So You Want to Cook Italian Food
Abdrew Krause
When it comes to ethnic cuisines, there are none more popular than Italian food. From your local pizza joint (debatable as to whether that's truly Italian food) to the four-star places found in major cities, Italian food is one of the top choices when families are deciding where to go to eat out. The food of Italy is commonly thought to be decadent, cheese-laden stuff with a predominance of garlic and oregano, almost always involving pasta of some sort and usually served with a good bottle of wine. While none of this is untrue about Italian cuisine, it does give one a very limited view of what is one of worlds most varied culinary areas. Italian food has two main influences: geography and history. The geographical influences largely determine the base components of the food that is served in various parts of the country. In the south, with the warmer climate and abundant access to the sea, tomatoes are abundant, and olive oil is the main fat used in cooking. In the north, where livestock are abundant, butter is the fat of choice and the cheeses are much more varied and exotic. The historical influences result from Italy having been a battleground many times throughout history, and one of the worlds great imperial powers at one time. The Roman Empire brought in foods and influences from all of Europe and much of Asia and Africa, and after the fall of the empire many other cultures brought their food, and their soldiers, across the Alps. If you go looking for Italian cookbooks, try to find one that gives you a "tour of Italy" in its recipe offerings. Different regions of the country are famous for different dishes, and you should give yourself a chance to cook a little of each of them before deciding on a favorite. Most Italian chefs specialize in one region's cuisine, but the best, like Mario Batali, have a broad appreciation for all of the others. Your Italian food should be the same: drawn from all over! The area in which I live you will find a very wide variety of Italian food.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/so-you-want-to-cook-italian-food-573027.html
Angel Hair Pasta With Chicken and Vegetables Makes a Great Busy Week Night Dinner
Author: Linda Wilson
For busy working parents, single moms, sports families, etc. this recipe will help you have dinner ready in 30 minutes. No need for fast food when you can make this healthy, nutritious meal for your family in no more time than it would take to go through the fast food drive-through window, get home and set the food out. Make a promise to yourself to feed your family more healthy food this year and add this recipe for Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables to your meal planning file. This meal is not only healthy and delicious, it is inexpensive, too. Add garlic bread and a salad, if you want. You will have a great meal that your family will no doubt request again. ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES 2 tbsps olive oil, divided 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves, cut into cubes 1 carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 pkg (10 oz) frozen broccoli florets, thawed 2 cloves garlic, minced 12 oz angel hair pasta 2/3 cup chicken broth 1 tsp dried basil 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Yield: 4 servings. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chicken to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring, until the chicken is cooked through. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet. Put the water on to heat to cook the pasta according to package directions. Add the carrot to the skillet and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes. Add the broccoli and garlic to the carrot skillet and cook, while continuing to stir, for a couple more minutes. Cook pasta. While pasta is cooking, add chicken broth, basil and Parmesan cheese to the skillet mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients. Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Drain pasta and place in a large serving bowl. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Serve immediately while still hot. Enjoy!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pasta-dishes-articles/angel-hair-pasta-with-chicken-and-vegetables-makes-a-great-busy-week-night-dinner-725494.html