| Italian cooking is one of the world's greatest and | | | | appetizer where they usually have their |
| most popular cuisines because of the tremendous | | | | carbohydrates. This is when pasta is served as |
| variety of flavors and cooking methods. | | | | well as other dishes like pizza, risotto, polenta and |
| Underneath the tomato sauces and the tiramisu | | | | breads. |
| are the deep historical origins that these classic | | | | Secondo is the main course and usually consists |
| dishes have; most of them are hundred years old | | | | of chicken, meat or fish. The portions are |
| and even rooted from the Roman Empire. | | | | generally small and simple especially if a rich pasta |
| The classic Italian meal is considered a celebration | | | | served as the primo. Contorno refers to the |
| for traditional Italian families. The cook in the | | | | platter of vegetables that usually accompanies the |
| family, usually the mother or grandmother would | | | | main course. This part of the meal highlights the |
| take leisurely long hours to prepare several | | | | simple goodness of the vegetables as they |
| distinct courses. Then they would take an hour or | | | | believe that it can shape and define the meal. |
| two to finish and enjoy the meal with family | | | | Dolce or sweet is the finale for a traditional Italian |
| members gathered around the table to talk, laugh | | | | meal; from biscotti, to tortes and custards maybe |
| and just spend time with one another. | | | | - to their famous desserts like gelato and tiramisu. |
| The structure of the traditional Italian meal usually | | | | They are known for ending the meals with |
| consists of five components namely antipasto, | | | | creamy and rich textured desserts that are |
| primo, secondo, contorno and dolce. Antipasto | | | | comforting and delectable. |
| refers to something light to eat or drink before | | | | The traditional Italian cooking is of greatest |
| the meal. It can be a simple bruschetta, a | | | | importance for them that they even considered |
| caponato perhaps or just some marinated olives. | | | | each meal a work of art. They have tremendous |
| And of course, they are famous for their | | | | passion for their food where they emphasized |
| cheeses like mozzarella, parmiggiano-reggiano and | | | | freshness, spontaneity and great flavors. They |
| gorgonzola served with meat products like | | | | are just magnifico. |
| prosciutto and salami. Primo is the first course or | | | | |