an italian cook around the world
The Rabbit Cacciatore is one of the most popular ways to make an authentic rabbit stew. In Italy, the Cacciatore technique, is present in almost all the regional cuisines, with different variations depending on the traditions and the most used ingredients region by region. Here a typical Northern-Italian Rabbit Cacciatore, pan-roasted and braised along with red wine, mushrooms, tomato sauce, and juniper berries: delicious!
Italian Torrone Semifreddo is a dessert that I remember on my mom’s table since I was a baby. Italian nougats nuggets and chocolate chunks enrich this tasty and creamy vanilla semifreddo. My suggestion for this recipe is hard Torrone. If you prefer the soft Torrone, the result will be less crunchy, but delicious as well. This recipe is perfect for any gathering with family and friends!
November: it’s time for “caldarroste”! Wait a minute, what does it means “caldarroste”?! Well, “caldarroste” is the name of the Italian roasted chestnuts. Oh men! The roasted chestnuts recipe is one of things that most remind me of the Italian winters! When winter comes, in many places around the Mediterranean basin, from Portugal to Turkey, the hawkers set their large braziers around the edges of the squares, and they roast a huge quantity of chestnuts. In Italy, traditionally we use to eat chestnuts as a sneak in the Sunday afternoon, wandering through the streets of the city centre, or around the table with our friends, drinking a glass of “vino novello” on vacation time.
The Paccheri are a kind of macaroni typical of Naples: If you’ve never tried them, I recommend you do it as soon as possible! The large size and thickness of this pasta call a rich and intense sauce: to prepare this, today I bring you a ride from Naples to Rome, relishing my Paccheri with ingredients that wink to the Italian capital city. The Paccheri are a delight for those who love the taste of pasta, which is very persistent in every bite. To counter the “bullying” of the Paccheri, I suggest you a tasty “big shots” dressing with fresh pork belly, artichokes and pecorino romano cheese.
Tired of the winter? In this case, it’s time for a dinner that will warm your soul and your palate! The lentil and green pea soup is a classic of the peasant cuisine. I really like to prepare it during the last days of winter: its warmth comforts me and green peas remind me that the spring is coming! In this case, I served the soup with crispy croutons, but if you prefer add rice, pearl barley, or spelt, cooked in the vegetable broth along with the vegetables.