Seasonal Spice and Happiness

photo credit: newyork.seriouseats.com 

Gelato is for lovers.  Fall lovers, that is.  There is no seasonality placed on gelato in Italy, and avid gelato consumers do not think twice about eating the rich flavors throughout the year. In America the fall and winter bring a general lull to the appeal and enjoyment of frozen desserts, but gelato boasts seasonal flavors that reel in discerning customers to the unconventional.  Pumpkin spice, apple pie, and coffee cake gelato flavors engage the pumpkin spice craze with decadence.

photo credit: countrycleaver.com

Uncover milkshakes that stand out from the hoi polloi of frozen beverages with seasonal flavors of gelato.  The gelato milkshakes make for a transportable, more acceptable option for dabbling in the misconstrued “summer treat” anytime. Afterall, gelato and pizza are breakfast staples in Italian cafes. Pumpkin spice milkshakes will be the envy of the diehard seasonal latte fan that sits across the office sipping, savoring their victory… dare the one-up?   

photo credit: livinthepielife.com

Fall brings recipes that integrate spices and produce to portray the upcoming need for warmth the season commands.  Dessert sees no misfortune to the various interpretations of food during fall months. Pies served warm with a scoop of gelato are namely increasing in trend to elevate the traditional.  Advantageous combinations such as salted caramel pie with butter pecan gelato, apple pie with two scoops: tahitian vanilla and apple pie gelato, and pumpkin pie with chocolate gelato, ensure dessert will never be boring. 

Seasonal flavored gelato is the ticket to receiving culinary accolades and pleasing guests when entertaining. Mulled wine, an aromatic hot beverage combining wine with seasonal spices, creates added charm to an atmosphere set for eating all things representative of fall. Gelato is steadfast and delicious, scoop happiness to this season.

A superior Mulled Wine recipe by Ina Garten , the perfect ensemble to gelato and all of this fall glory.

photo credit: bbc.co.uk 




WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL GELATO FLAVOR?

Gelato on Top

A la gelato for the holidays! Thanksgiving and pies are synonymous, the innovation presented by mixing traditional with ingenuity are countless, delicious, and often served a la mode.  Elevate the after dinner experience by topping pies with gelato.  

The decadence of a slice of pie adorned with the more intense flavor gelato provides above other frozen desserts, will dazzle friends and family delighted to taste- even after the turkey overload. Pairing suggestions are truly limitless; presented below is a list of arrangements for seasonal, traditional, and even painstakingly overlooked gelato flavors and favorite pies that jibe.  

Truly advantageous bakers can begin preparation for insurmountable combinations, yet even in simple form authentic gelato is certain to ignite ‘dessert-time’ this year. 'Tis the season to Scoop Some Happiness.

Warm wishes (and pie) for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Top ‘em!

Sea Salt Caramel Gelato-

Salted Caramel-Chocolate Pecan Pie (recipe Southern Living)

Chocolate Bourbon Tart
photo credit Food and Wine

Chocolate Bourbon Tart (recipe Food & Wine)

Cinnamon Gelato-

Apple Pie with Spiced Apple-Caramel Sauce (recipe Bon Appetit)

-vanilla gelato is completely acceptable with apple varieties.

Sweet Potato Pie

Chocolate Gelato-

Malted Walnut Pie (recipe Bon Appetit)

Pumpkin Pie

Pistachio Gelato-

Butterscotch Mousse Pie (recipe Food & Wine)

Cherry Pie

Raspberry Swirl Gelato-

'Impossible Pie' (Coconut) (recipe Food & Wine: Jennifer Nettles)

Triple Berry Pie

photo credit
CupcakesandCashmere.com

What is your favorite Thanksgiving pie?  Gelato flavor to top it with?  

The "Best" Plan for Gelato in Italy

Asking somebody, “What is the best gelato in Italy?” is a bit of an oxymoron.  Believe it or not, there seems to be a list of particular favorites that perhaps set the bar for the rest to sit just shy of. History, food bloggers, and avid travelers have reviewed and noted the best of gelato in Italy typically categorized by region.  An ideal trip, travel through Italy by way of gelato.  Here is a plan sure to supersede the very best recommendations and is certain to score an interpretation of top gelato in Italy. 

Taste for yourself, is there a best? Plan a trip to Italy!

Gelateria (photo credit: goitaly.about.com)

First, to skim and filter the top recommendations of locals and noted world chefs, food gurus, and a favorite among rookie bloggers, a highly regarded gelateria is San Crispino Gelato, in Rome.  History and fame have built the foundation for San Crispino to continue to win the favor of stellar review for their gelato.  Next, stop by Antica Gelateria Alberto Pica in Rome, Alberto Pica is the president of the Association of Italian Gelato Artisans, an artisan himself and the owner of this renowned gelateria.  Pica is established in the gelato world suitable enough to judge the Gelato World Tour (more to come in a moment). Lastly, venture to Bologna’s Carpigiani Gelato Museum and/or University.  This is the top International place for teaching the craft of gelato making, and has been since the very beginning of gelato. Taste the product and innovation being taught to the gelato world.

Beyond these three must-try locations, please succumb to the exhilaration of popping into any seemingly off-the-radar gelateria, sometimes finding “the best” means exposing a true undiscovered gem, the gelato connoisseurs must do this themselves.  

               (photo credit via Facebook)

The actual best laid plan? Hunt down the 16 participants that were selected in competition for Italy’s representation in The Gelato World Tour.  The Gelato World Tour, literally a tour throughout the continents of the world, scheduled through to a finale in September 2014 when the top winner from each participating country will compete for top billing as the “World’s Best Gelato Flavour”, unbelievable! The list of Italian gelato artisans, and the flavor each used in competition, is documented in a press release explaining the criteria of selection among the country oozing with gelato forerunners. 

Go to Italy, and go here:

*Following is the list of 16 artisans and their flavors:
Vito Carmine Calogero, Gelateria Bella Blu (Polignano, BA)– Flavor: Four Seasons Almond Maria Annunziata Carbè, Pasticceria Gelateria 2000 (Ellera Umbra, PG)– Flavor: Signature Gelato Marco Ciampini, Ciampini (Rome)– Flavor: Truffle Enzo Crivella, Kriò gelatocaffè (Salerno) – Flavor: Bread and Jam Giuseppe Cuti, Al gelatone (Palermo) – Flavor: Zammù Raffaele Del Verme, Di Matteo (Torchiara, SA) – Flavor: Figs in Chocolate Giuseppe Lancierini, Gelateria Fiore (Suzzara, MN) – Flavor: Pistachio Francesco Mastroianni, Il Cantagalli (Lamezia Terme, CZ)– Flavor: Grumpy Heart Antonio Mezzalira, Golosi di natura (Gazzo Padovano, PD)– Flavor: Patavino Emanuele Montana, Retrò (Rome)– Flavor: Orange Delight Santo Musumeci, Gelateria Santo Musumeci (Randazzo, CT)– Flavor: Green Gold of Sicily Mauro Serani, Gelateria Bruno.com (Antrodoco, RI) – Flavor: Apple Cake Luigi Tirabassi, Gelato e Cioccolato (Subiaco,RM)– Flavor: Grand Marnier Cream and Orange Marmalade Francesco Dioletta, Gelateria Duomo (L’Aquila)– Flavor: Aquila Flavors Antonio Ravese, Paradise (Gioia Tauro, RC) – Flavor: Paradise
Fardin Khosravi, S. M. Maggiore (Rome)– Flavor: Dark Chocolate

The Gelato World Tour Kick-Off!

Anybody is bound to find the best gelato in Italy with the above list functioning as a tour guide, provided such a determination truly does exist. Dream vacation, check. 

What would be the creative flavor (complete with a cheeky name) you would enter in The Gelato World Tour, if you were a gelato artisan?  

*List from The GelatoWorld Tour, for more information visit www.gelatoworldtour.com

Valentine's Day Celebration!

Ah, the love.   A day for recognizing the adoration, admiration, and appreciation one has for others.   Dating back to an Italian, Saint Valentine, love and the proclamation for all it beholds has varied mildly, however gestures that represent those feelings are always evolving in displays currently through flowers, cards, and most importantly, treats.   More accurately, Valentine’s Day has become a true spotlight for various sweet confections to shine in glory and display love (or self-indulgence if it is that type of year) in the most delicious way.  Regardless of the sentiment wished to express this Valentine’s Day, gelato is the premium sweet to celebrate with. 

Beyond the nod to the Italian lineage of love and our beloved icy creation, gelato transpires decadence in a way no bon-bon can.  The romantic Italian language of gelato flavors, Vaniglia, Cioccolato, alone are enough to impress any date or significant other while ordering, but the smooth texture and freshness of gelato will cap the experience.   Gelato can be used to top homemade desserts or to add an instant upgrade to a traditional chocolate covered strawberries display.  The favorite bon-bon from every other year still can be used chopped as a topping for a special twist on a gelato serving.  Gelato has an added sumptuousness especially to those not used to eating it, bonus points for introducing it to someone for the first time!  A Scoop of Happiness in store or to-go (available in pints and quarts for sharing… or not) will make this Valentine’s Day significantly sweeter.          

Gelato cakes are wonderful for advocating love and admiration this Valentine’s Day.   The gelato cakes can take on any role assumed to them be it to share with the whole family, bring to a school or themed party, or customize to the exact flavor preferences of the person one wishes to honor.   Most would be thoroughly impressed with a cake made from gelato, but the creativity outlet in a gelato cake made to suit personal flavor combinations is unbeatable. The thought behind preparing in advance by ordering a customizable gelato cake is notable.   It is the perfect way to plan to say “I love you” and surely a fun way to enjoy dessert with family and friends. 

Ask Pino Gelato about our specialty cakes!

Gelato represents love, in sharing, in Italian culinary history, and in the presentation it offers this Valentine’s Day.  Gelato in any form and flavor will help to spread love and happiness to all lucky enough to enjoy the sweet Italian treat.  The magnificence surrounding gelato and the people held most important to us pair up this holiday to make for an enchanting celebration.  Gelato = amore. 

Health behind Gelato

To stay congruent with the overall health vibe January induces in many American’s homes, the information here intends to lighten the load and expose the actual health perks gelato offers. 

Gelato is made predominantly with milk, which means it is 93% fat-free. By law, ice cream must contain more than 10% butterfat in the United States to be considered ice cream.

Manufacturers typically whip air into their ice cream products, which results in over 50% of air by volume. Gelato does not have all this air whipped into it, which means it is a dense, rich product full of flavor. This texture makes it thick and “creamy” without the use of heavy cream.  Because ice cream contains more than twice as much air as gelato, the high fat content in the heavy cream allows ice cream to maintain a creamy texture.  Sorbetto, gelato without milk, is dairy-free, gluten-free and fat-free. Making these Italian treats all-inclusive.

Gelato is produced in small batches with only the best available premium ingredients versus the mass production of ice cream made months prior to consumption. Gelato is lower in fat content per serving and lower in calories per serving versus ice cream.  The rich texture and flavor of gelato allows for true indulgence and satiety in lesser quantity.

Often gelato varieties have flavors with fresh seasonal fruits or the best chocolate products. Used are products such as whole fruits, real espresso and premium high cocoa content chocolate to give gelato the best possible flavor. Chocolate has benefits conducive to health as well, from antioxidants, to stress relief, and a natural metabolism booster from the caffeine content.  Fresh fruits are an everyday staple as they provide a bevy of vitamins and recommended nutrients. Some ingredients are imported from Italy, to keep the true flavor of authentic Italian gelato.  The combination with the healthy fats in gelato allow consumption of these pairings to go unhindered and become a celebration, a choice, and a delicious portion to achieving a healthy lifestyle. 

Eat gelato!

Happy National Chocolate Milkshake Day!

Dear fellow chocoholics, this is our day!!!!!

Take two delicious treats such as chocolate and milkshake and combine them, that’s genius!

The term “milkshake” first appeared in 1885 and referred to an alcoholic whiskey drink, similar to eggnog. AND milkshakes were said to have some medicinal purposes!

 

By 1900, they was no more alcohol but a whole lot of goodness left in milkshakes! 

The milkshake became really popular when in 1922 a Walgreens employee in Chicago, Ivar "Pop" Coulson, took an old-fashioned malted milk (milk, chocolate, and malt) and added two scoops of ice cream.

Suddenly everyone around the country, and the world for that matter, began drinking milkshakes.

The rest is history…

So let’s thank “Pop” while savoring a delicious milkshake, a chocolate milkshake nonetheless!

You can go the classic route with all chocolate or branch out and mix in Nutella or Milk Chocolate with Whiskey. Regardless you are in for a sweet celebration! 

Please do tell what your favorite milkshake flavor(s) is, here on the blog or on our Facebook page. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate chocolate milkshakes…

 

Tough decisions...

When customers step in a Pino Gelato, they are amazed by the presentation and flavor varieties we offer. As they sample our flavors, it sometimes seems people have a harder time choosing a flavor than naming their first-born child!

Now, while we love our customers, we think it is time to make it even harder on you. That’s right, it’s time to add new flavors to our list!

But choosing flavors is not just hard on our customers! The Pino Gelato team needs your help choosing  new flavors that we can include in our stores. Do you enjoy traditional gelato flavors, like chocolate, hazelnut and pistachio…or are your favorites some of the non-traditional, like Reese’s and Cream or Ocean Caramel? 

Here’s where you come in… We have heard suggestions ranging from lilac to a chocolate-chocolate chip gelato. No idea is too ordinary or too wild (in fact, we can’t wait to hear the wild)! 

Straciatella (Chocolate Chip) is a traditional Italian flavor; while Peanut Butter hits the spot for others!

Please let us know what flavors you would like to see, whether you have seen it before, or you are the creator. In fact, we will name the best flavor suggestion after the person who suggests it for its first 2 months in our corporate store on Hilton Head Island, SC.

 We appreciate your input, and can’t wait to hear your ideas!