Italian Food And Cooking
Italian food and cooking conjures up different memories for many people. Some people might think of their favorite Italian restaurant, some might think of a special deli in their neighborhood, and others always think of their mother or grandmother standing at the stove making all the wonderful dishes they grew up with. You do not have to have a high level of culinary experience to enjoy Italian food and cooking. All you need is a basic love of food, and a little bit of a desire to try new things.
The great thing about Italian food and cooking is that you do not need to spend a great deal of money on equipment. The typical kitchen basics you already have, such as pots, pans, a cook top and oven, and basic utensils, is just about all you will need. A few special items like a colander for draining pastas and vegetables, a chef's knife for mincing, and a large stock pot are recommended to aid in making the food preparation easier. Wooden spoons are also recommended because they do not conduct heat when left in pots or pans, and they do not change flavors of acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
Italian food and cooking is all about deep flavors and fresh ingredients. In Italy, most people shop for their groceries on a daily basis to ensure they have the best quality. Fresh herbs and spices add a high level of flavor without adding any fat. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, and cheeses should always be selected.
In addition to fresh produce and meats, it is also important to stock every Italian kitchen with certain staples. Oils, such as olive, truffle, and vegetable should be kept available for cooking, marinating, and for dressing salads. Red and white wines are delicious in sauces, dressings, marinades, and for serving with the meal. Different types of dried pastas such as lasagna, spaghetti, fettuccini, and short pasta cuts should always be in the pantry. You should never be without baking products like flour, sugar, and chocolate, various dried herbs and spices; yeast for making bread, and butter. Other pantry items to have on hand include anchovies and canned fish; capers; and of course garlic.
Italian food and cooking is to always be crafted with a great deal of love and care. The use of fresh ingredients, the time it takes to prepare the dish, and the time spent savoring it with friends and family make dinner time a complete Italian experience.
