March 2, 2007
Olive oil has a very distinctive flavor, and has become more prominent in American cooking today.
Grades of olive oils are determined by the methods of extraction and the acid content of the resulting oil. Virgin oils are those obtained from the first pressing of the olive without further refinement.
The finest olive oil is extra virgin, with an acid content of 1%. Following this are superfine at 1.5%, fine at 3%, and virgin at 4%.
Pure olive oils are those which have been extracted by heat. These are of 100% olive oil, but their flavor can result in a harsh, bitter aftertaste.
Pomace olive oil is refined from the final pressings and under heat and pressure. The taste is inferior to other olive oils and should never be substituted for them.
Olive oil becomes rancid very easily and also burns easily.
Parmesan – Hard-textured cheese, cooked but not pressed, named after the producing areas of Parma and Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
Mozzarella - Soft, white cheese with a very delicate flavor. Can be dried to an eating cheese, commonly called Sierra.
Provolone - Whole-milk cheese made from cows milk. Fairly firm in texture, pale yellow in color, its flavor ranges from mild and slightly sweet to strong and tangy.
Ricotta - Unripened cheese made of the whey of other cheeses. Slightly sweet and grainy, it is often used in sweets and as a pasta filling.
Mascarpone - Soft Italian cheese that is a delicately flavored creamed cheese. Often used in the same fashion as whipped cream, it is an important ingredient in Tiramisu.
Salami – Cured meat with varying tastes. Made with pork, salt, spices, garlic and wine.
Sopressata – Salami made with black peppercorns. Comes in Hot (with Red Pepper) and Sweet flavors.
Tonno – Tuna in olive oil.
Italian Sausage – Fresh coarse pork usually flavored with garlic and fennel seed or anise seed. Comes in two styles - hot (flavored
with hot, red peppers) and sweet (without the added heat).
Prosciutto – Ham that has been seasoned, salt cured, and dried.
Mortadella – Sausage originating from Bologna, pink in color, and is studded with cubes of creamy fat and sometimes pistachios.
This fantastic Italian dessert is made with whipped ricotta, powder sugar and a licorice liquer. All this is put into a cannoli shell and dusted with powdered sugar. Bon Appetito!
Don’t these look great?
Or you can buy our Cannoli shells and stuff them yourself!
Art is a big part of Italian culture, and isn’t only visible in its museums. Colorful streets are lined with buildings of every shape, size, and color - often characterized by huge arches and columns. Decorative windows, steps, and fountains are a great testament to a wide variety of styles and tastes.
If you are planning a trip to Italy, take time to plan a tour of the local art.
Politics, taxes and religion are always the top 3 in any culture. It Italy you might want to also avoid bringing up the Mafia, the Italian influence of World War II, criticizing Italian culture, negative Italian stereotypes, It’s also considered rude to inquire about the profession or income of someone you have just met. Family concerns are considered off limits along with off color jokes.
But the most important may be not to make negative comments about the local soccer team.
The Italian people are always happy to discuss the architecture of the area and of Italy in general. Art, local and national, also enjoy being among the most common subjects.
Since wine & food are such a huge part of day to day life, you may find this topic seems to be something you are always discussing. Sports, especially Soccer (called Football in most of the world), is a great area of conversation. Italians also really enjoy talking about these subjects in your home country too.
Conversation is an art form in Italy. You can walk along the open cafes in almost any town in Italy and hear people engaged in intense, animated discussions on many different matters. Listen in and you will hear subjects like Italian culture, art, films, food, wine and sports.
There isn’t often a moment of silence in the course of a conversation. It is truly an experience to just listen and observe, even when you can’t understand!
“Una giornata senza riso è una giornata sprecata ” is a common proverb of Italian culture.
Whether in a classroom or strolling along the streets, the Italian people express an authenticity and passion unmatched the world over. Italians are warm, welcoming and enjoy sharing the pleasures of life with others.
We (Joe & Peppy) have been in business for more than 35 years! Our goal has always been to provide the finest products we can find.
We make all our own breads and cookies along with homemade italian sausage. We have recently increased our varieties of breads and pastries. Our mix of products continue to grow!
Please take a look at all our Italian products at www.niccolisdeli.com and enjoy them with your family.