Raspberry Swirls

A perfectly plump treat.  Perhaps, more so than any of the other berries, the raspberry is the top berry to adore.  Delectable, decadent, and sweet raspberries have an air of them enabling a transition to inhabit any dessert one graces. Raspberries should be used more often than they are, it is time for top billing of the berry sort.  

Raspberries are the absolute best for the most particular, gorgeous shade of (natural) dye for pink icing. Simply warm them in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove top and gently press and strain the juice from the berries. Use the same approach for a gorgeous addition of color and flavor to any favorite drink.  

The raspberry has been gracing the marquee of the health industry for the hefty benefits it contains.  Beyond being near top of the list of power packed fruits, having a wide range of minerals and vitamins, and claims of lower risk for obesity this small fruit contains a ton of antioxidants.  Certainly enough information to justify any dessert that includes the healthy raspberry.  

A bit of an homage to the Raspberry Swirl gelato flavor gracing our case, and to all things this wonderful berry turns to complete joy... engage with our Raspberry Swirls Pinterest board open to public pinning for all things raspberry hued.  Celebrate the color, the fruit, and the recipes along with the bevy of happiness the raspberry produces.  

Please, add your raspberry themed pins to our delight! 

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