Italy is one of the oldest countries in the world, and thanks to the geographical boundaries of the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps it has remained largely unchanged throughout history. Even during the Roman Empire, Italy was set apart. Legions that had been abroad always knew when they had returned to the mother country. Italian food history, however, reaches far beyond the country's borders.
Mario Batali Cookware
For starters, look at pasta. There is much historical debate on its origins, but many historians point to Marco Polo's voyages to the Far East, from which he returned with all manner of foreign spices and foods, as the venue from which pasta came. The Chinese had cooked with noodles for centuries, and Marco Polo's men encountered the same on their travels.
Mario Batali Cookware
The tomato, now considered a staple in Italian cuisine, was long thought to be poisonous, partly because it is related to the deadly nightshade plant. Other Europeans found it to be palatable long before the first Italian cook simmered some down to make tomato sauce.
The Greeks, neighbors and frequent military rivals of the Italians, had a great amount of influence on Italian cuisine, especially in the area of spices and the preparation of seafood. Calamari, or squid, now a common dish on every Italian restaurant menu, was originally something Greeks were known for consuming.
The Roman Empire's excursions into North Africa were another fertile breeding ground for culinary expansion. The number of herbs, spices and vegetables that entered the Italian menu from Egypt and the other African territories is uncountable.
Even today, Italian food history continues to evolve. Much of the changes now, though, take place beyond the shores of Italy. In America, for example, chefs like Mario Batali have fused classic Italian dishes with American cuisine to come up with dishes that combine the best of both worlds. In cities and towns all over the country, chefs are taking traditional ingredients and combining them in new ways. In what could perhaps be called a "full-circle" journey for pasta, some Italian-Asian fusion restaurants are even beginning to evolve.
But perhaps the best way to get a full idea of Italian food history is to get out and eat some. Better yet, eat a lot! Eating Italian food is always better than Italian food history.
Where Does Italian Food History Begin?
Mario Batali Cookware
Oct 18, 2011 23:27:48
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Lodge Color 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Caribbean Blue Feature
- 6-quart Dutch oven made of cast iron with chip-resistant porcelain-enamel finish
- Cast-iron loop side handles for a safe, secure grip when transporting
- Self-basting cover with handle traps in heat, moisture, and nutrients
- Hand wash; wood or silicone utensils recommended; oven-safe to 400 degrees F
- Measures 10-3/4 inches in diameter by 4-1/2 inches deep; limited lifetime warranty
Lodge Color 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Caribbean Blue Overview
This 6 Qt enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, refrigeration and freezing. The color porcelain enamel on cast iron can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven. Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames. Not for use in microwaves. Lodge Color Porcelain Enamel on Cast Iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron. The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom sidewalls and even the lid. Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture. The excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking. Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean. Lid knob is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The black rim on the pot is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron. Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food. Although dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance. 10 3/4" diameter, 4 1/2" deep. Caribbean Blue
Lodge Color 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Caribbean Blue Specifications
Lodge Color is one of the newest lines from this respected American cast-iron cookware company. Traditionally shaped and more affordable than some European brands, Lodge Color enameled cast-iron is just as durable, requires no seasoning, and attractively serves at the table. Lodge infuses this 6-quart Dutch oven with two coats of hard-as-nails porcelain enamel, in a choice of several bright colors that are gradated (dark to light) on the exterior, and which are nicely set off by a cream interior. Embellished with concentric circles and a black knob, the lid, which also fits the Lodge Color 11-inch skillet, is oven-safe to 400 degrees F, so you can start a stew or casserole on the stovetop and finish by baking it in the oven. The 6-quart Dutch oven measures 10-3/4 inches in diameter by 4-1/2 inches deep.
Lodge enameled cast iron makes a smart choice due to its versatility--you can marinate raw meats in it, since it won't absorb odors or flavors, and you can braise, saute, simmer, and bake in it as well. Made in China to Lodge's meticulous specifications, each cookware item is first clad in matte black enamel before the color is added. The black rim that shows on the oven is actually the scratch-resistant matte enamel, not the raw cast iron. Though the Dutch oven is dishwasher-safe, washing by hand is recommended to best preserve the glossy finish. Look also for the pricier Lodge Enamel series, with its unique L-shaped lid knob, in a different set of colors and sizes to suit any kitchen. All Lodge enameled ware is covered by a lifetime warranty against defects. --Ann Bieri
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