What better way to celebrate summer than to throw yourself a nice little summer bash and showcase your culinary talents. Yes we all have them and summer is the best time to show them off by firing up a grill, shaking up a few cocktails to enjoy with your girls by the pool while watching the kiddies go crazy over your brand name Funwiches.
Just in case you’d like to try it Florentina style ever once in a while in which case you will throw a Funwich Summer Bash and see how many fun ways you can think of to create a grilled cheese sandwich. And do you know of anyone that doesn’t like a grilled cheese funwich…? Really ?!

A favorite of mine for the summer bash is the Fontina, Basil & Tomato Funwich and the super easy Fajita Funwich. Best part for this one, you don’t even need a recipe! Pick up some colorful bell peppers from the market, a nice red onion and slice them all up. Toss with a little olive oil then grill on a fire grill for a few minutes then season with a pinch of sea salt.
Meanwhile preheat a cast iron griddle and build your funwiches with sour dough bread, a nice sharp grated white cheddar cheese and fill in the middle with the fajitas. Butter the outside of each funwhich and grill them slowly until perfectly golden crispy on the outside and nice and gooey on the inside.

Make sure to have a couple of different Funwich combinations for the Ultimate Summer Bash alla Florentina.

Orbit® gum is a global brand, enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Chew Orbit after any meal to leave your mouth with “A Good Clean Feeling®”. Eat. Drink. Chew™ Orbit! Like us on Facebook here.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Orbit® gum via Glam Media but such compensation did not influence any opinions expressed herein. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Orbit® gum

Can you imagine the smell of caramelized natural sugars coming from grilling pineapple ?! Too good to be true, I’ve done it twice this week for a special salsa recipe I created for Dole and that I can’t wait to share with you on my Foodie Page.
It’s easy, fast and exotic, this salsa will make yo look like a rockstar at any summer party.

I also entered it in the Dole Facebook contest that I encourage you to participate in as well with one of your fabulous recipes to win a trip to L.A and and compete in the 2012 Dole California Cook-Off judged by Celebrity Chef Ben Ford. The winning recipe will receive a prize of $10,000, how cool is that ?! Also you may enter to win the  Sweepstakes prize which is a trip to Los Angeles to be the Dole fan Judge on a distinguished panel of judges to crown the winner of the 2012 Dole California Cook-Off plus a cash prize of $500.

Disclosure: “Compensation was provided by Dole via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dole.”

10 Steps To The Perfect Cocktail Party

Ever wanted to throw a cocktail party but were too nervous that you couldn’t pull it off ?! Worried that you’ll end up more stressed than actually having a good time ?
Here are 10 simple steps to The Perfect Cocktail Party to help you get organized and make you look like a Rockstar:

1. Decide On a Theme: Hawaiian, Pool Party, African Safari and plan your decorations accordingly.

2. Make sure you have all your cocktail equipment on hand and ready for your mixologist.

3. Have one mixologist in charge of All the drinks.

4. Presoak your wooden skewers and have one person in charge of all the grilling if you plan on having hot finger foods.

5. Have all your plates, napkins and plenty of clean glasses in one spot.

6. Decide on all your cocktail recipes, print them out and have all the ingredients ready organized and stocked at your bar for your mixologist.

7. Remember to stock up on soft drinks, water and non-alcoholic beverages for the designated drivers.

8. Decide on all finger food recipes and have them ready to come out the moment your first guest arrives.

9. Remember at least two varieties of chips and nuts placed in different areas through the room.

10. Last nut not least: Buy more ingredients than you think you will need, you can always use the leftovers but there’s nothing like running out of cocktails at a cocktail party.

Orbit® gum is a global brand, enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Chew Orbit after any meal to leave your mouth with “A Good Clean Feeling®”. Eat. Drink. Chew™ Orbit! Like us on Facebook

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Orbit® gum via Glam Media but such compensation did not influence any opinions expressed herein. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Orbit® gum

It’s finally Friday, Happy Hour time, in your home, by the pool or a nice bar down the street! If you’re staying in then let the master mixologist Jacopo Falleni be your inspiration with this delicious dessert Key Lime Pie cocktail!

The color is pallid yellow, almost white with green reflections.  The body is big for the thickness of the cream. It has an intense flavor of pineapple lime and sugar that are easy to distinguish in the mouth and they blend together giving a fresh taste, a little alcoholic and astringent .Perfect dessert drink to enjoy this Friday night!

Key Lime Pie Cocktail
by Jacopo Falleni

• 1.5 oz 6ct Vanilla Vodka
• ¾ oz 3ct Pineapple puree
• 1/2 oz  2ct Whipped Cream
• 2/3 Squeeze of Lime
• GARNISH: Graham cracker rim, lime wheel

PREPARATION:

1. Grab the mixing glass and pour 6 ct of infused Vanilla vodka then 3 count of pineapple puree. Make sure it is puree and not juice otherwise your drink will be runny and flavorless instead of smooth and slick. Now add 2 ct of Whipped cream. For the drink to have the best result it has to be made with the best products! This being said would you ever use anything that is not fresh fruit?
2. Finish adding 2/3 squeeze of lime  wedge, drop the lime in the mix and fill the shaker with ice pour the mix from the mixing glass to the shaker and let’s shake it baby!

I wonder when America is going to embrace a chocolate spread for breakfast …?
Like PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE dark chocolate spread on a fresh croissant with some strawberries, a banana or a glass of milk… What a great way to start the day, for a chocoholic like me anyways!

Sometimes all you need to unwind is a good movie, a best friend, a container of PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE chocolate spread and a spoon. You deserve it!

Or maybe all of you foodies would like to bake some cupcakes and use the chocolate spread as a frosting, top it with some sprinkles and you can start the party!

What are your favorite ways to unwind in your personal life ?

Brand Statement: Real Chocolate blended with rich, creamy PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Kraft via Glam Media.
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kraft”

Life is beautiful and what makes it really great are the people in it that give us reasons to celebrate, be grateful and let loose ever once in awhile.
The news of your best friend getting married, a birthday, or a parent’s visit from overseas or simply a Friday night with your friends are all reasons to celebrate and be happy.   This week I found 5 really good reasons to celebrate with Happy Hour:

1.  Celebrate Your Health !  After a long day at the emergency room today with a terrible ear infection I realized I need to celebrate my health every day because without it you simply can’t enjoy your life.

2.  Celebrate Your Friendships !  Because nothing enriches our lives like good friends do and they need to be celebrated and treasured with hugs and martinis.

3.  Celebrate Love!  Because it really does make the world go around.

4.  Celebrate Yourself! Because you deserve it and you are worth it all.

5.  Celebrate Life! Because it’s beautiful, magical and goes by really fast, so enjoy every moment and leave nothing to chance.

When you need an escape from the daily grind, or just a place to unwind with friends, go to your Margarita Place. Go to Chili’s. Our daily specials on margaritas & appetizers are the perfect excuse for you and your friends to get together after work. Premium margaritas, boneless buffalo wings and hanging out with friends at Chili’s—there’s no better way to end your day.

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Chili’s via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Chili’s”

I posted a photo of this Ricotta and Spinach Manicotti on Facebook a while ago and finally found the recipe to share with you.
As you can see I took these photos way before I knew anything about food photography or what Macro mode was.
Definitely a rustic meal and rustic images to match, I hope you’ll enjoy it, comfort food all the way, just perfect for a rainy day like today.  Plus Every day is a great day for some Italian.

The creaminess of the ricotta plus the combination of marinara and Alfredo sauce really takes this dish to a new level.

Ricotta and Spinach Manicotti Recipe
(Serves 4)

• 1 c fontina cheese -shredded
• 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
• 1/4 c parmigiano reggiano
• 8 Manicotti shells
• 1 egg –lightly beaten
• 3 handfuls baby spinach
• 4 garlic cloves -sliced
• 4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 3 c marinara sauce
• 1 c Alfredo sauce
• sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 dash of nutmeg -freshly grated

1. In a large sauté pan heat up 2 tbs olive oil over medium flame. Add the garlic slices and cook for approx 2 min (just enough to release its flavors and get some color). Add the fresh spinach and sauté for about 5 min until wilted. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and drain in a small colander. Once the spinach has cooled down transfer it to a cutting board and chop it up.

2. Meanwhile bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 3 tbs sea salt and cook the manicotti for 6 min. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. In a mixing bowl, mix the ricotta, spinach, parmigiano reggiano and the egg. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper and a dash of nutmeg then set aside.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease the lasagna pan ( 9 x 13 inch ) with the remaining 1 tbs olive oil, making sure to get the sides too.

5. Spread 1 1/2 c of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the pan, just enough to coat the entire surface like a blanket.
Fill the manicotti shells with the cheese mixture and arrange them 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with 1 c of the fontina cheese and spoon 1 1/2 c of the marinara on top.

6. Bake covered with aluminum foil for 35 min.  Meanwhile work on the Alfredo sauce and spoon it over the top of the manicotti before serving or set on the table for self serving.

The Perfect Frittata Recipe

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I haven’t done many reviews lately since doing Florentina’s Favorite Things list in the Ciao Florentina Magazine, but I got to try many many wholesome food products lately and really wanted to brag about one of my favorites: Cucina Antica.

Their cooking sauces are all-natural, low fat, gluten free and made with imported Italian San Marzano tomatoes – which in my opinion are the only tomatoes that should be used in a tomato sauce.

I tried the Tomato Basil last night over the natural penne pasta that cooked perfectly al dente in 10 minutes. It is a smaller, skinnier shape of penne which makes it even better at holding just the right amount of sauce in its ridges for a perfect bite. The homemade flavor of the pasta and sauce combined was absolutely a perfect marriage and I can’t wait to try the rest of the flavors especially the La Vodka Sauce- the winner of sofi Silver Award for Outstanding Pasta Sauce by the NASFT.

To learn more about Cucina Antica and where to purchase go to Cucina-Antica.com
Email us at info@cucina-antica.com if you would like a $1.00 off coupon to try our Cucina Antica sauces!

What is your favorite jarred tomato sauce ?

Negroni is an Italian aperitif cocktail named in honor of Count Camillo Negroni in 1919 at the Cafe Casoni in Florence. The target color for this drink is ruby red.  The nose is intense with sweet and bitter, astringent spices mixed with juniper berry, orange, and vanilla flavors…All these sensations are found in the taste along with a warm, dry and BIG body that leave a pleasant bitter sensation! This is definitely the king of the Aperitif drinks!

NEGRONI COCKTAIL RECIPE
by Jacopo Falleni

• 1 oz (4ct) Gin
• 1 oz (4ct) Vermouth Rosso
• 1 oz (4ct) Bitter Campari
• 1 spray of Amoretti Fiori di Sicilia Perfum
• 1 Orange

PREPARATION: The Negroni is prepared in the old fashion glass filled with ice. Make sure, before you start pouring, there is no water from melted ice in the glass.  Now we start! Gin goes in first then Vermouth Rosso and finally Campari.  Mix quickly with a cocktail spoon and complete it with the orange slice as a decoration!

For more of Jacopo’s cocktails visit  JacopoFalleni.com