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Gelato vs. ice cream

Gelato is gelato and ice cream is a totally different thing: it is easy to fall in the trap of thinking that actually one is the synonym of the other but in all truth they are two different things.

With the arrival of summer we all experience an uncontrollable desire for something cold and sweet yet not too fattening so gelato and/or ice cream immediately come to mind. Refreshing and thirst quenching they are ideal to ...

Pizza 101: All the different styles of Italian Pizza

Originating in Neapolitan cuisine, pizza (the name is thought to come from the Latin word pinsa, meaning flatbread) is a traditional Italian dish that is now loved and cherished in numerous parts of the world.

Pizza is simple: Wikipedia describes it as “an oven-baked, flat, disc shaped bread usually topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella and then a selection of meats, cheeses, vegetables, seafood and herbs depending on taste and ...

Salts of the Earth

Salt is one of the most essential minerals of life. It is a seasoning, an essential nutrient, and a very important preservative. All salts that we consume are made from sea salt or mined from inland salt deposit.

There are four common varieties available to us: iodized table salt, kosher salt, sea salt, and fleur de sel. Whoever said that all salts are pretty much the same, couldn't have been more wrong.   Table salt is sodium ...

Sulmona's Confetti

Italian confetti are not the tiny specs of colorful paper that are thrown in the air. They are sugar cocoated almonds that are given at celebrations in a wish for good luck.

When there is a celebration most likely colorful little things called confettis are involved. Now depending on which part of the world you are confettis can be totally different. In the US and most other nations they are tiny specs of ...

Calabriadorata – A Labor of Love For Massimilano De Luca di Lizzano

Massimiliano De Luca di Lizzano’s new brand, Calabriadorata, is a blend of the old and the new from Calabria.

The image chosen for Calabriadorata, by this 30 something year old scion of the noble Calabrian family - a simple and elegant black and gold background with an olive – belies not only the complexity of the olive oil but of all the ...

New York welcomes Basilicata and its food

New York City has opened its doors to one of Italy's tastiest regions: Basilicata.

Basilicata, a small region in southern Italy, graced by the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian seas, is an enchanting place that features breathtaking coast lines, bountiful natural wonders, log-lasting culture, warm hospitality and ...

Italian Prosciutti: Prosciutto San Daniele and Prosciutto di Parma

The most renowned and expensive Italian prosciutti, that come from northern Italy, are Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO, from San Daniele, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Prosciutto di Parma PDO from Parma, in Emilia-Romagna. Both are tattooed to ensure the protected geographical status system in the EU.

...

Getting to know Italian Honey

Honey is born of a magic interaction between bees and beekeepers, with the aid of a third partner the environment. The best honey, any excellent honey, is always the final result of this three-way collaboration.

A food derived from gathering and cultivation, honey has accompanied, often behind the scenes, the history of Italian nourishment from the remote past to our days. Used by the Etruscans as a votive offering, honey was mentioned for the ...

Beyond Mozzarella di Bufala; try the Ricotta and Gelato di Bufala

Everyone is familiar with Mozzarella di Bufala, the Italian mozzarella made with water buffalo’s milk, but not everyone knows about the ricotta and gelato made with the same prized buffalo’s milk.

By Maria Battaglia   So, cute. She’s only a month old, born with a full head of thick black curls, and already has both ears pierced with little golden earrings – just like her mom.   The only difference is ...

Prized Anchovies from Cetara on the Amalfi Coast

Fishing and preserving anchovies is an ancient tradition for centuries and a major source of livelihood for anglers in Cetara, a tiny fishing village overlooking the sea along the Amalfi Coast. Anchovies are preserved in oil or salt or worked to produce various condiments with an anchovy base.

By Maria Battaglia   The taxi driver was huffing and puffing.    Hovering directly above - noise from a helicopter makes it impossible to hear. It didn’t matter, the sun is warm, and I can smell the scent of ...

History of Vincotto, an ancient version of the balsamic vinegar

Vincotto is not sold in usual grocery stores, however you may find it in Italian specialty shops and markets or online. It is a versatile ingredient that really does have a life beyond dressing leaves of greens. Vincotto, literally cooked wine, is really something special.

By Natasha Davis   If you ask an Italian chef, he/she will answer that Vincotto is an elixir, a sweet and velvety concoction similar to vinegar with the subtle overtones of spices, grapes and plums.   Its history ...

History and Recipe of Pandoro, the traditional Italian Christmas Dessert

Pandoro, as much as the Panettone, is an Italian Holiday Tradition. Pandoro is originating in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet and gets his name from Pan d'Oro or Golden Bread. Either plain or with ice cream , zabaglione or other sauces, the pandoro is part of the Italian Christmas table.

Pandoro – The Golden Bread from Verona   Pandoro is different from Panettone. It is rich, buttery sweet bread, tall and distinctive, resembling the shape of a Christmas tree. Sprinkle with lots of ...

Alberti Chocolates, infused with Italian Liqueur Strega, are now in the U.S.

The Alberti company, maker of the famous Italian liqueur Strega, has taken its expertise with liqueurs and combined it with chocolates. The results are the delicious Alberti Chocolates, small pieces of Torrone covered with chocolate. Torrone, the Italian nougat candy, is a traditional Italian Christmas sweet and the perfect gift for the Holidays.

Liqueurs and chocolate are a natural and popular combination. The Alberti company, makers of the famous Italian liqueur Strega, has taken its expertise with liqueurs and combined it with chocolates, and has now brought a variety of ...

HANDMADE PANETTONE & PANDORO BORSARI FROM VERONA

The anticipated arrival of the Christmas and New Year holidays in Verona means the arrival of Panettone and Pandoro, the traditional Italian Holidays desserts. At Borsari for the past 30 years, few things have changed. The same 25 pastry bakers (confectioners) are busy several months in anticipation of the holiday season, preparing their handmade Panettone and Pandoro.

HANDMADE PANETTONE & PANDORO BORSARI FROM VERONA   The anticipated arrival of the Christmas and New Year holidays in Verona means the arrival of Panettone and Pandoro, the traditional Italian Holidays desserts. Late fall you ...

RISING TO THE OCCASION: The real Panettone is now D.O.P.

It is 8:00 a.m. and a group of thirty men and women gathered for breakfast at the office of the Italian Trade Commission in New York.  The star of the show is a deliciously moist Panettone pudding. There’s also a ...

Pecorino a cheese with great character!

Each Italian region has its own and they all have a different flavor.

I was weaned from my mother’s milk within a year. Shortly after I was mmmming, a small portion of pastina mixed with delicately fresh, rich ricotta.   My passion for cheese didn’t start to grow until I was in my ...

Kiwi, Made in Italy

A Surprising Treat

Take a guess—what country is the world’s largest producer of kiwi (also called kiwifruit)? New Zealand, right? No, it’s none other than Italy. The country known for pizza, pasta, cheese and wine produces more of this ...

Sicilian extra virgin olive oils perfect for grilled fish and vegetables

Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil perfect for grilled fish and vegetables

Sicilian olive oil boasts the oldest lineage, dating back to the 5th century B.C. Colonists from Greece were probably the first to plant olive trees in Sicily.   Sicily is Italy’s third largest olive oil producing ...

Panettone, the traditional Italian Holidays Dessert

During the Christmas season,Panettone, the traditional Italian Dessert is available everywhere from the classic version to elaborate flavors.

Panettone, when eaten with a sip of sparkling spumante or Prosecco, guarantees good luck and good health for the coming year.   I was introduced to this tradition over 15 years ago while living in Milan. The custom of eating ...

Piadina

The Tradition of Romagna Region

Riccione - Early in October, I spent a few days in Rimini and Riccione, in Emilia Romagna.   While waiting for my colleagues to meet me in the hotel lobby, I had a little time to check out the hotel bar and sample a chilled glass ...

PORCINI

The king of mushrooms

DRIED PORCINI, ON SALE AT ALTA CUCINA

They can be eaten raw in a salad but they can also be sautéed, fried and baked. They taste great pickled or stuffed, and are essential ingredients in risottos, soups, and sauces. They are so versatile that they can be used in ...

Unique tastes: Speck and Asiago

Marriage made in Heaven

Renowned for their authenticity, distinct taste, and time-honored production methods, Speck Alto Adige IGP and Asiago DOP cheese will appeal to anyone who truly appreciates authentic, traditional products.   Speck Alto Adige ...

Truffles: A Myth in Black and White

The musky scent of a white truffle as its shaved paper-thin over pasta and the intense aroma of oil perfumed with black Perigords are simply intoxicating

WHITE TRUFFLES, JUST ARRIVED FROM PIEDMONT, ON SALE AT ALTA CUCINA

Their aspect is bumpy and a little funny looking. Their surfaces are often marked by holes of different sizes and numerous ugly pimples. Yet these precious and mysterious fruits of the earth have seduced men and women throughout the ages ...

Moreno Cedroni, two Michelin stars chef, talks about his cheese pairing spreads

Everyone is used to use jam with bread, brioche, croissant, or in cakes, pies and sweets. What about pairing it with cheese ?. Cedroni talks about his innovative idea

Moreno Cedroni is the Michelin two-star chef and co-owner, with his wife Mariella, of the restaurant La Madonnina del Pescatore, which they opened in 1984 in Senigallia, on the Adriatic coast in the Marche region.   Cedroni, 43, ...

SERAFINA'S GOES BEYOND THE RESTAURANTS

...and introduces pasta sauces

Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, founders of Serafina's restaurants, are now making their famous sauces available directly to American consumers. They will introduce four varieties of sauces: Cherry Tomato, Vodka, Arrabiata and ...

Molinari Sambuca: A Worldwide Reputation for Smoothness

Not only a digestive

In 1945 in Civitavecchia, Italy, Angelo Molinari, already a well-respected mixologist, created what was to become one of Italy’s most celebrated institutions: a smooth, full-bodied liqueur he proudly named Molinari Sambuca. And ...

Roberta Corradin tried

Cioccolato di Modica, made by Laboratorio Don Puglisi, and loved it.

A BIT OF HISTORY: CHOCOLATE'S TRIP FROM AMERICA TO SICILY. If you are enticed by chocolate's smooth and creamy texture and you daydream about those pralines you bought in Paris, Modica's chocolate is perhaps not for you. ...

Fernet Branca

A beverage the world loves

In 1845 in Milan, Bernardino Branca and his three sons Luigi, Giuseppe and Stefano, started producing a beverage destined to have millions of fans in the world: Fernet-Branca. Fernet-Branca was born as an amaro, but became much more. ...

Calabria's Cool Peperoncino Culture

Originally, from the Americas, chili peppers found its ideal home in Calabria

In the past 15 years, I have visited almost all 20 regions in Italy, an average of at least two or three trips a year. I was recently invited on an educational tour to visit some of the jewel villages and towns of ...

Pesto alla Genovese vs. Pesto alla Modenese

There are two versions of this Italian delicacy. One is the sauce for the famous pasta dish, the other is a delicious mystery that only a few know

Italy is a country of endless variety: recipes and dish names change from city to city that offer many choices to the curious gourmand. For instance: pesto. This is one of the most famous pasta sauces in Italy, one of the most ancient as ...

Regional Products: The Fieriness of Nduja

Get acquainted with this creamy, and extremely spicy sausage mainly produced in Calabria

Some call it the “red Nutella”, indeed just like Nutella it is soft, tasty and irresistible. Yet, opposite to Nutella, it is actually salty and hot, unbelievably, deliciously and lasciviously hot. Its name is Nduja and its ...

Pastiera a Neapolitan Holiday Tradition

To make this moist round cake you need to search out these major ingredients, wheat kernels, candied citron, candied orange peel, orange flower water, and fresh ricotta.

In almost every regional Italian cookbook, you will find a recipe for “La Pastiera”. It’s the ultimate traditional holiday dessert of Naples.   It’s a variation on cheesecake, whose ingredients ...

Truffles

This black pearl of the earth is one of the most luxurious culinary treats

Truffle DelightKnown as the edible gold of soil, truffles have long enjoyed a vivid and interesting history. Most people associate truffles as a true epicurean flavoring of food with exorbitant prices. Their rich, heady aroma and taste ...
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PUREE OF FAVA BEANS AND CHICORY

Every year in Apulia 33 million pounds of fava beans are harvested and transformed into antipasti, side dishes, and soups.” The traditional country dish par excellence is a puree of fava beans (pure’ di fave e cicoria) served with sautéed wild chicory called ‘ncapriata.
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Fernet Branca

A beverage the world loves
[03]

Piadina

The Tradition of Romagna Region
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