Italian Cusine



Pizza




http://www.justaplanerideaway.com/2007/09/this-that-and-more-french-cheese.html

Pizza is an Italian classic which is loved throughout the world. It dates back to Roman times but it was not called pizza back then, it was called pizzicare. It is one of the most popular take away dishes in the world. The first modern pizza is thought to have its origins from Naples, Italy. The Italians invented pizza and I feel they are the best at making it, many people might not agree but I think there is nothing better than a freshly made Italian Pizza. Homemade pizzas are great as well and they are so easy to make and they take less than an hour to make and cook.


Here is a recipe for a simple Margherita pizza-

Ingredients

For the base

• 300g strong bread flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast (from a sachet or a tub)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

For the tomato sauce

• 100ml passata
• handful fresh basil or 1 tsp dried
• 1 garlic clove, crushed

For the topping

• 125g ball mozzarella, sliced
• handful grated or shaved parmesan
• handful cherry tomatoes, halved

To finish

• handful basil leaves (optional)

Method

1.Make the base: Put the flour into a large bowl, then stir in the yeast and salt. Make a well, pour in 200ml warm water and the olive oil and bring together with a wooden spoon until you have a soft, fairly wet dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 mins until smooth. Cover with a tea towel and set aside. You can leave the dough to rise if you like, but it’s not essential for a thin crust.

2.Make the sauce: Mix the passata, basil and crushed garlic together, then season to taste. Leave to stand at room temperature while you get on with shaping the base.

3.Roll out the dough: If you’ve let the dough rise, give it a quick knead, then split into two balls. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into large rounds, about 25cm across, using a rolling pin. The dough needs to be very thin as it will rise in the oven. Lift the rounds onto two floured baking sheets.

4.Top and bake: Heat oven to 240C/fan 220C /gas 8. Put another baking sheet or an upturned baking tray in the oven on the top shelf. Smooth sauce over bases with the back of a spoon. Scatter with cheese and tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and season. Put one pizza, still on its baking sheet, on top of the preheated sheet or tray. Bake for 8-10 mins until crisp. Serve with a little more olive oil, and basil leaves if using. Repeat step for remaining pizza.

Credit to http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4683/pizza-margherita-in-4-easy-steps

American Cusine

Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese recipes have been found southern Italy from the late 13th century but it is known as an American Comfort food. The dish is made from Macaroni, which is a special type of pasta, and a cheese sauce, made with cheese, butter, milk, salt and pepper.

The dish can be made quickly and easily with only a small amount of washing up, which is appealing to many people who

http://allergyfreetestkitchen.com/2012/08/dairy-soy-and-gluten-free-macaroni-and-cheese/

Ingredients

• 250g macaroni
• 40g butter
• 40g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 250g grated cheddar
• 50g grated parmesan

Preparation method

1. Cook the macaroni in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes; drain well and set aside.
2. Melt the butter over a medium heat in a saucepan slightly larger than that used for the macaroni. Add the flour and stir to form a roux, cooking for a few minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time. Cook for 10-15 minutes to a thickened and smooth sauce.
4. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to hot.
5. Remove the sauce from the hob, add 175g/6oz of the cheese and stir until the cheese is well combined and melted.
6. Add the macaroni to the sauce and mix well. Transfer to a deep suitably-sized ovenproof dish.
7. Sprinkle over the remaining cheddar and the parmesan and place the dish under the hot grill. Cook until the cheese is browned and bubbling. Serve straightaway.

Credit to http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/macaronicheese_83521