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. 

Tis The Season

Tis the season, ladies and gentlemen! Amongst the spirit and visual aspects of the holidays the taste of this time of year reigns supreme.  Peppermint swirls are just one of the true delights worthy of adding to just about anything.  Notably fastened upon gingerbread houses, this year’s peppermint has an upgraded appearance making it into gelato. Peppermint flavored gelato, albeit delicious in original form, can change the way the holidays are enjoyed when incorporated with the traditional.  

A cup of hot chocolate topped with peppermint gelato will leave the marshmallows in the pantry to go stale. Adorned atop any pie or cake, the perfect escort to Christmas cookies, and a visual delight with an array of candy toppings there is no limit to the decadent, creamy, peppermint-y gelato’s use. Holiday party attendees will be wowed by the means of the flavor, but then again the same reaction is warranted eaten alone straight from the bowl… it is that good.



Spumoni Gelato

Ways to add new sentiment and flavor to the traditions shared within families is to share spumoni gelato with those that matter most. Spumoni or known to Italians as spumone is combination of cherry, chocolate, and pistachio layers folded with cherries and nuts. If spumoni is unfamiliar with friends or family, it is such an exciting combination to introduce. 



Try serving the gorgeous scoop of spumoni gelato in tea cups when hosting family or an intimate sized crowd, beyond ideal for a friend’s wedding or baby shower in the next couple months. A bonus for tea cups that have been handed down from previous generations they will be a wonderful portal to expose something new while bringing a modern use to a treasured item.  Otherwise be on the lookout for all different patterned and sized tea cups on each shopping trip and set the dessert table early on, once with the spumoni gelato added the eclectic display will be just as appreciated by friends and acquaintances.  The table never looked so pretty and no grandparent ever swooned so gleefully at a new holiday dish.



Traditions with a twist and creating new ones are part of the joy in the passing of each season.  Be it the comfort of an old friend, peppermint, or the excitement of trying a new food for the first time, spumoni, a holiday with gelato is bound to be the most enjoyable addition this year and fixed in the food line-up for many years to come. 

Espresso and Pastry with Gelato, a Good Time for All!

Recent rumor mills have been spilling about the end of coffee, as in finito, in our lifetime.  The claim is that the wild Arabica plant will no longer be able to grow and produce coffee beans. No need to engage in a swirling pool of environmental studies, rest assured that morning cup of coffee is still secure. For the purpose and soul of coffee lovers this shall provide proper celebration with pastries, gelato, and that oh so adored beverage, espresso.  The groups that will find the end of coffee preposterous get the buzz on here!

Espresso

Affogado

In most coffee shops in America the Italian coffee lingo that flies around and has become everyday talk for the repeat customer, most of those fancy words for drinks begin in the original form of espresso.  Italian born and created by forcing a small amount of water through finely ground coffee beans gained popularity with the rise of urbanization in Italy thus becoming a key in socialization that still holds its magic today. Many creations have presented themselves since the beginning but there are a few true ways to revel in espresso. Enjoy an Affogato, Italian espresso that is poured over gelato drowning it with glory.  This frozen beverage can be served alone any time of the day or with pastries after dinner. Another wonderful pairing with espresso is Biscotti, Italian cookie like pastries that are baked twice to pull out moisture have sweet, dry, crumbly attributes and are flavored in many ways with spices, fruits, and nuts.  Typically the biscotti are dipped into an espresso beverage to soften for eating.  

Sfogliatelle

The pastry possibilities that can be accompanied by a warm espresso drink and cold scoop of gelato are numerous.  With fall flavors at their peak and holiday entertainment commencing it is a treat to introduce espresso and pastry and gelato to enhance the social atmosphere of any household party.  Along with customized biscotti, and Affogato, serve Sfogliatelle, Italian pastries from the province of Salerno with a layered texture in the shape of a shell use an orange-flavored ricotta filling and serve with orange peel aside espresso.   

Another way to enjoy pastry and gelato is this sophisticated take on an “ice-cream sandwich” with using Pizzelle, a waffle-like cookie that varies between crisp and crunchy or soft and chewy. A pizzelle iron is used in cooking the dessert, giving it a characteristic snowflake pattern. Serve a sandwich with gelato between two of the pizzelle and drizzle with a topping sauce such as caramel infused with anise flavored liqueur. The kid within is sure to come out while enjoying this twist on a dessert treasure in the most sophisticated of manners.

 While hosting serve or display espresso, pastry, and gelato and watch how coffee can bind people together giving credence to the socialization aspect. Certainly when served with delicious Italian desserts there will be a smiling crowd present.

Halloween Entertaining, Italian-ish

Ghouls and ghosts (okay, candy) delight the children, while everyone varies on the tolerance scale of all that comes with Halloween; it admittedly is enjoyable to delve into the fun themes of the holiday and makes for easy entertaining.  Italy has increasingly upped the amount of Halloween festivities each year showcasing more American custom through costume parties, storefront decorations, and themed castle/landmark tours.  Traditionally Italians celebrate All Saints Day on November 1, but with Halloween becoming increasingly popular in Italy in turn let us pay homage to pasta, parmesan, and gelato. Incorporate Italian influences by way of food to reignite the sometimes stale themes used in sync with the obvious treats this October 31.  

If it is possible to make trick-or-treating even more of a headliner this Halloween, opt to throw a casual get together before, during, or after the kids rally for candy. This is a great way to steer away from focusing on candy and allots time to enjoy the day with neighbors, family, and friends.  The most exceptional way to do this is balancing the menu with respect to kids and adults.

This fried vermicelli dish cuts like a pie for easy serving, will have guests asking for the recipe, and can be passed off easily to the pickiest of eaters.  

Fried Vermicelli Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray

 Nothing says “kid party” quite like popcorn.  Have bowls of fresh hot-air popped popcorn that is fun for kids and irresistible to adults with an upgraded version. Fry diced pancetta until crisp. Make popcorn. Toss together (some fat included) with generous shaves of Italian aged parmesan.  Serve hot. Make copious amounts, it is a sure bet. 

For the piece de resistance, gelato!  The kids will certainly be happy to hang in costume with friends while participating in a create-your-own sundae bar.  Serve gelato in bowls made from small pumpkins for extra appeal alongside a toppings bar inclusive of candy favorites and festive sprinkles.  Have options more suited for the adult palate available as well, a bowl of ground cinnamon, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and perhaps a bourbon butterscotch sauce. Chances are no one will pass up such a novelty. 

For an easy tutorial on how to make pumpkin bowls be sure to view the steps listed, this prep work should be done in advance in order to leave time for the bowls to cool completely prior to holding gelato.  

Another way to feature gelato at the party, served in flutes with prosecco, an Italian white sparkling wine! For the youngsters pick up the Blood Orange flavor of San Pellegrino Italian soda, it is all natural and delicious and such a thematic color for the holiday. Check a local grocery store, if it does not carry the product ask a manager to order it before Halloween, usually this request can be accommodated and is reason to the vast amount of stores in my proximity having it in abundance. Serve the drink in clear cups set out with paint markers for the kids to decorate (or straight out of the can) with festive straws which can double as a go-home favor.  Salute!

Incorporating the Italian way of living through togetherness and food amongst the typical Halloween party fare will certainly secure attendance at future themed evenings and create memorable moments, fun for all!

The Fall Scoop

Fall has officially arrived, in with the season comes the culinary delights people have been clamoring for during the long heat spells of summer. National coffee shops have even reported a shortage on their pumpkin flavor syrups, unable to predict the increasing popularity of the fall beverage trend.  While foods that correlate directly to a particular season, holiday, or tradition, certainly exist it is important to find ways to keep everyday favorites from being left behind. 

Photohraphy by Andrew Scrivan

Before jumping into fall full-throttle, take note this year’s impeccable fig crop transcends late summer and will represent itself against the more traditional fall contenders. The abundance of fruitful stateside fig trees, largely popular as a result of the ancestral trend of bringing over a sapling from a family tree in Italy to plant in a new garden, will allow for extended eating of the sweet marvels.  To use fresh figs with a fall twist it is neat to incorporate them with the top October foods of Italy.   Fall festivals throughout Italy celebrate truffles, chocolate, chestnuts, and mushrooms.  Ideas include fig jam for dipping chocolate, baked figs tossed in pasta with porcini mushrooms, olive oil, and prosciutto, and figs to be roasted alongside the chestnuts. Figs for fall!

Cinnamon and Pumpkin Gelato

  Another Italian treat that must refuse to adhere to a particular season is in the form of dessert, gelato. It is not just used as a means to cool down in the heat, but the rich texture is the perfect accoutrement to many fall favorites.  Once it is time to throw hands up and commit to the colder months ahead the best course of action is to spend a day apple picking. This will translate into gathering the family together to make a favorite apple dessert recipe (warm pie, crisp, cake… endless possibilities), this year adorned with a scoop of gelato. Add gelato to spiked cider for festive fall adult entertaining, and to make the impending winter months seem a bit more enjoyable.

Even simplicity reigns, grill up those figs and serve with gelato and unlimited topping selections!

Truly, gelato adds depth and decadence to all the fall flavors, even the hot commodity in the coffee world. The infamous pumpkin spice latte topped with a scoop of gelato may cause a full blown frenzy!

Pumpkin and cinnamon gelato is now available in Pino Gelato locations (in plentiful amounts)… oh the possibilities! 

Pumpkin Gelato

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!

Earth Day

We celebrated Earth Day on April 21st with Experience Green and Hilton Head Monthly at Shelter Cove Community Park. We are very passionate about being green and take steps at making a difference, we call it “greenifying.”

Carolina and the zumba girls enjoying some Pino Gelato

We participate in a program with our local power supplier that allows us to buy power from renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels. They estimate the environmental benefits of choosing renewable energy sources each year are the same as not driving a car for three months!

In our store, we use biodegradable cups, to-go containers, napkins and trash can liners. We clean with environmentally friendly products, and have replaced our floor mats, and our ceiling and floor tiles with ones made from recycled materials. We always recycle plastic, there are so many plastic bottles and bags that the average American uses each year, and recycling these items is so much better for the environment. We even spotted the Bag Monster at the Earth Day event!

Don't Feed the Bag Monster!

We can go green in all parts of our daily routines, because it isn’t just recycling. We can also use environmentally friendly products, or be aware of our energy consumption. Our employees at Pino Gelato take pride in our green efforts, and apply our “greenification” to our personal lives as well.

The energy saved from recycling a single aluminum can is enough to power your TV for three hours! Recycling paper is important too. For every ton of paper that is recycled, 20 trees and an amazing 7,000 gallons of water are saved.

Lets talk about the computer you are reading this blog on, if you left it on for the entire time you owned it, it wouldn’t use as much energy as it took to make it. In fact, you wouldn’t even use 1/4 of the energy required to make it.

Did you know that “quadrillion” was a word? Me neither. Well it turns out the United States consumes over 99 quadrillion BTUs of energy per years…that’s 15 zeros. One BTU is equal to the energy from lighting a single match. It feels good to take steps at reducing our energy consumption and using renewable sources whenever we can.

Nick Wheeler is a thirteen-year-old local resident who cares very much about our environment, and we got a chance to chat over some gelato at the event. Nick started a non-profit organization called “Kids Helping Kids Help the Environment", which has cleanup events at local beaches and parks. You can check out their Facebook page.

                            

We all can make a difference

We are always looking for new ways to “greenify.” What do you do at home to help our environment? Do you reuse something that most people would throw away, or use green products that you want to tell people about? Let us know as we strive to be greener and greener.