A Trip Down Memory Lane - The Italian American Girl Story

A little trip down memory lane and retelling the story of why @italianamericangirl is a brand. I started the Italian American Girl blog back in 2008 when social media just came out and blogging was the trend then along with the new sites Twitter and Youtube. I was searching for a way to stay connected to my first generation Italian American friends and acquaintances so we could share stories of upbringing, family and culture. 

Here we are over 14 years later and now the Italian American community has grown online so much due to platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Also, no one was calling us influencers, myself and few others on here who I am still very close with know who we are and were just being authentic and enjoying the connections. The moral of the story is: it wasn’t about numbers, or influence but about connecting and bringing awareness to our culture, upbringing and values. Leave a ♥️ if you agree.  What's your Italian American story? 

Ciao. Xoxo ~Margaret

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I'm Italian and Yes, I Have Curly Hair. Part 3

 

So, you're probably asking right about now, why am I writing about curly hair? Just this week alone my blogs have been about politics and serious topics...well today I want to talk about curly hair. I get tons of emails all the time about yes, my hair.

I have to say, I am very lucky to have super curly hair that's somewhat manageable. There was a time when I didn't know how to style it and always felt like odd girl out..while all my friends had their gorgeous straight hair.

Growing up with curly, frizzy hair always made me feel like a bit of an outcast. During middle school, teasing and spraying hair was pretty big. I could never do that, because if I teased I ended up looking like a poodle who got electrocuted. It was hard.

Then, in my later years in high school, I started to get the hang of it. It isn't till now, that I really love my hair and can style it with super products available for curly, ethnic hair. Yes, whether we like it or not, its "ethnic." If you research the curly hair characteristics and cultures of where people have curly hair, well..you guessed it..I'm in that percentile.

I guess I am the owner of the fitting characteristics of a Southern Italian woman. To add to the curly hair, not only is it hard just to figure out what to do with it, but in a business world such I am in daily..its another job trying to figure out how to fit in with the business types without my hair going wild.

Let me know below if you have a favorite product to use to manage our hair. 

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Italian American Authors and Italian Themed Books 2023 List

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Back in 2009 I started this post with the latest Italian American authors and Italian themed books due to the large amount of inquiries I was receiving to either review or give recommendations.  I thought what better way to help support our community than creating a top list of Italian themed book and Italian American authors. Click on each of the books to get more information to the individual books. 

-Cafe Firenze- Fabio Viviani & Jacapo Falleni

-The Youngest Son- Oreste Leroy Salerni
-Secrets From My Tuscan Kitchen --Judy Witts Francini

-Con Amore- Janice Therese Mancuso

-La Bella Lingua- Dianne Hales

-Never Trust A Thin Cook-- Eric Dregni

-The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken- Laura Schenone

-Old World Daughter New World Mother-- Maria Laurino

-Midnight in Rome-- Michael H. Gyulai

-Harlot's Sauce-- Patricia Volonakis Davis

-My Cousin The Saint- Justin Catanoso

-Searching for Pemberley and The Second Date--Mary Lydon Simonsen

-Italian Heritage Books- By Leon J. Radomile

-101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle: A Cheeky Book with Tidbits of Advice for a Glamorous Lifestyle -- Dawn Del Russo

-Gravy Wars: By Lorraine Ranalli

-The Secret Diary of an Italian Girl - Dosi Controneo

If you are an Italian American author and would like to be included on this list, please send an email an to margaret@italianamericangirl.com - Also, if you are on this list from 2009, and would like something updated, please also send an email. 

Thank you. 

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Fresh and Flavorful Basil Pesto Pasta: A Simple Delight

 

Photo by Engin Akyurt 

When it comes to simple yet incredibly satisfying pasta dishes, the best version is just simple. Bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and the aroma of freshly picked basil, this recipe is a testament to the beauty of using fresh ingredients to create a dish that's both comforting and elegant. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to get the best yet quickest pasta dish together: 

Ingredients: * Also I am leaving out nuts in this recipe.

8 oz pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti or penne- I use gluten free)

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2-3 cloves garlic, peeled

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Prepare the Pesto:

Start by washing and drying the fresh basil leaves. In a food processor, combine the basil and garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.

2. Add Cheese and Season:

Transfer the basil mixture to a bowl and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, you can also add the Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Season the pesto with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.

3. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. This starchy water will help bind the pesto to the pasta.

4. Combine Pesto and Pasta:

In a skillet or the pot used to cook the pasta, combine the cooked pasta, freshly made pesto, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the luscious basil pesto. If the sauce seems too thick, you can gradually add more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve and Garnish:

Divide the pesto-coated pasta among serving plates. For an extra burst of color and flavor, scatter halved cherry tomatoes on top. You can also drizzle a touch of olive oil and sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese over each plate.

Now comes the best part—indulging in your pasta dish. The vibrant green pesto paired with perfectly cooked pasta is a match made in culinary heaven. Each bite showcases the essence of summer with the aromatic basil taking center stage.  Buon appetito!

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Italian Summer Dishes - Frittelle di Zucchine

During the summer season, when zucchini flowers are in full bloom, it's time for the famous Fritella to make its grand appearance. This delightful Italian dish holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite recipes to prepare. I fondly recall my father tending to the zucchini plants, teaching me from a young age the art of harvesting the flowers in the early morning, giving them a gentle rinse, and allowing them to dry before frying.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, as it requires only a handful of basic ingredients. However, feel free to experiment and add your own twist by stuffing the flowers with ricotta cheese and sautéing them. There are countless ways to prepare this delicacy.

If you happen to have zucchini flowers growing in your garden, here's a basic recipe to try. Please note that I won't be providing precise measurements, as they depend on the number of flowers you have for the batter. Consider this a guideline to gather the necessary ingredients:

• Flour
• Salt
• Water
• Optional: Egg
• Finely diced garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Romano or Pecorino cheese

Mix all these ingredients together until the mixture resembles a pancake batter consistency. Begin by heating your pan with oil on high heat. Traditionally, my mother used Canola oil for frying, but you can also use olive oil. Keep in mind that olive oil tends to burn more quickly, so be attentive and generous with the oil.

Spoon the batter into the pan, forming shapes similar to pancakes, and fry them until they turn golden brown. As they come out of the pan and rest on a dish to dry, I like to sprinkle a dash of salt over them. Buon Appetito!

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Top Chefs Unite to Make a Difference - Chefs Who Care event to benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation

Chefs Who Care event to benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation 

 Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through La Riviera D'Italia, accompanied by the finest Italian wine and spirits, at the highly anticipated Chefs Who Care event. Taking place on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 5-9pm at The English Manor in Ocean Township, NJ, this premiere gathering of renowned chefs from New York City and New Jersey aims to raise funds and awareness for The Ashley Lauren Foundation and honoring Sir Gary Kong. The Foundation provides much-needed hope, help, and support for children with cancer and their families throughout the State of New Jersey. 

Prepare to indulge your senses as the Chefs Who Care event brings together the mastery of top culinary artists. These talented chefs will showcase the exquisite cuisine of La Riviera D'Italia, offering guests an unparalleled gastronomic experience. Paired with premium Italian wine and spirits, this celebration of flavors will transport attendees to the heart of Italy. 

"We are very excited for this year's roster of industry veterans and Michelin star chefs. Some of the participating chefs will include Chef Jacques Torres, Chef Cesare Cassella, Chef Silvia Barban, Chef Ariane Duarte, Chef Jesse Jones, Chef Angelo Competiello, Chef Surbhi Sahni, Chef Joe Murphy, Chef Joe Settepani and Chef Fabrizio Facchini with more chefs coming on board each day,” said Gennaro Pecchia, Co-Chair of the event, Co-host of The Good Food Fellas on Spotify. “Additionally, we have partnered with Calvisius Caviar, Urbani Truffles, San Pellegrino and other luxury brands for the evening," added Eric Vitale, Co-Chair of the event, Eric Vitale Photography. 

As renowned chefs generously donate their time and talent to support a worthy cause, Chefs Who Care is a testament to the generosity and compassion of the culinary community. With their culinary prowess, they aim to make a positive impact on the lives of children battling cancer and their families. 

The Ashley Lauren Foundation, the beneficiary of this remarkable event, has been providing vital assistance to children with cancer and their families in New Jersey for almost two decades. “I founded this organization in 2005 based on my own experience when my daughter Ashley Lauren, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three,” shared Monica Vermeulen, Founder and Executive Director of The Ashley Lauren Foundation. Through various programs and initiatives, the Foundation offers financial, emotional and material support, ensuring that families have the resources they need to navigate the challenges of pediatric cancer. “This event will strengthen our ability to bring much-needed resources and assistance to children and their families who are facing the horrific disease of pediatric cancer,” continued Vermeulen. All proceeds from the Chefs Who Care event will directly benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation and its noble mission. 

“We are so honored to announce our Humanitarian Award Recipient for the event - Sir Gary Kong,” stated Vermeulen.  Sir Gary came to America at 16-years-old from China without family or a dollar to his name. He overcame adversity, learning the English language to pursue his lifelong passion - the American dream. 

With humble beginnings, he worked in the kitchens of 5-Star Restaurants, saving his money, buying a real estate property each year, and helping others. He ultimately became a Sous Chef. 

After his gratitude and experience that he acquired in the culinary industry, he pursued his lifelong goal of becoming a Chinese American entrepreneur. Today he is a self-made businessman & real estate developer, but his greatest passion is philanthropy. He believes in giving back through supporting his Flushing community & outside charity organizations fighting the good fight. His humanitarian efforts are beyond reproach & have been nationally recognized. “We would like to thank Sir Gary for the special donations from his winery and brewery, The 1 Wine and NY Classic Beer,” noted Vermeulen. 

"We are thrilled to host the Chefs Who Care event and bring together these incredible culinary talents for an evening of culinary delights," said Vitale. "By joining forces with The Ashley Lauren Foundation, we can make a significant difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families. This event is not just about enjoying exceptional cuisine; it's about coming together as a community to provide hope and help to those who need it most."

 Guests attending the Chefs Who Care event can anticipate an exceptional evening filled with unforgettable flavors, live entertainment, and the opportunity to bid on unique culinary experiences and exclusive items in the silent auction. It is a night that promises to inspire, uplift, and create lasting memories. 

Tickets for the Chefs Who Care event are $175 per person and are available for purchase at AshleyLaurenFoundation.org. The proceeds will go directly towards supporting the programs and services provided by The Ashley Lauren Foundation. 

For more information about the Chefs Who Care event, including sponsorship opportunities and media inquiries, please contact: Monica Vermeulen, Executive Director, 732.414.1625.

About The Ashley Lauren Foundation:

The Ashley Lauren Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hope and help to children in New Jersey who are affected by cancer. The foundation offers direct financial assistance, emotional support, and various programs to improve the quality of life for children and their families as they undergo treatment. For more information, please visit AshleyLaurenFoundation.org.

 

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Exciting new Italian films opening up across the United States

Over the next few months, Italian films will dominate the US film world, here are a few spectacular films out in theaters now and this summer.

THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS

a film by Felix van Groeningen and

Charlotte Vandermeersch

L’IMMENSITA

a film by Emanuele Crialese

NOSTALGIA

a film by Mario Martone

For more on many Italian films, please visit  Cinema Made in Italy 

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