Another Farro Recipe and the NYC High Line

On Saturday I took a walk with my wife on the High Line in New York City.  For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the High Line, it’s an elevated freight train line that has been transformed into a public park on Manhattan’s West Side.  It was originally designed to remove freight trains from the city’s streets in 1934.  The trains delivered milk, meat, produce and raw goods into the upperfloor loading docks of warehouses and factories.

The last train ran on the High Line in 1980 and from that point and until the transformation, has been abandoned.  Nature proved its power and an abundance of trees, shrubs and plants took over man’s steel and iron monster. Below are some stock photos giving you a little idea of how the area has been transformed.

To learn more about the High Line visit http://www.thehighline.org.

New York City's High Line Park         

It was a beautiful day in the City and the High Line was packed.  Close to one end of the line there is a food concession that also serves some great tasting micro brews.  We stopped for a taste and when our bill arrived it came with, you guessed it, another Farro recipe.  A few weeks back I did a post on 5 Great Farro Recipes, in fact the “One Pot Farro” dish I cooked up earlier in the week.  When I saw this new recipe I felt compelled to share it with you here.

Seasonal Farro Salad:

Marco Canora Co-owner and executive chef of Hearth and Terroir, gives us this recipe.  Canora describes seasonal cooking as being about using ingredients when they are available, and reacting to the way you feel at different times of the year.  I couldn’t have said it better.  Below are a few snaps of the food offered at Terroir at the Porch, where I got the recipe.  If you’re walking the High Line and need a bite to eat, stop here.  The Farro dish is bottom left.

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup + 2 Tbsp. extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 small carrot halved
  • 12 ounces farro (1 1/4 cups)
  • 5 cups water
  • Kosher salt ( I used sea salt)
  • 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup of cucumber, diced
  • 1 1/2 cup of blanched, chilled and sliced sugar snap peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

In a large saucepan heat 2 Tbsp of the oil.  Add the yellow onion, carrot and the celery.  Cover and cook over moderately low heat until barely softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the farro and stir to coat with the oil.  Add the water and bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. Season with salt.  Keep covered until the farro is al dente, about 10 minutes longer.  Drain the farro and discard the onion, carrot and celery.  Let cool completely.

In a large bowl whisk the remaining 1/3 cup of olive oil with the vinegar and season with salt and pepper.  Fold the farro, red onion, cucumber, snap peas and parsley.  Season once again with remaining salt and pepper.

It may sound like a bit of work but it all comes together quickly.  So, thanks to the New York City High Line, we have another farro recipe.

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50 Ways to Use All Those August Tomatoes

Let’s face it, I could come up with 50 reasons why August gets a bad rap.  Kids hate it because it marks the end of summer.  Teachers hate it because they have to go back to work.  Parents hate it because they run out of things to do with the kids and most everyone hates it so much that they call it “the dog days.”

Tomatoes at Pike Place

Well I love my dog and for that matter I love August.   August for me signals a time when the tomatoes are ready for picking and the garden cannot stop giving me a new treat every day.  Problem is sometimes you end with so many tomatoes you don’t know what to do with them.  Believe me, anytime someone stops by the house they are leaving with a handful of ripe tomatoes.

This problem is not only restricted to us gardeners, but to all of you that frequent a Farmer’s Market this time of year.  Come on admit it, you’re addicted to the freshness and the ripe goodness a garden grown tomatoes has to offer.  All of a sudden the pantry is over flowing with tomatoes and you begin to think you may have to enroll in some kind of program to get past this addiction.

Well there is good new tomato Lovers.  I did a little research and came up with a whole lot of recipes and uses for the tomato.  In fact I could have easily come up with 100 ways to use the tomato, but I’m sticking with my top 50.  Here goes: Click on links for recipes!

  1. Make Gracie’s Killer Tomato Sauce – We called it gravy.
  2. Chop those tomatoes up for Bruschetta
  3. Make a cold Summer Tomato Soup – Gazpacho
  4. Slice those bad boys up and top any sandwich
  5. Make a Corn, Tomato and Basil salad
  6. Grilled Tomatoes
  7. Tomato and Pesto Sandwich – Click HERE for Pesto recipe
  8. Make a fresh Tomato Salsa
  9. Open face Tomato and Ricotto sandwich (self explanatory)
  10. Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich.  Be sure to toast the bread
  11. Stuffed Tomatoes with rice.  HERE is a recipe I like!
  12. Fried Green Tomatoes
  13. Can them
  14. Sun dry them
  15. Shish Kabob them
  16. Make homemade ketchup – Ripe tomatoes, garlic, cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves
  17. Dehydrate them
  18. Make your own V-8 juice
  19. Make a sliced Tomato Pizza topping
  20. Make your own pizza sauce
  21. Freeze them
  22. Use them in omelets
  23. Tomato, basil and mozzarella salad – the best salad ever, add sea salt, pepper and Extra Virgin olive oil
  24. Eat them alone with sea salt and pepper as a garden snack
  25. Grilled cheese and tomato – even the kids will eat this one
  26. Quartered tomatoes with sliced cucumbers, salt, pepper, celingini balls and balsamic
  27. Make Green Tomato salsa
  28. Make Green Tomato relish
  29. Make Pickled Green Tomatoes
  30. Make Green Tomato Raspberry Jam
  31. Make Tomato Butter
  32. Donate them to a food pantry
  33. Make friends, give some to your neighbors
  34. Use Cherry tomatoes in this One Pot Farro recipe
  35. Make a Tomato Tart
  36. Make Green Tomato Chutney
  37. Make Tomato Juice
  38. Tomato Basil Soup
  39. Make Panzanella
  40. Spicy Tomato Jam
  41. Linguini with Fresh Tomatoes
  42. Make Tabbouleh
  43. Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes
  44. Tomato and Eggplant Stacks

    English: Tomatoes at a market.

  45. Tomato Granita
  46. Tomato Peach Salad
  47. Slow Roast Tomato Salad
  48. Make Green Tomato Bread
  49. Green Tomato Pie – Here a few recipes
  50. Last but not least Bloody Mary’s

There you have it, 50 useful tips to take those garden grown tomatoes and put them to good use.  Enjoy the harvest!

 

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5 Top Espresso Makers for Under $100

English: Espresso Pot

When I decided to do a post on 5 Espresso Makers under $100, I knew that my son-in-law Andrew would be the right person to do the research.  You see last Spring my family took a long anticipated trip to Sicily and stayed in the tiny village of Sciacca, where my grandparents are from.  The food, wine and lifestyle of this tiny island made our trip truly memorable.

When in Sciacca we discovered a neat little cafe that made great desserts and killer espresso and cappuccino. Andrew is a coffee addict and I swear he frequented that place so much he ended up on a first name basis with the staff.

Here’s his Findings:

 De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – Here’s Andrew’s top pick and for the price I can see why.  You can find this machine on Amazon RIGHT NOW for an incredible $86.67 and even qualify for free shipping.

What makes this machine so good?  First off, it’s pump driven, whereas most machines under $100 are steam driven.  Pump driven machines, as Andrew is quick to point out, heightened the flavor of any coffee bean.

The EC 155 BAR is really compact and will fit in nicely in even the tiniest of kitchens. The dual functionDelonghi EC 155 filter holder lets you use either pods or ground beans.  Comes with a self priming operator that makes start up easy and also is equipped with a swivel jet frothier for late and cappuccino.

Made of stainless steal to last a long time, Andrew’s only complaint is that the frothier is low so only a small pot will fit.

AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $86.67

Hamilton Beach SILX1 Espresso/Cappucino Machine  – This machine is also available at Amazon and the price is really shocking at $50.95.  You got to act fast as according to Amazon’s link there are only two left.

Andrew was suprised that a pump driven espresso maker could be priced this cheap.  He has actually used this machine and was very impressed with the quality and taste of the final product.

The unit works with ground espresso or pre-measured pods and offers simple push-button operation.Hamilton BeachIts 2-cup removable water reservoir is easy to fill, and the adjustable steam/frothing dial allows for quickly steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes. For added convenience, the appliance provides a cup-warming plate, an “on/off” switch, a power indicator light, a thermostat indicator light, a pressure safety valve, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup.

Accessories include a measuring scoop/tamper, two stainless-steel filters, an instructional video, and laminated recipe cards. The espresso machine measures 9 by 7-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $50.95

 Delonghi EC5 Espresso Machine The price of this machine had Andrew hitting the buy button on the computer before my daughter stepped in and pointed out that they didn’t need another Espresso maker.  Available NOW at AMAZON for $39.00. a savings of $27.00.

Andrew points out that this maker allows you to brew two espressos simultaneously. You can even enjoy cappuccino or latte with the easy-to-use swivel jet frother, for perfect drinks every time. Just add skim milk to a container and hold under the frothing nozzle, and it does the rest. The EC5  comes with the EC5 patented steam pressurized cap and heat resistant glass carafe. Other highlights include a large removable drip tray for easy cleaning and on/off switch with indicator light.

Steam driven, so you may give a little on aroma and taste but for $39.00 this is a perfect starter machine.

AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $39.00

 Nespresso C91 Essenza Espresso MachineCURRENTLY PRICED at $91.95 at AMAZON, this unit usually sells for over $125.00.  Andrew is quick to point out that over 115 people have reviewed this on Amazon and it has a solid 4 star rating.

Remember this is a capsule machine so you will not be able to grind you own beans or roast your favorite blend.  That being said we found this a suitable alternative and the quickness in which you are out the door with your espresso is a plus.71JGmqOdMeL._SL1500_

This compact machine comes with a 19 bar pressure pump, thermoblock heating element and a host of other features.

AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $91.95

 Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso MakerBoth Andrew and I were in agreement on this our final pick.  You may not have expected to see a Stovetop Espresso Maker on this list, but we’re purist and this unit is owned by every family in Italy.  Amazon sells this NOW for $33.99 and free shipping is also available.

The Bialetti has over 590 reviews on Amazon with a solid 4.5 star ranking.  There is just nothing about this machine Andrew and I don’t like, in fact we both own one.  Made of  aluminum, the stovetop espresso maker produces 6 demitasse cups of rich, authentic Italian espresso in just 4-5 minutes.bialetti

Andrew points out that he likes to brew at low heat for best results. It may take 10 minutes to brew, but Andy Boy says it’s worth it.

AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $33.99

Special Thanks to Andrew, my son-in-law, for helping us put together Gracie’s Top 5 Espresso makers under $100!

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Summer Peach Salad

Every summer we vacation with family on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and go crazy over the fresh fruit, especially peaches, that are available.

 

Just before setting out this year, my wife found a great salad recipe that calls for fresh peaches, and she decided that on our night to cook (every family takes a night), this salad would make an appearance.

Outer Banks of North Carolina - Great for Beach Lovers

Outer Banks of North Carolina – Great for Beach Lovers

Let me tell you, after a full day at the beach, everyone is ready to eat and this peach salad with feta and tomatoes was simple to prepare and had everyone singing her praises.  It was also the perfect compliment to our traditional night of steamers and and fresh corn.

The recipe is healthy and great for those sticking to the Mediterranean Diet.  A little olive oil and some crumpled feta cheese is about the only fat that is in this dish.

When cooking for 20 people you need a big salad

When cooking for 20 people you need a big salad

Credit for this recipe goes to food writer Kelly Alexander and is taken from “Peaches: A Savor The Southern Cookbook.”

Summer Peach Salad – yields 4

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 lb. peaches peeled, pitted and sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 1/2 pounds best quality tomatoes, of different varieties and color.  Halved or diced depending upon size
  • 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. EVO
  • 1 Tsp. honey
  • 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. small basil leaves or torn basil leaves
  • salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine the onion, peaches and tomatoes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper.  Drizzle over the fruit mixture, then add the feta and basil and gently toss. Serve immediately!

There you have it a Summer Peach Salad fit for an Outer Banks vacation or any occasion.

 

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5 Great Recipes Using Farro

I’m sure many of you are reading this and saying, “What is Farro and can I really find 5 recipes that make a great meal using the grain.”  Well trust me, there are many uses for this product, but the five below are quick, easy, great tasting and guaranteed to have you diners asking for more.

Mushroom and Thyme Farro Salad

Before we start with the good stuff here is the Wilpedia definition for Farro, which by the way is very popular in Mediterranean counties, especially Italy.

 Farro is a food product composed of the grains of certain wheat species in whole form. The exact definition is debated. It is sold dried and is prepared by cooking in water until soft, but still crunchy (many recommend first soaking overnight). It may be eaten plain, though it is often used as an ingredient in dishes such as salads and soups. It is sometimes ground into flour and used to make pasta or bread.”

Recipe #1 Farro and Artichokes Hearts:  When I had my Italian Specialty Shop we made this every day and the dish had a loyal following.  Be sure to buy artichokes hearts in water not oil.  Soak and cook 1 cup of the Farro according to package directions.  While the Farro is cooking, drain the artichokes and cut 20 to 25 of them in half.

Combine the artichokes and Farro; add chopped parsley, salt and pepper to taste and you’re done.  You can also add grape or cherry tomatoes cut in half for a little extra zip.

Recipe #2 Warm Farro Salad: Got this one from the Food Network and make it all the time.

Toss 2 cups cubed winter squash and 1 pint cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt on a baking sheet; roast at 425 degrees F until tender, 25 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 1 cup Farro in a saucepan with 1/2 teaspoon salt, a pinch of red pepper flakes, a bay leaf and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer over high heat, and then reduce the heat to medium low and cook, uncovered, until al dente, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the Farro (remove the bay leaf) and toss with the squash, tomatoes, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons each chopped parsley and grated Pecorino. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe #3 One Pan Farro with Tomatoes: This dish comes from a favorite blog site of mine The Smitten Kitchen which claims this is a take on a Martha Steward dish.  I really like the fact that clean up is so easy.

Place water and Farro in a medium saucepan to presoak, while you prepare the other ingredients and adding to the pot as you finish preparing them.  Cut a large onion into thinly sliced quarter-moons. Thinly slice garlic cloves as well and halve or quarter tomatoes. Add salt (I like sea salt), pepper (to taste) and 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan for 30 minutes. Bring uncovered pan up to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.  If Farro is still hard, cook it for 5 additional minutes, until more tender.

Transfer to a wide serving bowl and drizzle Farro lightly with additional olive oil, scatter with basil and Parmesan.

Recipe #4 Chicken Salads with Farrro and Pistachios:  If you have been following this blog at all, you know how much I love using Sicilian pistachios in recipes.  This one is real simple and a great use for leftover chicken.

Toss leftover shredded chicken with Farro, chopped fresh herbs, chopped shallots, and chopped roasted Sicilian pistachios.   If you can’t locate Sicilian pistachios, any shelled pistachio will do.  Add your favorite vinaigrette and you are done

Recipe #5 Smoked Turkey and Farro Salad:  Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar, 3 tbsp. chopped shallots and 1/4 tsp.pepper in a large bowl. Add the 1 cup cooked Farro, 6 ounces of thickly sliced smoked turkey (have your deli man slice it 1/2 thick), 1/2 cup diced cheese, 1 cup diced bell pepper, I large chopped celery stalk, 1 diced/firm avocado and 3/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes; toss to coat.

You can make this in advance and present the next day, just leave the avocado until just before serving.

There you have it.  5 great recipes using my favorite grain Farro.  Give them a go!

 

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photo by: Rooey202

How To Make Panna Cotta

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Yeah I know we’re a lot about healthy eating and good Mediterranean foods, but hey it’s summertime and this Panna Cotta recipe is exactly what you need to top off a summer meal.  In visiting Sicily last year, we discovered a cool little Cafe that made a great Panna Cotta.  I been looking for a recipe that matched their Panna Cotta and found this one at the Splendid Table (here’s the link: http://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/panna-cotta) that fit the bill.  I added a few of my own ideas after testing it this weekend.

Panna Cotta translates to cooked cream and found that if you serve this with a good quality Balsamic Vinegar or a Saba syrup, you guest will be have felt they died and gone to heaven.  I prefer a Saba syrup which can be found in most Italian Specialty Shops or online HERE ( Leonardi Saba Dressing (8.45 Fluid Ounces).  Expect to spend a few bucks, but it’s worth it.

Panna Cotta

 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) sugar, or more to taste
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (8-ounce container) sour cream
  • 2 cups pitted fresh cherries, strawberries, raspberries, sliced peaches or pears
  • 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons artisan-made balsamic vinegar or 1 to 2 tablespoons Saba syrup

Instructions

  • Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let stand for 5 minutes. In a 3-quart saucepan, warm the cream with the sugar, salt, and vanilla over medium-high heat. Do not let it boil. Stir in the gelatin until thoroughly dissolved. Take the cream off the heat and cool about 5 minutes.
  • Put the sour cream in a medium bowl. Gently whisk in the warm cream a little at a time until smooth. Taste for sweetness. It may need another teaspoon of sugar. Rinse 8 2/3 -cup ramekins, custard cups, or coffee cups with cold water. Fill each one three-quarters full with the cream. Chill 4 to 24 hours.
  • To serve, either unmold by packing the molds in hot towels and then turning each out onto a dessert plate, or serve in their containers. Serve alone or with the fruit, or drizzle each portion with about 1/2 teaspoon artisan balsamic vinegar or Saba.

OK, Splurge a little, you earned it.  Serve this with a cold Prosecco or a nice after dinner Pinot Noir with a slight chill.  It’s been hot and the dog days of summer are still ahead of us, so lift your spirits with this Panna Cotta.

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photo by: Sebastian Mary

Gracie’s Italian Living Series to Benefit “Taste and See”

I am very pleased to be partnering with “Taste and See,” a non-profit organization based in The Bronx, NY. Their mission is to help feed the homeless and less fortunate in our region.

Last October after Hurricane Sandy hit our area, volunteers and staff from Taste and See worked tirelessly day after day reaching out to communities devastated by the storm. They used all their resources to insure that food, water and supplies were made available in areas hardest hit. This they accomplished while continuing their programs of support to the needy and homeless.

Due to this increase in activity their resources have been stretched. So it is to that end that the Grace’s Italian Living Series and the Gracie’s Cares Program is Partnering with Taste and See.

During the month of July a percentage of eBook sales from the series will be donated to Taste and See. My goal is to raise $1,000, but I need your help. In order to accomplish this I need to sell 2,500 eBooks.  I know many of you have already purchased books in the series, so here is what I ask:

  • Help spread the word, by forwarding this email to your friends
  • Share this information on whatever social network (FB, Twitter, etc) you’re comfortable with
  • Pick up a copy of an eBook in the series you may not have purchased yet.

The link provided on this page will bring you to a site where ordering the eBooks is just a click of the mouse away. Order one, two or all three and help me make a difference by supporting “Taste and See.”

Click HERE for Our Order Page

Thanks,
Mike

Really Simple Cod Recipe

 

I love a simple, great tasting recipe and the one below for Cod fish totally fits the bill.  Cod,  next to Salmon is my favorite seafood.  It is also the one fish that is enjoyed in every country that borders salt water.  As a kid growing up Cod was served at least once a week.  In its dried form, called Baccala, Cod was a welcome guest every Christmas Eve that I can remember.

For some great Cod and Baccala recipes be sure to pick up a copy of Gracie’s Christmas Eve Recipe Book – Night of the 7 Fishes.  Not just for Christmas Eve but for any night or any time, I know you’ll enjoy the book.  Click on the title above to connect with it on Amazon.

The following recipe didn’t make the book, but was featured in Mediterranean Meals.

BROILED COD FISH WITH CAPER SAUCE. Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 (6-ounce) cod steaks
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Preparation:
Preheat the broiler. Brush both sides of the cod with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Broil the cod about 7 to 8 inches from the heat source for 5 minutes on each side. In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of oil, the capers, and the lemon juice for 1 minute. Remove from heat, add parsley, and stir. Pour over the cod steaks and serve.

This is a real simple, time saving dish and Cod is always modestly priced.  I have also added this recipes to list of recipes in the Gracie’s Recipes tab under the header and on the side bar.  If you ever get side tracked and need it to fine it fast you now know where to look.

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Bucket List of 5 Italian Cheeses

Gourmet food & Gift baskets

We all know that Italy is the home port of all good things to eat and drink.  From the king of all cheeses; Parmigiano Reggiano to the wine of kings; Barolo, Italian imported foods and wines are on top of everyone shopping list.  However with over 700 varieties of grapes grown in Italy and some 300 cheeses, it is easy to overlook many of the lesser known selections.   Here is a quick bucket list of 5 unique Italian cheeses and a wine suggestion to accompany them.

Taleggio:  Soft and creamy this cheese is made from cow’s milk in the Lombardy region of Italy.  With a thin outer rind, many people considered this a stinky cheese.  The moist texture lends itself well to spreading on bread, crackers or Italian flatbreads.  The one problem with Taleggio is that you cannot stop eating it.  Taleggio pairs well with wines like Barolos or Barbaresco made using the Nebbioli grape.  If you really want to go out on the edge try the hard to find Sforzato, a red from northern Lombardy.  The sweetness of this wine matches perfectly with the softness of the Taleggio.  If you have a good stuffed mushroom recipe, melt a piece of Taleggio to the top, pour a glass of Sforzato and make it a great recipe

Taleggio

Grana Padano:  We stay in Lombardy for our next selection.  Grana Padano is a hard, flaky cow’s milk creation that many who know Italian Chesses consider the sister to Parmigiano Reggiano.  Made in a similar style to Parmigiano Reggiano this cheese can be used as both a table cheese and for grating.  Grana Padano is strong and fragrant and always a few dollars less per pound that Parmigiano Reggiano.  A great grape variety for this cheese is Barbera d’Asti or Barbera d’Alba.  Barbera is ripe on the nose with added hints of smoke, chocolate and vanilla and is found in many regions in Italy including Lombardy. I always think it wise to pair food and wines from the same region.  Want to wake up a boring sandwich, add some slivers of Gran Padano, and feel the flavor explode.

padano

Piave:  A semi hard cow’s milk cheese that is excellent for grating and as a table cheese.  Piave is from the Vento region, and depending upon the age it will come in varying degrees of hardness and taste.  For my money I prefer a  Piave that matures for more than 120 days as opposed to the softer varieties with less age.  Piave, is sometimes compared to Parmigiano Reggiano, but tends to be nuttier and softer.  Piave shavings work well on salads and on sandwiches but I love just grabbing a chunk with some flatbreads.  Moving away from the cheese and wine same region school of thought, Piave is best served with a robust Italian red like Aglianico.  Aglianico is mostly found in the south of Italy in the region of Campania and Puglia.

piave

Formaggio Ubriaco:  Formaggio Ubriaco translates literally to “Drunken Cheese.”  It gets this name due to the fact that cheese makers wrap this cheese in grape leaves after the grape harvest.  Some stories suggest that the cheese was actually fermented in wine barrels so cheese makers could hide it from the tax collector.  Whatever the reason, this is a truly unique cheese from Vento that goes real well with fruit, especially figs, apples and other autumn delights.  Go with a nice sparkling white like Prosecco also from Vento.  This tangy wine makes a perfect low cost compliment to you cheese and fruit platter.

Formaggio Ubriaco

Piacentino:  No Italian Cheese conversation would be complete without us heading to the island of Sicily. Piacentino is made from sheep’s milk, with saffron and black peppercorns added.  A semi hard cheese that you would expect to be very strong in taste, but is actually mild. Piacentino can be used as a table cheese or its shaving can be added to pasta dishes, especially ravioli.  Stay in Sicily for the wine pairing here and go with a selection like Nero d’Avola.  A full bodied red often compared to Syrah, this is Sicily’s most popular red and should not be overlooked.

Piacentini

 

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