Chef Giuseppe arrived in Arizona on Sunday, February 1. The following 2 weeks were packed with meetings, cooking classes, demonstrations, dinners and receptions day and night. Nearly 375 people attended one or more of the events and enjoyed freshly prepared authentic Tuscan Italian country cooking and learned about special ingredients, extra virgin olive oil, and tasted the desire to travel to Italy. Chef Giuseppe was particularly pleased to provide the holiday panettone shipped direct from the producer for these events. Several different dessert recipes were demonstrated. Most enjoyed was the Panettone Loison Flambe with Moscato wine sabayon. After toasting the fruity bread, orange liqueur was 'flamed' over the toast, then served with a silky moscato wine sabayon.
Roasted pork loin wrapped in pancetta; proscuitto wrapped chicken breasts stuffed with mushrooms and seasonings; risotto with creamy Italian cheeses; 'naked' ricotta and spinach ravioli in a rustic tomato sauce; balsamic vinaigrette on farro salad. Hungry anyone?
We became more familiar with typical Italian ingredients such as arugula and radicchio greens, Asiago, fresh mozzerella, Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano cheeses, polenta, cioppolini, proscuitto, and pancetta, to name a few. And, of course, Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil. And wines too.
The Queen Creek Olive Mill generously and graciously provided locally produced Tuscan style olive oil for cooking at all the events. And several guests received a gift of oil and balsamic vinegar as prizes.
Many people are excited a hope to travel to Tuscany to experience in Italy the special ingredients in authentic foods, the historical sites as well as the beautiful landscapes and villas. Oh, and wine tasting and vineyard visits, of course. Gina Ruggiero of Villa Vita International attended all the events and helped individuals and groups create customized personalized travel adventures that include cooking with Giuseppe along with many other options available.
Looking forward to next year, with Giuseppe back in the Valley of the Sun.
