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These romantic dinner date ideas are sure to impress, and these easy meals for two can (and should!) be made together. Tiramisu, dumplings, and customizable pizzas all included. These fun date night ideas will make staying in the new going out. 1. Whip Up Something Delicious Together If you’re frantically searching for date night ideas near me, your search ends here. Seriously. What better way to spend time with your special someone (and fill your belly with delicious food) than by making something delicious together? Here are some of our favorite (easy!) date night recipes for two: Make a Classic Tiramisù Tiramisù is for everyone, but especially for lovers! Ditch the expensive restaurant next date night and treat your special someone to a fun experience and a delicious dessert at the same time. In this online cooking class, Chef Francesco will skillfully walk you through making one of the most beloved desserts of all times. Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade batch of tiramisù! Try Our Chicken and Mushroom Claypot Rice If you’re looking to make something on the heartier side, this Chicken and Mushroom Clay Pot Rice is sure to please. Want to make it even more special? Mix up a margarita beforehand and have a batch of tiramisu for after! A date night menu that's perfect for two. Take a Pizza Making Class In this virtual cooking class, master chef Peppe Miele will teach you and your date how to make authentic Neapolitan Pizza, in every shape and form; calzone, panzerotto, traditional, gluten free and more! We have both in-person and online classes available, so if you and your date are hoping for a fun night in, this is the perfect option for a cozy date night. Pop open a bottle of your favorite wine or serve up a few refreshing Paloma de la Tardes. Give the Gift of Dumplings This easy-to-follow virtual class will steal your heart for good. You and your date will learn how to make, fill, and wrap your own homemade dumplings in this virtual dumpling making class. For more information or to book your date night experience, click here. 2. Book an In-Home Chef for You and Your Date If you’re looking for a unique date night idea, but you’re not too keen on the idea of cooking yourself, how about booking a world-renowned chef to come to you? Instead of spending most of your special evening in the kitchen, bring a 5-star meal straight to your table and surprise your date with a fancy night in, where neither of you have to cook. (win/win!) Hire one of our expert chefs for your next dinner party, birthday, anniversary, brunch, luncheon, cocktail party, Valentine's Day date, or any other special event. Starting at only $350 (for two people), our in-home chef experience will woo you and your partner with a meal fit for royalty. Book a call to schedule your date night in-home chef experience today! 3. Go Straight for the Dessert Who says you can’t stick to the sweets on date night? If you want to impress your date, you can always opt for the perfect chocolate cake, a gooey Banana Bread French Toast, or next-level chocolate chip cookies to kick off your evening with your sweetie. Whether you’re going out or staying in, these date night recipes will come in handy when it’s time to treat your special someone, so don’t forget to save this post! ❤️ Make sure to follow us on @Instagram and Pinterest!

Since the beginning of time, women have played the essential roles of feeding and nurturing our communities, but there are a few special ones who have changed the game. In honor of Women's History Month, we're showcasing some of the chefs, creators, and businesswomen making waves in the food industry. Silvia Carluccio | Owner + Founder IMPASTIAMO We’d be totally remiss if we didn’t first mention our founder, Silvia. This powerhouse of a woman founded IMPASTIAMO as a reaction to the global pandemic, and has been working tirelessly to cultivate the relationship that we have with food and cooking, ever since. Thanks to Silvia’s hard work, we’ve been able to raise money for some amazing nonprofits like No Us Without You, various California Food Banks, and Feed the Music–a series of cooking classes hosted by musicians in support of the music industry. “As soon as the pandemic hit, I realized that while the food industry was going to be impacted the most, people needed to eat, connect with one another, and chefs still had a need to share their art and cook for people while making money. My main goal was to use technology as a way to continue bringing people together and allow people to express themselves and forget about Covid for a couple hours. IMPASTIAMO was born as a way to connect people and help professionals continue earning money.” Read more about Silvia here! Alexis Brown & Ariel Neal | Founders Causing a Stir It was at a luncheon two years ago that Alexis Brown and Ariel Neal found their way of giving back. Angered by the lack of diversity in the bartending industry, the two women came together and created Causing a Stir , an organization that aims to "uplift and empower underrepresented and underserved individuals in the hospitality industry," Neal said. Since its inception in 2016, thousands of women looking to build successful careers in the food and beverage industry have utilized their amazing resources. Read more here. Elisabeth Atangana | Regional Platform of African Peasant Organizations Chair of the Regional Platform of African Peasant Organizations and a farmer by profession, Atangana is a lifelong champion for rural rights and women’s empowerment in agriculture. Atangana served as President of the Pan-African Farmers Organization from 2010 to 2012, where she worked to create training opportunities throughout the food and farming sector. In 2012, Atangana was appointed as Special Ambassador for Cooperatives to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. Alice Waters | “Inventor of California Cuisine” Alice Waters is affectionately known as the inventor of California Cuisine. Like many famous female chefs, she had a love for French cooking techniques but also a passion for fresh, local produce and naturally-sourced ingredients. She opened her restaurant, called Chez Panisse, in Berkeley in 1971 and made a unique statement by offering a set five-course, fixed-price menu. The meal was made only from the freshest seasonal and local products that she sourced from a community of farmers and ranchers who provided her with naturally grown, mostly organic foods. Alice was an inspirational female chef who stayed true to her values of sustainability by incorporating organic and healthy foods into a structured restaurant environment. She led the way for a fresh approach to cooking and launched a trend for organic and locally produced ingredients that has now become mainstream around the world. She’s also known for her organic food project called the Edible Schoolyard Project, a food education program that teaches kids about how to grow, cook with, and enjoy healthy, organic foods all while serving the community. Gabriela Cámara | Owner + Founder Cala A female chef hailing from Mexico City, Cámara opened Cala in San Francisco. She filled 70% of the staff openings with former convicts, proving that if you treat your employees well, and pay them above minimum wage, the high turnover rates of restaurant staff will almost disappear. In addition to creating sustainable work opportunities, Gabriela is dedicated to creating a cultural exchange through food that she serves. And last month, the Mexican government named Ms. Cámara to a new Council of Cultural Diplomacy, composed of people who bring global prestige to Mexican culture. save me for later!

The Madia pizza dough box is a total game-changer for homemade pizza enthusiasts. ICYMI, Chefs Table is back, with a twist...a PIZZA twist (*swoon*). Needless to say, we're pretty avid fans of a good pizza dough. So when we watched Chef Franco Pepe open his episode (Chef's Table: Pizza, EP 4) with his very own dough proofing box, we almost fainted. 🍕 If you've ever made your own pizza from scratch, you'll know that there are many factors that contribute to it's success: a good recipe, high-quality flour, plenty of time + patience, and the perfect conditions (temperature, humidity, etc…). You’re probably also already aware that the best way to ensure your pizza dough rises consistently and efficiently is by using a madia dough box (just like the pros) Keep reading for everything you need to know about madia pizza dough boxes and how to proof the *perfect* pizza dough! Dough Proofing? What’s That?? When it comes to bread making, “proofing” refers to the final rise that a ball of dough undergoes, which happens after being shaped into a loaf but before it’s baked. Fermentation and proofing are sometimes used interchangeably. The purpose of a dough proofer (aka proofing box, dough box, proofing oven or proofing cabinet) is to promote yeast fermentation by providing warm temperatures and controlled humidity. When the temperature is nice and warm, the yeast becomes more active, producing more carbon dioxide and resulting in a higher, faster rise. For most breads and other baked goods, the dough rises until almost doubled in size in the final proof and becomes light, fluffy, and jiggly. If you are a baker or if you make pizza dough, a madia dough box is an absolute necessity. It makes for the perfect proofing method for dough, ensuring a deliciously chewy dough. What is a Madia Dough Box? The madia ("maidda" in the Calabrian dialect) is a container made from a single block of wood, rectangular in shape, with raised edges, in which bread was kneaded in the Calabrian country houses. In the past making bread was a ritual that was repeated every 15 days; the head of the family went to the mill to buy the sack of flour that had to be freshly ground, while the youngest daughter had the task of taking the "crescente" (mother yeast) from the neighbor who had last made the bread. The mother yeast container was shared by all the families in the neighborhood, and over the years it went from house to house to keep its precious and delicate contents alive. Bread has always been one of the main foods on the tables of the Calabrian people and was used in many ways, as a symbol of a society with few, simple and genuine things. During the preparation of the loaves the kitchen became a battlefield. Once the process was finished, if everything had been well done, the madia dough box remained completely free of residue. The last step of the procedure involved baking the bread in the wood-fired oven. When it was not used to make dough, the madia dough box served as a container for bread and other foods. “Madia” means sideboard, and no one is really sure if it got its name because of its look, or because some Italians literally used their dough boxes as sideboards. The world may never know. A Madia dough box is also way better for the environment (as opposed to using plastic wrap or plastic bags) since you can use them over and over. (Cheers to #sustainability!) How to Take Care of Your Madia To keep your madia dough box clean and in working order for years to come, you’ll want to maintain it properly. When you're finished using it, simply brush it down with some warm water, or wipe it out with a clean cloth– but do not use detergent or cleaners. You don’t want to remove all of the delicious oils that will begin to collect over time. Madia dough boxes will age like a fine wine if properly taken care of. However, if you don’t clean it out well, mold will begin to grow. After it’s cleaned, make sure to leave your dough box out in open air to dry. IMPASTIAMO Madia Dough Box Our traditional wooden madia dough boxes are carefully crafted by expert artisans, and are perfect for traditionally kneading the flour in order to prepare small batches of dough (around four to five pounds). This is a sturdy, air-tight, and easy-to-use dough box that keeps the dough fresh and prevents crusting! The madia wood has not undergone any harmful treatment, and it is designed specifically to be used for food–which means that it’s also free of odors and chemicals that can alter the taste of your dough. A traditional madia will make the perfect addition to any kitchen, whether you're a seasoned chef or a newly-interested baker. In conclusion, the Madia pizza dough box is a must-have for anyone who loves homemade pizza. It's easy to use, versatile, and produces delicious results every time. It's a great addition to any home kitchen, and it's perfect for pizza lovers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Madia pizza dough box will make your pizza-making experience more enjoyable and delicious! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our handmade Madia boxes by VPN, feel free to contact us!

Pearl River Deli's owner and chef Johnny Lee shares a few recipes to celebrate Lunar New Year Pearl River Deli's owner and chef Johnny Lee shares a few recipes to celebrate Lunar New Year. Lee is a native Angeleno who has worked in the Los Angeles restaurant industry for over a decade. He has helped run local favorite concepts such as Sticky Rice, Eggslut, and Sidechick before opening his own Pearl River Deli. Pearl River Deli opened in Chinatown a few month before the pandemic and was quickly rated one of the most exciting restaurants to eat in Los Angeles (New York Times, June 2021). A strong focus on Asian cuisines approached with traditional techniques but taking into account modern ingredient sourcing defines his cooking style which he happily shares with his fellow Angelenos. Check out some of our favorite recipes from Chef Johnny Lee: CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM CLAYPOT RICE Photo Cred: Johnny Lee STEAMED RICE FLOUR CAKE Photo Cred: Johnny Lee CHICKEN AND SHRIMP SIU MAI Photo Cred: Getty Images

Chef Gaston Storace is ready to share with us one of his favorite recipes: Chocolate Chip Cookies Chef Gaston Storace is nothing but passionate about sweet temptations, and this time he's sharing with us one of his favorite recipes. Chocolate Chip Cookies are an evergreen, they are never out of fashion and you can eat them in a thousand different ways: with milk at breakfast, as a quick meal in the afternoon or as a guilty pleasure while watching your favorite series. Lastly, since it's summer, you can fill them with ice cream and enjoy your cookies as a fresh and delicious snack. Are you craving cookies now? Well, you're in the right place. Here are Chef Gaston Storace's Chocolate Chip Cookies: INGREDIENTS Makes about 16 cookies 3 cups of all-purpose flour 2 eggs 2 cups of chocolate chips 2 cup of sugar 1 cup of butter 2 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon of baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon of sea salt INSTRUCTIONS PREHEAT THE OVEN Preheat the oven at 375ºF MAKE THE DOUGH In a large bowl mix the all-purpose flour with the ½ teaspoon of baking soda, the ½ teaspoon of baking powder and the ¼ teaspoon of salt. Once done, set aside. Mix the butter at room temperature with the sugar, until the mixture becomes white and creamy. Add the first egg and stir until combined; when the texture becomes homogeneous add the second egg. Now it's time to add all the dry ingredients little at a time. At the end you can incorporate the chocolate chips. Make 16 small balls by using your hand or with the help of an ice cream spoon. Place the balls on a baking sheet and let them cook in the oven for 10 minutes. Take them out when they barely start to become brown. They don't have to be crunchy, but soft in the middle. Enjoy with some milk and with your friends! Chef tip: you can freeze the cookie dough for up to two months, when you are ready to bake them, preheat the oven and let the balls cook for around 12 minutes.

Challenge yourself with new recipes this Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving dinner is just around the corner, but you can’t wait around all day for the turkey! Kick Thanksgiving day off in style with a fast, light, delicious Thanksgiving brunch to tide you over until the big feast. Whether you’re brunching while watching the Macy’s parade, or you’re or recovering from your late night Black Friday shopping haul, these easy Thanksgiving brunch ideas will be the cranberry on top of your fabulous holiday weekend. Photo Credit: Cameron Venti We all know, the pandemic has forced us to readapt and adopt new habits. Many of us have discovered new hobbies (and of course, one of them is cooking!). So it's normal if, for the first time, this year you’d like to challenge your Thanksgiving menu, and perhaps start new traditions. That’s how we thought: how about hosting a Thanksgiving brunch, instead of dinner? Start the food celebration early, with pumpkin bread, or your most traditional blueberry muffins, chicken meatballs and green goddess yogurt dressing. We’ve put together a list of the easiest but yet delicious recipes, all under 60 minutes preparation. Here are two fundamental tips if you’re thinking about organizing a Thanksgiving brunch: focus on sides and dressings, and source local and seasonal ingredients, because your raw ingredients will taste better. Enjoy! First of all: Give thanks with a Lambrusco Spritz Photo Credit: Getty Images Your Thanksgiving brunch won’t be complete without a little toast to the season–why not do it in seasonal style? Mulled wine is the king beverage for fall and winter season, but what about taking the best from it - the wine - and sip instead during your Thanksgiving Brunch a refreshing Lambrusco Spritz? Add red wine to your drink, you won’t regret it! Click here for the recipe “The Main”: Chicken (or Turkey) Meatballs - by Kai Chun Photo Credit: Maulik Shah These Miso Chicken Meatballs are going to be everyone’s favorites, especially your kids’. Milk in this recipe will make them moist and tender. Click here for the recipe Mashed Potatoes.. with Garlic (of course!) - by Andy Barghani Photo Credit: Getty Images Replace heavy whipping cream with labneh (a really soft cheese) and give your mashed potatoes a middle eastern twist. Click here for the recipe Black Beans and Mushrooms with a Mexican Twist - by Jonathan Mendelez Photo Credit: Getty Images This recipe combines the “best of both worlds'' by using mushrooms and black beans to create an untraditional quesadilla. This tortilla-burrito-style, will be the perfect bite to start your brunch with. Click here for the recipe Green Goddess Dressing (thick and creamy) - by Jessica Battilana Photo Credit: Getty Images Jessica Battilana is a freelance food writer and recipe developer based in Maine, and thanks to her cookbook you now have the perfect solution for your grilled meat (try it with chicken) or fish, or an easy-to-make sauce to dip your veggies. The full fat greek Yogurt gives richness to the sauce, while the herbs add a fresh touch. Click here for the recipe Blueberries Muffin from the ‘80s - by Nancy Harmon Jerkins Photo Credit: Fallon Michael This recipe is neither fancy or complicated, it is the essence of simplicity and home flavors. This recipe calls for blueberries, but feel free to substitute almost any ripe and sweet berry, or replace with chocolate chips. Click here for the recipe Pumpkin Bread - by Samantha Senevirtane Photo Credit: Getty Images This is the longest recipe (in terms of time) that we’ve chosen for our Thanksgiving brunch ideas. But don't be scared. It is just one hour long. Feel free to add nuts (we like pine nuts!) and replace cinnamon with spices of your choice. A perfect alternative to your traditional pancakes. Click here for the recipe Thanksgiving Brunch; Anything But Basic Mornings with extra guests (especially around the holidays) can be pretty stressful, but a brunch plan will make them so much easier! A few make-ahead items, like muffins and breads, will keep you and your guests satisfied until it's time for the turkey. And.. who doesn’t love an excuse to brunch? Do you have a Thanksgiving Brunch tradition in your house? What are your go-to recipes?

Alessandro Laganà from Francescana Group reveals how modern meets tradition at Restaurant Cavallino The region Emilia-Romagna divides North and Central Italy and it’s always been melting pot of cultures, traditions and languages. In fact, in ancient times it was a stepping stone for pilgrims on their way to Rome. Even today, this cultural bustle survives. Emilia-Romagna is one of the richest regions when it comes to food, wine, and cars. It's the home of Parmigiano Reggiano, aceto balsamico, tortellini, Prosciutto di Parma, but also Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati, and Ferrari. The name needs no introduction. Born in Maranello it is a milestone in Italian history and culture. But maybe not everyone knows that the founder, Enzo Ferrari, chose to open a very traditional trattoria next door: ristorante Cavallino, literally “little horse”, the nickname of Ferrari, recalling its iconic logo. Enzo Ferrari and the Cavallino Restaurant Enzo Ferrari founded Cavallino in 1950 with the idea of creating a second home for his his staff, clients and close friends, completing the sense of place and hospitality which made Maranello worldwide famous. Before that, the location served as a cafeteria for Ferrari's employees and staff. In the most recent years, Ferrari had a dream to give a new life to the historic location, adding a visionary and unique touch. And when you're talking food, tradition, and innovation in Italy, only one man comes to mind: Massimo Bottura. Too good to be true, Ferrari partners with Bottura and his team to revamp Cavallino and bring together slow food and fast cars enthusiasts. Massimo Bottura's innovative touch The thrill starts at the door. Red (Ferrari) and yellow (Modena) are the prominent colors, conveying an exquisite touch of Italian elegance and unique motor pieces. Behind the renovation is India Mahdavi's touch. The French architect was hired to modernize the restaurant's design while maintaining its welcoming feel. Enzo Ferrari's private room - the one where he would host his closest friends and would often watch the Grand Prix from - was kept in its original shape as much as possible (the original fireplace was kept untouched). Lastly, the beautiful internal garden and veranda have been redesigned by Marco Bay. The cuisine maintains a strong tradition with Emilia-Romagna, as explained by chef Bottura: “We have to keep the tradition in evolution”. The flavors are the decisive ones of the Modenese cuisine and the local ingredients are selected with the utmost care. The handmade tortellini, gnocco fritto (fry dough) and the delicious local cold cuts invite guests to feel the traditional atmosphere while stepping into the future. Every dish and every gesture are intended to elevate the trattoria experience. “Cavallino has revisited the purposes of a traditional trattoria, preserving the emotions and successes that have marked the history of Ferrari but with a contemporary approach, from the cuisine to the service“ - says Alessandro Laganà, in charge of running events and special projects at Francescana Group since 2012. “Cavallino is a welcoming place where you can celebrate and enjoy authentic food and wonderful memories.” Chef Riccardo Forapani is the chef de cuisine at Cavallino. After a ten-year experience at the Osteria Francescana, he's able to confidently bring forth a cuisine that has long and solid roots in the Emilian tradition and in the excellence of local raw material. Luis Diaz, awarded as best young maitre in Italy in 2016, is Cavallino's floor manager, supported by sommelier Silvia Campolucci. Cavallino is a celebration of flavors and a centenary brand, never meant to slow down. Ristorante Cavallino Via Abetone Inferiore, 1, 41053 Maranello MO, Italy - +39 0536 944877 Website

Photo Credit: Ella Olsson Holidays are over! It is time to welcome the New Year and new food habits. Do you know that January is also known as Veganuary? According to Veganuary.com last year the campaign helped and supported more than half a million people to try vegan, and More than 825 new vegan products and menus were launched for Veganuary 2021. If you’re planning to go for dairy-free habits or simply try new food, this might be a good opportunity for you. In this article we’re going to see which are the best tips and tricks to google vegan advice, find restaurants and shops and new recipes. What does being Vegan mean? But before we start, here is a refresh about being vegan means: Vegan diet excludes meat and seafood, like the vegetarian one, and then it goes a step further, by also eliminating every other food of animal origin. Vegans do not eat dairy products, eggs, or honey. The good news? According to a report published on Forbes, the number of Vegans in the United States jumped from 1 percent in 2014 to 6 percent in 2017. What is the Most Vegan Friendly State? The website Happy Cow, lists over 24,000 veg-friendly eateries in the United States, including 1,474 exclusively vegan restaurants. California and New York are leading the list as the most vegan friendly States in the US. But guess what, you'll also be surprised to know that Houston has been listed the most vegan-friendly city in America. Texas has to cities on the list, Dallas is ranked on the forth position. On Quora a user tried to explain what is life as a vegan person in Texas “In some of the more rural areas, you’ll find it a lot more difficult to even meet folks who understand the differences between vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian. - he explained - In bigger cities such as Dallas and Houston, it’s easier”. "I think Austin is the most vegan-friendly part of Texas. There are vegan restaurants, vegan food trucks, often vegan options at non-vegan restaurants, and it’s easy to find alternative foods at most grocery stores.", he concludes. Photo Credit: FitNish Media Use HappyCow.net HappyCow.net is a useful tool if you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian restaurant near you. It was founded in 1999, and since then it has helped a lot of people switching to a more sustainable diet. HappyCow.net is really user friendly, it works similar to Yelp and other searching tools. The section "Explore" includes the option "Nearby", allowing you to use your current position and click on the button to see an interactive map showing on your screen, it will include all the most relevant veg restaurants in your area. Photo Credit: Jannis Brandt The answer is on Google! Lastly, there are some tips if you’re using Google to satisfy your hunger: never Google "Vegan Food Near Me", but try instead to include some more specific keywords, like “Vegan Restaurants + State” or “Vegan Restaurants + City”. Again, if you’re looking for something new or top quality, make sure to type that in your search: “New + Vegan Restaurants + City/State” or “Best + Vegan Restaurants + City/State”.

Though it's super fun to get together in person, we've discovered that it can be just as fun to connect online through live, online cooking classes! Read on for just a few of the benefits of taking an online cooking class... We get it: after a zillion pandemic Zoom meetings, the idea of spending ANY more time in front of a computer screen might seem like your worst nightmare. However, our online cooking classes are going to be NOTHING like what you’re expecting. Turn your computer screen into something you enjoy again, and prepare to channel your inner chef. There are so many benefits of IMPASTIAMO's online cooking classes, here are just a few of them! Benefits of IMPASTIAMO's Online Cooking Classes Experience a Taste of Local Flavor Bring some of the world's finest cuisine's right to your own kitchen, from skilled, passionate locals themselves. Online cooking classes enable you to get a taste of brilliant local flavor, without ever leaving your house! Join top-ranked chefs and world-renowned hosts as they walk you step-by-step through some of their favorite dishes–from Cavatelli with Pistacchio Pesto (taught live from Naples, Italy) to French Macarons (taught live from Paris, France), there is something for every palate and every skillset. There are so many benefits of online cooking classes, but this one is a favorite to say the least. Turn Work Functions Into Work FUNctions According to the results of recent surveys, remote workers want to stay working remotely. But, we can't ignore the fact that working remotely comes with its own set of challenges. One of those challenges is connecting, and staying connected, with your coworkers. How does a remote team get the social interactions it needs given all the constraints we have today? Our answer: online cooking classes, of course. Gone are the days of boring corporate retreats and awkward virtual happy hours. Make some food, make some work friends, and let us make your #WFH days a little more fun! Impastiamo online cooking classes provide the perfect recipe for creating culture, community and collaboration virtually in your workplace. Book a corporate cooking class here and treat your team to something they'll *actually* love. "I was blown away by how much fun I had. I thought it would be enjoyable, but our Chef’s style of teaching was so engaging! I thought he brought people out of themselves and made it a really fun social event." –Caitlin, Burnham Way (Corporate Team Bonding Class member) We Do the Hard Work FOR You! We're able to create and deliver ingredients kits to your homes, pretty much anywhere in the world. And where we can't deliver, our partners will! ​ We make an effort to source local food, prioritizing small community co-ops and local farmers, and avoid shipping where we can. Where we absolutely cannot, we will offset our carbon footprint via UPS carbon neutral program. - All our packaging is recyclable or reusable. Even our shipping boxes can make a pretty sweet storage container in your house. Take a look at our video recordings and ingredients kits here. Learn At Your Own Pace Another benefit of online cooking classes is that you can take your time, and learn at your own pace in a no-pressure environment. During your class, you can chat with your chef in real-time if you get stuck, have a question, or need some feedback. You can also learn from others as you go, watching different techniques and learning from others (happy) mistakes. “Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors—it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” –Wolfgang Puck What are you waiting for? Turn on your video, roll up your sleeves, and join in on some unique online activities led by extraordinarily passionate hosts! Book your intro call today and see what the online cooking class hype is about for yourself!

Do you know that cooking for two can be sooo fun and challenging? Photo Credit: Libby Penner In 1956, the food journalist Jane Nickerson - lately defined by her colleagues as a “food pioneer” - wrote an article about the perks of cooking for two, and answering all those questions related to halving a recipe and giving a second life to food leftovers. Is it possible to halve all the recipes? Well, the good news is that most of them can be halved, except those for baked products. Two important things to take into account are: the size of the cooking utensils and the length of the cooking period may both have to be decreased. Lastly: “Inexpert home bakers are assured better results in baking if they use recipes as they have been edited originally”. So, for this Thanksgiving, cooking for two can be as much fun and challenging as if you were cooking for a dozen. For your 2-people-dinner we have chosen a classic three course menu. The main dish is really rich, it includes shrimp and vegetables, so you won’t probably need a second course. We recommend you to start with an appetizer and match your main with a light and easy-to-make side. Starter: Taleggio and Black pepper Pizza - by Sam Sifton Photo Credit: Abhishek Hajare Start your Thanksgiving dinner with this special cheesy round Pizza. Quick and easy to make if you are an Italian recipes lover this is the perfect combination of two recipes: Pizza and Cacio & Pepe pasta. Click here for the recipe Main: Shrimp & Artichoke Casserole - by Craig Claiborne Photo Credit: Getty Images This recipe owes its popularity to a political anecdote: it seems that former US President John F. Kennedy, who loved this dish, served during a United Nations’ event lunch. The year after it became so popular that everyone in the US wanted the same dish on its table. Click here for the recipe Side: Roasted Brussel Sprouts - by Sam Sifton Photo Credit: Jodi Pender It’s brussel sprouts season! Prepare the easiest side with just three ingredients. All you have to do is season the sprouts and put them in the oven for 40 minutes, and start cooking something else (but don’t forget about them!). Click here for the recipe Dessert: Rhubarb Bavarian - by Jane Nickerson Photo Credit: Getty Images During these last years rhubarb has been one of the most fancy ingredients you could have found, from a restaurant to a lounge bar, for a while it was like cauliflower: everywhere. But Nickerson created this recipe with rhubarb a long time ago, and now that it is in fashion it’s time to give it a second life. Click here for the recipe

Photo Credit: Getty Images Delight your guests with a simple drink that tastes like a dessert! Espresso Martini is the "evening drink" par excellence, especially if you live in the United Kingdom (or better, London), the birthplace of this cocktail. It is classified as an after dinner, a drink to be served after the meal, with a high alcohol content, a strong flavor and usually quite sweet. Baileys - or a more generic Irish Cream - is instead the liqueur of the Christmas holidays, with a warm and enveloping flavor. If you have guests for dinner, or if you decide to round off an evening at home, the Espresso Martini with Baileys is the perfect drink. Baileys is easy to find, and it is probably the most popular brand, and is also suitable for vegans: the dairy free variant is made with almond milk, which can replace the original one. So, in case you're wondering if you can have a Vegan Espresso Martini with Baileys the answer is: yes! By adding the Baileys, the drink will become very sweet and creamy. The ingredients of the original Espresso Martini recipe are: Vodka, espresso, Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur like Tia Maria or Sheridan's) and sugar. In this case, however, the sugar is eliminated from the recipe because the Irish Cream is adding the sweetness. The simpler variant of Espresso Martini with Baileys does not even include the use of Kahlua, but if you love coffee, intense and full-bodied flavors then you can add it. Check below to find the original recipe for the Espresso Martini with Baileys! RECIPE INGREDIENTS 2 oz Baileys Espresso Creme Liqueur (or replace with Bailey Almond) 0.25 oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka 0.25 oz Espresso Ice TOOLS Shaker Strainer Martini Glass A NOTE ON MEASUREMENTS We work with chefs from all around the world, which is why we include both imperial (cups/ounces) and metric (grams) measurements. To achieve best results, we highly recommend that you utilize a kitchen scale and follow the metric measurements when possible. Photo Credit: Kike Salazar N INSTRUCTIONS Add all the ingredients into the shaker with ice, then shake well for about 1 minute. Once done, strain into Martini Glass. TIPS You can add brown sugar on the border of your glass.

Keeping connected while working remote has been quite challenging. I recently met an employer of a large health tech company on my plane from Boston to NYC and we spent an entire hour talking about how he's been trying to keep his employees motivated during the pandemic and post-pandemic. When I explained to him that I founded IMPASTIAMO, he was thrilled. We discussed online vs in person and so on. With IMPASTIAMO, we've hosted over 50 team building classes by now, with chefs from New Delhi, Mexico City, Lima, Rome, Sicily, Buenos Aires, Japan, to name a few. Here are the reasons we think hosting a virtual cooking class for team building is a great idea. 1. Celebrate cultural diversity through authentic food experiences No better way to celebrate diversity months with chefs live from their own countries. Chef Natalia hosting a class from Mexico City during Hispanic Heritage Month 2. Learn how to use your own kitchen tools, in your own kitchen It's often hard to learn how to make a dish with someone else's tools and kitchen. Virtual experiences allow you to learn how to make a dish with your own tools and find creative solutions when you don't have the proper tools. 3. Ingredients delivered to attendees homes You can have ingredients delivered to your guests as an additional perk and they won't have to worry about shopping! We offer ingredients kits all over the US and in Europe. 4. It's extremely interactive and for everyone! Cooking together online is super interactive as the focus is in the kitchen, rather than the computer! 5. Dietary restrictions welcome Hosting online cooking classes will allow you to be able to include people with dietary restrictions and allergies. If you're interested in hosting your next team building event, you can book an intro call with our team here.