Feb, 31st Fresh Pasta Class
Recipes
Spritz Aperol
2 oz. Prosecco1 1/2 Aperol Orange Liqueur1 dash od sparkling water
The perfect Spritz is prepared in a wine glass, or rock. Add ice, Prosecco, dash of sparkling water and top with Aperol. This is to avoid that the Aperol settles on the bottom. Garnish with a slice of orange.
The origins of this drink are not known but it is widely believed that the Spritz was born during the 19th century Austrian occupation of Italy. Its name, in fact, may derive from the German verb spritzen meaning “to spray” or might be linked to the name of specific Austrian wines of the western region of Wachau. German soldiers soon got used to drinking local Venetian wines at the many taverns, but the alcohol content, so much higher than the beer they would drink back home, made them dilute it with water. Thus was born the “straight” Spritz that is still found in some bars of Trieste and Udine.
With time the Aperitivo ritual of northern Italy spread to the rest of the country, and with it the variants of the original Spritz. Many Venetian towns had their own specific variant, and many interpretations of each kind. However, in the last decade the Aperol Spritz with Prosecco has become the most popular one; fresh, sparkling and light- the ideal early evening drink.
The perfect Spritz is prepared in a wine glass, or rock. Add ice, Prosecco, dash of sparkling water and top with Aperol. This is to avoid that the Aperol settles on the bottom. Garnish with a slice of orange.
The origins of this drink are not known but it is widely believed that the Spritz was born during the 19th century Austrian occupation of Italy. Its name, in fact, may derive from the German verb spritzen meaning “to spray” or might be linked to the name of specific Austrian wines of the western region of Wachau. German soldiers soon got used to drinking local Venetian wines at the many taverns, but the alcohol content, so much higher than the beer they would drink back home, made them dilute it with water. Thus was born the “straight” Spritz that is still found in some bars of Trieste and Udine.
With time the Aperitivo ritual of northern Italy spread to the rest of the country, and with it the variants of the original Spritz. Many Venetian towns had their own specific variant, and many interpretations of each kind. However, in the last decade the Aperol Spritz with Prosecco has become the most popular one; fresh, sparkling and light- the ideal early evening drink.
Semolina dough (1 portion)
4 oz (1/2 cup) of Semolina flour
1 egg
Using a fork begging mixing in the egg with the flour. Once egg has been mixed in enough, begin using your hands to work the dough. Continues until reaches a smooth consistency, adding a light dust of flour if necessary. Cover the dough with plastic wrap to protect from drying. For best results, let the dough rest for at least 10 minutes.
Lemon Sauce (2 Servings)
1/2 box of cream (panna)
3 Tbls of olive oil
1 juicy lemon
1 tbls of dill
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large sauce pan, sauté the onions until lightly browned. Add the cream (Panna), the lemon juice, the dill and add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add small spoons of the water from the pasta that is cooking. Add the al dente pasta to the sauce and sauté for a minute. The pasta is ready to be served.
Radicchio & Pancetta Sauce ( 4 Servings)
Pancetta (bacon) in cubes
1 Chopped onion
2 cups of radicchio in big pieces
1 cup of dry white wine
Thyme
Salt & pepper to taste
In a sauce pan, saute the pancetta until crispy and brown. Add the onion, thyme and radicchio. Let cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. Then add the white wine and simmer. Grind fresh pepper over the sauce and salt to taste (keeping in mind the pancetta is already salty). Allow sauce to simmer for one minute. Add the al dente pasta to the sauce and sauté for another minute. The pasta is ready to be served.
Sicilian Sauce (4 Servings)
1/2 cup of olive oil
1 egg plant (sliced)
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 chopped onion
4 cups of tomato sauce
4 oz of ricotta
1 cup of your favorite olives
2 tbls of balsamic vinegar
Basil
Salt & Pepper to tate
In a large sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and fry the egg plant until it begins to brown. Add the onions and garlic and let cook for another 5 minutes. Onion will be transparent and sweating. Add the tomato sauce, olives, and a nice glug of balsamic vinegar. Add the herbs, ricotta, and a little salt and pepper.