A Taste of Italy, food & wine!

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - The Taste of Italy's coming up and you should get yourself a bite or two! Sal Circosta from Sal's Bakery & Cafe in Springfield and Rose Costa the Chairperson for the Taste of Italy gave us a preview of the event!

A Taste of Italy
Saturday, October 13th
4:30PM - 8:00PM

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
123 William Street
Springfield

Pasta Contadina

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 2 cups grated cheese (Parmigiano reggiano)
• 1 box frozen chopped spinach
• ½ lb hot cappacola
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Black pepper and salt to taste

Directions:

1. Thaw out spinach by following directions on package. After thawed, forcefully squeeze out all remaining water. Put aside.
2. Chop up the sliced hot cappacola into ¼" or so squares. Put aside.
3. In skillet, bring the olive oil to hot temperature. Add the garlic and hot cappacola and lightly cook.
4. Once the garlic and cappacola has lightly cooked, put in the chopped spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes.
5. Add the heavy cream and bring to a low simmer.
6. In the meantime, boil your pasta until it is al-dente. You can use any pasta you like (I recommend farfalle for short and fettuccini for long).
7. Once the pasta has been drained, put in the skillet with the sauce. Cook for about 1 minute.
8. Add the grated cheese, mix together, then serve.

Fruit Fritters

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 cups flour
• Oil for frying
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into wedges

Directions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl with wire whisk, beat eggs. Add sugar and milk and mix well. Add baking powder and flour and beat with whisk to make a smooth batter.
2. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When oil is ready, dip sliced apples into batter, using your fingers. Coat the slice thoroughly and let excess batter fall into the rest of the batter. Release into oil.
3. Fry the apple slices, a few at a time. Turn with two forks or a slotted spoon. Fry until golden brown.
4. Remove from oil and drain on absorbent paper.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, chocolate sauce or confectioner's sugar, if desired. Serve warm.