Pizza Cones for the Family!

The kids are out of school for the summer, now it is time to figure out what to do with them.  Long hot summer days, rainy days, or once the crew officially has had too much beach, camp, and kickball, the place to turn is in the kitchen.  Pizza cones are the route to take to entice little chefs to learn to prepare a quick, fresh, and mess-free transformation of the beloved pizza slice. 

Pino Gelato’s pizza cones lead as forerunner of the Crispycones state-side debut a few years ago, stemming from the popularity abroad.  The pizza cones immediately took off after coverage on the Food Network’s television show “Unwrapped”, and have been a lasting hit since. Crispycones, based off of an Italian company’s creations, are made with special flaky dough with a seal on the bottom that is filled with a variety of quality ingredients from cheese to Caesar salad.  The individual cones are prepared fresh daily and baked to perfection on the spot. 

Here comes the fun part for the kids!  Stop into a Pino Gelato location offering pizza cones and allow them watch custom pizza cones be prepared in front of their eyes.  A handful of pizza cone making kits are available for order online to truly delve into the DIY project, and purchase the fresh ingredients at a grocery store or via our store.  Pino Gelato plans to have a pizza cone making class at their Hilton Head, SC flagship location (potentially at others) later this summer.  Stay on our social media radar and website for specific details, and keep the kitchen clean by bringing the kids to ours! 

The pizza cones are best described by Pino Gelato CEO, Ramona Fantini, “This product is a healthy, easy meal for patrons in need of a quick lunch, children who want a fun meal and everyone in between”. Certainly, the entire family benefits from an activity that encourages creativity in the kitchen and enjoying the delicious creations the kids made.  Let the little ones venture out from summer boredom and become pizza cone masters. 

Father's Day BBQ, Family Style

Cue the family, grill, and sun this Father’s Day.  Bring on the most discerning foodies of the group, it is about to get tasty on Sunday.  While the staples remain bourbon, beer, and BBQ, homemade accompaniments add detail privy to the men being honored.  This year’s family barbecue will spread original condiments worthy of bottling, as well as a big fat smile on Dad’s face.

Family is daily; honoring Dad comes once a year.  Include the youngsters in preparing for a barbecue to ease prep time for the cook while bringing joy and accomplishment from the kid’s involvement in planning the day.  Bring kids to the store to choose napkins and various outdoor serving items in Dad’s favorite colors, have them set the table and fill bowls up with favorite snacks.  If Dad has a favorite hobby or team, try to incorporate in the serving.  Is he an avid golfer? Rally up golf tees (new, preferably) and use them in place of toothpicks for serving various appetizers. (Also, check out the golf ball gelato golf ball cake mentioned here.) 

                               photo credit, Food Network

Marinate cubed pieces of salmon and/or shrimp in a simple combination of bourbon and brown sugar.  Chop assorted veggies and allow the children to pre-assemble skewers.  The seafood skewers can be done by an adult prior to grilling.  These little chef touches will show Dad the amount of appreciation he is deserved.

With several days left until Father’s Day there is time to make the barbecue perfectly hand crafted by making the condiments from scratch.    Several homemade ketchup recipes found here will properly act as a base for the customizing of Dad’s preference, have the kids help make and jar the ketchup complete with a personalized label.  The same works for barbecue sauce, mustard, and hot sauce. Last minute? Slap the crafty labels on to store-bought favorites for the day.  

                                  photo credit, PureWow

Try making pickles, the simple task will be worth the reward come Sunday when guests are blown away with the fact they are eating homemade “He’s our bread and butter” labeled pickles.  Scour the market for lesser known craft beers that have names or flavors that tie into favorite vacations and memories.  The menu’s can vary, beer braised chicken, steaks, burgers, but each item served will be more enjoyable with these accouterments in place to celebrate. 

Famous Dad, David Beckham
goes for gelato with his son.

No party big or small, is complete without dessert.  Serve gelato and sorbetto to cool off after rounds of bocce ball, horse shoes, and dancing.  Not planning a large gathering? Make the full works BBQ above for dinner then have the kids take Dad out for a scoop!

Adoration for Dad will be depicted through the amount of effort and thought put into the family BBQ, all to honor their main man. Happy Father’s Day, have some authentic fun! 

Happy Republic Day, Italy!

Rome is bustling today.  June 2, 2013 marks Festa della Repubblica, a national holiday with outstanding celebrations to commemorate the founding of The Republic of Italy in 1946. 

The Eternal City attracts visitors ready to revel in an exceptional military parade honoring the anniversary of the declaration of the Italian Republic.  The Carabinieri, military police of Italy, parade through to Piazza Venezia overseen by Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Giorgio Napolitano, The President of Italy.  Prominent political and military officials attend many of the events in Rome.

Notable traditions of Republic Day include a laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the inception to the day's festivities.  Look up in the sky, not for fireworks, but to view Frecce Tricolori, a flyover by the nine Italian Air Force aircraft that leave streaks of green, white, and red colored smoke to denote the Italian Flag.  Listen to various military bands perform live in Palazzo del Quirinale, the gardens of the seat of the president, open to the public. 

Napolitano has broached the typical traditions with a scaled back parade this year in the name of austerity.  "I appreciate the simplicity of the celebrations," said Napolitano who also highlighted reducing the costs to the essential and shifted focus to the pride of the patrons in attendance honoring the theme "Armed Forces in the service of the country."  John Kerry, US Secretary of State, acknowledged in writing the respectful U.S-Italy alliance, goals, and achievements concluding, "It is in the spirit of this enduring partnership and friendship that I extend to all Italians my sincere best wishes on this 67th anniversary of Republic Day."

Throughout Italy there are a host of several other parties and parades to honor the day.  Festa della Repubblica propels the Italians into festival mode for the busy season ahead.  Enjoy Republic Day! 



Italian President Giorgio Napolitano