Maria’s Catering!

Hi Everybody –
I catered a party and served some of my dishes from Breaking Bread in L’Aquila. I made some modifications and shared with my guests that the book is very easy to use and the basis of creating much more!

I served outstanding cheeses from Abruzzo with the help from Bob Marcelli. Bob imports world class cheeses from his cheese making family in Anversa degli Abruzzi. Check out his site at http://www.marcelliformaggi.com.

• Caprino Stagionato di Abruzzo (Goat Cheese)
Aged 60-90 days, made from organic raw goats milk, salt and rennet
In the Sagittario Valley area of Abruzzo* the “caprino”* is made and aged in the baskets (called “fuscelle”). Slightly dry and lightly salted, it has a mellow goat flavor.

• Pecorino Del Parco (Pecorino of the Park)
Aged at least 6 months, made from organic raw sheep milk, salt and rennet
Classic example of the pecorino of Abruzzo. Rich, nutty and full flavored with the taste of over 120 wild herbs and flowers growing in the grass.

Pecorino was served with Organic Artisanal Savory Honey – Santoreggia – (Summer Savory). The Santoreggia plant is of the same family as thyme, but has a more intense scent. The honey that is gathered from the bees that feed on this and other plants, ranges from amber yellow to light green in color, with a flavor and aroma of medium intensity, with very floral-forward notes, as well as those described as “wet earth”.

Here’s my menu:

Antipasti:
Prosciutto with Melon / Prosciutto e Melone
Caprese Salad / Insalata Caprese
Roasted Peppers / Peperoni Arrostiti
Grilled Eggplant with Cured Black Olives and Basil / Melanzane alla Griglia con Olive e Basilico
Smoked Ricotta with Pepper / Ricotta Affumicata e Peperoncino

Primi:
Pasta alla Chitarra with Fresh Tomato Sauce / Pasta alla Chitarra al Pomodoro
Pasta with Butternut Squash and Pine Nuts / Pasta con Zucca e pinoli
Secondi:
Chicken Scaloppine with White Wine / Scaloppine di Pollo al Vino Bianco
Contorni:
Peas and Mushrooms / Piselli e Funghi
Romaine Lettuce Salad with Shaved Parmigiano Cheese / Insalata con Scaglie di Parmigiano

Dessert:
Tiramisu
Cookies / Biscotti: Amaretti, Biscotti (with cranberry and pistachio), Torrone
Coffee / Caffè

a presto,

Maria

Chicken Soup Minestra

minestra with lentils and spinich

This is a meal with a mix of a little of this and that!

I always have chicken soup in the freezer (broth, veggies and chicken). I wanted to spice it up:

I added one cup of dry lentils (simmer on medium for thirty minutes)

Then added a bag of fresh spinach (simmer for three minutes)

I added leftover smoked gouda and fresh mozzarella from a dinner party (I had cubed before packing in freezer).

salt, fresh ground pepper and red chili flakes to taste!

Today, it’s lunch with my interns! Serve with your favorite crusty bread!

a presto,

maria

Stuffed Peppers

stuffed peppers

Great time of year to make stuffed peppers or anything you can get your hands on at the market!

My interns (now close friends: Allie and James) made stuffed peppers from my book “Breaking Bread in L’Aquila”. They loved them and very easy to prepare!

Have you made them yet?

a presto,

Maria !

Maria’s Segment on CHCH TV 11

Hi Everybody,

I will be sharing some simple summer recipes on my TV segment on CHCH TV 11 – tomorrow Thursday, August 17th @ 8:10am.

It’s a beautiful way to show how simple vegetables make the perfect garnish, meal and table decor – gorgeous colors from yellow, green, red and blue.

I look forward to blogging some of the tips tomorrow. If you are in Toronto area., catch me on CHCH TV 11 @ 8:10am.

a presto,

Maria Filice

ps – to the staff of CHCH TV 11 …. don’t bring your lunch !!!!!!!!!!!

Maria’s Tip on the Day!

Here is Maria’s tip for the day:

The natural way to keep your skin glowing.

It’s Maria WOW daily treatment (water, olive oil and wine) = drink lots of water, use great Italian olive oil in your food and drink a glass (or two) of wine everyday.

My book “Breaking Bread in L’Aquila” has great recipes that are easy to prepare! A portion of the next profits are donated to L’Aquila. Great hostess gifts ! !

a presto,

Maria