Popular italian meals

It's interesting:
"Oh. Is there a wedding going on? .... You may never see a wedding like this one again … not now that they've banned multi-buys on supermarket booze. ..."

Italy's signature cuisine is served in many countries. The Italian food culture varies in custom according to the local province. Recipes differ in preparation reflecting regional influences of the city. Tuscan cuisine highlights white beans- Tuscan white bean and spinach soup is popular, along with Italian Wedding soup. Sicilian meal preparations indicate Middle Eastern influences, whereas Northern Italian cooking reflects French styles. Regardless of the history, Italian food remains popular abroad including the United States.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

1. Couples

   • Antipasto is considered a traditional Italian pre-course staple.

     Couples who dine at Italian restaurants can order a full-course dinner starting with popular appetizers that include calamari, (batter-dipped deep fried squid,) cold or hot steamed mussels and thin slices of prosciutto (a cured Italian ham) served with melon. Cold mozzarella cheese alternated with tomato slices and sprinkled with fresh oregano complete the list of appetizer favorites. Antipasto, translated means- "serve before the pasta," is a platter of various meats, peppers, olives and cheeses served before the entree. Garlic bread or fresh-baked Italian bread, served with a small dish of olive oil sprinkled with salt and fresh ground pepper, frequently accompanies an Italian meal. Fettuccine Alfredo, spinach pasta, and white wine sauce with mushrooms are considered favorites. Risotto, a creamy rice recipe, and escarole sauteed with garlic are Italian side dishes. Together they can be served with Cod Florentine, a Mediterranean-influenced white fish drizzled with olive oil and baked with white wine, tomatoes and olives.

   Children

   • Kids love spaghetti.

     Spaghetti and meatballs is a favorite Italian meal for kids. The children's picture book and movie, "Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs," was inspired by children's love of spaghetti. "On Top Old Smokey" became the parody tune for another children's song, "On Top of Spaghetti." Spaghetti is considered a complete meal for kids, although parents may offer carrots, celery and bread sticks as an accompaniment. Pizza is another child favorite, partially because it's a low-maintenance meal kids can eat with both hands. Commercial Pizza Houses and restaurants have gained popularity with kids, providing pizza birthday parties with different choices of pizza for children. Choices range from Hawaiian Pizza (pizza with ham and pineapple), vegetarian pizza, and even two different varieties of pizza on one pie. Ravioli is a favorite of younger children, while meatball hero sandwiches are favored by teenagers, especially boys.

   Families

   • Lasagna, a one-dish Italian meal, is a family favorite.

     Lasagna is a popular choice for families as a filling Italian dish that serves several people. The casserole-like dish is layered with large flat noodles, cheese, herb-flavored tomato sauce and sometimes spinach and boiled egg. Eggplant Parmigiana, (floured eggplant fried and baked with tomato sauce and cheese) and served with spaghetti, is another popular family meal. Chicken Cacciatore, also well-liked dish, is fried chicken smothered in an herb tomato sauce, bay leaves cooked simmering over a top stove and served over rice. Paella, is a one-dish seafood meal, made with yellow rice, clams, mussels, shrimp and vegetables. Polenta is a baked, moist cornmeal dish that can be served hot or cold.

   Considerations

   • Gelatos are offered mainly in the summer.

     Cannolis, pastry shells baked in the shape of a tube and filled with sweet ricotta cheese, and Tiramasu, a spongecake soaked with rum and filled with vanilla flavored cream, are popular Italian desserts. Neapolitans, layered pastry with light cream and frosted with a chocolate and vanilla glaze, and Italian Wedding cookies, small round shortbread-like cookies, are also popular. Gelatos are sweet sorbet-like Italian ices popular during the summer. Espresso and cappuccino are favored Italian coffees.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: served with, Italian meal, meal kids, tomato sauce, baked with