Italian Food Lovers

Grow Your Own Italian Herb Garden

2010-01-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

There are many possiblities when growing your own Italian herb garden, whether large or small. Growing your own Italian herb garden is an excellent way to spruce up your cooking. Italy is home to some of the most delicious herbs in the world.

The following list are some essential herbs for every Italian herb garden.

Basil is a well know Italian herb and useful in many Italian recipes. Basil will not only add flavor to many Italian cuisines, it is useful in the garden to other plants. Planting basil next to your peppers and tomatoes will actually improve their flavor. Plus, basil will also repel flies and mosquitoes.

Parsley is a more difficult hard herb plant to grow but it's useful for many Italian dishes as well as many other types of cuisines. Many generations ago before their were breath mints it was found that eating fresh, raw parsley after a meal eradicated the bad breath left over from enjoying a flavorful cuisine. The tradition arose to serve parsley on a small dish after the meal. The tradition lives today by using parsley as a garnish on a variety of meals.

Oregano is a beautiful herb in your garden as well as an essential herb for Italian cooking. As oregano matures it produces small, pretty purple flowers and the herb is actually the most flavorful when the flowers start to bloom. Oregano is great for many dishes including pasta sauces and meat dishes.

Fennel is used in cooking both with the plant and its seeds. Fennel seeds are popular in pizza and sausages, while the bulb is cooked as a vegetable and can make a wonderful side dish.

Rosemary is another herb, like basil, that is essential for every Italian herb garden. It can grow into a shrub and resembles and evergreen tree. Rosemary grows little blue flowers than attract bees. It's a tough perennail herb, but should be protected from frost. Rosemary has a strong flavor and fragrance, so you need very little for cooking. Try it in your roasted potatoes or meat dishes.

Probably the most used herb in Italian cuisines is garlic. No Italian herb garden would be complete without this useful herb. Garlic cloves can be planted and will thrive in just about any garden with very little attention. They can be stored to be used at a later time after they are harvested by freezing them or pickling them to store in the refrigerator.

Sage is the popular herb of Thanksgiving turkey, stufing and gravies. Sage has a strong flavor, and like rosemary, only a little is needed to add flavor to your cooking. This herb is a good choice for your Italian herb garden because it is easy to grow and propagate into new plants.

These are my recommended herbs you use to start your garden but there are many Italian herbs you can choose from and no need to limit yourself to just these. I like these herbs because they are also fragrant and beautiful growing in your Italian herb garden.

Cook with Your Own Italian Herb Garden

2009-12-30T07:56:00.000-08:00

Nothing taste better than cooking with freshly picked herbs from your own Italian herb garden. I have been cooking with my own herbs for years and I promise you...it makes a difference!

If you have never grown herbs before, you will find they are actually quite easy to grow. I like to group my herbs in themes and have one pot that is all Italian herbs. I harvest and cook with them throughout the growing season, then preserve them for use during the winter months.

Here are a few of my favorite Italian herbs:

1. Basil – 3 to 6 plants, depending on your taste for it. For a constant supply of fresh leaves, plant consecutively over the growing season. For fresh basil and tomato salads you’ll need at least two cups of fresh leaves to serve 4 people.

2. Greek Oregano – this hardy easy to grow herbaceous seasoning will flavor almost everything. Plan on 2 plants to start if you enjoy Italian cooking.

3. Chives – 2 to 3 plants can be found in various flavors. Delicious in fresh salads, on potatoes and in a variety of dishes

4. Flat Leaf Parsley – 4 to 6 plants, or try a few plants of cilantro as a variation

5. Rosemary – 1 to 2 plants will get your garden started and as they grow you’ll have plenty of this pungent evergreen each year. If you live where Rosemary cannot winter over, consider using a container, or plan to harvest and dry for the winter. Delicious in rosemary garlic roasted potatoes, or place a few springs inside poultry before roasting!

6. – Marjoram – 1 to 2 plants will provide plenty of this tasty herbaceous plant for your seasoning needs. Use the leave fresh and harvest the soft seed heads for winter flavoring.

7. Mint – 1 plant at least, in a container so as not to take over the garden. Personally, I keep one peppermint and one spearmint, and use them both prolifically.

All of these Italian herbs are easy to grow and can be grown in container gardens as well. Try adding some fresh Italian herbs to your favorite dishes and see what a difference it makes.

Learn more about growing your own Italian herb garden and enjoy your own fresh herbs throughout the year.

Standard Cooking Methods For The Home Chef

2009-12-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/cookingbasics.htmlby Corey Martin

Figuring out how to take a recipe from paper to finished meal is a skill that many people strive to master but only some will ever get there. One thing that is important is taking the time to read the whole recipe from start to finish before you begin cooking. It is too easy to miss something important that can have a huge impact on the final meal. By putting the time in upfront you can guarantee that the final product will be what you expect.

Standard cooking techniques are quite important to the success of your cooking endeavor. As you become more familiar with them your chances at success will greatly increase. You will also have an easier time getting the meal just right. There are a couple of specifics you should be knowledgable about, which will grow over time as you cook more foods.

Broiling is a cooking technique that is accomplished by using a high heat source to heat or brown the top of the food. Some foods can be completely cooked using this method but the majority of them are not usually prepared this way. If you are using a broiler to do this you just need to remember to not put the food real close to the heat. Try to leave at least 4 inches between the food and the heat source.

The process of steaming vegetables has always been popular with health minded people as the food tends to retain a large amount of the healthy nutrients. It is very easy to do and simply means cooking the food over a little bit of water until it is ready.

You can also saute your vegetables by cooking them over high heat in a uniquely designed pan. This method of preparing the food can be combined with certain spices or flavors to give it much more flavor than other methods. Many specialty recipes call for sauteing to a certain degree.

Your food can also be boiled or simmered using a pan and some water. This is a common method that people use on a daily basis to get their food cooked to perfection. As with most of these methods, it is important to follow the instructions completely to avoid over or under cooking which would rob you of the flavor you deserve.

It doesn't matter which one of these various cooking methods you use, or whether or not you use them in combination with one another, you need to practice until you can do them in your sleep. Also try to become familiar with how your oven specifically works. Learn which temperatures are ideal and what length of time works best, as well as find the dishes that your family likes the most. You will certainly find those recipes that are easy to prepare yet still taste excellent, but don't forget to mix it up from time to time. Just follow the instructions on any new recipe and you will have success cooking it. With time you will begin to really enjoy cooking a meal every single day.

About the Author:
If you also enjoy drinking coffee in your home then you should visit atozcoffeemakers.com. You can find information on the many popular brands of coffee makers including Bunn, Braun, Keurig, and more. Read reviews and compare models.

Learn about Easy Italian Cooking Techniques....

Herb Garden Plants

2009-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Herb garden plants come in annuals, perennials, and biennials like other types of plants.

Some annual herbs are basil, summer savory and cilantro. These herbs will not live through a frost and need to replanted every years from seed or starter plants. Perennials like sage and winter savory can survive colder temperatures and will return year after year. Biennial herbs are plants that form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Biennials herbs grow for a couple of seasons and produce their leaves and roots the first season, and flowers and seeds the next year. Examples of biennial herbs are parsley, burdock, salvia and caraway.

Before planting your seeds, prepare the soil by making sure it is well drained. Till the soil and add compost and sand if needed for drainage and nutrients. Sow the seeds in shallow rows. Top with a little soil, tap firm and water until moist. Try covering the garden with paper or wet burlap to protect the seeds and keep them moist until they germinate.

Herb garden plants can be categorized into 4 types: culinary, aromatic, ornamental and medicinal. Each category has a different purpose, although many herbs fall into more than one category. Culinary herbs are used for cooking and are probably the most commonly grown type in home herb gardens. The strong aroma and flavors of fresh culinary herbs adds tremendous flavor while cooking and only requires you use a small amount of these herbs.

Aromatic herbs are grown for their pleasing fragrance or aroma. Oils from aromatic herbs like lovage, mint, and rosemary can be used to make different types of perfumes, toilet water, or other various scents. Parts of aromatic herb plants used intact can also be used in the home to scent linens or clothing. A fun way to use aromatic herbs is to dry them for your own potpourri. Popular choices for homemade potpourri are lavender and lemon verbena.

Some herbs have been used for centuries to heal the body. These are known as the medicinal herbs. Present medical knowledge recognizes that some herbs are beneficial to one’s health, others are overrated. Herbs should be used with caution because some herbs can be harmful and some dangerous when eaten.

The ornamental herbs are grown for their beauty and not for their aroma, healing properties or for cooking. Many of these herbs have bright flowers and beautiful green foliage that adds beauty to any garden. Many have whitish or various light colored flowers like valerian which has crimson blossoms and borage and chicory which grow gorgeous blue flowers.

Although herb garden plants can be divided into categories, many will fall into more than one category. For instance, mint can be used for cooking, teas, fragrance and even pest control. By having an understanding of the different types of herbs and how they are commonly used, you will be able to pick the best herb garden plants for your own garden.

Learn more about Herb Gardening here...

Easy Italian Cooking with Your Crockpot

2009-12-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

The beauty of slow cooker or crock pot cooking rests in the versatility and flexibility the process provides for a time stressed cook. When a meal can be cooked up in and then served from one pot after limited preparation, the time saved by not having to start a meal, juggle pots, pans and serving dishes is obvious. Just coming through the door to the sight and smells of a meal already prepared and ready to go on the table, is a major stress reliever.

Which crockpot is best?

If one doesn't already have a slow cooker, the first consideration centers on size. Small versions are often used for appetizers, dips, and salsas. Generally these are 16 oz. or quart size and are perfect for serving during brunch or potluck dining events or cooking for one. A large family may be best served with a 5 qt. or even a 7 qt. model. The type of cooking one does is also a consideration. If the cook plans on slow cooking a full rack of fall off the bone baby back ribs in the crock pot, they are going to have to spring for the larger version.

Another consideration is whether the cook wants to be able to set or control the temperature or just go with a push button model that cooks with preset low or high temperature settings and sometimes a warmer setting. If the "low" setting is too low and the lid is not on properly, the cooking temperature can drop below the safe level for cooking some foods. Finally, the question of heating elements needs to be considered. Crock pots can come with bottom, side elements or both. Pots with side elements often require more liquid in recipes to avoid the risk of drying up over long cooking times.

If a person really enjoys mixing things up and experimenting with recipes, one pot/slow cooking provides a great number of possibilities and even chances to have some fun. The real strength of the crock pot in the kitchen is for slow cooking leaner and cheaper cuts of meat. The moist, long, slow cooking provides a very tender meats with fat that is either dissolved or very easy to remove.

There are some do's and don'ts in crock pot cooking. Some meals require ingredients to be added in stages. For example, a stew may require the meat to be cook for a few hours before firm vegetables are added and then softer veggies can be added as cooking is finalized. Rule of thumb, add things like spices, herbs and seasonings at the beginning of the cooking cycle and things like frozen vegetables and seafood at the end. Since ingredients are generally thoroughly cooked over a long period of time, a lot of stirring is not recommended or the food breaks apart or worse, turns to mush.

Crock pots are so versatile that they can even be used for creating desserts and breads. Interestingly enough this is one area where care must be taken during preparation. This is particularly true if these recipes are going to be left unattended while they cook. An over beaten or whipped dessert can raise the lid straight off of the crock pot and create quite a mess. This is certainly not what one needs to come home to after a long day at work.

A crock pot can deliver menus as classic as pot roast and vegetables, as simple as a cream cheese layer dip, or as complex and spicy as paella. It can also keep your garlic mashed potatoes warm on your Thanksgiving serving table. The crock pot is a very veritable cooking tool and stress reliever for the busy cook.

Try my easy Crockpot Lasagne...

Types Of Italian Cheeses And Their Uses

2009-12-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

Types Of Italian Cheeses And Their Uses

by Chris Perry

Every country has something in its past which it is proud of and in case of Italy it is the continuing tradition of cultural and culinary heritage, particularly the Italian cheeses, which have been a constant source of pride and worldwide fame. Although Italy is a European country, the Italian cheeses have evolved into global products which have successfully carried the heritage of their parent country to the far and wide corners of the world.

The most popular culinary delights which are associated with Italy are the pizzas and the lasagna preparations both of which make use of the legendary mozzarella cheese. This cheese is white in color since it is a product of buffalo's milk and its soft and chewy texture is one of the main reasons for the immense popularity of the dishes in which it is used.

Among all the varieties of Italian cheeses, it is only the Gorgonzola which is blue in color along with a creamy texture. Having originated in Lombardy, it is found in two varieties namely the gorgonzola mountain, which has a sharp taste and the gorgonzola dolce, which is sweet and therefore is an ideal accompaniment of fruits and desserts. Apart from being served as an accompaniment for white Italian wines, hot stew and soups, this cheese tastes mild when it is young and becomes sharper as it matures.

The conventional method of using whipped cream in dessert preparations is compromised upon only in case of a single Italian cheese which is known as mascarpone. The reason for this substitution is that among all Italian cheeses this one is rich and creamy and can blend well with desserts due to its mild flavor.

The list of renowned Italian cheeses is incomplete without the mention of the Parmesan which is a full flavored cheese consisting of a hard rind and is eaten after being matured for a considerable length of time. This Italian cheese is best enjoyed if grated or if cut into slivers but the fresh variety of this cheese is the best in terms of taste.

The Scamorza is distinct among all the Italian cheeses because of its shape which it acquires during its maturation. This cheese is prepared by hanging the fresh and unpasteurized cow's milk by a string and it is usually served with fruits.

Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, Pecorino Sardo and Pecorino Siciliano are the renowned varieties of the Pecorino cheese which is a rarity due to the fact that it is prepared from ere's milk. Although this cheese is salty to taste and requires a considerable period of maturation, it is a sought-after accompaniment for fruits and desserts.

Italian cheeses have been an inevitable part of the country's tradition and one particular variety which surpasses others in this regard is the Grana Padano. The main characteristics of this cheese are that it is prepared from unpasteurized milk, is pale yellow in color, is surrounded by a thick natural rind which is smooth as well as hard to touch and tastes like a pineapple.

About the Author:
Learn more about Italian cheeses. Stop by Chris Perry's site where you can find out all about Italian imports and what it can do for you.

Italian Christmas Gift Baskets

2009-12-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

How about an Italian gift basket for that person who has everything.

As I get older, I have so many relatives now that are in their "golden years" and really don't need more things crowding their houses. They have everything they need and really don't want anything.

What do you get these people for Christmas?

I have found Italian gift baskets and homemade food gifts a great option for these hard to shop for people.

Who wouldn't like a pasta dinner basket with a complete dinner they don't have to cook?

What about a wine and cheese basket or an Italian gift basket filled with delicious treats?

You can make your own gifts or you can find some reasonably priced, beautiful gift baskets already done for you. These make great gifts because you can give something special to the people who are special to you, and they can enjoy the gift without added more clutter to their homes.

Here are some gift ideas if you need some help...

There are gift baskets in all sizes and for every budget. You can even find gifts for kids...how about a kid's pizza party kit, complete with a chef's hat and everything they need to make 6 pizzas for a fun pizza party.

Or for those Italian wine and cheese lovers, you can find a simple wine and cheese gift basket filled with a wonderful selection of wines and the perfect cheeses to go with them.

You can also make you own gifts. Inside of buying one of those "cookies in a jar" gift...try my recipe for "Italian Soup in a Jar" which is a soup kit, premixed in a mason jar and dressed up as a gift for Christmas.

Don't let this Christmas season and all of the gift giving you want to do stress you out. With an Italian gift basket there is something for everyone!

The Simplicity of Tuscan Italian Food

2009-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Tuscany is one of the most well known regions in Italy and it has perhaps more unique Italian food dishes than any other region.

People love the simplicity of Tuscan Italian food and the region has it's own distinct style of cuisine. Tuscany is a treasure trove of Italian food but the real Italian food gem in Tuscany is not the unique entrees, but the unique breads. There are specific breads for specific holidays and seasons in Tuscany, specifically a bread known as Maremma used for the famed T-bone steak known as Florentine Steak.

Usually Italian food makes one think of different forms of pasta, but in Tuscany the Italian food of variety is the bread. The wines of Tuscany are superb and they have to be to go with the wonderful Tuscan style of cooking. All of this means that many Italian food lovers find many of their favorite dishes in Tuscany.

There are many different varieties of olives that are grown in the area and used extensively in the cooking. Olive oil is made from the Moraiolo, Leccino, Frantoio, and Pendolino olives. An important issue which is often not realized in countries that do not produce olive oil is that the freshness makes a big difference. A very fresh oil, as available in an oil producing region, tastes noticeably different from the older oils available elsewhere. Visiting Tuscany will give you the chance to try this and see.

Of course the area also has the cheeses that are a signature of Italian food. The most famous Tuscan cheese is Pecorino, made from sheep's milk, from the Siena area, eaten at the end of a good meal.

In October and November the people are up for a real treat because this is when the famous white truffles appear. White truffles from San Miniato are a speciality.

There are many other foods specific to the area and one of the most common is polenta. Polenta was originally a peasant food and is made from ground yellow or white cornmeal (maize). It can be ground coarsely or finely depending on the texture desired. Polenta is often cooked in a large copper pot known in Italian as paiolo. It is traditionally a slow cooked dish as it can take an hour or more and constant stirring is required."Polentone" meaning polenta eater (big polenta) is a derogatory term sometimes used by Southern Italians to refer to Norther Italians.

NB: The over reliance on polenta as a staple food caused outbreaks of pellagra (a vitamin deficiency disease) throughout much of Europe until the 20th century.

So it seems that Tuscan food is not to be missed. Beef of the highest quality comes from the Chiana Valley and a while array of dishes are produced right from the simple T-bone steak to Tuscan beef stew with polenta. The pork in the area is spicy which may come as a surprise to foreigners not familiar with this brand of Italian food.

But don't forge that one appeal of Tuscan Italian food is that it is generally healthy.

Quick and Easy Homemade Pizza

2009-12-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

Why order deliver when you can make your own quick and easy homemade pizza.

Pizza may seem like a lot of work, and who wants to slave away at a hot kitchen after working all day...definitely not me!

That's why I have discovered a few ways of enjoying pizza at home without the trouble. I can make a delicious and healthy faster than I can have one delivered.

There are 2 ways to approach this: quick cooking and prep methods and making your own frozen pizza for a quick meal later.

For a quick pizza, the key is to start with a almost instant pizza crust. My quick pizza dough recipe can be made in 10 minutes. Only five minutes for prep and five minutes to rise. While the pizza dough is rising, you can get your ingredients ready. Use leftovers and easy vegetables for toppings. I also love to use "turkey peppronni" which takes no time at all to toss on a pizza. Always buy preshredded cheese or if you save money by buying bulk cheese, preshred it yourself to its always ready for a quick pizza.

The other method is one people rarely think of and that's making your own frozen pizza. Its really not difficult and is very inexpensive. Not only is a homemade pizza much healthier for you and your family, but they taste so much better than any frozen pizza hands down!

You can make think or thick crust pizzas and freeze them either in a vacuum seal back or wrapped well in tin foil. The key is to precook the crust just a bit before freezing but not too much that the pizza comes out too crunchy when cooked.

Pizza does not have to be a junk food. You can have a quick easy meal anytime by making your own easy pizzas or popping one of your frozen pizzas in the oven. If you haven't tried this yet, give this a try today!

Make Your Own Pasta

2009-11-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

It's easy to make pasta, and homemade pasta is actually quite inexpensive, healthy and easy to make.

Of course, store-bought dried pasta is quick and convenient with the advantage of being able to be stored for a long time, but why not enjoy the delicate flavor and texture of your own fresh homemade pasta. Besides, you can make your own pasta and dry it yourself for future use. Freshly made pasta can also be frozen and kept in your freezer for a couple of months.

Making fresh pasta by hand:

A small batch of pasta dough can be made quickly by hand and then rolled and cut in your pasta machine. I have a basic dough recipe to get you started. I blend a little semolina flour with unbleached flour to get a firm dough but one that is still easy to work with. After you get some experience, you can add more semolina if you would like a firmer pasta.

Rolling the dough with your pasta machine:

When the dough is ready for the pasta machine, remove the plastic wrap and cut the dough in half, rewrap half of the dough until ready to be rolled. It is easier to use a smaller amount of dough at a time with a pasta machine.

Pasta machines have different attachments for different types of pasta. Making pasta is not difficult once you learn the technique.

Learn more about how to make your own pasta...

2009-05-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

Grow Your Own Herb Garden

2009-04-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

It's getting close to the time of year when you need to start your herb garden. Now if you prefer to buy herb plants from a nursery, you still have some time; but if you are going to start some herbs from seeds, it is time to get started.

I like starting several herbs from seeds because it is very easy to do but, more importantly, it's a lot cheaper to start a garden from seed, and we are all cutting expenses right now.

Some herbs that do very well from seeds are those in the mint family. This includes not only mint varieties but also basil, oregano, marjoram and thyme. These common Italian herbs grow very well from seed and I have never had any die after transplanting them outside into my garden.

The great thing about Italian herbs is that they not only add wonderful flavor to your Italian recipes, but are incredibly easy to grow. Anything in the mint family grows well in containers too, for those will apartments or small yards. One advantage of growing them in containers is that it prevents the spreading that is so common with mint family herbs.

If you have never grown your own herbs for cooking, you will be surprised at how easy they are to grow. I have helped many friends who were convinced they couldn't grow anything, start and herb garden and watched in delight as they thrived. Anyone can grow and herb garden, and you will save so much money not buying fresh herbs from the grocery store. If you have not started cooking with fresh herbs yet, get started now! Your family and friends will be amazed at your culinary talents.

Start your herb own herb garden....

The Many Ways to Use Pesto

2009-03-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Pesto is an easy sauce to make and can be used in many delicious ways.

Pesto is very easy to make with a food processor and so much better than store bought. A great way to serve pasta is with pesto. Toss with freshly cooked pasta, stir in some chicken or sautéed seafood and you have an instant, delicious dinner. Pesto is made with olive oil so it is healthy as well.

Pesto is traditionally a paste made from basil, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil. There are many varieties and pesto can be made with any herbs you like: parsley, cilantro, mint to name a few. I also like to keep a basic basil pesto around for an instant pasta sauce. The basil will turn black and fresh pesto can't be stored long in the refrigerator, but you can freeze it. It's best eaten fresh, but by freezing, I can have my homemade pesto available anytime all year round.

Tips for freezing: Try putting your pesto in an ice-cube tray and freezing. Once frozen, transfer to a air-tight freezer bag for storage. Your individual pesto cubes are perfect to top soups. You can also store the pesto in pre-measured amounts in freezer bags and thaw for a quick sauce for pasta.

Hint: Never microwave pesto - it destroys the flavor. Instead thaw in refrigerator or place the frozen bag in hot water. Cook your pasta then stir the pesto into the hot pasta, add a little pasta water as needed and serve.

Easy Pesto Recipe...

Can You Eat Pasta While Dieting?

2009-03-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Is Pasta ok to eat when trying to lose weight?

Many people who are trying to lose weight wonder is pasta healthy or fattening? Pasta, like many foods high in carbohydrates, often gets a bad reputation for being fattening; however, this does not have to be true.

Carbohydrates, though recently made out to be villains, are actually necessary to keep your body and mind running smoothly. When carbohydrates are broken down they provide a major source of glucose. Glucose is the primary source of energy for your body and the only source of energy for your brain. Many people who have tried to stick to very low-carb diets have suffered from low energy and bad moods. I know I would be in a bad mood if I never got to eat my favorite pastas!

Consuming too many carbohydrates can be fattening, but pasta itself is not fattening; cooked pasta has only about 200 calories per cup. Where you really get into trouble is with your pasta sauce. Pasta sauces that contain high calorie fatty meats, creams, cheese and other fattening ingredients can really make a pasta dish fattening. Tomato pasta sauces are usually not very fattening at all! Americans also have a tendency to eat too much pasta - portion control is important when controlling calories. Italians traditionally serve pasta as a side dish or as one course of a multi-course meal; not in the large mounds that are so common in the United States.

Along with being fattening, pasta has been criticized for being a simple carbohydrates and lumped into the same category as cake, pastries and white bread. The problem with all of these simple carbohydrates is that they spike your blood sugar resulting in excess insulin being secreted which encourages weight gain and a subsequent energy crash. Simple carbohydrates have a high Glycemic Index (GI) which is a number used to measure how quickly the body's blood sugar level rises after the ingestion of a food. The good news is that Pasta has a GI of 41, which is similar to pears and lower than many types of bread. And one easy way to lower the GI of pasta is to cook it like the Italians - "al dente".

Most pasta today is made from semolina flour obtained from durum wheat. This creates a firm dough which in turn also lowers the GI, while also providing a good source of nutrition. Homemade and dried pasta contain plenty of B vitamins, folic acid and iron. It's low in sodium and, despite a prevalent myth, pasta is not high in cholesterol even though it is usually made with eggs. It was once thought that egg consumption needed to be drastically reduced due to their high cholesterol content, but subsequent research has shown eggs are quite healthy in moderation and greatly contribute to the health benefits of pasta. For those on a strict diet, however, pasta can be made without eggs, while the flour and olive oil content still make this pasta healthy.

Another option is to use dried pasta. This pasta usually does not contain eggs or oil but is made from 100% semolina flour and is quite firm when cooked. The firmness of this pasta helps lower the GI index to less than bread, potatoes and white rice while still providing vitamin B, fiber and iron. Dried pasta can be stored up to 3 years, but be sure not to store your pasta in glass containers as the sunlight depletes the vitamin B.

Is Pasta healthy in other ways too?

Yes, homemade pasta can be quite healthy. It is not difficult to learn how to make pasta and homemade Pasta can be made even more nutritious with the inclusion of whole wheat flour, spinach, garlic and herbs that add to the vitamin, mineral and fiber content of the pasta. Fiber is another nutrient often lost in modern diets, but fiber is necessary for digestive health, hormonal balance and the prevention of certain types of cancers.

There are many easy pasta recipes which make this nutritious food very convenient for modern busy cooks as well. When trying to eat healthier, you don't have to wonder "is pasta healthy" since there are many ways to prepare pasta that are. So go ahead and enjoy your pasta without guilt, just remember to go easy on the fattening meats and sauces and enjoy your pasta in moderation!

Olive Oil Cooking Tips

2009-03-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Olive oil is a great oil to use for cooking because of its amazing health benefits and distinctive flavor.

Olive oil has been used for centuries, but has become extremely popular recently due to studies which have proven just how healthy this oil is. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat which has been shown to lower your bad cholesterol and blood pressure, while raising the good cholesterol and helps protect against strokes.

There are a few things you should know about olive oil to make sure you cook with it properly and everything turns out as delicious as planned.

The main thing to keep in mind is that olive oil has a low smoke point. This means the oil will start to smoke at high temperatures. If you have ever over-heated olive oil in a pan, you know how it can fill your kitchen with smoke and will destroy the flavor of your food.

Here are some tips for cooking with olive oil:

Some types of olive oil are not the best choice for high heat cooking or frying because they cannot handle the high enough temperatures needed for this type of cooking; however, it is possible to saute with olive oil if you are careful and do not use high heat.

One way to compensate for the low smoke point is to combine olive oil with a high heat oil such as ghee (clarified butter) or canola oil for a healthier choice. This raises the smoke point while still allowing you to enjoy the health benefits and flavor of cooking with olive oil - extra virgin or virgin varieties.

Since olive oil has become popular lately, and is available in every grocery store, you may have noticed quite a variety to choose from. The flavor of the oil can vary depending upon where the olives were grown, so if you find you don't like the flavor of a particular brand, simply switch to another.

Each type of olive oil has its place in cooking and it's important to use the best oil for a particular dish.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil needs to be cooked with very carefully because it can easily lose its flavor with heat. Save your most expensive, high quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over cooked dishes just before serving. These oils are also great in salad dressings, marinades, or added to sauces when finished. As a healthy alternative to butter, drizzle it over slices of Italian bread or on baked or mashed potatoes. A little can also be drizzled onto cooked vegetables, fish or other meats right before serving.

Virgin Olive Oil is less expensive yet still has a great flavor and aroma, making it a better choice for cooking. Use it straight or blend it with canola or clarified butter (ghee) for high-heat cooking methods such as pan-frying, or broiling.

Olive Oil or Pure Olive Oil refers to the fact that no other types of oils are blended with the olive oil. Unlike extra virgin and virgin grades, this oil is obtained through a refining process, which eliminates most of the flavor. It can be more cost effective to use this oil for cooking rather than more expensive virgin or extra virgin varieties. The refining process also increases the smoke point to about 410ºF making this olive oil more suitable for high heat cooking and frying. Just don't expect this oil to have the flavor of the extra-virgin variety.

Extra Light Olive oil is not a calorie reduced food and the "light" only refers to the color of the oil. The light or mild varieties are very popular with consumers who want the health benefits of olive oil without a strong olive taste.

As you can see there is an olive oil for everyone and no reason everyone can't enjoy the wonderful flavor and health benefits of olive oil. If you haven't tried cooking with olive oil yet, be sure to pick up a bottle on your next trip to the grocery store. Your heart will thank you and your food will taste great!

Learn more about how to cook with olive oil.

Easy Italian Cooking in American Kitchens

2009-03-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

Most of us have found some sort of Italian cuisine that has become a favorite for our families and ourselves. Unfortunately, far too many of us discount the possibility of bringing Italian cooking into our very own kitchens for fear that many of the recipes are far too difficult. The truth is that learning to cook Italian food just might make your home the favorite drop in dining spot for friends and family all over.

Believe it or not, most great Italian recipes have an easier version that can be made with very similar effects when it comes to flavor and aroma. Also, despite the commercials of old, all Italian cooking does not require an entire day of simmering in order to achieve great flavor. Though you do not have to let your friends and family in on that little secret. Be a martyr for flavor and they will love you even more. You do not have to let anyone in on your best-kept secrets when it comes to preparing these often simple dishes.

The biggest challenge that most Americans face when it comes to Italian cooking is basically learning a new set of essential ingredients. The cheese, meats, or grains that are used in their creation most often identify or define Italian cuisine. It's the combination of these primary ingredients that create some of the most distinctive flavors on earth. Learn about these ingredients. Identify the flavors and study the combinations of flavors and you should be able to not only follow many great Italian recipes but also to invent a few of your very own Italian inspired recipes.

The greatest thing when it comes to cooking Italian food is that most of these dishes are rather difficult to destroy. This of course does not indicate that it cannot be done, only that it isn't as simple as with some of the more delicate cuisines around the world. Italian food is durable and flavorful but for the most part not too terribly delicate when it comes to flavor. You can go a little heavy with some spice or cheese without completely ruining the dish in most instances. If you are anything like me, this is a regular occurrence when cooking and one of the reasons I enjoy cooking Italian food so much.

Another thing you should keep in mind when cooking Italian food is that nothing seems to bring out the flavor of Italian food better than a good bottle of wine to match. You will want to spend a little time researching and studying the science (though some will argue that this is truly an art form) that goes along with pairing a good bottle of wine with the right flavor combination when it comes to Italian cooking.

The most important thing for you to remember when cooking Italian food is not to take the cooking too seriously. Good Italians know that the enjoyment of the meal is far more important than the process of preparing the meal.

Top Money Saving Tips for your Grocery Bill

2009-03-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Money is tight today and everyone is looking for ways to save money. One big expense for most families is groceries. It is no secret the cost of foods has gone up quite a bit lately and requires a bit of strategy to keep your food bill from rising dramatically too.

One of the easiest ways to save money on food is to cook for yourself. This does not mean microwaving a TV dinner or heating a prepackaged meal. I am talking about putting together real ingredients into a home cooked meal. I know most people today feel they have too much to do already and preparing home cooked meals everyday may seem like an unrealistic goal, but there are ways for even the busiest cooks to make their own food. And for those of you who hate to cook, or think you can't cook, you would be surprised how quick and easily you can prepare real meals that your family will enjoy.

Here are my top Money Saving Tips for Grocery Shopping:

Always shop with a list. It is too easy to succumb to impulse buys without your list, and studies have actually shown people spend 50"% more when shopping without a list.
Don't buy more fresh produce than you actually need. You can break up large clumps of bananas, broccoli and other bulk produce items.
Remember anything that has been peeled, chopped, cut and packaged costs more than whole food you prepare yourself. Lettuce, vegetables and meat is more expensive pre-cut.
Buy cheese in bulk blocks and shred it yourself with a food processor.
Coupons can be a real saver but unfortunately their are few coupons for whole, fresh foods and produce. I get around this by shopping the sales. Check your Wednesday paper for grocery store coupons and plan your week's meals around the sales.
Know the best price for your staples so you know when a sale is really a good deal. Compare you local grocery stores and find the one that offers the best prices.
Buy generic or store brand items. These usually taste just as good only you don't have to pay for the expensive TV commercials.
Buy meat on sale. Meat that is near its expiration date will go on sale and many are afraid to buy this meat thinking it is bad, but you are fine if you cook it right away or freeze it. I have been doing this college and have never gotten sick.
Buy meat in bulk and freeze it for the month. This way you can plan meals around what you have in your freezer and avoid paying full price for your meat.
Invest in a freezer to store extra food and home prepared meals. If you can fit one of these in your basement or garage it will be well worth the investment.
You can also save money by investing in a vacuum sealer. There are many inexpensive models today that will pay for themselves in no time. Vacuum sealed meat will lasts for months. You can also seal meals and have your own frozen convenience foods ready for quick meals.
Be creative with leftovers and don't waste anything. A rotisserie chicken can be dinner one night and soup the next. Shred extra steak or chicken and toss with pasta for a quick, inexpensive meal.
Don't buy anything but food at your grocery store. Paper products, beauty supplies and household items are much less expensive and discount and warehouse stores, while grocery stores will mark up these items as the profit margins on food are fairly low.
Beat high food costs by growing your own food and herbs. Even a small vegetable garden can save you money on produce and fresh herbs are very expensive at the store. Herbs are extremely easy to grow and can be dried for use during the winter months as well. You can even grow herbs fresh indoors year round and save considerable money.
Buy produce when it's in season and you can find good prices. For off season vegetables, you can find good deals on frozen bags of vegetables which are actually very nutritious and can be kept on hand for quick meals.
If you eat a lot of bread and sandwiches you may want to invest in a bread machine. The price of bread, particularly healthy loaves, have gotten quite expensive and an inexpensive machine can pay for itself pretty soon. They make bread making very easy and fill your home with a wonderful aroma.
Plan your meals in advance and prepare and precook as much as you can. Many people have found "once a month" cooking a great money and time saver. You need to invest one day to shop and one day to cook and package all of the meals, but the rest of the month you can relax and not worry about meal planning or shopping. If cooking for a whole month seems too daunting try two weeks or even one week at a time. There are cookbooks that can help you with recipes and shopping guides.

I hope you find these money saving tips helpful and hopefully you will be inspired to try cooking some meals at home. Home cooked meals are tastier and healthier as well as being less expensive than takeout or prepackaged meals. Perhaps is families start eating healthier meals at home again, something good will come out of this recession.

Try some of these easy dinner recipes...

Need a Good Italian Cookbook?

2009-02-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

Giada is one of my favorite TV chefs. I have enjoyed her show for years and love her cookbooks.
She does a great job of showing everyone how to cook authentic Italian food in a way that is not too difficult or complicated for cooks of any level.

Her Everyday Italian is one of my favorite cookbooks. If you are looking for some easy dinner recipes for busy weeknight meals, this is a great cookbook for you. Italian food is a good choice for busy families because there are so many quick easy ways to prepare delicious Italian foods that even the kids will love.

She has a variety of cookbooks and my favorite Giada recipes are her pasta dishes and desserts.

If you have not had a look at one of her cookbooks, I would suggest you give one a try. It will be well worth the small investment!

Valentines Day For Italian Food Lovers

2009-02-13T15:37:00.000-08:00

It's almost Valentine's Day and if you are at a loss for what to get your sweetheart for a gift, considering making something delicious from your kitchen.

If you like to cook, it may be quite easy for you to make a wonderful dinner and have a romantic evening. However, if you are not as comfortable in the kitchen you can still make a wonderful dessert that everyone loves - tiramisu.

Now there are many ways to make a traditional tiramisu and if you are really adventurous, you can make the ladyfingers from scratch as well. My tiramisu recipes includes the ladyfingers recipe as well. Tiramisu is a wonderful dessert and the perfect choice for a romantic evening, but if you are not as comfortable in the kitchen, I have a simple, semi-homemade tiramisu recipes that anyone can make. It's quick, easy and just about as delicious as the more complicated recipes. No matter what recipe you try, your sweetheart will appreciate the effort - and the great taste too!

Beat the Recession by Eating at Home

2009-02-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone is tring to save money this year and eating at home is one of the easiest ways to cut your food costs. I know it may seem much quicker and easier to just grab some fast food, but you may be surprised at how easy and inexpensive home cooked meals can be.

Now with everyone's busy schedule, you need to find some time saving tips. I have prepared many meals after working all day and getting home at 6pm when I was tired and hungry. I know how tempting it can be to just swing by a fast food place on your way home, but you can prepare quick meals with a little planning ahead.

One of my favorite ways to save time is to precook and freeze things. This could be simple pasta sauces or complete meals like a lasagna. You can actually prepare a lasagne in a Pyrex® casserole and vacuum seal the whole thing in a large vaccum bag. When you use Pyrex® you can either bake it in a regular oven or microwave it for a faster meal.

You don't have to fill your freezer with TV dinners when you can make your own and freeze them. It taste so much better! Another think I love to do is keep my own frozen pizzas in the freezer. When you make pizza, make an extra one and freeze it for later. It is easy and taste better than those cheap frozen pizzas; and your own pizza doesn't have chemicals, preservatives and unhealthy toppings.

So while these are troubled times for many, you can make the best of it by making some of your own quick dinners and convenience foods right in your own kitchen!

Can Pasta be part of a Healthy Diet?

2009-02-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

Pasta has gotten a bad rap lately as a fattening, simple carbohydrate. The mantra today from nutritionists and health gurus is "no white food". Well if you have a problem with digesting gluten, as in celiac disease, or just have a sensitivity to wheat, you may just have to avoid pasta. There are some pastas today made from rice; however, and they are available at many health food stores. I have tried these pastas and the flavor is not bad, but the texture is softer and stickier – just as you would expect from a noodle made from white rice. For those with serious problems with wheat, this may be a good option, yet most of us can eat pasta in moderation.

Another group who avoids pasta are the serious low-carb dieters. If your doctor has put you on a low-carb diet, by all means follow that advice. But for many people just looking to lose weight, there are some drawbacks to a strict low-carb diet. Carbs convert to glucose which is the fuel for your brain. This could be why many people who have tried to stick to very low-carb diets have suffered from low energy and bad moods. I know I would be in a bad mood if I never got to eat my favorite pastas!

Can you lose weight and still eat pasta?

Many people can if they watch their quantities and include some exercise in their day. Pasta itself in not really that fattening, however you do need to be careful about the sauces your choose. Nonetheless, pasta has been lumped into the group of a simple carbohydrates such as white flour pastries, cakes, cookies and breads. The problem with these carbohydrates is their high Glycemic index, which is basically a number that measures how quickly a food spikes your blood sugar level. Fortunately pasta has a GI of 41, which is lower than many types of bread and there are ways to lower it even further.

An easy way to lower the GI of pasta is to cook it "al dente" just as the Italians, and not overcooked and mushy as many Americans do. Another way to lower the GI and increase the nutrition of pasta is to use whole wheat flour and other ingredients such as spinach. This is the major advantage of making your own fresh pasta at home.

You don't need a fancy or expensive pasta machine, however, a nice inexpensive hand crank pasta machine is easy and fun to use.

Fresh pasta contains contain plenty of B vitamins, folic acid, fiber and iron. It's low in sodium and, despite a prevalent myth, pasta is not high in cholesterol even though it is usually made with eggs. You can add your fresh herbs, garlic and many other ingredients to flavor your for pasta. Try these easy homemade pasta recipes and start making your own delicious and nutritious pasta today!

Aerogarden Update

2009-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Gardeners,

I am just giving you a quick update to my Aerogarden experiment. I found, after reading all of the instructions, that it is best not to combine different plant types in one unit. Since I still have plenty of herbs from my summer garden, I thought I would try the cherry tomato plants. I have two red and one yellow variety started. I didn't get the garden started until after the first of the year, therefore they are just getting started, but I can see them just starting to pop up under the domes.

A couple of thoughts so far: I love the way it creates its own perfect environment for growing tomatoes - which are not the easiest plants to grow, particularly in containers. You just add water and plop in the starter pellots and it does its thing.

One thing I did not think of was the lighting. The grow lights with this unit are quite bright and illuminate my entire kitchen in the evening. I set the unit to turn off at 8pm so I could enjoy the evening without the bright light from my garden. Tomotoes require constant light except for 8 hours of darkness, which the Aerogarden knows from its program and shuts itself off for 8 hours each night. I This is all good except my bedroom is just down a short hall from the kitchen and I keep the door open just a crack so that my cats can come and go at night, otherwise the little darlings will cry and scratch at the door to get in. My aerogarden turned itself back on at 4am and the bright lights were strong enough to glow into my bedroom.

If you are thinking about getting was of these, take some time to plan where you can put it to avoid waking up in the morning - especially in the winter when the days are short. Since my house is pretty small, I don't have another room to put it in unless I lock it in the bathroom at night. Otherwise I am looking at covering it until morning which seems to work but the light unit up top does get pretty warm.

Except for this little delema, I am quite please with the unit so far and looking forward to fresh tomatos in my salad!

Happy New Year

2009-01-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well it looks like 2009 is going to be a very interesting year! I know many people are discouraged with the shape of the economy and trying to save money.

Remember everything cycles and the economy will eventually get better. In the meantime, I am sure everyone has noticed the price of food has gone up quite a bit. In these tough times there are some ways to cut food costs and one of the best ways is to prepare your own meals.

I know some people have argued that it can be cheaper to eat out - but they are usually referring to fast food. This eating out trend has greatly contributed to the rising obesity problem in the United States and the overall deterioration of our health.

With the new year, why don't you make a resolution to eat at home more often for your health and wallet. One inexpensive food is pasta. You can buy it in bulk to save money and it stores conveniently for a long time. Pasta is versatile and can be prepared in so many ways; it really can accommodate a wide variety of budgets and diets.

If you prefer the taste of fresh pasta, you can save considerable money by making your own. It is really not difficult and requires just a few basic tools.

Experiment with different pasta sauces and find what you and your family enjoys. Pasta is a great food to enjoy right now as even in these tough economic times, it is still inexpensive, filling and delicious!

Pairing Pasta with your favorite Italian Wine

2008-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Pasta is a tasty and nutritious food that goes great with just about anything, including a great Italian wine.

During the holidays, many of us like to entertain and it's a good time to have friends over for a dinner. Pasta is great for dinner parties because it's so easy to prepare yet can be as elegant or as simple as you like. Choose a great bottle of wine and it will make any dinner special.

When choosing an Italian wine for your pasta, you will want to keep the flavor of the whole dish in mind. For instance, a pasta dish with a simple tomato-based sauce goes well with Chianti or any Italian red variety. A Sangiovese is an excellent choice for a heavy flavored sauce.

On the other hand, if you are serving a plain pasta with just a bit of herbs and olive oil or tossed with a lighter sauce, you may want to try a white Italian variety. Many people think the best Italian wines are red, but there are some excellent white varieties as well. A Soave or Tocai Friuliano are both nice, dry white wines that will not overpower the dish.

If you are serving seafood, the Pigato wind from from Liguria is an excellent choice. For a slightly more complex recipe, such as a Spaghetti alla Carbonara or a Fettuccine all'Alfredo, a fine Viognier is a perfect choice. The rare white is a great complement to those egg or butter based dishes. Or, test a fine Pinot Grigio and see which you prefer.

It is all about personal taste, so pick an Italian wine you prefer and enjoy!

Learn more about Italian Wine varieties...

Easy Italian Dinners from your Crockpot

2008-12-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats a slow cooker as a time saver for the busy cook.

If you spend your days working at the office, its wonderful to come home and open the door to the delicious aroma of a dinner ready to eat. For those who work at home, or the hardworking moms home all day with little children, a crockpot can be a great time saving tool.

Slow cooking is the perfect way to braise meat and it can tenderize even the most inexpensive cuts. But if you think crockpots are only for beef stew, you would be surprised by how many delicious Italian dishes can be made in a crockpot.

Many of you already know that soups and stews are easy to do in a slow cooker, but have you ever tried lasagna? With a little imagination you would be surprised what you can cook up in a crockpot.

Now keep in mind, if you have a newer model it will cook hotter than the older versions due to more stringent food safety regulations. I did not realize this when I first bought my new crockpot and burned a few things before learning to adjust the times.

The best thing about these new crockpots, however, is the programmable timer. This is a great advantage for anyone who uses their crockpot when they are not home. You set the temperature and cooking time, and the crockpot will revert to a warming setting for up to 4 hours after the cooking time is finished. This has saved me from burning many dinners!

If you don't have a crockpot, you need to get one. They are not old fashioned devices our grandmothers used to use. These are invaluable tools for the busy, modern cook!

Here are some other Italian crockpot recipes ...