Summer Sandwich Time in Italy

This week’s blog was written in L’Aquila:

paniniheaven1

read more at:

http://askamydaily.com/summer-sandwich-time-in-italy

While travelling this week, I had the opportunity to eat my all-time favorite sandwich: a prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato Panini. The photograph above was taken at a local no name bar owned by two brothers. L’Aquila is a town just 90 miles east of Rome in the Abruzzo region of Italy. These are the best panini you’ll ever find, and they’re well worth the trip! Simple and delicious: prosciutto, fresh creamy mozzarella, and perfectly ripe tomatoes.

Easy to make at home:  
This sandwich is prepared with freshly sliced prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and sweet vine tomatos. Before you layer the sandwich, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar on one of the slices of bread (lightly), then layer the prosciutto (2-3 slices), two slices of mozzarella and tomato slices. If you have fresh basil, thinly slice or tear in small pieces) and add on top. Another option is a sprinkle of dry oregano.

Always remember, the secret to a perfect sandwich are fresh ingredients.

a presto,

Maria

Eataly opens in Rome!

Auguri to Oscar Farinetti

The New York Times has described it as a “megastore” that “combines elements of a bustling European open market, a Whole-Foods-style supermarket, a high-end food court and a New Age learning center.”

New location in Rome opened 6-21. www.roma.eataly.it

I’m in Italy as we speak – hope to report back with photos on the new location.

I met Oscar Farinetti at the store opening in NYC. He loved my cookbook “Breaking Bread in L’Aquila” and was very happy to put my book at the store in NYC. I hope to see him this week!

a presto,

maria

Happy Father's Day

Hi Everybody,

Happy Father’s Day!  This week’s blog is dedicated to my dad:
http://askamydaily.com/happy-fathers-day

My cooking is in my DNA on both sides of the family!

pastaandchickpeasandother1

a presto,

Maria

Strawberry Skinny Dipping

I hope you enjoy this week’s blog:

I dipped fresh strawberries in white and dark chocolate. Of course, I got a little carried away and dipped biscotti, dried apricots and almonds too.

Read more at:  http://askamydaily.com/strawberry-skinny-dipping

strawberries_and_cookies1

a presto,

Maria !

Asparagus Fever!

Hi Everybody,

Here’s today’s blog:

http://askamydaily.com/category/good-food

asparagussalad

a presto,

Maria !