Global Cuisines and Culture: Italy

Every culture has its own cuisines.  Often the geography and culture of a country determine its foods, recipes and ways of cooking.  Take, for example, Italy; this is a country with varied regions that affect the kinds of cuisine produced.  As we know, sauce-laden spaghetti is not the only kind of food that comes from Italy.  This country of many regions produces different culinary delights depending on its geography.  In fact, the cuisine is so varied, you could spend a month or more trying just a few recipes from a given region.


Italy is a culinary Eden with its rich array of flavors, tastes and textures.  Food is a sensual pleasure and no food seems to evoke this experience quite like the creations from this Adriatic county.  After all, this is a country of Venice and its famous glass, gondolas and Risi e Bisi (peas and rice); of Rome and its famous art, architecture, fountains and Saltimbocca, a well-known veal dish;  of Tuscany and its villas, olive oil and wines; and Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea known for its spectacular beaches, suckling pork and pecorino cheese.

Italian food is made up of fresh vegetables, seafood, aromatic spices, flavorful olive oils and wonderful pastas.  In the movies of Ancient Rome, the tables are always laden with rich food and drink.  You will be happy to know that many Italian recipes are very simple and easy to make.  Much to my personal delight, many call for anchovy fillets.  I love anchovies!  The flavor can enrich a dish without overpowering the flavor of the other ingredients.  Done right, you never know they are there.


Italian culture and cuisine has a rich history.  Discover for yourself some new Italian recipes.  Not just pizza and spaghetti.  Make your own pasta.  It's not as hard as you think.  Try something with anchovies for a change.


And, if you want to re-create some of the magic you can find in the recipes of some of America's favorite restaurants, click the image below.

Do You Know What You Can Do With Anchovies

Did you know that anchovies are one of the most misunderstood fish to be on a menu? Most of the people I know have varying degrees of dislike for anchovies. It is amazing to me that so many people do not give certain foods a chance because they may have had one bad experience with them.

I think of some of the foods I rejected. If I had not given them another chance, I would not have the joy of enjoying some very tasty recipes. Anchovies were initially not on my list of favorite foods. I did not like them the first time I tasted them. They were too salty and fishy. Then, I tried them again. I love anchovies with a passion.

At first, I only ate anchovies on pizza, then later, in Caesar salads. I'm glad I experimented with them. I never dreamed there were so many things you can do with anchovies. Now I try them in many recipes and they are a mainstay in my kitchen cabinet. When I see I am down to one tin, I make it a point to buy some.

Sometimes, I get fresh anchovies from my favorite Italian deli. They are packed in heavy salt and need to be rinsed well before using in recipes. They also have to be filleted and the bones removed. I also use canned anchovies for many of my dishes. You can find them either flat or rolled with capers.

One of my favorite recipes is spinach pasta with anchovies, thinly sliced onion and garlic. Although, I love the salty and intense taste of the small fish, for this dish, I mash the anchovies in olive oil in a cast iron skillet and then saute the galic and onions till they are nice and soft. I then add the cooked pasta and mix together. Sprinle with fresh ground pepper and parmesan.

I also use anchovies in salads, deviled eggs, green beans and even in potato salad. They are delicious with vegetables and in stuffed peppers. I find great recipes in the many cookbooks I have.

Do you have some favorite restaurant dishes you wish you could have without having to go out? Maybe it is the Tequila Lime Chicken from Applebee's or the Olive Garden Sangria or T.G.I. Friday's Mocha Mud Pie. Always wonder what their secret ingredients are?

Checkout this unique cookbook with these daring recipes and see what you have been missing.