I Don’t Have Time to Cook

I Don’t Have Time to Cook

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“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst”

William Penn

“The quality of life is more important than life itself”

Alexis Carrel

“Creation is a better means of self-expression than possession; it’s through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed”

Vida D. Scudder

Mr. Italicano and I recently returned from 2 weeks of my cooking demonstrations in New York City with SMEG USA to help celebrate their 10th anniversary in the states. I spent the week catching up on jet leg and reflecting about the comments I received from the people who stopped by to watch these cooking shows.

What I discovered is that that one of the overarching problems for local New Yorkers is that the meal time decision usually comes down to one thing: time. Of course, this is quite a universal problem, but it really struck home while talking with people who live in the city and rarely, if ever, cook. “I just don’t have time,” they would say.

three-colored-pasta-web-2-italicanakitchenCooking for me is a sacred part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Not only am I creating, which stimulates sentiments of satisfaction, I also know exactly what I am putting into my body. Why would anyone who wants to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle refute these two things?

Although many New Yorkers had blamed it on time, I want to help by giving my opinion about the time for cooking simple meals. If you try to compare a simple and nutritious meal that you would make at home to the same kind of meal you would find, let’s say, at an organic restaurant near your home, the factor of time is almost the same. Don’t believe me? Let’s do the calculation together:  CONTINUE READING

Hello from New York! 

Hello from New York! 

14606399_10105686833022938_4660464007736136266_nIt’s been such an exciting time for italicana kitchen!  I have been on quite an adventure: 10 food events around New York City to celebrate Smeg USA’s 10th anniversary in the states. My last one is today at Eataly Downtown. To celebrate Halloween I will be making pumpkin hummus, creamy pumpkin soup and homemade turmeric pasta with pumpkin sauce, walnuts and crispy sage ribbons. I would love to see you there!

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Here are some photos of the 10 food events. What do you think of my 1950’s look?  CONTINUE READING!

Learn How to Make Natural Colored Pasta with Italicana Kitchen in New York City!

Learn How to Make Natural Colored Pasta with Italicana Kitchen in New York City!

italicanakitchenMr. Italicano and I have arrived in New York City! We’ll be here for the next 2 weeks to help Smeg USA celebrate their 10th anniversary with 10 food events around the city! I am so excited to be a part of this food tour and I can’t wait to teach you how to make simple and delicious homemade Italian food. A special thanks to my Italian family, friends and foodies who have taught me the art and tricks to cooking delicious, healthy Italian food during the past 8 years that I have been living in Italy.

three-colored-pasta-web-2-italicanakitchenOn my menu, I’ll show you how to make natural colored pasta dishes and pumpkin themed recipes that are perfect for Halloween. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of samples!

  1. Beet Pasta with Brussels Sprouts, Goat Cheese and Toasted Walnuts
  2. Spinach Pasta with Kale Pesto, Shaved Leeks and Toasted Almonds 
  3. Turmeric Pasta with Roasted Pumpkin, Toasted Walnuts and Crispy Sage Ribbons 
  4. Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Homemade Croutons, Crispy Sage Ribbons and Toasted Sunflower Seeds
  5. Pumpkin Hummus and Crostini 

spinach-web-3-italicanakitchenFor those of you in the New York City area, here is the event calendar. I would really appreciate your help if you pass this information on to all of your foodie friends. Thank you SO MUCH in advance for helping to spread the word!

eventcalendar_smeg_italicanakitchenWe’re also running a contest at the events, and the winner will receive a beautiful CONTINUE READING