Page 10 - Italian American Herald - January 2020

10 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | JANUARY 2020 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD THE CHEF’S PERSPECTIVE
Cerignola. This is a big meaty olive with a bright fruity flavor that demands you reach back for a second and third. I find that olives can be subtle or bold. But each variety has some special characteristic that makes tasting an adventure.
At this point I am getting the “all right, already” look from Liz. I pretend not to notice, determined and refusing to be intimidated. So, I head over to the cheese aisle. This is a vast area simply packed with a ridiculous variety of cheese. True to form, the cheese manager pops his head out from his small cutting area in an alcove directly adjacent to the sales floor in his department. I again receive a warm greeting. I notice that he is cutting wedges from a wheel that I do not recognize. I ask what the cheese is that he is working on? Immediately with a slash of his huge cheese blade I have a chunk of the cheese in my hands and an even bigger smile on my face. I thank him and take a healthy bite. I experience the unexpected flavor and take a second bite. I am not quite sure what to make of this cheese just yet. What I do know is that I am going to find out what it is and buy a large wedge. This
is Toma Piemontese, which is considered to be one of the oldest-known cheeses made in Italy, dating back to the Roman Empire. I have not seen this variety in our
area other than at Bagliani’s. It looks “old” due to the aged stone-like rind. The cheese itself is aged for only a few months. What struck me about this cheese is the smooth buttery texture and the complexity of the flavor. Toma Piemontese comes from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is a full fat cow’s milk cheese with a scent that resembles rich earthy pastures and mountain air. The cheese is firm yet creamy with a nutty flavor and just a hint of sweetness. I want to enjoy this amazing cheese just as it is with a glass of red Italian table wine. What I really did was pair it with a snifter of William Wolf Pecan Bourbon Whisky. Now that was something to remember. Toma Piemontese would
be absolutely phenomenal with pasta and even better with risotto. I would make the one-hour drive for more of this cheese alone.
At this point, Liz has gathered up some soft Torrone, a package of store-made almond cookies and a Panattone Limone. She is giving me “the look.” I get the message that my life may depend on my making my
way to the checkout lanes. I take the hint and reluctantly take leave of this delightful Italian market. The fact is that there are any number of grocery stores for me to buy from. I am able to purchase top quality imported products by sitting at my desk and punching a few keys. But, for me, there is nothing
The cheese selection at Bagliani’s Market seems to go on forever.
PER I BAMBINI
better than to spend time in a family-owned Italian market where I am treated like family. It is not just the wonderful foods and aromas that draw me. It is spending the time tasting and talking about foods that make me happy. Isn’t that what life is all about? I will return
to Bagliani’s Market because they are good at what they do. More importantly, because Liz and I deserve to enjoy the little pleasures that life has to offer. Maybe I will see you there one day soon. IAH
A New Year and 12 new months to enjoy!
Girotondo sul nevaio,
con gennaio e con febbraio e per marzo pazzerello girotondo con l’ombrello.
Girotondo al campanile con la Pasqua dell’aprile e per maggio ciliegino girotondo col cestino.
Giugno ai campi, luglio al mare girotondo da sudare.
Fugge ai monti agosto in fretta girotondo sulla vetta.
Con settembre ottobre vola girotondo per la scuola
e novembre, ecco, è già qui girotondo con gli sci.
Poi, vestito di Natale,
fa dicembre il gran finale e saluta capodanno girotondo tutto l’anno.
Going around in the snow in January and February
and for crazy March
going around with an umbrella.
Going around the bell tower during Easter in April
and for May going around with cherries in a basket.
In June to the country, July to the sea going around all sweaty.
Escape to the top of the mountains in a hurry in August.
With September and October flying by going back to school
and here it is November
now going around on skis.
Then dressed for Christmas December is the grand finale which greets the New Year
and then goes around all year long.
February will find Sara staying warm in bed.
By Melissa Cannavo-Marino
Sara is resting after a very busy and fun Christmas holiday. She is thinking of the months to come and all the adventures she will have in this New Year. Here is a poem to help you learn the months of the year in
Italian and what Italian children look forward to each month of the year. Just a little note about the word girotondo. This is the word used in the poem “Ring Around the Rosie,” meaning going around in a circle. It is not a common Italian word but is found in poems and songs. IAH