Cooking Italian

Filed in archive Around The Kitchen on November 1, 2005

We still have a couple weeks left before turkey is the only thing on everyone's mind so let's talk about Italian cooking. Generic dried spaghetti noodles and sauce from a jar isn't authentic Italian food (but you knew that). Breaded veal smothered in homemade "gravy" that's been cooking all day - now that's Italian.

If you're ready to create your own Italian feast, plan your menu using a site like The Art of Cookery. That's where you'll find mouthwatering ideas like Bistecchine di Maiale (pork chops) and Sogliola alla Fiorentina (Florentine-style sole). Recipes are nicely sorted into categories and the site is easy to navigate.

If pasta is more your thing, head over to The Flying Noodle and learn loads about what real Italian pasta is all about. They also sell just about every kind of pasta you can think of (and some you probably can't). Try the vidalia onion flavor or the garden linguine.

No Italian meal is complete without wine so check out Italian Wine Review for great ideas on the best wines of the region. Still can't decide? Then go see About.com's wine expert Stacy Slinkard's has to say. Her site is filled with tips on wine selection, food pairings and more.

Don't forget about dessert. No, Neopolitan ice cream just won't do. Visit Bella Online for recipes that will make you forget all about the rest of your dinner. The only problem you'll have is deciding which dessert to make first.

There, you see? There's no need to go out for dinner when you can whip up a fabulous Italian meal right at home. No generic noodles or jarred sauce required.