Friends: As a chef and a researcher, delving into the rich tapestry of Italian Cuisine is an electrifying journey through history, culture, and unparalleled traditions. And within this mosaic, the presence of Jewish communities adds layers of flavor and depth that are both fascinating and delicious. This Passover may not be as festive as others, and for apparent reasons, but let’s take a mental break and explore the intertwining narratives of Jewish heritage and Italian gastronomy in this brief writing to celebrate the 2024 Passover. Jewish roots in Italy run deep, dating back to 161 B.C. w ..read more

Friends: Growing up in Abruzzo after the II World War was not easy. The country was in the stages of being rebuilt, and conditions were harsh at times. But my parents always made sure that we enjoyed the best within limitations. Since I was the first to go out to school in the morning, I was always stuck with the leftover bread from the evening before, soaked in milk for the morning's breakfast, the famed Zuppa di pane e latte. My mother always had this ciambellone available for us upon return from school, usually served with Nutella...applied very sparingly. It was my memory treat, and to ..read more

Friends: Grains have been essential to the human diet for thousands of years, providing vital nutrients and sustenance to diverse cultures worldwide. From rice paddies in Asia to wheat fields in the Middle East, grains come in many varieties, each with unique flavor, texture, and nutritional value.  Let's examine the world of grains, concentrating on the… Read more ..read more

Friends: Today, we're exploring regional American foods that only sometimes cross state boundaries. Let's learn about Scrapple. Scrapple is a distinctive dish with a rich heritage in American culinary history, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. This frugal foodstuff owes its genesis to the resourcefulness of early American settlers, who sought to utilize every part of the pig. Scrapple's roots are in the 17th century when European settlers came to the United States. These settlers, mostly of German and Dutch descent, brought their culinary traditions, which involved using every part o ..read more

Friends: The sandwich has become an integral part of American cuisine, and it isn't easy to imagine a world without it. Sandwiches are quick, easy, and satisfying meals that consumers enjoy on the go or in the comfort of one's homes. Let's briefly dive into the fascinating history of how the sandwich was born in America. As we know it today, the sandwich consists of two slices of bread, any bread, with a filling of some type in between. The sandwich originated in the 18th century, when John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, popularized the concept in England. Legend has it that the Earl of ..read more

Friends: Late last night, I decided to re-post some basic information on food safety after finishing one of my cooking classes. One of the participants kept asking questions that I believed most people would know the answer. I was wrong. Many people still need to understand cooking with safety and what it involves. So, here we go again! Regarding food safety, it is crucial to be mindful of certain food products more prone to contamination with harmful and invisible bacteria, such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. These bacteria can result in severe illnesses if consumed and can be prese ..read more

Friends: Gregory S. from Stratford, Ontario, Canada, inquired about Skirt Steak. Here we go, Greg! Happy cooking. Skirt steak, a culinary treasure, is a beef cut from the plate section of the cow. Its standout feature is its distinct flavor, a delightful surprise for your taste buds. This cut's rich and beefy profile is a testament to its adaptability, ma… Read more ..read more

Friends: picture this: It's Easter time, and the air is filled with anticipation and the promise of something extraordinary. One cannot overlook the significance of Ricotta and Rice Easter pie in the Italian American kitchen. Back in the day, Lent meant abstaining from meat, a solemn observance leading up to the joyous celebration of Easter. It was a time of reflection and sacrifice, honoring a tradition that dates back generations. The reasons behind this prohibition are as varied as they are intriguing. Some say it was to support fishermen, while others believe it symbolized abstinence fr ..read more

Friends: Today is Good Friday for us Catholics, and I have many memories to share but not enough time. Growing up in Italy, the week was not so much on how often I had to play guitar in the church’s band but how quickly I could absorb the pleasant smell of baked sweets and savory pies released from every bakeshop and open window. It is traditionally made on Good Friday to be eaten on Easter Sunday or taken on the traditional Pasquetta or Easter Monday picnic. It can be made in a 15 x 13-inch rectangular baking dish or a 10-inch spring-form pan. You can use cubes or slices of meat and cheese ..read more

{Palermo’ Cathedral, Sicily} Friends: We hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for culinary exploration! As a valued Flavors + Knowledge Newsletter community member, we're thrilled to extend a special invitation to join us for the Chef Walters Food + Wine Tour in Sicily, Italy. Scheduled from September 30 to October 7, 2024, this tour promises an immersive journey into the heart of Sicilian cuisine and culture. Led by renowned Chef Walters himself, each day will be an adventure filled with delectable flavors, fascinating insights, and unforgettable experiences. As a to ..read more