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?  

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!