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Looking for a new savory staple to add to your breakfast palate? Look no further than chilaquiles! This easy, traditional Mexican dish is sure to get you out of bed. What is the history of chilaquiles? With indigenous origins, chilaquiles takes form amongst staple ingredients in Mexican cuisine . Derived from words meaning “chilis and greens,” they are highly customizable and always delicious. With their origin from corn tortillas to the various toppings you might see now, it’s a great way to use all the ingredients in your pantry or fridge. Often served for breakfast or brunch, chilaquiles are known as a comfort food–and a great way to use leftovers! Delicious, time-saving, and not wasting food–what more could we ask for? What is the recipe? Ingredients Corn tortillas (cut into quarters) Vegetable or canola oil Green sauce (made from tomatillos) or red sauce (made from tomatoes) Cheese of your choice Sour cream Cilantro  Sliced onions Avocado slices Shredded chicken or fried eggs Recipe Start off by heating ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet, then fry the tortilla quarters until golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the fried tortillas and set them aside Optional step: if you’d like to make your own sauce, go ahead and do so here! Simmer your sauce of choice for about 10 minutes (until it thickens slightly). Add the fried tortilla pieces to the skillet with the sauce for about 2-3 minutes.  Top with cheese, sour cream, sliced onions, cilantro, and avocado. You can also add shredded chicken or fried eggs! Serve immediately, and enjoy! You can also serve chilaquiles with a side of rice or beans. Besides your tortillas and sauce, this dish is completely customizable. Feel free to use your creativity and taste buds to come up with something original! What flavor profile can I expect? For those of you wondering what to expect, here’s a short blurb on the different flavors of chilaquiles: Tangy: from the sauce! If you’d like a more citrusy taste, green sauce is the way to go. Savory: from all your toppings! Earthy: your corn tortillas will do the trick. Creamy: the cheese and sour cream will made this dish rich and creamy. In terms of the texture: The tortillas will soften as they absorb the sauce. Some of them might be more tender, while others will remain crispy! We’re excited to see what else you’ll cook up! With its versatility, flavor, and cooking time, chilaquiles have definitely become our favorite breakfast.

Gearing up for Halloween? Searching for the perfect, on-theme dessert? Look no further than spooky brownies! This twist on the classic and loved dessert will be a perfect party favor, or a great way to get your friends and family in the Halloween mood . Read on for a haunting recipe! What are the ingredients? Listed below are the ingredients for your spooky brownies! 200g butter 200g chopped dark chocolate 100g chopped milk chocolate  100g chopped white chocolate 4 eggs 350g granulated sugar 100g plain flour 50g cocoa powder Chocolate sandwich cookies (however many brownies you’d like!) Sugar-coated chocolates (however many brownies you’d like!) Icing pens I have the ingredients, what are the instructions? Heat the oven to 356 degrees Fahrenheit (or 180 degrees Celsius). Line a brownie tin. Melt the butter and dark chocolate in a bowl set over a small pan of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then leave to cool for 10 minutes. Beat the eggs and sugar with an electric whisk. Pour the cooled dark chocolate mixture in. Sift over the flour and cocoa, add the milk chocolate, and fold everything together. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 35-40 minutes. Melt the white chocolate and stir until smooth. Dip each chocolate sandwich cookie to cover one side. Stick a sugar-coated chocolate in the center of each. When the chocolate is fully dry, using the icing pens to draw on a pupil and red veins onto each eyeball. Once the brownies are done, gently push the eyeballs (the chocolate covered sandwiches) into the brownie surface. Cut into squares, and enjoy your spooky treat! What are some more fun ways I can personalize my brownies? In case some of you are feeling extra creative, we’ve come up with some extra ways to make these brownies even more special. Add halloween sprinkles : because who doesn’t love mini pumpkins or bats on their brownies? Orange frosting : an extra touch of fall. Spider web design : by using melted white chocolate or icing pens, you can make a spider web design on your brownies! Gummy worms : a quick and easy addition for an even spookier feel. Pumpkin flavored : whether you want to make the brownie pumpkin flavored or look out for some pumpkin sandwich cookies (or both), this is sure to put some more fun into your dessert. For those of you who are looking to give your guests some more freedom, simply lay out these options and watch the magic unfold.

With Hispanic Heritage Month coming up in just a few days, it’s time to celebrate! If you have a plant-based diet, these vegetarian Mexican recipes are for you. Whether you’re craving a traditional dish or a fusion of something new, these five recipes are sure to honor culinary roots and bring a smile to your face (and your stomach). What are the common ingredients, and what are some substitutes? Some common ingredients don’t require any substitutes: Chilies Tomatoes Corn Beans Avocado Cilantro Onions Garlic Cheese Lime Spices While others do! Listed below are a few of the common meat-based ingredients and their substitutes. Chorizo: this sausage has multiple substitutes, which include soy or tofu-based chorizo. Chicken: look for jackfruit, or chickpeas! Pork: mushroom or jackfruit can easily be seasoned in the same way. Beef: Lentils and other vegetables can provide the texture you’re looking for. Lard: coconut oil or olive oil is an easy fix for this one! Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s cut to the chase–the recipes you’ve been waiting for. What are some of the recipes? We gathered a variety of different dishes for your celebration! This list offers some unique new flavors, while also keeping to the traditional elements. Mooli and pomegranate ceviche A good evening always begins with ceviche and chips. One of the most essential parts of ceviche is to keep the fresh, citrusy flavor alive to complement the chips, and this does that perfectly. For the sauce: 1 onion, ½ habanero chili, lime juice, and olive oil (cook and blend) For the ceviche: diced persimmon, diced mooli (radish), pomegranate seeds, ½ avocado, olive oil Toss the two together and you’ve got the perfect appetizer! Tajin cauliflower bites In an evening full of dining, laughter, and talking, bite-sized food is a must. These tajin cauliflower bites are the perfect vegetarian option! Mix together some olive oil, chipotle paste, and garlic. After seasoning with salt, mix in the cauliflower! Roast for 35-40 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius or around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Scatter Tajin once roasted. Feel free to drizzle your bites with some sour cream and chipotle paste! Crusted halloumi tacos with pico de gallo Otherwise known as the star of the show. Get your classic pico de gallo ready! Mix together cumin and paprika and rub over the halloumi. Heat a pan and add the halloumi, frying until golden on each side. Grab your tortillas and other taco add-ons! Add slices of halloumi and your pico de gallo, and enjoy. Flan Get out these ingredients the night before, for the most delicious dessert for the following day. Cook caster sugar with 2 tablespoons of water, and cook over high heat until the sugar dissolves. Coat a flan tin with the dissolved mixture, and cool. Whisk 5 eggs and ½ teaspoons of vanilla together along with a 400g can of condensed milk, 400 ml of evaporated milk, and 150 ml of whole milk. Pour the mixture into the tin and cover with foil.  Place the tin into a 5cm tall baking tray and pour boiling water until it reaches halfway up the side of the tin. Bake this tray for 50 minutes in the oven. Remove the tin and the foil, and place the tin to cool for 30 minutes. Afterward, cover and chill overnight! Invert, cut, and serve! Mexican hot chocolate A classic, no matter what time of year. Pour milk into a saucepan and add cinnamon sticks. Stir for about 5 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks, adding cocoa powder, vanilla, chili powder, and sugar. Remove from heat and whisk until frothy! Pour into mugs and garnish with new cinnamon sticks. A perfect nightcap! We hope you enjoy these recipes and find them to be crowd-pleasers! Vegetarian or not, these make for a delicious, well-rounded meal.

The Limoncello Tiramisu is a summer twist that will make your dessert more refreshing. The next time you’re craving something tangy yet rich–this limoncello tiramisu is the one for you. No-bake and sure to please–what more could you want? What is limoncello? Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur that is typically served as an after-dinner digestif. With this dessert, you get a sweet treat in combination with that! With limoncello’s bright flavour and tiramisu’s richer taste, the combination of these two creates a great contrast that you don’t want to miss. What better way to celebrate that than with a delicious dessert? Read on for the recipe. What ingredients do I need? For ease of reading, we’ve split up the ingredients into three sections of the preparation process. For the limoncello syrup: 1 cup water 1 cup sugar ½ cup limoncello liqueur For the mascarpone filling: 4 egg yolks ½ cup sugar ¼ cup limoncello liqueur 2 cups mascarpone cheese at room temp. 1 cup heavy cream For assembly: 1 package of ladyfingers Zest (from 2 lemons) Fresh mint leaves (for garnish) With these simple ingredients, you are all set to create your delectable dish! What is the recipe? Prepare the limoncello syrup  by combining water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once you remove it from the heat and let it cool, stir in the limoncello liqueur! Make the mascarpone filling  by whisking together the egg yolks and sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk until the mixture is slightly thickened. Once removed from the heat, whisk the mixture in the limoncello liqueur.  Beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth, adding the egg yolk mixture gradually until combined. Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl. Combine this with the mascarpone mixture. Create the tiramisu  by dipping each ladyfinger into the limoncello syrup. Arrange a layer of the ladyfingers in a dish of your preference, then spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers. Repeat this process once more. Cover and refrigerate  for at least a few hours (overnight is ideal) to allow the tiramisu to set. Sprinkle with lemon zest and garnish with mint leaves! Serve, and enjoy . Feel free to add other toppings, such as white chocolate chip shavings or something with a bit more texture. Customize your dessert until it truly feels like your own! We hope you enjoy this refreshing treat! With this version of the classic dessert, you are sure to enjoy tiramisu all summer long.

Craving dessert? Simple Bakes with flour, sugar, and basic ingredients for a perfect afternoon treat. What are some essentials for simple bakes? While each dessert is unique, there are a few key ingredients that are sure to appear over and over again. Lucky for you, most of these probably already reside in your kitchen! If not, here’s a starter pack for those of you who want to get more into baking: All-purpose flour White sugar Brown sugar Eggs Baking soda Baking powder Unsalted butter Vanilla extract Now that you’re ready to go, here are some simple recipes that won’t require you to leave your house! What are some easy baking recipes? While these are customizable and can be changed, here are a few classic desserts that are mouth-watering and delicious. Chocolate Chip Cookies Because who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? 1 cup softened butter 1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons hot water ½ teaspoon salt 2 cups chocolate chips (our personal favorite is semisweet!) Instructions Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C. Combine the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Add and mix in the eggs one at a time. Stir in your vanilla extract. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to the batter with salt. Stir in flour and chocolate chips. If you’re feeling creative, feel free to put in some nuts to add texture to your cookies! Use a spoon to lay them out onto pans. Bake for about 10 minutes (can be changed, depending on if you like your cookies soft or crispy!) Whant to learn all the secrets of the Chocolate Chip Cookies? - Check this article. Banana Bread A true crowd-pleaser. Whether you make one pan or multiple, they are sure to be gone by the end of the day. 2-3 mashed ripe bananas (a great time to use those bananas that haven’t been eaten yet!) ⅓ cup melted butter 1 teaspoon baking soda Pinch of salt ¾ cup sugar 1 beaten egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1½ cups flour Instructions Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a loaf pan. Stir in melted butter into the mashed bananas. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour. Optional: take some of those chocolate chips to add an even sweeter taste! Bake for 60 minutes, or until your tester comes out clean. Let cool before enjoying! More spare bananas? - Make Banana Bread French Toast! Vanilla Cupcakes This childhood favorite is about to make a comeback. Who knew it was this easy? 1½ cups flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup softened butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup milk Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla. Alternate adding flour and milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Spoon the batter into the paper liners. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. Cool the cupcakes before enjoying! Scones For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, please! 2 cups flour ¼ cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup butter cut into pieces ½ cup heavy cream 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions Preheat oven to 400°F or 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces to flour until the mixture has lots of crumbs. Whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour over the flour mixture and stir until combined. Optional: add in nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate! Cut the dough into 8 wedges. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and enjoy! If you’re looking for some even more simple and fun dessert recipes, check out the IMPASTIAMO website. We’re looking forward to hearing all about your baking adventures!

5 Themes to Organize a Memorable Holiday Private Dinner with Colleagues The holiday season is the perfect time to bring your colleagues together and celebrate achievements , create new memories, and strengthen workplace bonds. Organizing a private dinner with a fun theme can elevate the event, ensuring it stands out as a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are five creative themes to make your holiday private dinner truly special . Ugly Sweater Party Nothing says holiday cheer like a good old-fashioned Ugly Sweater Party . Encourage your colleagues to dig into their closets or unleash their creativity by crafting the most outlandishly festive sweater. Whether adorned with glitter, bells, or snowmen, this theme brings an element of fun and lighthearted competition. Set up a prize for the ugliest sweater to inspire even more creativity. To match the tone, consider serving traditional holiday dishes, like roasted turkey or mashed potatoes, paired with mulled wine or hot cocoa. This theme is guaranteed to break the ice and keep the mood light throughout the evening. Winter Wonderland Transport your colleagues into a magical Winter Wonderland by transforming the dinner venue into a snowy paradise. White décor, shimmering lights, and frosted table settings can set the perfect scene. Encourage guests to dress in elegant white, silver, or light blue attire to match the theme. A Winter Wonderland dinner is perfect for those looking for a more formal, sophisticated atmosphere . Opt for a seasonal menu that includes items like smoked salmon, roast beef, or a decadent dessert bar featuring winter-themed treats such as peppermint bark and snowflake cookies . Around the World in One Night For a more adventurous take, choose the theme "Around the World in One Night." Each course of the dinner could represent a different country's cuisine, offering guests a culinary trip across the globe. From Italian antipasti to Indian curries and French pastries for dessert, this dinner will be a feast for the senses. Encourage your colleagues to come dressed in traditional outfits from different cultures , or you can play music from various countries to enhance the experience. This theme is perfect for a team that loves travel, food, and diversity. Masquerade Ball If you want to add an air of mystery and sophistication to your holiday dinner , a Masquerade Ball theme could be the perfect choice. Encourage guests to wear elegant attire and ornate masks. The mysterious ambiance can create a sense of intrigue and excitement as guests mingle and guess who is behind each mask. Complement the theme with a candlelit dinner and a menu of gourmet delicacies, like truffle pasta or lobster bisque. A string quartet or soft jazz music in the background will complete the atmosphere, making the evening feel exclusive and luxurious. Retro Holiday Bash Take your colleagues back in time with a Retro Holiday Bash , where everyone dresses up in their favorite decade’s style. Whether it's the roaring '20s, the groovy '70s, or the neon-bright '80s, this theme is a fantastic way to inject some humor and nostalgia into the event. You can serve popular foods from different decades, like fondue for the '70s or finger sandwiches for the '50s. For entertainment, set up a playlist of hits from various eras and encourage some light-hearted dancing. This theme adds a playful twist to the holiday dinner and will leave guests reminiscing about past trends and styles. No matter which theme you choose, remember that the key to a successful dinner lies in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, entertained, and ready to celebrate the season together.   SPECIAL HOLIDAY PROMO!  Get 10% OFF your Private Holiday Dinner when you book before October 20, 2024

When it comes to gifting, nothing says 'thoughtful' like a unique experience. Gift a cooking class to create lasting memories and delicious skills! Cooking classes have some major benefits that would make a great gift. For one, it’s not just a one-time experience, but an opportunity that gives people the tools they need to make great dishes. You’ll be gifting them with knowledge and a great time! Speaking of a great time, cooking classes are typically interactive and fun , which makes them even more enjoyable. Depending on the personality and needs of the person, you could choose to make the classes group-based, or even set up a time for them and some close friends/family. The option to customize the cooking class you gift is also a great perk —from different cuisines to various themes, you are sure to find a cooking class that they will love! For example: if you know this person has a sweet tooth, then a dessert class or cake-making class might be perfect. The holidays are coming up? Find a class with festive recipes! Cooking classes can be tailored to their needs and preferences. People who love to cook or bake might be an obvious choice for this gift, but anyone who is willing to try something new or loves to learn can also make great candidates for cooking class. After all, who doesn’t love the rewarding experience of eating what they cook? How does a cooking class work? A typical cooking class is designed to be hands-on and interactive, guiding participants through specific recipes while teaching culinary techniques. Classes often start with introductions and an overview of the recipes and skills to be covered. The instructor may demonstrate essential techniques —such as knife skills or ingredient preparation—before participants try them under supervision. Safety instructions are generally provided to ensure everyone knows food handling and equipment use best practices​. Depending on the class length, which typically spans one to two hours, the session may be broken into preparation, cooking, and tasting segments. Instructors often select recipes that allow students to practice techniques like mixing, kneading, or frying to keep the experience engaging. After the cooking portion, participants usually enjoy the dishes they've prepared , which is also a great time for socializing and discussing results​. The choice of venue can range from professional kitchens to open spaces like parks, depending on the class's focus, while some classes are also held online. Many cooking classes also include printed recipes or notes for participants to take home , allowing them to recreate the dishes later​. What are some things I should consider before gifting someone a cooking class? On the other hand, if you know that cooking isn’t a person’s cup of tea, this gift might not be the right one for them. It’s also important to consider scheduling—will they be free or have the time to attend a class? If you’re concerned about this, it might be a good idea to check in with them first or even get a cooking class voucher that gives them the flexibility to go to class when they’re free. Lastly, it’s important to consider dietary restrictions when it comes to cooking class . There are a wide variety of cooking classes that are offered, and making sure that the one you choose for them complies with their allergies and restrictions is a great idea. We can’t wait to hear all about the unique gift you gave, and the delicious meals that come out of it! And if you’re lucky, you might even get a taste at their next home-cooked dinner.

Arguably, one of the most charming parts of any holiday is the opportunity to get together with friends and enjoy a delicious meal. From sweaters to mashed potatoes to scarves to pumpkin pie, the visual that Friendsgiving paints is like no other. Here’s to eating and talking into the night–and having the perfect table set-up while doing it. What are the essentials? Here are a list of some essentials that might come in handy for any gathering: Place mats Candles Centerpieces Napkins What kind of place mats? Place mats are the perfect opportunity to complement your dishes with something simple yet elevating. Whether they’re circular or rectangular, a neutral fall themed place mat can be a great way to make your meal look professional. Why candles? Candles not only give you the opportunity to cozy up your space, but they also add a lovely scent to your dinner. For friendsgiving, there are tons of fall options–pumpkin, chai, vanilla–that will add to the warm atmosphere.  There are different sizes of candles, as well: small candles that ensure ample lighting for everyone, while larger ones can truly pull a table together. Experiment with different styles to figure out what’s right for you? What about centerpieces? Centerpieces can often be the star of the show at gatherings, and Friendsgiving is no exception. A fall bouquet is a tasteful and on theme, and you’re sure to get lots of compliments from this addition! P.S. If you’re a guest, bringing some fall-themed flowers can be a great way to add something unique to the table. How do I choose napkins? Whether you’re going for disposable napkins or reusable ones, there are plenty of fall-themed napkins to be found near you. If you’re thinking of going extra fancy, taking the time to match these with your place mats or centerpieces can be an easy way to pull your whole table together! All in all... These are a few opportunities for you to elevate your table for Friendsgiving. Not only will your presentation factor wow others, but it’s also a great way to get into the Friendsgiving spirit! Grateful for all life has to offer–wonderful friends, and pumpkin season.

Inexpensive, eco-friendly, and the perfect activity to do with friends in preparation for the holidays: here’s why thrifting the perfect holiday dinnerware is a must for this year! During the holidays, everybody wants beautifully plated dishes and treats. It’s a nice touch that elevates your meal, or will win you the award of best guest! But for people who are trying to be more environmentally conscious and sustainable this season, thrifting dinnerware is a great (and reliable) option. Read on to find out more about how you can wow friends and family with dinnerware adorned with reindeer, snowflakes, and holiday cheer. Thrifting holiday dinnerware is not only inexpensive, but can make great party favors that you won’t have to stress about getting back. Whether you’re packaging cookies or sending leftovers, thrifted dinnerware is a perfect option! You might be hesitant about spending a ton of money on dinnerware that you won’t be using year-round, and thrifting dinnerware is a solution for this! Now, you don’t have to compromise your fun holiday patterns. Lastly, it’s never a bad thing to start living more sustainably, rather than purchasing new dinnerware every year. Helping yourself and the environment? Sounds like a win-win. What are some thrifting tips? The first look around the thrift store might seem overwhelming. Our tip: look at the kitchen aisle or even a holiday-themed aisle. You’re sure to find some dinnerware and decor there! For those of you who are looking to get the best holiday dinnerware, it’s also a great idea to ask employees when their restock days are. This way, you can get the fresh picks and be the first to view the new batch of dishes. For some inspiration, feel free to refer to these holiday patterns and designs, so you know what to look for: Holly ribbons Christmas trees Garlands Wreaths How should I clean my dinnerware? To make sure your plates and platters are clean and ready to use, it’s a good idea to wash all dinnerware well with dish soap and warm water. Glass dinnerware is a great way to ensure durability and quality.  What do I do once the holiday season is over? Understandably, most people don’t want holiday dinnerware year-round. To ensure that your dinnerware is useful, think about sending dinnerware along with your meals or desserts! Not only is it stress-free for both parties, but you will also be bestowing the gift of festive dinnerware to someone else. To ensure that these can be used throughout the year, look for tasteful dinnerware with holiday motifs. Then, the receiver of the dinnerware can use it, or you might even just decide to keep it for yourself. Enjoy your dinnerware and happy holidays!

Popular with pasta, in sandwiches, and on roasted veggies, pesto is a fan favorite. But how can you maximize its flavor and nutritional value? Read on to learn more about pesto and tips to elevate your balanced diet. Originating in Italy, traditional pesto sauce includes the following ingredients: Basil : adds the flavor to pesto you know and love! Pine nuts : incorporates a nutty taste. Garlic : no such thing as too much garlic. Parmesan cheese : Adds a rich flavor! Olive oil : enhances absorption. Salt and pepper are also often added to taste! Is pesto sauce healthy? What is the nutritional benefit of pesto? Pesto sauce can be healthy, especially considering the quality of the ingredients. The olive oil and pine nuts add healthy fats, and other ingredients like basil and garlic have antioxidants that can decrease inflammation. Pesto is also relatively low in carbohydrates . If you pay close attention to the quality of the ingredients, pesto can be a health booster! However, it is important to note that pesto can be calorie-dense due to the high-fat content. A good way to account for this is portion control—for most recipes, about two tablespoons should provide flavor and limit excessive fat or sodium. What more can I do? How can I make pesto sauce healthier? If you want to make your own pesto at home, the opportunities to make pesto sauce healthier and more nutritious are endless! Here are a few ideas for your next pesto adventures: Add greens : blend in additional greens such as spinach, kale, or arugula to diversify fiber content! Reduce olive oil : if you’re looking for a way to decrease the amount of olive oil in your recipe, add some vegetable broth to supplant texture without having to use as much oil. Dairy-free : for those of you who want to keep your pesto dairy-free, replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or another cheese substitute. If you want to stick to store-bought pesto, here are a few tips for how to look for healthier options: Check for whole ingredients and healthy oils (such as olive oil)! Look for the sodium content. Avoid products with additives. Look out for any potential allergies, especially if you are allergic to nuts. Even with store-bought pesto, you can enhance your recipe by adding in a few of your own ingredients, as listed above.  Enjoy your pesto dishes —knowing that it is delicious and good for you.

For those with food preferences or restrictions, making sure that the food you consume is safe can be a stressful process. For pasta lovers, we’re here to debunk and inform you on the often confusing question: is pasta naturally vegan? Pasta, a staple in many cuisines worldwide, is often associated with Italian dishes and is cherished for its versatility and simplicity. For individuals following a vegan diet, understanding whether pasta aligns with their dietary choices is essential. So, is pasta naturally vegan? The answer depends on the type and ingredients used. Traditional pasta ingredients Traditional pasta is typically made from two primary ingredients: durum wheat semolina and water. This simple combination results in dried pasta varieties such as spaghetti, penne, and fusilli, which are naturally vegan. These types of pasta do not contain animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for a vegan diet. Fresh pasta consideration Fresh pasta is traditionally made using flour, eggs, water, and salt. A well is made using the flour, and the eggs or water are poured into it. The kneading process takes up to ten minutes. Once the dough has rested for at least 30 minutes, you can roll and shape it.  I t's important for vegans to check labels or inquire about ingredients when purchasing or ordering fresh pasta to ensure it aligns with their dietary preferences. How can I look for vegan pasta in restaurants? What should I ask? Checking with the restaurant staff is a great way to confirm that pasta is vegan. Oftentimes, store-bought pasta is egg-free. If the pasta is made in-house, the staff can confirm the ingredients for you. Checking the sauce ingredients is also a good idea at restaurants: sauces like Alfredo, carbonara, or even marinara might include dairy or meat. Lastly, checking for potential cheese toppings is a great idea! You can either ask for a dish without cheese or ask for a vegan cheese if that’s available. How can I look for vegan pasta in grocery stores? As previously mentioned, many types of store-bought pasta are naturally vegan and made with flour and water. Checking the ingredients list is the easiest way to confirm that there are no added eggs or dairy! Listed below are some labels you might see: Vegan Egg-free Plant-based Many of these labels come with a plant-based icon, which might make them easier to spot from afar. In addition, it’s a good idea to be cautious with refrigerated or enriched pasta, which might contain eggs, cheese, or other non-vegan additives. Looking for vegan alternatives in this section is a great idea! If you’re specifically looking for pastas that are made with alternative ingredients, here are a few ideas: Lentil pasta Chickpea pasta Brown rice pasta While many pasta varieties are naturally vegan, especially dried ones made solely from wheat and water, it's crucial to remain vigilant about ingredients, particularly with fresh and specialty pastas. By paying attention to labels, asking the right questions, and exploring vegan-friendly alternatives, you can enjoy a wide array of pasta dishes that align with your vegan lifestyle.

Endless dessert might just be our favorite part of the holidays. If you’re looking for some bite-sized cake-like cookies, Italian Christmas cookies are the answer for you! With a sweet glaze, you’ll want to make some batches of this crowd-pleaser before your next holiday dinner. What are Italian Christmas cookies? Originating from Italy’s rich baking practices, these cookies were meant to celebrate giving and sharing during the holidays. Oftentimes, special ingredients such as nuts and spices were added as a symbol of abundance. While there are many regional variations, many families pass down their recipes through generations. Large batches of theses cookies are made to share at family gatherings. While they originally were made for Christmas, who’s to say you can’t enjoy them all year long? What ingredients do I need? For Italian Christmas cookies, the ingredients are similar to those of any cookie recipe. You will need: Butter Powdered sugar Sugar Eggs Baking powder All-purpose flour Salt Vanilla extract Anise extract Milk Anise extract is a liquid flavoring from the anise plant. Its sweet and spicy flavor is a traditional flavor in Italian cuisine, and also has a way of balancing sweetness while packing a little punch. What steps should I follow? Here is a recipe for Italian Christmas cookies! Depending on the size of each cookie, this recipe will result in 36-48 cookies. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Cream together 1 cup of butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ cup of sugar until the mixture is fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Add in 4 eggs, one at a time. Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of anise extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3½ cups of flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients to make a slightly sticky dough. Shape your dough and place them on baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and cool. Whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar and 3-4 tablespoons of milk (a milk alternative works as well). Dip the tops of each cookie into this simple glaze. Let set. Enjoy! The cookies can be stored in a container at room temperature for 1 week. If you’d like to pre-make them and prep them, they also can be put into the freezer! How can I customize my cookies?  For those of you who may want to start a new tradition or family recipe, here are some ways to customize your cookies to your liking. Shape: whether you want to go with circular cookies, twists, knots, or another unique shape, this is a great way to make your cookies unique and stand out on the dining room table. Sprinkles: holiday sprinkles are a great way to create festive energy and will make a beautiful addition to your dining table! Cookies & ___: these cookies go great with coffee or tea, if you’d like to serve them as a pairing. Citrus: adding some citrus zest is a great way to freshen up this recipe. Nuts: for some more texture, consider finely chopped nuts as a great addition to these cookies! Glaze: peppermint extract can make a great glaze for these cookies! Other festive flavors can also be a nice surprise for that first bite. We hope you enjoy your cookies! We can’t wait to hear what new holiday stories they bring you.