Gift Certificates with Glee

Dull, thoughtless, uneventful… not exactly the message most would wish for a present to convey.  Let’s face it, gift certificates get a bad rap. While plain gift giving does happen and can be defended in some cases, spread the revamped view for giving and receiving gift cards that spread joy this season.  Gift certificates can be worthy of the most important people on this year’s list. 

In certain instances, a generic gift card is exactly the right choice.  A teacher moving into a new home (large housewares store), to donate for a charity raffle, and for corporate gift exchanges with a required minimum cost, are all suitable for gift certificates.  There is an overtone when handed to family or close friends: the gift is seemingly inadequate, as if the time was not spent to find something better.   But the truth is, giving a gift certificate can actually be one of the best presents of the holiday.  It is the ticket to ensuring a person gets exactly what they want, a vessel for an experience one may not spend money on themselves to try, or a way to share with family and friends personal favorites courtesy of the giver.

Photo credit: NY Times

People living away from family, particularly in a desirable destination, can entice loved ones to book travel plans to visit during 2014. To do so, send  gift certificates for a favorite restaurant, gelato shop, and activities to do in order to rally visitors to come stay and enjoy the family from out-of-town.  The opposite is just as thoughtful, sending a gift card for the newly opened buzz worthy spot such as a cheese shop, seafood store, or cafe in the town the person receiving resides.   An adventure gift ticket, such as paddle boarding, golf lessons, or an extreme race challenge brings people together to try something new or to share a skilled hobby with those novice.

Presentation is key as well, outline the thought process behind the gift. Savvy packages and careful displays will depict the meaning behind the holiday season and the joy of giving. Wow factors can include attaching travel incentive gift cards to a map of the location, placing a gelato gift certificate among a stocking filled with luxurious goodies, and wrapping the big adventure ticket in the largest box in house.

Gift certificates are amazing presents that carry an enormous potential to spread happiness this season and into the new year.  

What is a favorite gift certificate you are giving this year?

Scoop Some Happiness to loved ones, ‘tis the season. $5 for $10 gift certificates at Pino Gelato through December 31, 2013 at HHI store only.  

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?  

Thanksgiving & Game Day Fare

Avid football fans, elevate the game day experience with a harvest chow down.  Turkey tailgates and enticing food arrays will elicit enjoyment during the game from the most discerning in the crowd to the non-sports enthused.  Incorporate traditional holiday fixings to create the ideal atmosphere for the ultimate in football fare.

Turkey & Football unite via sliders

Turn up the heat on the barbecue, the turkey is here.  Football and Thanksgiving have long paired up, over the next two weekends revel in the combinations of game day and grub.  Stadium tailgating will no doubt showcase the trend of football turkey- inclusive of grilled up drumsticks, but at home viewers can set up in the same fashion.  Pulled turkey sliders displayed with a toppings station of fresh cranberry sauce, gravy, and stuffing is a simple, creative, and tasty spin on a commonly reinvented offering.  No to mention the grab and go style is conducive to spectators not wishing to miss a play.  

The specialties of the season provide numerous recipes to delight guests with a twist on the ordinary.  Sweet potatoes used for potato skins in this recipe are a hit, follow the directions but feel free to try out favorite cheese and toppings of choice.  To amend standard antipasti spreads to adhere to the theme, stack figs wrapped in prosciutto, mozzarella, and roasted squash for skewers that reach a new level entirely. Putting leftovers to use for feeding a crowd is easy, this pizza holds it’s toppings and for an early game time create a quiche with the Thanksgiving extras.

Sweet potato skins. Photo credit: www.marthastewart.com

Sweets are a welcomed must for entertaining, even in a crowded parking lot dessert can be done well.  Handheld mini pies, assorted pastries, and cookies with fall season flair (think cinnamon, pumpkin, and nuts) will satiate the sweet tooth and wake up those impaired by a food coma.  It may even be appropriate to whip up the first batch of eggnog of the season, add a scoop of gelato to serve a seriously delectable version.

Thanksgiving-fueled menu options perfect what game day parties are all about.  Utilize seasonal culinary trends to rally the fans and their taste buds.  Food, football, and family unite this time of year... dig in!

Make A Difference Day 2013

The little things mean much more than realized. American Essayist and Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) summed up a fantastic way to live, a message still applicable on this very day, “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

On National Make A Difference Day Saturday, October 26, 2013 millions of volunteers will unite to improve the lives of others in their communities on the largest national day of community service.  Thousands of projects in all different scales from small groups of individuals to entire states take on problems they see in the community and accomplish a solution.  USA Weekend Magazine and Points of Light have teamed up for more than 20 years to sponsor Make A Difference Day along with other organizations that recognize the power of inspired people serving their communities.  The Make A Difference Day website allows anybody to register  their project to raise awareness and accrue volunteers, there is also a search engine for projects within the total mile radius of the entered zip code to find places to volunteer on Saturday.  Projects include fixing up city gardens, packaging at food banks, and cleaning/repairing community centers.  Regardless of the project size registration on the Make A Difference Day DAYtaBank submits the project for consideration to receive a $10,000 donation from Newman’s Own.  

It is not too late to create a project and many are still in need of volunteers.  Begin a new tradition with family, friends, or coworkers and dedicate time to serve the community, one day of volunteering can spark a habit of it.  Children learn from the actions of adults, family friendly projects will engage the awareness of children and involve them to aid in successfully improving their community while shaping their path toward future volunteering. The children may ask to do more, luckily the upcoming holiday season provides numerous opportunities, but engaging in service all year long and striving to Make A Difference each and every day is the true goal and inspiration of the mission.

The little things count, start by smiling and making eye contact with people. Trends have occurred recently including an anonymous person buying coffee for everyone that comes in that day, or grand restaurant tippers, and the more infamous random act of kindness when a homeless man turned in a lost bag filled with over $50,000 cash only to have inspired the do-well in another gentleman that set up a website to donate funds to the homeless man; he is now worth over $100,000. Go ahead, create a trend and raise awareness to make someone's life a little happier in any capacity it is worth it. The cycle should never end, people will always remember the way another made them feel. Make A Difference Day certainly calls to us nationwide to join our neighbors helping others and our communities, it could be contagious.

What project will you participate in for Make A Difference Day this Saturday, October 26, 2013?  

Come share a Scoop of Happiness with us and other volunteers at Pino Gelato after your project!

Happiness and Literacy

"We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once," Friedrich Nietzsche.  The celebrated German philosopher has provided words to live by in multiple renowned quotes, the above can be applied true of literacy as well.  In recognition for September as International Literacy Month the author’s quote has a true sentiment when altered to profess the joy of reading, “… on which we have not read or been read to at least once”, I believe Nietzsche would agree. 

The future of reading and literacy should be bound to celebration promoting literacy through favorite authors, books, and community events to aid in improvement.  A fantastic program to become a volunteer tutor for students and adults with low literacy skills, this month serves as an excellent reminder to share reading with family, friends, and the community.  The National Book Festival is held on the National Mall in Washington DC by the Library of Congress, with a previous theme “Celebrating the joys of reading aloud” that resonates with our passion for literacy.  Either idea can be recreated in even the smallest of towns, promote literacy and revel in the imagination stirring in the young mind of a child, or in the advancement in workplace of the low-literate adult having progress.

As a company that gives back interaction with our local, national, and world communities’ start with being literate.  Gelato is here to come and enjoy in an authentic Italian experience, a place to convene in happiness as a family.   In this month of International Literacy, let us try to make the same experience of reading, aloud in happiness to children, to educate ourselves further, or to teach others, share the focus of spreading literacy in a compassionate way.

In September appropriately marks festivals in Italy celebrating the birthday of Juliet from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  Re-read that for starters! What is your favorite classic book or play? 

For more information the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization supplies facts and actions regarding global literacy. UNESCO is at the forefront of global literacy efforts and is dedicated to keeping literacy high on national, regional and international agendas.

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! 

Holiday Weekend, Picnic Plans!

Soak up some sun while reveling in friends, family, and a taste of the outdoors. This holiday weekend should include a picnic. Regardless of the social agenda, attending or hosting gatherings or a clear schedule, the picnic will always fit the bill. From simple to over-the-top, the ways to incorporate a picnic this Memorial Day Weekend are countless.

The Italian style picnic can be customized as rustic and simple for two, or as a bountiful, yet manageable option for large crowds. The Italian staples consist of bread, olives, a pasta dish that can be enjoyed at room temperature, and various roasted vegetables. This style picnic is great for anytime of the day and can be spread out in any location, even on a blanket in the backyard.

Sample Italian Picnic Menu:

Fresh Italian Bread, such as Semolina, Bastone, or Ciabatta
Assorted olives
Pappardelle with olive oil, fresh lemon, fresh basil, fresh mint
Roasted zucchini, red, yellow, and orange peppers, tomatoes

Use the more traditional picnic fare but, opt for a theme. Whether it be seafood, sandwiches, or a grill menu. Hosting a backyard party with a food theme keeps the essence of simplicity a picnic boasts in tact. Cover outdoor tables with kitschy plaid tablecloths and newspaper for a lobster, crawfish, and crab boil complete with shell crackers for guests. Arrange dishes of drawn butter, fresh lemon halves, and various spices throughout the table. The boiled seafood, corn, and potatoes can be served straight from the table. The same family-style set up can be implemented for a "make-your-own" sandwich bar or with the necessities for grilling out. All options adhere to a relaxed crowd (and host/hostess) present simply to enjoy being outside, eating, and mingling with other guests.


Photo courtesy of potterybarn.com

Sample Traditional Picnic Menus:

Shellfish Boil
Various shellfish (lobster, crab, crawfish, shrimp, mussels)
Corn on the cob
Red skin potatoes

Sandwich Bar
Variety of each:
Rolls, lettuce, pickles, roasted vegetables, cheese, deli meat, mustard, mayo, hot peppers
Homemade potato chips w/crumbled blue cheese

Grill Menu
Marinated chicken (choose 2 favorite styles, such as Caribbean Jerk and Teriyaki)
Grilled fresh fruit, watermelon, pineapple, peaches
Asparagus
Portobella mushrooms
Assorted salads

The picnic will travel with whatever the weekend may bring. Prep an actual picnic basket (or buy a pre-arranged set with price points from $15-$350 on Google shopping search engine, surely one will be suitable) to have ready for impromptu invitations. Neighbors said come over? The basket is an exceptional means to transport food to contribute to the pooled meal. A more thoughtful approach, such as for a host/hostess gift, would be to fill the picnic basket with favorite food items (barbecue sauce, gourmet spreads, honey, jam) for their enjoyment in the future. Pack a favorite cheese and fruit pairing to share that day if asked to bring a dish.


A National Geographic Favorite Picnic Spot: Villa Borghese Gardens, Rome, Italy Photograph by Hemis/Alamy

Grab a Frisbee and the picnic basket and go. Host a sensational party, with ease. Share food favorites with great company. In any style, the picnic should be a priority and the pinnacle of enjoyment during the long weekend. Happy Memorial Day!


What are some of your favorite picnic foods?

Share pictures to our Facebook page of your Memorial Day picnics... we'd love to see Pino Gelato quarts/pints Scooping Some Happiness during celebrations this holiday weekend!

La Famiglia

 

Mamma Agata, facebook.com

Family is everything.  Beyond raising wholesome, successful, and loving individuals that conduct themselves with regard to society, family life as Mecca is the ultimate goal of many households in our country.  Italy and the USA share many similarities as far as family and celebration are concerned. 

A mecca is a point of recreation, gathering, and center for a particular group.  Italian mothers are known to be the axis on which their family spins, the matriarch is held with the most regard.  Italians are drawn to their homes by mamma to dine on traditional cuisine and share stories from the day (or  at least on a weekly basis, even once grown).  Italian-Americans typically do not move far from each other considering this tradition and the glue the Italian mother has laid doesn't stretch very far. 

In Italy, Mother's Day is celebrated the second Sunday in May, same as ours this year! The day starts with church and focuses on showering the mother with love, gifts, and treats throughout the day, she is not expected to cook or work.  Though certainly most do not hand over their kitchen to just anyone.  Mother's Day is a chance to bring about tradition to the epicenter of love in the family and to dine and to help spread the joy to all that she provides all year.  Families are there for each other, daily, in business, and in a place that draws us back time and again.  Family is home. 

Certainly all families have traditions that bring them together, allow for those to shine bright this Mother's Day. The base of the family, the love that keeps the group together, the mother created core, is what family is all about.   Show appreciation for family-based culture and become proof of that time being worth everything.  Make being together a bit sweeter and a bit more Italian this year and allow us to  Scoop Some Happiness to your family on Mother's Day!



A scoop of Pino Gelato for Mom = smile!

Easter Sunday

Vatican City photo courtesy of ds-lands.com

The holiday of new beginnings could not be more appropriately timed with the two words, "Habemus Papam", delivered from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Easter is a holiday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and to spread universal joy for our salvation. The world's Catholic community is filled with hope and a renewed ambition for faith through the installation of Pope Francis. Easter Sunday should be celebrated with extra special attention through traditional Italian food served given all of the recent events in Vatican City.

While certainly it is not a requirement to be Catholic or Italian to feast on the decadent Italian Easter Pie, known as Pizzagaina, a pie filled to the maximum with various Italian meats and cheeses served on Easter Sunday is meant to be enjoyed by all. The Easter Pie is a perfect community dish, for its massive size and for its palatable components. There are multiple versions of the Italian Easter Pie, even sweet variations, mostly handed down within families (particularly from Nonna- grandmother in Italian), with a recipe to their meat and cheese liking. For a lovely and authentic rendition follow the Pizzagaina recipe here on Always Order Dessert, which also provides suggestions for adapting the recipe to taste preference and accessibility. 
Easter has been represented with candy, eggs, and bunnies in the modern versions of celebration, but can be wrangled back to traditional with another nod to Italy by serving gelato. Spring, new growth, and a fresh attitude towards an Easter Sunday menu align with serving a simple scoop of gelato to guests. For the theme and thrill that children have come to experience in connection to holidays, gelato in the form of an Easter egg shaped cake can be served to adhere to those visions. Spend Easter Sunday with an expanded guest list and traditional Italian menu components and dive into sharing the community celebration that is well deserved this year.

A Pino Gelato Easter Cake