Thursday, October 23, 2014

HONORING ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH ALESSI ITALIAN FOODS



October is Italian-American Heritage Month, and as an Italian-American on my mother's side, I'm proud of my heritage and all of the many contributions Italian-Americans have made in shaping and developing our cherished nation.

Escaping poverty, and striving for a better life for their families, Italians began emigrating from their motherland to the U.S. in the late 1880s; by the early 2000s, there were over twenty-four million who would call America their new home.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_American


My mother’s people traveled from Calabria to their new homeland in the early 1900s, and would eventually take root in the Chicago-area.  (My father’s people, Austro-Hungarian, also came to America in the early 1900s).  Both of my parents were first-borne Americans, as were their siblings.  Faith, family, and food were the underpinnings of their upbringing, as well as mine. 

Like many immigrants, my parent’s families were poor and unlike today, there weren’t any government or social agencies who gave aid to the poor; back then, families made the most of what was available by earning a meager income to help take care of their growing families; sometimes there wasn't enough food to go around, but somehow, everyone managed.  The English language was stressed with utmost importance, because in order to succeed in the new homeland, the language also needed to be mastered, that, and also getting a good education.  The mother tongue was spoken in the household, but so was English; the respective cultures never suffered and were never lost.

Growing up, most of our meals were humble and used many of the food conveniences of the era, but as often as possible, my mother always used fresh produce, whenever it was available and in season.  But, the most memorable dishes were those my mother made, that she learned by watching her mother, the grandmother I never knew, for special occasions like birthdays, First Holy Communion, Confirmations, graduations, and holidays.  These specialties were labor intensive and involved huge amounts of ingredients and foodstuffs.  My parents also made homemade sweet and hot Italian sausage and sold it to the neighbors on a limited basis. 

To this day, my favorite food is Italian, and over the years, I’ve learned to experiment and adapt many of my mother’s simple, uncomplicated dishes; but, somehow, they never, ever tasted the same…there’s nothing like the touch of momma!!  The following focuses on Alessi Italian Foods, its history, and its products.  The vast array of high-quality food products available from Alessi Italian Foods is reminiscent of my mother’s specialty dishes; consistent quality based on fresh and natural ingredients, makes for delicious tasting creations. 

~ How Alessi Italian Foods Began ~


“In 1947, the Nation was celebrating the end of World War II. Some 40 years earlier, Antonino Alessi and his family emigrated from their native Sicily to come to America, the land of opportunity.  Tampa, then a sleepy port town known mainly for handmade cigars, was chosen as home.  At age 19, Antonino (Tony) landed a job as a salesman for a national company, and quickly became one of their best.  Time went on and Tony's success continued.  Always looking to the future however, he realized he would be faced with a dilemma.  The company he worked for had policy that would not allow family members to be hired.  Concerned with providing for the welfare of his two sons and desiring to establish an opportunity for his family to work together, Tony left the security of his career position to build Vigo Importing Company.  In so doing, he displayed that same pioneering spirit that guided his parents to America a generation before, a spirit, which continues today at Vigo Importing into the third generation.  Together with their father, sons Tony Jr., and Alfred have brought Vigo Importing Company from its humble origins to what is now a multi-million dollar corporation with national and international sales.
    In these days of corporate raiders and huge multi-national conglomerates, Vigo Importing Company is somewhat an anachronism.  We remain a family business, squarely attuned to the changing needs of the marketplace and clearly aware of what has brought us this far: quality, innovation and value.  We use only the best and freshest ingredients to produce truly unique products at economical prices.  We search the world for new tastes and products and strive to bring them to you.
    As a result of this pursuit, the Alessi product line was born.  These specialties capture the best of traditional Italian cuisine.  From the sun-kissed peaks of Sicily, to the northern vales of Tuscany, every facet of Italian culture can be tasted and experienced.  The Alessi label even means things that the Italians haven't thought of, like White Balsamic Vinegar.  It's so different that we have been granted a patent by the United States Federal Government for developing a new art.  Let Alessi turn you into an Everyday Gourmet.
    You see, at Vigo Importing Company food is our business.  And we take it seriously.  We strongly feel that the quality and variety of the food you eat enriches your life, and we pledge to do all we can to provide you with products of which we are proud.”

~ Alessi Italian Foods ~


The following items were tested in my home kitchen, and represent a small selection of the extensive products available online, retail grocery, and specialty food markets.  No matter which product I cooked with, the taste was clean, fresh, and delicious; each product was made from fresh, premium quality ingredients, and represented traditional Italian standards and products at their finest.  Each one I used reminded me of my mother’s cherished recipe ingredients that she learned how to master at her mother’s side, and in turn, I learned from my mother.  Alessi Italian Foods definitely rekindled and reconnected me with those cherished memories learned at a young age in my family’s home kitchen. 

The Alessi Italian Foods Experience ~


Mediterranean Specialties ~ Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, Basil Pesto, Roasted Garlic Puree
Soup ~ Porcini Mushroom Soup
Rice ~ Risotto Milanese Style With Saffron, Risotto With Porcini Mushrooms
Pasta and Gnocchi ~ Enriched One-Step Lasagna, Gnocchi Di Patate
Premium All Natural Tomato Sauce ~ Smooth Marinara, Princess Sauce With Heavy Cream, Puttanesca With Olives, Capers, and Anchovies
Olive Oil ~ Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Vinegar – Balsamic ~ White Balsamic, White Balsamic Orange Blossom Honey, White Balsamic Raspberry Blush, Balsamic Reduction Glaze, White Balsamic Reduction Dijon Mustard Infused Glaze, Balsamic Reduction Glaze Chocolate

~ My Adaptations ~


Lasagna ~ Alessi Smooth Marinara Sauce, Lasagne; added Tomato Pesto, Basil Pesto, and Garlic Puree to fresh ricotta cheese.  I also peeled and sliced eggplant into one-quarter inch rounds, salted each slice and placed in a colander, with a weight on top (the salt pulls out the bitterness of the eggplant); after this step, blot dry and dredge in flour, and discard liquid; lightly brown each side in Olive Oil.  In a lightly oiled oblong baking dish, alternate layers of sauce, uncooked pasta, seasoned ricotta, and browned eggplant slices; repeat until ingredients are used up; top off with shredded Mozzarella and grated Parmesan; bake at 350 degrees in oven until cheeses have thoroughly melted and become slightly browned.

Gnocchi Supreme ~ Alessi Gnocchi Di Patate and Porcini Mushroom Soup; cook the Gnocchi Di Patate according to package directions; drain.  Reduce amount of liquid called for when preparing the Porcini Mushroom Soup and cook to a consistency of a sauce; add to cooked Gnocchi; for a flavor add, sauté thinly sliced fennel, including fronds, sliced sweet onion, and Garlic Puree; mix everything and mixture place in lightly oiled baking dish and top with bread crumbs that have been flavored with a choice of grated Italian cheeses such as Asiago, Grana Padano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Pecorino; bake at 350 degrees in oven until topping turns slightly browned. 

Quick Takes ~ Prepare either of the Risottos according to package.  Serve alongside browned lean meat that’s been added to one of the Pasta Sauces; top with freshly grated cheese of choice.  Complete the meal with a fresh salad made with a light dressing using any of the White Balsamic Vinegars, flavored with Basil Pesto, Tomato Pesto, and/or Garlic Puree, and Olive Oil.  Consider making a salad comprised of garbanzo and cannellini bean salad with thinly sliced shallots and chopped fresh Italian parsley; season with a dressing of one of these White Balsamic Vinegars, Olive Oil, Garlic Puree, and Basil Pesto.

Balsamic Reduction Glazes ~ Next time you braise, roast, bake, or grill, consider brushing your protein with one of these flavorful Glazes, or drizzling them on the cooked protein; the delightfully intense flavor these Reductions add to your finished dish is amazing.  Do consider using the Chocolate Glaze drizzles over fresh cut fresh fruits (e.g. pineapple, pear, kiwi, berries, etc.); or macerate the fruits in the Glaze and a hint of one of the flavored White Balsamic Vinegars; serve over pound cake or angel food cake, with an add of fresh whipped cream.

~ In Closing ~

You don’t have to be a celebrated chef to be a culinary wizard when it comes to cooking Italian.  Some of the best chefs began as home cooks, or learned from one.  What is key is having a passion for what you’re cooking, enjoying doing it, using quality ingredients and products such as Alessi Italian Foods, and feeding the hungry souls with joy and humility.  Be sure to check the website for recipes using Alessi Italian Foods.  Each product is flavorful, high quality, and delicious!  For more information about these wonderful products, including recipes, go to http://alessifoods.com and http://www.vigo-alessi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=53
  
That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo credit from italianfoodforever.com; second photo is of my mother; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

MICROPLANE MAGIC


The Microplane began as a woodworker’s planing tool, the rasp, in 1990.  Eventually it would be transformed in 1994, when a Canadian wife borrowed her husband’s rasp and used it to zest citrus, because she was dissatisfied with the way traditional grating zesters shredded unevenly the delicate surface of the fruit.  The wife was amazed at the delicate zesting results from using the woodworking tool.  Little did she know that she would be responsible for thrusting the device, it’s application and the entire company as the recognized leader in premiere culinary tools.  Microplane Kitchen quickly became the darling of the culinary world.  Since then, Microplane Kitchen has remained the premier line of culinary tools coveted by celebrated chefs and home cooks throughout the world. 

These tools are made with surgical-grade stainless steel blades that tackle a variety of prepping tasks.  All of the Microplane Kitchen products are perfect for grating and zesting soft or hard cheeses, vegetables, block coconut or chocolate, garlic, shallots, citrus, and even spiral cutting.  Surgical-grade stainless steel blades assure precision, uniformity, and ease of use of the implement; many of these tools offer variable grating options like fine, ribbon, and coarse, or are tailored to conform to the consistency of the item being grated.  Designed to fit ergonomically in either hand, or to rest on countertop, or prep bowl, these products are must-haves for the serious cook.  Each tool makes the prepping task effortless, which is one less thing for the cook to worry about when preparing their masterpieces.

~ Box Grater ~


The Box Grater is a multitasker that makes the best of variable grating and slicing in a substantially designed tool.  It’s design features include a non-slip rubber hand grip and non-slip feet for maximum stabilization; each side includes a blade that’s tasked to individually handle ultra coarse, fine, and medium ribbon grating, or slicing; the slicing blade is angled and performs like a mandoline slicer.  Blades are made of surgical-grade stainless steel; includes a removable protective plastic storage cover; fine grater side removes easily for cleaning; top-rack dishwasher safe.  Ideal for grating or slicing hard cheeses, vegetables, chunk fresh coconut, or block chocolate. 

~ Cube Grater ~


The Cube Grater is another multitasker with variable blades for fine, coarse or ribbon grating; the Grater fits into its own catch container, which also functions as a measuring device and protective cover.  Surgical-grade stainless steel blades that are top-rack dishwasher safe; protective measure/cover recommended for hand washing; holds up to one and one-half cups of grated cheese, vegetables, zest, chunk fresh coconut, or chocolate. 

~ Herb and Salad Chopper ~


This dual Chopper is a definite replacement for the often-cumbersome mezzaluna.  The design features include an ergonomic tool that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand for easy one-handed rocking motion of the surgical-grade stainless blades; when not in use, the blades are retractable for safety and storage.  Ideal for mincing and chopping vegetables, herbs, and nuts; top-rack dishwasher safe.  

~ Spiral Cutter ~


This Cutter makes food prep fun.  What’s not to like about turning a zucchini, carrot, or cucumber into a pile of spiral cut tendrils.  Ideal for vegetables that will be steamed, used in stir-fry, or used as a faux/gluten-free pasta dishes.  Two barrel chambers that accommodate smaller or larger elongated vegetables; easy grip housing with a safety feature of inset surgical-grade stainless steel blades; top-rack dishwasher safe. 

~ My Tips ~

Box Grater ~ Consider wearing a protective glove to eliminate accidental scraping of hands on the super-sharp blades; the larger the grating surface area, the more careful and precise hand placement and motion is needed. To avoid cheeses from adding drag to the grating area, lightly oil the entire grating surface, which will prevent the cheese proteins from adhering; makes cleanup easier, too.

Cube Grater ~ Make sure to thoroughly rinse the blades and holder in between grating tasks to avoid migration of odors, especially when going from garlic or onion and then to chocolate, or coconut.

Herb/Salad Chopper ~ Make sure herbs or salad greens are as dry as possible before chopping, otherwise items will adhere to the blades and clumping, slowing down the motion.  Combine like-items for standard cutting, versus doing them separately; this will also help creating a one-step mixture and save time.

Spiral Cutter ~ The larger the vegetable, the longer the spiral tendril; larger vegetables will be easier to grip while turning the vegetable inside the cutting chamber.  Consistent hand motion and turning follow-through will yield more uniform results.

Overall ~ Once your tasks are complete, a quick rinse of the blades under warm water, or swished in an acidulated water mixture will release residue from the surgical-grade stainless steel blades.  Follow directions for either hand washing, or top-rack dishwashing. 

~ In Closing ~

Prepping with the right tool minimizes the task being cumbersome and culinary drudgery.  With these outstanding Microplane Kitchen tools, prepping becomes effortless and makes light of the task at hand.  The Microplane Company has three divisions that offer exceptional tools:  Microplane Kitchen Tools, Microplane Personal Care, and Microplane Woodworking.  http://us.microplane.com

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo credit from goredforwomen.org; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)