Fall..Pumpkins and Exciting Culinary Events!

copyright 2009, Maria Liberati

Fall is here, or almost and there are so many appearances coming up. Just wanted to let you know about some exciting events and happenings, hope you can join us! First here is one of my favorite fall recipes; pumpkins are everywhere and we have gotten our supply for The Basic Art of Italian Cooking kitchen here and getting them ready for some pumpkin risotto for tomorrow. Here are some other ways to use your pumpkins coming up will be my recipe for pumpkin risotto, but let’s begin with this and some exciting events!

Pumpkin seeds provide a great source of potassium and many other essential nutrients- potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium and molybdenum. They are also a great source of fiber and healthy unsaturated fats. To roast pumpkin seeds, roast at a low oven temperature (250 to 300 degrees) to protect their good fats. Bake 15 to 20 minutes in a single layer on a rimmed cookie sheet, tossing about halfway through.

Or toss seeds in olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite spices. Try cumin, coriander, rosemary, cayenne, garlic salt. For a sweeter taste, try tossing with melted butter then sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

 But pumpkins can be used for more than just pumpkin pie. Roast pumpkin by peeling and cutting pumpkin into wedges and roast with sliced garlic, onions, potatoes drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with rosemary.

Or try this, pour pureed pumpkin into ice cube trays and then store in zip-lock bags in your freezer. Add the cubes to soups and stews throughout the winter for a flavorful and nutritious boost.

 Enjoy a culinary Christmas in Italy weekend in Lancaster, Pa with me in November!

For those of you that have not been able to join my culinary tours in Italy, we have created a weekend of cooking at a beautiful Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster,Pa. No passport needed to get there!
It is the Christmas in Italy weekend celebrating the release of
 The Basic Art of Italian Cooking-Holidays & Special Occasions.

November  6-8,2009
BELLA LUNA – A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH REGIONAL ITALY
THE NEW ITALIAN COOKING VACATION;
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED
LIMITED RESERVATIONS, for info or reservations:
1-888-824-3763
A Journey with Celebrity Chef Maria Liberati as She Explores the Italian Holidays

New Holland, PA. – With the excitement of the 2009 season in full swing, Chef/Innkeeper Carl Kosko has teamed up with Celebrity Chef Maria Liberati to bring to you a taste of the Old Country; Passport not required! In a weekend filled with not only cooking advice, but fine dining experiences and informative tours, Harvest Moon B&B’s, “Bella Luna Weekend” (Beautiful Moon) along with Maria Liberati offer the ideal “edutaining” hands on getaway without having to board a plane to Europe.
Learn how to expertly prepare the simplest of ingredients into a work of art in your kitchen. The Harvest Moons Bella Luna Cooking Class is scheduled for Nov. 6th & 7th 2009. This weekend packages include recipes for traditional takes on classic Italian Cooking and hands-on demonstrations on how to prepare them. Extend your stay the day before and enjoy a tour to the Central Market where the Amish sell their produce and meats each morning.  All of this is set at The Harvest Moon B&B, in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, where the clip clop of Amish buggies is heard in tune with the chopping of fresh herbs, and both combine to offer the perfect culinary excursion.
At the heart of Harvest Moon’s Bella Luna Cooking Weekends are demonstrations of wonderful new ways to prepare traditional Italian dishes. Watch as Maria Liberati prepares unique holiday recipes. All participants will receive copies of recipes prepared.
Guests who take part in the weekend package will enjoy Maria’s fine cooking here at the Harvest Moon and also a wonderful Antipasti/cheese tasting here at The Harvest Moon. Suggestions for pairings with wines will be included, and guests are welcome to bring their favorite wines to enjoy with the Antipasti tasting.
Top this culinary adventure off with romantic accommodations including two-story suites and Jacuzzi tubs, and the Harvest Moon B&B’s “Bella Luna Weekend” will be the perfect way to enjoy your culinary vacation.
The “Bella Luna Weekend” includes:
Breakfast each morning
A collection of Italian Recipes extracted from personal travels and well loved cookbooks
“Bella Luna” cooking demonstration
Meal prepared by Celebrity Chef Maria Liberati
Cheese and Wine Pairing
Antipasti Demonstration and Tasting
Tour of Lancaster’s Central Market (with extended stay)
A fine gift from your host at The Harvest Moon
All for $200.00 per person (not including tax)
In order to keep the weekend personalized, limited space is available. Book now by calling 888-824-3763.
Mangia Bene, Vivi Bene
Maria
http://twitter.com/Marialiberati