Italian Home Cooking and Entertaining

I love cooking and I love entertaining. For me one of the best things in life is to have people over for dinner and watching them enjoy the evening. Enjoying the food, of course, but also the atmosphere I created. Over two centuries ago Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said:”You are responsible for your guests’ happiness from the moment they enter your door, until they leave your house”.
This is my golden rule. I have traveled a lot and I lived in three different countries: Italy, of course, for over thirty years, England, and lately the U.S. Well, wherever I have been I found people who love spending an evening with friends enjoying food and conversation. If you put your heart in what you do people feel it. And I am proud to say that my way of entertaining has actually converted several workaholic professionals to the Brillat-Savarin philosophy. And they love it. All of a sudden they started having guests over.   Even if the space in their home was limited and they never cooked or entertained before. My former partner, for instance, original co-founder of Essentials for Entertaining, a bright and sensitive girl who used to work day and night and had never cooked a dish in her life, started asking me recipes. How do you make this pizza dough, how about that tomato sauce? She did not just ask. She put the suggestions into practice. She started cooking and having guests for dinner “stealing” time to her exciting career. 
Yes entertaining is contagious.
For me cooking is like meditation. It makes me feel good. I forget about everything else and just lose myself in the sensual smells of my childhood.
Here I will pass on some of the basic tidbits of cooking as I learned them back in Italy (yes, pizza and pasta, but probably you will find also some recipes and ideas that will surprise you), not as a chef would do, but just as a person who loves food and values friendship.

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You can see a short introductory video of my cooking demonstration here.

Next classes will be in the Spring term, at Hartwicks at the 5th Street Market in Eugene. I will upload the new schedule as soon as the dates  are set.

I am back from Italy. I had a lovely time meeting with all my relatives  (too many people probably). I have had great dinners and of course the best gelato on earth: Vivoli’s. I also gathered several new recipes. I tested one of them for Christmas. It is a candy from Sardinia. The climate there is rather harsh and Summers are brutally hot. So no wonder they grow the best oranges and almonds. This recipe is just that: orange rind and almond laced with honey. That’s it. It is simple and delicious, just like I like it. Here it is:

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Dear Friends of Italian Home Cooking and Entertaining,
I’ve finally decided to answer “yes” to all the people who have been asking me if I do cooking demonstrations for private events and parties. Starting in 2008, I am pleased to announce that I will offer personalized cooking demonstrations for my clients and their friends featuring a range of Italian and European specialties. The events can be hosted in your home kitchen, in a rented kitchen at Hartwick’s at 5th Street Market, or some other beautiful site. I carefully explain each of the dishes and, as usual, supply guests with complete copies of all recipes. If you would like to organize your own cooking demonstration event or dinner, please contact me and we will begin to customize your unforgettable dining event together.
Buon appetito!

Andrea Loreto

Before all the basil is gone, try this Summer salad. It is a traditional Tuscan dish that is simple and easy to prepare. Use the best oil and the freshest tomatoes and the results will be phenomenal…
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We were on vacation in Vancouver, B.C. and decided to go out for dinner. A friend of a friend who recently moved to the area enthusiastically suggested Vij’s–with the caveat that they do not take reservations.

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Here I made a short video of the introduction to one of my cooking demonstrations:

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Fast, easy, perfect for every occasion. Fool-proof basic sauce, what in Naples is called “Pummarola”… (more…)

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If you are new to a city or neighborhood you just have to hope for the best.  But, if you know a little something about your guests, it will not be difficult to match them in a way that none feel ill at ease. 

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This appetizer is well suited for any occasion and very easy to prepare. The canapes look very sophisticated and taste really good too. The delicate flavor of the smoked salmon is enhanced and balanced by the sour and tangy lemon taste of the topping spread.

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Entertaining and having friends and family over for dinner has always been my true passion. I am from Tuscany, a region of Italy rich in tradition and famous for delicious foods–I think of them often now that I live in the US. The soup that my aunt used to make in her little country village near the city of Pisa is one of my favorite family recipes.

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Truffle - The Best Kept Secret

I honestly believe Parmigiano is the King of cheeses.

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Here in Eugene, one of the most amazing things are the vegetables.

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