http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog Cooking and Entertaining Like Real Italians Do Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:53:22 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/italian-holiday-candy/ 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... Ingredients: 1Lb bread 1 Red onion 2 Lb. fresh peeled tomatoes ½ Cup extra virgin olive oil 4 Teaspoons ... http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/panzanella-tuscan-bread-and-tomato-salad/ Ingredients: 1 lb. fusilli pasta ½ cup fresh basil leaves 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic 2 tablespoons pine nuts 1 pinch fleur du sel or another delicate salt Butter 1 pinch freshly grated black pepper Using a mortar and pestle, work the basil leaves into the salt adding a few ... http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/fusilli-col-pesto/ 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. We checked the address on the city guide: Open for dinner from 5:30PM, with a ... http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/vijs-like-a-restaurant-should-be/ Here I made a short video of the introduction to one of my cooking demonstrations: http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/italian-home-cooking-demonstrations-video-introduction/ Autumn Dinner in Tuscany  Four-Course Italian Meal Demonstration at Hartwick’s by Andrea Loreto Friday, August 24th , 2007 6:00 PM Risotto ai Funghi Traditional risotto with Porcini mushrooms and Parmesan Involtini Thinly sliced beef baked with ham and Parmesan Grilled Asparagus Fresh asparagus broiled with extra virgin olive oil Pere al Forno Baked pears in red wine sauce   http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/autumn-dinner-in-tuscany-cooking-demonstration/  20-Minute Italian Classics Three Fast Traditional Italian Dishes and One Summer Dessert Demonstration at Hartwick’s by Andrea Loreto Date to be Determined 6:00 PM Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino Pasta with garlic, extra virgin olive oil and spicy red pepper Penne Saporite Savory bacon, yellow pepper, and tomato sauce served over penne pasta Pollo al Limone Sauteed chicken with caper and lemon ... http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/20-minute-italian-classics-cooking-demonstration/ Fast, easy, perfect for every occasion. Fool-proof basic sauce, what in Naples is called "Pummarola"... One 12 oz. can of peeled tomatoes Garlic (4 cloves) Dried red pepper Ground black pepper Oregano Salt Sautee olive oil with one dried red chile pepper (or 1/2 t. chili pepper flakes) and three-four whole garlic cloves. Heat gently until ... http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/simple-tomato-sauce/   Ingredients: 6 Navel Oranges 7 Lbs Sugar (approximately) 3 Bittersweet chocolate bars Equipment: Saccharometer, two-quart glass jar with lid, double boiler, chocolate dipping fork, toothpicks, parchment paper, paring knife. (Additional: champagne glass or other similarly shaped container, baster). Personally, I love candied orange peels dipped in very dark chocolate. The sweet and slightly tangy taste of ... http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/chocolate-covered-orange-peels/ Antipasti! Five Classic Italian Appetizers Demonstration at Hartwick’s  by Andrea Loreto Thursday, July 26 2007  6:00 PM       Crostini al Salmone Light smoked salmon canapés   Crostini Toscani Authentic chicken liver and caper spread on toast--straight from the heart of Tuscany Bruschetta You’ll love the smell and taste of garlic and fresh tomato on warm toasted ciabatta Bruschetta col Cavolo Nero Ciabatta topped with black kale ... http://www.essentialsforentertaining.com/blog/antipasti-cooking-demonstration/