Pasta

farfalle.jpg

copyright 2009, Maria Liberati 

Farfalle pasta (or bow tie pasta) always seemed more stylish and elegant to me than spaghetti or penne. Maybe it’s the fact that they look like a stylish little bow tie or that they are easier to manage with a fork than spaghetti…but whatever the reason they are my favorite pasta..stylish and delicious.

Here is one of my favorite recipes for spring and summer with farfalle and an appetizer and dessert course to go with them. These make 3  courses for a Spring or Summer Picnic and make use of fresh fruits and vegetables..the taste here is fresh..so fresh….

Farfalline all’Ortolana

(Farfalle or Bow Tie Pasta Garden Style)

copyright 2009, Maria Liberati

http://www.marialiberati.com/blog2

http://www.marialiberati.com

1 lb Farfalle Pasta (Bow Tie Pasta)

3 small zucchini

½ lb string beans fresh or frozen

½ lb peas-fresh or frozen

4 ounces fresh pecorino cheese cut into small cubes

1 garlic clove

Fresh basil leaves-torn or chopped

Cook zucchini, string beans, peas in 3 seperate pots with boiling water or steam till just past al dente stage. Remove from heat and drain.

Placeqa pot of water to boil t ocook pasta. Cut zucchini in cubes, string beans in small pieces.

Saute garlic in approx 1 tblsp of extra virgin olive oil. When beginning to turn golden, place in zucchini, string beans and peas and saute. Place in dash of salt and grated black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Cook pasta as directed. Drain. Place in bowl and place in vegetables, place in fresh basil leaves torn and pecorino cheese cut into small cubes or shaved. Toss. Drizzle olive oil on top, toss and serve.

Tramezzini Sandwiches

12 slices of sliced or whole wheat bread

1 can of albacore or yellow fin tuna packed in water

1/2 red onion finely chopped

2 kirby cucumbers sluced thinly

1 red ripe tomato sliced thinly

 8 slices fresh mozzarella or fontina cheese sliced thinly

Olive oil to taste

freshly ground black pepper

Cut crusts off all sides of bread slices. Drain and flake tuna in small bowl, add in 1 tblsps of extra virgin olive oil and chopped red onion, mix with fork, let marinate. On 1 slice of bred spread tuna mixture, top wihta slice of bread and top this slice with 2 cheese slices, some cucumber and tomato slices, drizzle olive oil on top, grate black pepper on top. Tope with anothr bread slice, cut into 4 triangle sandwiches. Wrap wax or parchment paper on bottom and serve. Repeat with remaining ingredients

Fresh Fruit Macedonia

1 whole cantaloupe-peeled and cut into large cubes

1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered

1/2 pound fresh blackberries washed

5 bananas

5 fresh peaches sliced into 1/2 ” thick slices

2 fresh lemons

1/2 cup sugar

Wash and cut fruit, banans peel and cut into 1 inch slices. Place in large bowl. Squeeze juice of 2 lemons on top. Sprinkle with sugar. Stir and let marinate for at least two hours before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Upcoming Events….

May 15th-5-8 PM & May 16th-1-4 PM - Book signing and Cooking demo at Bella Italia Retail Store in Bethesda Row, Bethesda, MD for their Style Event. May 15 from 5-8 PM, May 16th from 1-4 PM.  Email events@marialiberati.com for more info or go to http://www.bethesdarow.com/

http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/2524400/ 

   Tuesday, June 2nd 7 PM- Book Signing & Cooking on a Budget with The Basic Art of Italian Cooking with Celebrity Chef Maria Liberati. Recipes from her best selling book and The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School in Italy. Samples provided. Kenilworth Library, 548 Kenilworth Blvd., Kenilworth, NJ 908-276-2451
 

June 4th at Foster’s Gourmet & Housewares, Philadelphia, Pa. The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School with Celebrity Chef Maria Liberati and  Preparing a Tuscan Picnic. In conjunction with Temple University Continuing Educ. Fee of $55 includes cooking demo, sampler 4 course meal and lesson. Email events@marialiberati.com or call 215-204-6496

June 6th- Horsham Day in Horsham, Penna.-Book signing and The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School demo with Celebrity Chef Maria Liberati. Deep Meadow Park, Horsham, Pa. 1-3 PM

 

June 7th-Book signing and on stage appearance-Chicago Tribune Literary Festival- Printer’s Row Chicago. Celebrity Chef-Maria Liberati will be bringing The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School to Chicago along with a book signing. The Basic Art of Italian Cooking was one of the books specially selected to be a part of this annual event. For more info email:events@marialiberati.com

For more recipes/articles

Join me in Italy for The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School

Those Wild Etruscans!

etruscans-olive-oil.jpgetruscans-3.jpg 

copyright 2009, Maria Liberati

Editor: Christa Gutzler

The Etruscans were wild. Wildly mysterious, wildly artistic, and wildly efficient in their influence over Italian culture, the Etruscan civilization infiltrated the Umbrian region and dominated parts of their fertile lands for many centuries. Etruscan dominion covered the scope of art, politics, language, and religion. Exceptionally skilled, motivated, and powerful, they withstood opposition from the Umbrians and others who fought against them for control over many areas of northern Rome from the 9th to 1st century B.C. Known to be a seagoing community, the Etruscans traded exclusively in the Mediterranean. They are thought to have originated from Asia Minor, though modern thought strays to ideas that they actually formed as a consequence of internal struggle within the confines of Italy, leaving doubt as to the true location of their native lands. Regardless of where they came from, it is what they brought with them that still matters today, in the twenty-first century.

Both linguistic and creative contributions are evident by way of excavated tombs and surviving wall paintings and other artistic structures. Loaning words to Latin before AD 100, the Etruscan language was eventually replaced by Latin. Because some of the last Italian kings, before Italy transitioned into the republic system in 510 AD, are believed to have been Etruscan, a rich cabinet of Etruscan literature, legal codifications, and religious doctrine are said to have existed and served as the primary linguistic template. Figures like Claudius (10 BC-AD 54), Tarquin the Proud (AD 500), and Varo were literate in Etruscan language. Today, Etruscan inscriptions appear in their ancient form meant to be read from right to left. Only one Etruscan book survives and is almost entirely unreadable by modern linguists. This fact does not, however, render their linguistic offerings obsolete, as the Romans accessed much of the Etruscan language and influenced many modern languages still spoken today. Their writing mechanics found their way into Latin who later contributed to the romance languages like Italian, Spanish, French, and Romanian evident by their lexical, grammatical, and syntactic similarities.

The Etruscan people embraced artistic expression to reveal themselves to the world. Intricately decorated wall paintings, tombs, sculptures, rings, and other stones showcase their attention to detail and rich cultural influence on areas including but not limited to Umbria and Tuscany. Statues like Portonaccio Temple’s the Apulu demonstrate how expressive and deliberate their artistic processes were. The Etruscan she-wolf, dating back to 500 BC, is said to be the most legendary animal in art’s history. Why was their work so distinguished? The Etruscans did not revel in a few different types of art, but rather, they draped their talent, contributions, and legacy over so many aspects of the art world. The architecture and other concrete displays of art accredited to the Romans in many areas of Italy can be traced back to the Etruscans. They were pioneers in design, composition, materials, perspective, and impact on both ancient and modern Italian aesthetic beauty.

Find out how the Etruscans influenced today’s olive oil 

More on Etruscans

Museums of Umbria

Behind the Walls, Perugia, Umbria’s Capital

Join me in Italy at The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School, in the land of the Etruscans , Umbria

May 6th- Wine Sampler Dinner & Wine Pairing- Country Creek Winery in Telford, Pa. Call 215-723-6516 for reservations.

If you havea blog or website and want to be part of The Basic Art of Italian Cooking virtual book tour go to http://www.marialiberati.com/blog2/?page_id=606

Get your copy of the best selling book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking at http://www.marialiberati.com

May 2nd-Book signing, wine pairing with Terranova wines at Raya Coiffeur in Haverford, Pa. Grand opening  with a Sonia Rykiel fashion show. Email events@marialiberati.com for more info

June 7th- The Basic Art of Italian Cooking and Maria Liberati- Book Signing and Cooking Demo at  Chicago Tribune Literary Fest at Printers Row in Chicago. For more info email: events@marialiberati.com

Truffles, Risotto and a Villa in Umbria

fondo-by-pool-3-and-villa-modified.jpgrisotto-with-white-grapes-modified.jpgblack_truffle.jpg 

 Here is an excerpt of this month’s newsletter. To read the full newsletter go to:

http://tinyurl.com/df9rc5

Truffles and Meats: Two Staple Foods from Umbria

copyright2009, Maria Liberati

Editor: Christa Gutzler

Is your mouth watering for a meaty truffle? Well, as distinct as the cooking is in Umbria, you won’t find a chocolate truffle infused with pork, but separately these two items top the list of famous specialty foods coming from the beautiful Umbria region in Italy. With its tree-laden grounds scoured by uniquely trained “truffle dogs,” Umbria maintains favorable conditions for which wild mushrooms abound during truffle season. The soil created by oak and willow trees are said to be rich in Norcia, one of Umbria’s most reliable areas for bountiful truffle raising and famous for its black truffles and flourishing truffle trade industry.

Coming to a close at the end of March, truffle season harvests Umbria’s most sought after and expensive treat starting in December each year. Secretive and mysterious, the professional truffle harvesters of Umbria, known as the trifolau, partake in festivals and other celebrations throughout truffle hunting season seeking truffles of all sizes and shapes and pungency. Once these truffles are found, they are cooked and stored, or sold to restaurants and added to high cuisine recipes.

Eaten alone or thrown into a pasta dish, truffles are a delectable addition to various Italian dishes including but not limited to roast squab, mayonnaise, cakes, rice, fondue and a variety of spreads and sauces. The legacy of the truffle is attributed to its versatility and flavor. No other terrain in the world produces as many truffles as Italy does and 80% of Italy’s truffles come from Umbria. Gastronomes around the world agree that Italian truffles possess a earthy and heavenly taste, though black truffles from Norcia are known to be less aromatic than its white complement. The truffle is not the only hot commodity in Umbria, as there are just as many butchers as there are truffle hunters in this extraordinary region.

If you’ve ever been to an open market in Italy, you are sure to have been surrounded by the various meats that have been butchered, prepared, and sold for generations. Most commonly in the form of salami, sausages, and ham, Umbria’s primary meat is pork. Dishes such as mazzafegati (pig’s liver sausages), porchetta (pork roast), and Umbrian mortadella (seasoned sausage mixed with pork and bacon) are recognized as flavorful, sweet, and savory. It’s said that Italian butchers do not hold back when it comes to the pig, doing everything and anything that can be done to them in the name of cooking. From the pig’s feet and cheeks to the ox’s tongue, the Italians are creative and ingenious in how they approach the livestock from which they create their specialty foods and dishes. Umbria’s conscientious cooking processes, embedded in history and perfected through experimentation, continue to provide pleasing treats and meats.

Villa LaVeranda Interview and Tour-Umbria Italy

it is breathtaking ,the villa that I just fell in love with enough to have my culinary tours there for The Basic Art of Italian Cooking. Here is video of my visit there and the interview with Susan Evans-who headed the transformation of this once animal stall into the beautiful villa it is today. Watch!
If you want to join our next culinary tour and stay there ..see more info at http://www.marialiberati.com/blog2/page_id=542 or look below

Check out my informal interview inside the kitchen of La Veranda here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTXrY_th7MA

**Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the people of central Italy who were hit with the devastating earthquake on April 6th. Hardest hit was the city of L’Aquila and towns nearby. Since L’Aquila is the capital city of Abruzzo I have been there for many events many a time. You can put the name L’Aquila in the search engine of my blog to find past posts on this medieval town. But here is one of the posts:
http://www.marialiberati.com/blog2/?p=341

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Risotto with White Grapes is a delicious recipe and great with Orvieto wine from Umbria

1 cuo rice for risotto-arborio or carnaroli

½ lb white grapes (seedless)

1 slice onion chopped finely

4 ounces parmigiana reggiano cheese

1 tablespoon butter

3-6 cups vegetable broth

1 cup dry white wine or champagne

2 tablespoons olive oil

In saute pan, saute olive chopped onion in olive oil. When golden put in rice and saute for 2 minutes, Place in wine or champagne. When liquid is absorbed, pour in ¾ cup broth. Stir and when liquid is absorbed pour in another ¾ cup of broth. Repeast this processs for approx 15 minutes or until al dente. Half way during cooking time. Place in washed grapes. When finished, top with butter, and parmigiano reggiano cheese.

Join me at for book signings and cooking program events at (email events@marialiberati.com):

 Whole Foods Jenkintown, April 4th

Whole Foods, Philadelphia, May 2

Whole Foods Bethesda, Maryland on May 7′

May 6th, Wine Pairing Dinner at Country Creek Winery in Telford, witha 4 course authentic Italian sampler dinner and 4 wine samples..join us at an authentic rustic vineyard voted as Montgomery County’s Best. Fee is $39.95 reservations are limited ,call the winery at 215-723-6516 for reservations.

Follow me at http://www.twitter.com/marialiberati

http://mariaandco.blogspot.com

Join us in Italy

More articles and recipes

Mangia Bene, Vivi Bene,

Maria

Olive Oil, Etruscans & Romans

oliveoil.jpggreen-olives.jpg copyright, 2009, Maria Liberati

Editor: Kate Hollinger

Umbrian olives have been known as the best olives in Italy since ancient Roman times. Even today, Umbrian olives are notorious for making olive oil with an amazing potent flavor and digestive qualities and nutritional values to boot. The recipes for olive oil have been passed down through generations of Umbrian farmers, starting with the Romans and Etruscans. The region of Umbria is perched on a pyramid of hills 380 to 600 miles above sea level, which is surrounded by miles of olive groves. These olives come from the slopes of Apennine where the shoots are located, facing west.

 

Extra virgin olive oil is obtained by chilling the olives that are found in the foothills of Umbria and these are picked annually and entirely by hand. This process, known as pruning, involves the farmer climbing a ladder and picking the olives from the trees, working from the top down. The picking, transportation, washing and milling processes are all done so that they maintain the characteristics of the century-old olive oil.

 

Olive oil types are distinguished by their acidity level, and they are broken down into four categories. The extra virgin is the highest grade you can find and therefore the most popular, and has an acidity level of less than 1%. Virgin olive oil has a flavor that is more inconspicuous and a higher acidity, usually around 1.5 to 2%. Semi-fine is a blend of the two and has an acidity of 3% per 100 mL of oil. Finally, pure olive oil has a very modest flavor, color, and style and doesn’t overpower your dish.

 

Extra virgin olive oil, which is most prominent in Umbria, has an intense green color, a soft olive scent, and very rich, full flavors. It is best used for dipping uncooked breads in and flavoring soups, vegetables, salads, meat, and fish. To keep the product at its best, you should store it in a closed container in a cool environment away from direct sunlight. In some parts of Italy farmers even press small amounts of olives for the oil with fresh citrus fruit.

Check out the new Recipes and Articles page with lots more recipes and articles for you. Check back often, we are always updating with more articles. Go to Recipes & Articles

 Experience Italy Cooking School & Tour- if you want to see first hand the olive oil making process in Umbria, join me September 23-Oct 6th for a 7 day ,6 night stay at the villa that houses The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm Cooking School in Italy. Join me for a hands on authentic Italian cooking classes, visits to local oilve oil mills and vineyards, local excursions and La Dolce Vita lifestyle at the villa nestled in the hills of  Umbria.  Participation is limited. Register with deposit by May 1st and receive a $200 discount. Go to Cooking School in Italy for photos, itinerary, prices and more or call Sue at 1-800-581-9020

 

Thanks to all who have come out to The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm Cooking School programs at Whole Foods Markets in your area for the month of Febraury.  If there is a Whole Foods  Market in your area, ask for the next The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm Cooking School Program and book signings. Go to http://www.marialiberati.com for upcoming dates

Mangia Bene, Vivi Bene,

Maria

Feb/March 2009 Newsletter

This month’s newsletter is filled with articles and sweet treats for Carnevale in Venice, menu of the month, recipe of the month, Recipe Contest with La Cucina Italiana Magazine, Interview with Food columnist Rosie Saferstein and more! This month you can select to read it in 3 different ways: as a word file from this link below:

february-march-2009-issue.doc 

Or in digital magazine format:

http://http://tinyurl.com/aext7x

Or below in plain text:

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm

A trademark of Art of Living, PrimaMedia,Inc.

February/March 2009 issue

CONTENTS

Quote of the Month

Editorial

Delicious Treats in Venice & Carnevale

Featured Recipe

Menu of the Month

What’s in Your Fridge? Interview with Rosie Saferstein

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School in Italy Events

Tea..Healthy Tea…a great after dinner drink

La Cucina Italiana Magazine Recipe Contest

Featured Products

 

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”

  • George Bernard Shaw

 

 

EDITORIAL

 

This month has been a busy one San Valentino (Valentine’s Day ) and the beginning of Carnevale. I have just returned from The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm cooking school sessions held at the villa in Sissmano in the hills of Umbria. The next cooking School session will be held Sept 23-Oct 6th. (see below). Next month will be a special videotaped interview at the villa in Sissmano and cooking school highlights

February has such beautiful colorful Holidays to celebrate in some special way. Whether it be preparing a meal for a loved one, friend, family members, preparing a meal together with friends and special others or just enjoying a great meal together-any ordinary meal becomes a special one when you enjoy it with someone. Decorate the table with colorful tableware to get in the Carnevale spirit. Simple touches set the mood. Don’t forget to enter our La Cucina Italiana Magazine Recipe Contest to win a free subscription to one of the premiere magazines on Italian Cooking. What’s your best summer recipe??Deadline is June 1st 2009

As always, we at The Basic Art of Italian CookingTM by Maria Liberati would love to hear from you. Have you tried our recipes? Do you have any ideas for feature articles that you’d like to see in future issues? Would you like to find a specific recipe or share a favorite family treat? Email us at: editor1@marialiberati.com

We want to hear from you!
Let us know how you like our celebrity Q & A column…and if you have a favorite celebrity, that you’d like to hear from, send us an email at editor1@marialiberati.com.

Delicious Treats of Venice and Carnevale

copyright, 2008, Maria Liberati

http://www.marialiberati.com

 

Here it is ….Carnevale, the period between Christmas and Easter, which ends before Lent. But no matter what Holidays you follow..Carnevale is always a time of sweets and delicacies, in my opinion. The following recipes are of two typical ‘cakes’ (this name does not really explain what they are: they are absolutely unique!) eaten in that time, especially in Venice. Fritole, fritoe (different dialect varieties for the Italian frittelle) are round pastries with raisins. Many types developed from the basic recipe, so that you can find them filled with custard, with zabaione, with apples, or even empty. What follows is the typical Venetian recipe. But, before giving it to you, I should perhaps explain what grappa is, since this is one of the ingredients.

Grappa is a spirit distilled from the fermented remains of grapes after pressing. It has specific taste deriving from the kind of grapes that is used: grappa from Prosecco, for example, is fine. Of course the alcoholic degree is very high (40/42°) and one has better be careful about the quantity one drinks… It is used in the preparation of cakes, it enhances the taste of coffee: coffee and grappa is a typical drink here in Italy (in the Veneto region, mostly) and can be drunk as a powerful digestive after dinner. If you pour a little quantity of grappa onto a small plate and light it with a match, it burns for quite a long time. You could see the blue flame indicating the alcohol being consumed.

So, here it is:

Frittelle

Ingredients (for 6 people):

1 lb flour

1 cup raisins

2 tblsps pine nuts

1 tablespoon sugar

2 eggs

1 cup milk

I/2 cup grappa

1 packet brewer’s yeast

a pinch of salt

peanut oil to fry

icing sugar to decorate

Melt the brewer’s yeast and sugar with a little bit of warm water; then add flour, the eggs, grappa and milk. Don’t forget the pinch of salt. Mix everything and knead it for a while until you see some kind of small ‘air bubbles’ forming on the surface. Cover then with a napkin and leave it in a warm place to rise. When the dough will have doubled its volume, add the raisins (and pinenuts). Make ‘balls’ with a teaspoon and let them ‘slide’ into peanut boiling oil (oil should be deep enough to cover all the small balls; and remember not to put too may of them at a time). When they rise to the surf, turn them over, so that they become brown all over. Dry on kitchen paper, sprinkle with icing sugar and enjoy your fritoe!

Crostoli (is another typical Carnival dessert).

Ingredients (4 people):

1 cup flour

½ cup sugar

¼ cup butter

2 eggs

½ cup grappa

1 lemon

icing sugar

a pinch of salt

1 tsp pure vanilla

peanut oil to fry

Mix flour, sugar, vanilla, grated lemon peel and salt on the pastry board. Then make a well and put the eggs, the soft butter cut into small cubes inside the hole. Work it till it is smooth. With the rolling pin roll the dough very thin. Cut rectangles (about 8×12 centimetres) with the pastry cutting wheel and make three cuttings on each of the rectangles. Fry two or three rectangles at a time in abundant boiling peanut oil. Drain, dry on kitchen paper, cover with icing sugar. You can eat them either hot or cold.

So glad Carnevale is here!!…

 

 

 

 

MENU OF THE MONTH

Appetizer: Bruschetta with tuna, red onion and celery, extra virgin olive oil

First Course: Farfale con Gorgonzola

Second Course: Salmone al Forno

Dessert: Crostoli & Frittele per Carnevale (see recipe above)

Wine: Falenghina

All recipes can be found in The Basic Art of Italian CookingTM or at http://www.marialiberati.com/

All recipes are copyright 2006,2007,2008,2009- The Basic Art of Italian CookingTM, by Maria Liberati, Art of Living, PrimaMedia, Inc.

Send us your ideas, feedback, and tips. If your submission is featured here in our newsletter, you will win a limited edition gift tag. Email to: info@marialiberati.com  
All ideas emailed to info@marialiberati.com become the property of Art of Living, PrimaMedia, Inc.  By emailing them to us you automatically authorize us permission to use in any publications.

CELEBRITY Q&A

WHAT’S IN YOUR FRIDGE?

With her culinary acumen, this month, food columnist, Rosie Saferstein gives us a peek inside her fridge and her kitchen…

Rosie Saferstein is a food writer for njmonthly.com, the Web site for New Jersey Monthly magazine. Her column “Table Hopping With Rosie” features New Jersey restaurant news and more.

Rosie created Food Bytes®, one of the first ever Internet food discussion forums, and served as editor of Food Bytes’ New Jersey Restaurant News.

Rosie is often asked to judge food contests, teaches cooking classes–and she has been a keynote speaker for organizations for many organizations. She is also a member of the James Beard Foundation and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

 

Maria Liberati: What is in your refrigerator now? What types of food do you like to keep on hand in your refrigerator?

Rosie Saferstein: Two bottles of Albarino (white) wine from Spain and two from Argentina as we are on a search for our favorite Albarino this month. Next month we’ll hone in on another type of wine from a specific region. Fat free plain yogurt draining from a colander into a bowl in order to make Greek yogurt. Eggplant/tomato sauce to serve over pasta. We keep the usual victuals on hand-fruit, veggies, milk etc. And of course my husband Lowell’s homemade granola.

Lowell’s Best Ever Granola

6 cups oatmeal

1 cup dry milk powder

1 cup sesame seeds

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup Vermont Maple syrup grade B

1 cup raisins or craisins

Directions:

Mix the oatmeal, powder milk, sesame seeds and walnuts in a bowl. Mix together the vegetable oil and maple syrup thoroughly and then add to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly so that all the oatmeal is coated with the oil mixture. This is important. Mixing must be extensive so that no oatmeal particles look dry. Cover a tray with parchment paper and spread the mixture onto the paper. Bake in an oven at 250º for 75 minutes stirring several times. Add one cup craisins when removed from the oven. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freeze.

ML: What are your favorite foods?

RS: My favorite food is cow. I love cowboy steak the best but if it is cow I am happy. Next to that it is red wine and m&m’s together.

ML : Do you stick to a special eating regimen?

RS: As I eat out 3-4 times a week for work, I try to have a healthy light meal when dining at home. When I dine out if there is something unusual on the menu such as horse mackerel or fresh water eels I will order that. So except for eating 3 times daily (sometimes more) I do not have a special eating regimen.

ML: What foods do you like to indulge in?

RS : Any form of foie gras, cheeses, or bone marrow but not together.

ML: Is the kitchen an important part of your house?

RS: My fantasy is to have just a large modern kitchen and a bedroom in my house. Don’t need any other rooms.

ML: Do you cook and/or enjoy cooking?

RS: Yes to both. I cook and used to grow all of my vegetables. Now I enjoy going to the farmer’s market or supermarket to create a meal from whatever strikes my fancy or looks interesting that day.

ML: Do you share your fridge with anyone?

RS: Just my husband.

ML: What are your favorite things to cook?

RS: Cholent

This is a fabulous stick to your ribs dish that I wait for the cooler weather to make and it is just a matter of throwing the ingredients in a pot and letting it cook overnight. I soak a 16-ounce bag of mixed beans during the day for about 8 hours. BTW-the kosher section of my supermarket ( has a bag of cholent beans that are cheaper than the non-kosher beans in the rice/bean section of the supermarket. I put the drained beans in a 5-quart crock pot. Add some sliced onions (I use a lot) and carrots and a hunk of brisket (about 3 pounds). Mushrooms, potatoes, garlic, can of diced tomatoes, salt and pepper -whatever you want– can also be thrown into the mix. This is a whatever you have in the house dish. Cover with water. Put the lid on the pot and let it cook overnight on low. In the morning turn off the pot and take out the meat. It will be fall apart tender. Shred it with your hands and return it to the pot. Refrigerate or freeze. This is a one-pot meal that is a standard in our house. It can be made with chicken or meatless if you prefer. Be adventurous. If you don’t have a crock pot buy one!! Or bring to a boil in a pot and then cook covered in a 225 to 250 degree oven at least 8 hours.

ML: Is there someone in particular who has influenced your cooking and/or eating habits, in what way?

RS: My dad has influenced my shopping and eating. He was a butcher and taught me how to cut up a chicken. So when whole chickens are ridiculously cheap I buy 10 of them, cut them up, and freeze the parts. And his love for food and being willing to try various cuisines has been passed down to me.

ML: In your dream dinner party whom would you like to invite to your home for a dinner party?

RS: With all the hustle bustle today my family and I never have enough time to spend together although we do get together on the holidays. So I would love to have a “holiday” dinner party weekly with my family.

Additionally, I would have a dinner party with all of my yoga teachers, as they are kind, loving people who are always in the present and mindful of their surroundings. They would be most appreciative and interesting guests who would enjoy all the subtleties of flavors in the food I served.

ML: What would you serve or what would be on the menu?

RS: For my family I would serve a traditional Friday night dinner: chicken soup, brisket, kugel (noodle pudding), any vegetable in season although they love my roasted cauliflower, and mandel bread a k a biscotti and fruit salad for dessert.

RS: Mandel Bread

1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup or more of dried cranberries or yellow raisins (I prefer the cranberries)

1/2 cup or more of crushed nuts-I use walnuts or pecans but you can also use almond pieces. The nuts should not be pulverized but should be recognizable small pieces. About the same size as the raisins.

Mix liquids together and then add dry ingredients which have been mixed together. Add raisins and nuts and stir. Mixture will be thick.

Form into 2 logs and bake on a cookie sheet about 35 minutes at 325 degrees. (I bake until brown on top. Time can vary.

Take out of oven and slice into about 1/2 pieces. Put back on baking sheet cut side down and bake another 20 minutes till brown. Turn and bake till both sides are brown. Cooking time varies so keep an eye on them.

Directions are not precise but have fun with this recipe. These freeze well if you have any left over.

**

For my yoga teachers I would make a vegetarian dinner. Perhaps a strawberry soup in the summer or hearty bean and kale soup in the winter; an apple, beet and cabbage salad; vegetable lasagna, or Chinese stir fry with brown rice.

Cooking School in Italy Events

A view of the villa in the hills of Umbria

Enjoying a dinner after a cooking class at the Villa…

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm Cooking School in Italy-Sept 23- October 6th. Join Celebrity Chef-Maria Liberati for a the 7day -6night Experience Italy event filled with hands on cooking classes, wine tastings at local vineyards, olive oil artisans, work with locally grown produce, sightsee, experience nature trails in the hills of Umbria all while relaxing as a special guest at the villa which houses the school. Limited to 12 participants only. Includes all meals, transportation from Rome -Fiumicino airport and back, all meals, 4 hands-on cooking classes, wine tastings, special farewell dinner at local castle, wine tastings, sightseeing,stay at the villa (double occupancy. Single occupancy available but for extra amount). All while you relax at the villa in the picturesque, quiet hills of Umbria. $1795. Or register with deposit before May 1st and receive a $200 discount plus free souvenir apron upon arrival. To register or for an email brochure send email to: events@marialiberati.com or call 1-800-581-9020.

Tea Healthy Tea..a great after dinner drink…

By tea expert- Patricia Bontempo

Did you know the number 2 New Year’s resolution made is to lose weight, get fit, or eat healthier? I even make that resolution every year. When I was younger I usually resolved to lose those dreaded 5 to 10 pounds. But getting older you put things in perspective. It is more important to eat healthier, make better choices and stay physically fit.

To help achieve that goal I have opted to drink more tea. I have always been a tea drinker but now I drink more green, white and oolong teas. It is a very simple change or addition to your daily routine.

Besides that you get a great deal of other health benefits:

- Medical studies have shown that green and oolong teas help increase metabolism, helps burn calories, and aids in lower fat absorption.

  1. Tea contains high levels of antioxidants, some of which are called polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins, and all of which take on the “free radicals” in the body and prevent them from harming the healthy cells on board.

- Tea contains flouride which benefits your teeth and has bacteria killing properties which helps control bad breath and the formation of plaque.

  • Higher quality teas, such as loose teas, have more catechin antioxidants than lower quality teas (bagged tea).
  • White tea has more antioxidants than any other tea.
  • Green tea has more catechin antioxidants than black tea since black tea goes through more processing.
  • Freshly brewed teas have more polyphenol antioxidants than instant or bottled teas.

- Oolong tea may prevent the onset of some neuro diseases such as Parkinson’s disease

- Polyphenols found in loose Oolong tea also prevent inflammation and it has anti-allergy compounds

- Tea also aids in depression that it can activate your dopamine happy hormones.

Next month a selection of some of the recent studies that boast health benefits of teas.

Don’t forget to check out the new flavors of teas from Sempre Sapori. Real whole leaf teas, the same teas served at the villa at The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School at tea time. The teas will soon be available online..

SUMMER IN ITALY RECIPE CONTEST..

THE BASIC ART OF ITALIAN COOKING BY MARIA LIBERATI

& LA CUCINA ITALIANA MAGAZINE

Win a free subscription to La Cucina Italiana Magazine & your recipe printed in the Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm ezine.

Give us your best summer recipe. Do you love to barbecue, grill, preserve fresh produce, make summer salads or fresh fruit preserves or anything that uses fresh fruits or vegetables in season during the summer months of May, June, July & August. Send us your best recipe and you could win a subscription to La Cucina Italiana Magazine-each issue filled with recipes from Italy but in English.

Qualifications & Rules : Summer in Italy Recipe Contest!
Recipes must be original and should contain either fresh fruits or vegetables , herbs that are in season during May, June, July & August. We are looking for recipes that promote locally grown produce.

*No processed ingredients, no corn syrup, lard, margarine allowed in recipes and recipes containing these will be eliminated.

*By emailing or mailing your recipe you give all rights to the Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm and art of living,PrimaMedia,Inc for any reprints or publishing in print or electronically. The recipe(s) may be reprinted without any permission or monetary compensation to the sender.

Deadline: recipes must be postmarked or emailed no later than June 1st 2009. Winners will be selected by staff of the Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm and all winners are final. Winner wins a year subscription to La Cucina Italiana Magazine and their recipe will be featured in an issue of The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm ezine .

This contest void where prohibited by law. The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm is not responsible for any lost mail, emails, any omissions or guarantee of receipt of subscription of La Cucina Italiana magazine. La Cucian Italiana Magazine is responsible for winning prize of annual subscription and winenr must correspond with :La Cucina Italiana Magazine if any delays I nreceivign subscriptions. The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati, Art of Living, PrimaMedia,Inc is not responsible for issuing the subscription to the magazine and can not be held responsible.

Where to send recipes:
Email recipe, name ,address ,phone number & email to us at:
recipecontest@marialiberati.com

Mail recipe(s) to: Place recipe on 3x 5 card, include recipe, name, address ,phone and email (if you have one) to:
Recipe Contest, The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm, 292 Main St, Unit 291, Harleysville, Pa 19438

Recipe must be legible or will be automatically elimiinated if not legible

BUONA FORTUNA ( Good Luck!)

FEATURED PRODUCTS & SPECIAL OFFERS

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Get a copy of the bestselling book at http://www.marialiberati.com/

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Sempre Sapori -the first product originally by The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm includes flavors from all over the world. Tuscan Picnic was developed by Maria Liberati so that anyone from non-experienced to experienced chef could make a Tuscan style meal in a minute. Tuscan Picnic captures all the flavors of Tuscany as developed by Maris Liberati from her cooking programs in the Tuscan region and always incldues a recipe booklet to make Tuscan meals. Makes a great gift for the Holidays also. Spices are all natural and can be ordered in a special gift pack for the Holidays. Go to : http://www.marialiberati.com/ to order yours now. Free samples provided with every order.

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Find recipes and more…

See you next month

March/April issue will contain video segments of the cooking school and the villa that houses it as well as other features and recipes.!

This month’s newsletter is filled with articles and sweet treats for Carnevale in Venice, menu of the month, recipe of the month, Recipe Contest with La Cucina Italiana Magazine, Interview with Food columnist Rosie Saferstein and more! This month you can select to read it in 3 different ways: as a word file from this link below:

february-march-2009-issue.doc 

Or in digital magazine format:

http://http://tinyurl.com/aext7x

Or below in plain text:

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm

A trademark of Art of Living, PrimaMedia,Inc.

February/March 2009 issue

CONTENTS

Quote of the Month

Editorial

Delicious Treats in Venice & Carnevale

Featured Recipe

Menu of the Month

What’s in Your Fridge? Interview with Rosie Saferstein

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School in Italy Events

Tea..Healthy Tea…a great after dinner drink

La Cucina Italiana Magazine Recipe Contest

Featured Products

 

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”

  • George Bernard Shaw

 

 

EDITORIAL

 

This month has been a busy one San Valentino (Valentine’s Day ) and the beginning of Carnevale. I have just returned from The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm cooking school sessions held at the villa in Sissmano in the hills of Umbria. The next cooking School session will be held Sept 23-Oct 6th. (see below). Next month will be a special videotaped interview at the villa in Sissmano and cooking school highlights

February has such beautiful colorful Holidays to celebrate in some special way. Whether it be preparing a meal for a loved one, friend, family members, preparing a meal together with friends and special others or just enjoying a great meal together-any ordinary meal becomes a special one when you enjoy it with someone. Decorate the table with colorful tableware to get in the Carnevale spirit. Simple touches set the mood. Don’t forget to enter our La Cucina Italiana Magazine Recipe Contest to win a free subscription to one of the premiere magazines on Italian Cooking. What’s your best summer recipe??Deadline is June 1st 2009

As always, we at The Basic Art of Italian CookingTM by Maria Liberati would love to hear from you. Have you tried our recipes? Do you have any ideas for feature articles that you’d like to see in future issues? Would you like to find a specific recipe or share a favorite family treat? Email us at: editor1@marialiberati.com

We want to hear from you!
Let us know how you like our celebrity Q & A column…and if you have a favorite celebrity, that you’d like to hear from, send us an email at editor1@marialiberati.com.

Delicious Treats of Venice and Carnevale

copyright, 2008, Maria Liberati

http://www.marialiberati.com

 

Here it is ….Carnevale, the period between Christmas and Easter, which ends before Lent. But no matter what Holidays you follow..Carnevale is always a time of sweets and delicacies, in my opinion. The following recipes are of two typical ‘cakes’ (this name does not really explain what they are: they are absolutely unique!) eaten in that time, especially in Venice. Fritole, fritoe (different dialect varieties for the Italian frittelle) are round pastries with raisins. Many types developed from the basic recipe, so that you can find them filled with custard, with zabaione, with apples, or even empty. What follows is the typical Venetian recipe. But, before giving it to you, I should perhaps explain what grappa is, since this is one of the ingredients.

Grappa is a spirit distilled from the fermented remains of grapes after pressing. It has specific taste deriving from the kind of grapes that is used: grappa from Prosecco, for example, is fine. Of course the alcoholic degree is very high (40/42°) and one has better be careful about the quantity one drinks… It is used in the preparation of cakes, it enhances the taste of coffee: coffee and grappa is a typical drink here in Italy (in the Veneto region, mostly) and can be drunk as a powerful digestive after dinner. If you pour a little quantity of grappa onto a small plate and light it with a match, it burns for quite a long time. You could see the blue flame indicating the alcohol being consumed.

So, here it is:

Frittelle

Ingredients (for 6 people):

1 lb flour

1 cup raisins

2 tblsps pine nuts

1 tablespoon sugar

2 eggs

1 cup milk

I/2 cup grappa

1 packet brewer’s yeast

a pinch of salt

peanut oil to fry

icing sugar to decorate

Melt the brewer’s yeast and sugar with a little bit of warm water; then add flour, the eggs, grappa and milk. Don’t forget the pinch of salt. Mix everything and knead it for a while until you see some kind of small ‘air bubbles’ forming on the surface. Cover then with a napkin and leave it in a warm place to rise. When the dough will have doubled its volume, add the raisins (and pinenuts). Make ‘balls’ with a teaspoon and let them ‘slide’ into peanut boiling oil (oil should be deep enough to cover all the small balls; and remember not to put too may of them at a time). When they rise to the surf, turn them over, so that they become brown all over. Dry on kitchen paper, sprinkle with icing sugar and enjoy your fritoe!

Crostoli (is another typical Carnival dessert).

Ingredients (4 people):

1 cup flour

½ cup sugar

¼ cup butter

2 eggs

½ cup grappa

1 lemon

icing sugar

a pinch of salt

1 tsp pure vanilla

peanut oil to fry

Mix flour, sugar, vanilla, grated lemon peel and salt on the pastry board. Then make a well and put the eggs, the soft butter cut into small cubes inside the hole. Work it till it is smooth. With the rolling pin roll the dough very thin. Cut rectangles (about 8×12 centimetres) with the pastry cutting wheel and make three cuttings on each of the rectangles. Fry two or three rectangles at a time in abundant boiling peanut oil. Drain, dry on kitchen paper, cover with icing sugar. You can eat them either hot or cold.

So glad Carnevale is here!!…

 

 

 

 

MENU OF THE MONTH

Appetizer: Bruschetta with tuna, red onion and celery, extra virgin olive oil

First Course: Farfale con Gorgonzola

Second Course: Salmone al Forno

Dessert: Crostoli & Frittele per Carnevale (see recipe above)

Wine: Falenghina

All recipes can be found in The Basic Art of Italian CookingTM or at http://www.marialiberati.com/

All recipes are copyright 2006,2007,2008,2009- The Basic Art of Italian CookingTM, by Maria Liberati, Art of Living, PrimaMedia, Inc.

Send us your ideas, feedback, and tips. If your submission is featured here in our newsletter, you will win a limited edition gift tag. Email to: info@marialiberati.com  
All ideas emailed to info@marialiberati.com become the property of Art of Living, PrimaMedia, Inc.  By emailing them to us you automatically authorize us permission to use in any publications.

CELEBRITY Q&A

WHAT’S IN YOUR FRIDGE?

With her culinary acumen, this month, food columnist, Rosie Saferstein gives us a peek inside her fridge and her kitchen…

Rosie Saferstein is a food writer for njmonthly.com

 

Carnevale in Venice and Sweet Treats

 venice-typical_costume1-2-modified-modified.jpg

I have been blogging about it  for a few weeks in anticipation of  this beautiful ,colorful event. If you can’t be there in Venice, you can watch..take a look at what you missed

(taken from my twitter.com blog)

 Latest: Carnevale in Venice  http://tinyurl.com/demsvw

 sweet treats for Carnevale in Venice http://tinyurl.com/d4fgm6

Bring some flavors of Carnevale into your kitchen.

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm Cooking School is on the road and we will be at

Feb 18-Whole Foods, Marlton, NJ- 6 PM for a book signing and cooking class-Pasta & Sauces
Feb 19th- Whole Foods in Philadelphia, Pa at 6 PM for a book signing and Cooking Class.

Cooking on a Budget from The Basic Art of Italian Cooking will include a 4 course authentic Italian meal

For more info or to register, email events@marialiberati.com or call Sue at 215-660-5045

Join me Sept 23-Oct 6th and The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm cooking school in Italy at the villa in the hills of Umbria. Spend 6 nights ,7 days in the villa, join em for cooking classes, local winery tours and tastings, local olive oil mills,sightessing and La Dolce Vita relaxing at the villa by poolside or in the courtyard enjoying a meal from the  wood burning oven. All meals included and transport to and from the Rome Fiumicino airport.  Email events@marialiberati.com for more info. Only 12 spots are available. Hope to see you at the villa!!

Mangia Bene, Vivi Bene,

http://marialiberati.blogster.com

http://vinovidivici.today.com

Maria

Buon San Valentino..

valentines-day-dinner.jpg8011-2007926-wine_tasting1.jpg 

copyright 2009, Maria Liberati, The Basic Art of Italian Cooking 

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and I am on this ‘kick’ for everything Valentine..my ‘better half’ has even  told me I am out of control …ever since he took me to visit the town of San Valentino..the cathedral of San Valentino..maybe his spirit is still with me..but it is such a beautiful story of how this day dates back to San Valentino and the romantic story of  how he married lovers even though it was forbidden and ultimately went to his death because of it..ahh amore…I can hear the words uttered in Italian.

When in Italy,always tell an Italian you are doing whatever you are doing for love…and they will utter the words..”ahh amore”..you will be so admired for yielding to love…

Oh well, let me snap out of my romantic banter and get back to the wine for Valentine’s Day dinner. The first wine  Iwould recommend is a wine that says it all and is great especially for soemone that you have just met but really want to get the message across..

Baciamisubito 2007 the name ‘baci mi subito’ means’ kiss me fast’ in Italian. Nothing is better to get the message across with this bottle of wine. It is a Barbera taht immediately leaves a sweet kiss of flavor on the lips. The hint of blackberry makes it a perfect pair for a dish with meat, or aged cheeses. It’s fruity taste is balanced and every taste is just  as good as the first.

More wines to come..

Join me this Sunday at 2 PM in Jenkintown, Pa at Whole Foods Market, 1575 Fairway fora book signing and to follow a Valentine’s Day 4 course authentic Italian cooking class from The Basic Art of Italian Cooking School in Orvieto, Italy. Book signing is open to the public. To register for the cooking class email us at events@marialiberati.com

or call the store at 215-481-0800

Join me at The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm cooking school in Orvieto, Italy for a special 7 day program and stay that includes a stay at a villa, castle or farm resort in the hills of Umbria, right outside of Tuscany. Enjoy cooking classes using fresh local produce, tours of local vineyards and olive oil mills, sightseeing at some of the most unique spots in the area.. Dates are Sept 13-19. Places are limited. To register or for more info email us at events@marialiberati.com

For more great recipes, get your copy of the best selling book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking at http://www.marialiberati.com

Mangia Bene,Vivi Bene

Maria

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