Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tuscan Mammas at Stonewall Kitchen



Since our Cooking School opened in May of 2008 we have had over 11,000 attendees and hosted more than 80 guest chefs from all over the world; each with their own amazing recipes and menus to share. This past weekend was no exception when we hosted the Tuscan Mammas from Tutti a Tavoli in Tuscany, Italy. Both classes were completely sold out weeks in advance and no one walked away disappointed. The food was amazing and the Tuscan Mammas were over-the-top entertaining. And two guests were lucky enough to walk away with free tuition to attend Tutti a Tavola in Tuscany ... how exciting!



On Monday their menu included an Onion Tart, Short Pasta with Leek Sauce, Chicken Fricassee, Sauteed Spinach, and for dessert a White Dome with Seasonal Fruit. I got to sample all the dishes and they were fabulous.

Here are a couple of their recipes from the weekend.

Torta Salata di Cipolle
Onion Tart


Ingredients

  • 1 kg onions, preferably white

  • 2 eggs

  • A good handful of freshly grated Parmigiano

  • Salt, pepper, olive oil

For the pie crust:

  • 200g flour

  • Olive oil, water, salt.

Preparation

1. Slice the onions thinly and cook them in oil until golden. Adjust salt.
2. When ready and cold, add eggs and freshly grated Parmigiano.
3. Mix quickly the flour with some cold water, a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
4. Stretch the dough with a rolling pin as thin as you can and line a baking pan.
5. Pour in the filling and bake at 200°C – 400°F approx. 30 minutes.

And for dessert ...

Dolce Bianco ai Frutti
White dome with season fruit

Ingredients

  • 500g white yoghurt

  • 400g cream

  • Sugar to taste

  • Fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches etc)

Preparation

1. Mix yogurt and sugar.
2. Whip the cream firmly and fold it in.
3. Line a strainer with a thin cloth and pour in the mixture.
4. Put the filled strainer with a bowl underneath in the fridge for 12 hours.
5. Unmold it on a dessert plate and decorate with the fruit.
6. Serve with fruit in season.

In fall/winter grapes, tender pears etc and add hazelnuts, walnuts, dates.
In spring/summer fresh berries with a fruit sauce

Enjoy!


If you are interested in planning your own Tuscany adventure you can visit their website.




Friday, October 23, 2009

What Can I Bring?

When I host a party and invite my friends – the obvious question from them is “what can I bring?” I always need help with desserts - so that is a no-brainer. With Thanksgiving approaching, we made available on our website the “What can I bring?” Guide. It is loaded with great recipes for appetizers, veggie sides, cocktails, and desserts. Possibly this year you can add a couple of new dishes to your repertoire. “What can I bring?”





Some reminders from Kelly’s post on Monday . . . . .

Take in all the beautiful colors of fall on your way and once there head on over to Harvest on the Harbor Food and Wine Festival. Located at the Ocean’s Gateway in Portland’s historic waterfront area. Our store and cooking school staff will be there offering some amazing recipes for you to sample. That’s this Saturday, October 24th, from 12-4pm.

For additional information visit www.harvestontheharbor.com

Also, on Saturday stop by our cooking school in York, ME and have TV host/cookbook author Mary Ann Esposito sign one of her cookbooks for you. Mary Ann will be teaching a class in our cooking school (sorry that part is sold out) but afterwards she is be available for cookbook signings in our school area. Limited cookbooks are available on site. Signing will be offered from 12:30 to 1:30 on Saturday, October 24th.