Cooking with Vera

      I had the great pleasure of participating in an Italian cooking class with some dear friends I have met here.  Now, I know what you are thinking. Cooking with Vera-doesn't sound like an Italian cooking teacher, does it?  Well, Vera is not Italian; she is from the mid-west (USA) but she has been in Italy for 41 years. She has been married to her Italian husband for 38yrs.  Vera is delightful!
     Vera has a kitchen,etc. in the garage of her home.  All of the students in the class were American-most with the military.  Vera had us make 7 different items. (Menu to follow)  I was exhausted by the end of the class. Don't forget, we got to help make all of the items but then we had to sample everything too-Delizioso!
    Some things I have learned about Italian cooking:* Italians believe their food is the best in the world so there is no reason, nor should one be found, to change anything about how their food tastes or is prepared
     *There is not a whole lot of garlic, basil, or oregano used in most dishes I have experienced here.
     * Spicy food is not common here (Naples area)
     * Garlic and onion SHOULD NOT be mixed
     *whole shrimp or prawns are not de-shelled before deep frying. hmm...quite difficult for the consumer..haha
     *Coffee is NEVER to be ordered(at a restaurant) or consumed before dessert
      *DO NOT ask for ketchup with your fries; ESPECIALLY if the cook grew the potatoes in his garden... :-)

 Vera-in the red apron

 We made:Mammarelle in Pinziomonia(artichokes), Marriage soup, Penne con vodka(pasta w/vodka sauce-yummmy!), Scaloppine al limone(veal w/lemon), Spada(swordfish) Pane Napoletan/Casatiello(Easter Bread), Pastiera(Easter Pie) Delizioso!! and fun!!!

  This is Leslie and Julanne.  I can't tell you how grateful I am for meeting and spending time with these ladies. They are FUN, delightful, intelligent, thoughtful and terrific!! (Did I mention fun?! see pictures posted on FB of a recent shopping trip to the sports equipment store..haha)

      Food is a big deal in Italy...I love that! I'm hoping to participate in another cooking class in a few weeks too. In fact, all 4 of us will go to that one. Should be fun!