Italian cuisine

BACKGROUND Italy is a country in southern Europe that is marginally bigger than Arizona. Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the European peninsula, is located in the mountainous majority of Italy. The Po River, Italy's greatest river, is surrounded by a rich valley. Italy benefits from a wi...

A key component of Tuscan cooking is simplicity. Fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, and legumes are used. Ribollita, a famous soup whose name literally translates to "reboiled," is a good example of classic Tuscan cuisine. The basic ingredients are always leftover bread, cannellini beans, and c...

Orecchiette is as Italian as Salsa. Its a traditional meal made from a kind of tomatoes called pomodorini. Typically Mediterranean, its laden with spices and condiments like basil. REGIONAL TASTE In Puglia, orecchiette, often called peasant fare, is frequently served with broccoli, rapini, or orec...