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Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Season Up Father’s Day with Roasting and Grilling Salts

What are you doing for Father’s Day? What is a better way to get Father’s Day in gear than by grilling out? Ahhhh steaks, chicken breasts, burgers, pork chops, hot dogs and, of course, fresh vegetables from the farmer’s market.

The Barbecue Industry Association reports when it comes to demonstrating their barbecue prowess, men still dominate the actual cooking. Men are much more apt (61%) than women (39%) to do the barbecuing. So what to buy master of grill at your house for this year’s barbecue season? The Scrumptious Pantry has the answer.

Whereas traditionally sauces have the lead when it comes to seasoning, people often forget to include flavorful rubs prior to barbecuing. Rubs can be sweet, savory, spicy, hot, and of course, perfectly suited to your tastes. Finding the rub that is right for you can seem like daunting task, but it is well worth the time. The Scrumptious Pantry offers two Roasting and Grilling Salts – a course salt for roasting meats and all-purpose seasoning salt. These are only seasoning agents you’ll need for your barbecue parties.

What a perfect gift for Father’s Day gift, too!

These salts are unlike any others you’ll find on any store shelf. They are the most aromatic. They are the most flavorful. They will subtly enhance what ever you decide to barbecue and turn your meal from ordinary into extraordinary.

Both salts are produced by proud farmers Roberta and Giulio who live close to Vinci, in Tuscany, and dedicate their energy to there 14 hectares farm. They painstakingly mince fresh, handpicked herbs to ensure the pores of the herbs are not closed during the chopping process so the herbs’ aromatic oils spill out as compared to mechanical chopping where the pressure of the blades is much greater and the herbs’ pores are compressed. Plus, other herbed salts tend to use dried herbs, which results in a less aromatic salt and flavorless cooked product.

Roberta and Giulio follow organic agricultural practices in making their Roasting and Grilling Salts. They not only hand pick and hand mince the herbs, but they also carefully hand mix the fresh herbs with Italian sea salt, letting the herbs slowly dry in the salt to conserve the aromas at their very best and to find that perfect balance of ingredients and seal in the aromas.

The coarse salt includes Italian sea salt, rosemary, sage, bay leaf, juniper berries, garlic, lemon peel, pink peppercorns, tarragon and thyme.

The fine seasoning salt includes Italian sea salt, sage, rosemary, bay leaf, garlic and lemon peel.

Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to find a store near you that sells the Roasting and Grilling Salts (as well as others food items) or to order online visit www.piazzaitalianmarket.com.

About The Scrumptious Pantry

The Scrumptious Pantry is “Real Food from Real People.” All of our food items are made in small batches that come from family farms that embrace the traditional philosophies of farming and the importance of growing crops as safely as possible through natural means. In the kitchen traditional artisan techniques are followed to create culinary treasures that do not include any additives, fillers or preservatives—only estate-grown ingredients, passion and the belief that food is nourishment for the body and soul. Each product proudly displays the farmer whose name it carries to show they stand behind what they grow and make. From our farms to your table we pledge to provide a difference you can taste. Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to learn more.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Easter Lamb, Spring Asparagus and Olive Oil

Give Your Easter Dinner a Traditional Mediterranean Flair with a
Spring Lamb Bathed in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The traditional Easter dinner in the United States typically revolves around ham while Europeans prefer to serve lamb. Not only is the lamb a symbol of innocence and has special connotation at the Easter dinner table it is the right choice for the season. Spring being a moment in which everyone celebrates the new cycle of nature lamb became the classic Easter meal to celebrate the beginning of spring and the new life. Before intensive animal farming, lambs were born in autumn and ready to market in the spring.

Wow your family by treating them to an easy-to-prepare and tasty Easter meal: lamb seasoned with garlic and Roberta’s Roasting & Grilling Salt from The Scrumptious Pantry and finished with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, like Cosimo’s Premium Blend from The Scrumptious Pantry. Make sure your lamb is a happy one, too, raised on a small pasture farm instead of a large feedlot.

The natural vegetable for your Easter meal is the first vegetable of spring: asparagus. And the only thing better than cooked asparagus is asparagus drizzled with healthy olive oil and sprinkled with just a hint of salt. Asparagus is low in calories, contains no cholesterol and is healthy as it is very low in sodium. It is a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, rutin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium. Try to purchase asparagus that is locally grown for best taste and freshness.

Extra virgin olive oil has been used for thousands of years in cooking and is one of the cornerstones of the healthy Mediterranean diet. It is a concentrated source of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, while extra virgin olive oil also contains polyphenolic phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity. Extra virgin olive oil is very versatile and, with its unique flavor and aroma, has become a must-have in the American kitchen.

The Scrumptious Pantry offers two extra virgin olive oils to use in preparing your Easter feast. Its Premium Blend is elegant, sweeter at first, but quickly developing a peppery sensation that works perfectly with meats, veggies, salads and cheese. Its Extra Virgin Olive Oil is spicy, pungent oil that works perfectly to top off soups and stews, pasta dishes, risotto and veggies.


About The Scrumptious Pantry
The Scrumptious Pantry is “Real Food from Real People.” All of our food items are made in small batches that come from family farms that embrace the traditional philosophies of farming and the importance of growing crops as safely as possible through natural means. In the kitchen traditional artisan techniques are followed to create culinary treasures that do not include any additives, fillers or preservatives – only estate-grown ingredients, passion and the belief that food is nourishment for the body and soul. Each product proudly displays the farmer whose name it carries to show they stand behind what they grow and make. From our farms to your table we pledge to provide a difference you can taste. Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to find a store near you or order online at www.piazzaitalianmarket.com/store.

Easter Lamb with Spring Asparagus

Leg of Lamb
Ingredients
1 (5 pound) leg of lamb
3 cloves garlic, cut into slivers
3 tablespoon Cosimo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil (from The Scrumptious Pantry)
2 tablespoon Roberta’s Roasting & Grilling Salt (from The Scrumptious Pantry)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method (1) Preheat oven to 325°F. (2) Puncture the leg of lamb with the tip of a knife just far enough to insert slivers of garlic into the holes. (3) Gently massage 2 tablespoons of olive oil onto meat. (4) Rub salt over the leg of lamb. (5) Place the lamb, fatty side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. (6) Roast uncovered for 2 to 2 1/2 hours in the preheated oven, to an internal temperature of 155°F for medium. (7) Tent with aluminum foil and let stand for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. The lamb will continue to cook a little bit, and the juices will set up better for carving.

To carve the leg of lamb, for stability, (1) place the roast on its side on the cutting board with the shank bone facing away from you. Cut two or three lengthwise slices from the section of the meat facing you. This will allow the meat to sit flat on the cutting board. (2) Turn the roast up so that it sits on the cut area. Hold the roast steady with a long-handled meat fork inserted into the meat opposite the shank bone. Holding the knife perpendicular to the cutting board and starting by the shank bone, cut across the grain into uniform, thin slices. Cut the slices between 1/4- to 1/2-inches thick. (3) When you reach the bone, release the slices by cutting under them along the leg bone. Place slices on a warmed serving platter. (4) Drizzle the lamb with Cosimo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Serve immediately.

Asparagus
Ingredients
1½ pounds fresh green asparagus
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon Cosimo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil (from The Scrumptious Pantry)

Method (1) Fill a large stock pot with cold water, bring to a rolling boil and add one teaspoon of kosher salt. (2) Wash asparagus to remove any dirt and trim ends. (3) Add asparagus to boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender. (4) Drain and place on warm serving platter, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Serve immediately.

Serving suggestion: Serve the meal with artisan baked baguette.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Tasty stories at heart of Scrumptious Pantry: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Food

The Wednesday, March 3, Chicago Sun-Times: Food published an article about The Scrumptious Pantry (print and web). Click on the below link to read more.

Tasty stories at heart of Scrumptious Pantry :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Food

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Roasting and Grilling Salt

Salt – The Spice of Life!

Roasting and Grilling Fine Sea Salt is an all-purpose seasoning spice

For every meal there’s one thing people generally reach for before they even take a bite – the salt shaker. Salt is one of the oldest spices used and is a key component to humans, animals and plants. Its flavor is unique and versatile. Salt has been a staple throughout time.

The Scrumptious Pantry offers an herbed Roasting and Grilling Salt that can be used as an all-purpose seasoning salt in salads, sauces, soups, and main dishes! It’s perfect for outdoor barbecuing, too!

The salt’s fresh aromatic herbs (sage, rosemary, bay leave, garlic) and lemon peel mixed with fine Italian sea salt will enhance all types of food no matter the cooking method. It is produced by proud farmers Roberta and Giulio who live close to Vinci, in Tuscany. They follow organic agricultural practices and handpick the garlic, lemons, sage, rosemary and bay leaves. They carefully mix the fresh herbs with Italian sea salt, letting the herbs slowly dry in the salt to conserve the aromas at their very best and to find that perfect balance of ingredients.

Please find two easy recipes below. Keep cooking and enjoying your meals with family and friends!

Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to find a store near you that sells the Roasting and Grilling Salt (as well as others food items) or to order online visit www.piazzaitalianmarket.com/store.

About The Scrumptious Pantry

The Scrumptious Pantry is “Real Food from Real People.” All of our food items are made in small batches that come from family farms that embrace the traditional philosophies of farming and the importance of growing crops as safely as possible through natural means. In the kitchen traditional artisan techniques are followed to create culinary treasures that do not include any additives, fillers or preservatives—only estate-grown ingredients, passion and the belief that food is nourishment for the body and soul. Each product proudly displays the farmer whose name it carries to show they stand behind what they grow and make. From our farms to your table we pledge to provide a difference you can taste. Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to learn more.


GRILLING AND ROASTING SALT RECIPES

Fish on the Grill

Ingredients
1 3-pound whole sea bass, cleaned and without scales
Fresh parsley, as need
1 lemon, sliced
3 tablespoons Roberta’s Roasting and Grilling Salt
6 tablespoons Cosimo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Method (1) Preheat grill to 350°F. (2) Place the whole, cleaned fish on a piece of aluminum foil big enough to wrap it in foil completely. (3) Stuff fish with parsley and lemon slices. (4) Rub the fish generously with Roasting and Grilling Salt and drizzle the Extra Virgin Olive Oil over the fish. (5) Close aluminum wrap well, place package in center of grill and cook for approximately 20 minutes.

Note: Use caution when opening aluminum package because there will be hot steam escaping.

Summer Frittata

Ingredients
2 tablespoons Cosimo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 medium potatoes, sliced
6 eggs
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Roberta’s Roasting and Grilling Salt
Black pepper, as needed
12 cherry tomatoes

Method (1) In a non-stick frying pan, sauté sliced potatoes in two tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and let cool slightly. (2) In a separate bowl beat eggs, mixing them with cheese, Roasting and Grilling Salt and black pepper. (3) Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them and the potatoes into egg mixture. (4) Combine well before pouring mixture frying pan and cook over medium heat, turning once, until potatoes are fork tender. Enjoy hot or cold.

Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to find a store near you that sells these and other special ingredients or to order online visit www.piazzaitalianmarket.com/store

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Foodie Public Relations Web Site

Foodie Public Relations has launched its first web site.

Visit the site at www.foodiepublicrelations.com to read more.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

The Love Apple Menu for Valentine's Day

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a scrumptious menu cooking with tomato-based items

When the tomato arrived into Europe it was slow to catch on, the red color became associated with poison. However the French and Italians dismissed this myth and the tomato became known as poma amoris or pomme d’amour. It subsequently became known as a symbol for the aphrodisiac qualities of food and was labeled as the Love Apple.

Every cook knows the way to the heart is through the mouth, so The Scrumptious Pantry created an easy-to-make, tempting and light three-course Valentine’s Day dinner that includes several tomato-based foods.

Start with antipasti with a sun-dried tomato spread and a green tomato jam. Next, enjoy the primo with a heart-warming tomato sauce served over farfalle made from durum wheat. Finish the delectable meal with dolce served with tomato jam with grappa.

The Love Apple is the secret ingredient to the heart, so there’s no need for cupid’s arrow! Adding The Scrumptious Pantry’s sweet and savory tomato ingredients of love to your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner is guaranteed to woo the apple of your eye.

Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to find a store near you that sells these special tomato ingredients (as well as others food items) or to order online visit www.piazzaitalianmarket.com/store.

About The Scrumptious Pantry
The Scrumptious Pantry is “Real Food from Real People.” All of our food items are made in small batches that come from family farms that embrace the traditional philosophies of farming and the importance of growing crops as safely as possible through natural means. In the kitchen traditional artisan techniques are followed to create culinary treasures that do not include any additives, fillers or preservatives—only estate-grown ingredients, passion and the belief that food is nourishment for the body and soul. Each product proudly displays the farmer whose name it carries to show they stand behind what they grow and make. From our farms to your table we pledge to provide a difference you can taste. Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to learn more.


The “Love Apple” Menu

Antipasti: Heart-shaped crostini with Roberta’s Sun-dried Tomato Spread (or Roberta’s Eggplant Spread) served with cheese nibbles with Barbara’s Green Tomato Jam as a condiment

Ingredients

2/3 cup cream cheese
1/3 cup Roberta’s Sun-dried Tomato Spread (or 1/3 cup Roberta’s Eggplant Spread)
Cosimo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil “Premium Blend”, as needed
1 loaf of bread, cut into heart shapes (use a cookie cutter to make heart shapes)

Method: 1) Mix cream cheese and sun-dried tomato spread (or eggplant spread). 2) Spread mixture on breads hearts. 3) Drizzle with olive oil.

Cheese nibbles: Serve aged sheep cheeses, Parmeggiano-Reggiano, Grana Padana or fresh mozzarella. Break chunks of cheese out of the Parmeggiano or Grana using the tip of a knife. Cut aged sheep cheeses first in slices and each slice in to three triangle shaped bites. Cut mozzarella in slices and cut each slice in four bite-size pieces. The mozzarella also can be briefly grilled on a slice of bread in the oven, with a layer of green tomato jam between bread and cheese! Serve condiments on the side in small dessert bowls or shot glasses with small spoons. You also can use honey or Cosimo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil as cheese condiments.


Primo: Carlo’s Durum Wheat Pasta with heart-warming tomato sauce

Ingredients
1/2 bag (9 ounces) of Carlo’s Durum Wheat Pasta—Farfalle
1 garlic clove, slightly crushed
3 tablespoons Cosimo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil “Blend”
1 chili pepper, small
1 ½ lb. canned and diced tomatoes
1 Tablespoon Roberta’s Sun-dried Tomato Spread
2 teaspoons Guido’s Balsamic Dressing Sauce

Method: Note: Tomato-based sauces are more flavorful after simmering at least one hour. They can also be made a day ahead to enhance its flavor and save time on Valentine’s Day. 1) To make the sauce, in a frying pan, heat crushed garlic glove in olive oil until the garlic is slightly browned. 2) Take garlic out of oil, add one small hot chilli pepper and tomatoes. 3) Add the sun-dried tomato spread. Sauce should simmer on medium heat for at least one hour. (Note: If a meat sauce is preferred, add 8 ounces each of ground beef, 3 ounces of finely chopped prosciutto and 3 ounces of finely chopped bacon. Brown meats in olive oil before adding the tomato and chili pepper) 4) Bring salted water to boil for the pasta. Do not add oil to the water. 5) Add pasta to the boiling water. When the pasta is almost al dente (after 9 to 10 minutes), drain and put the pasta in the pan with the sauce. (Note: Do not rinse the pasta because you will wash away the starch needed to have the sauce stick to the noodle.) 6) Add balsamic dressing sauce and let stand for two minutes. Serve on warmed plates/bowls.

Dolce: Ricotta with Barbara’s Tomato Jam with GrappaIngredients

½ pound (8 ounces) fresh ricotta
1 shot glass of grappa, dark rum (aged for a minimum of 7 years) or pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of sugar
Barbara’s Tomato Jam with Grappa, as needed (or another jam of your choosing)
Nutmeg, freshly ground, as needed.

Method: 1) Mix ricotta, sugar and grappa/rum/vanilla until well combined. 2) Spoon mixture into small glass bowls (or tall shot glasses). 3) Top with a thin layer of tomato jam with grappa. 4) Garnish with freshly ground nutmeg.

Visit www.scrumptiouspantry.com to find a store near you that sells these and other special ingredients or to order online visit www.piazzaitalianmarket.com/store

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie