6 Perfect Picnic Recipes

Since the temperature outside is getting higher and higher everyday and the weekend is almost there, why not grab a basket and go for a picnic for a Saturday or Sunday lunch? I have just found some easy to make delicious meals and snacks recipes that you can prepare just before heading out to the forest or a nearby meadow. 

Take a look:

Classic picnic dishes, like this egg salad sandwich, are fun to make at home the night before a picnic and something delicious and light to eat under the midday sun. And feel free to ramp up the classics — instead of just making roast chicken sandwiches, throw some spice in there with this chicken tikka salad. With dishes like these, everyone else at the picnic will wish they’d made what you did.

Picnics inspire healthy eats, so something like this nutty quinoa tabouleh with tomatoes, cucumber, and mint would make the perfect addition to a picnic spread or workday picnic lunch. Then, there is pasta, which always seems like a treat in the middle of a workday, so why not make it the night before and let lunch feel a little extra indulgent? This simple pasta recipe has pecorino cheese, tomatoes, and parsley, and relies on the naturally delicious flavors of high-quality, fresh pasta.

So, the question remains…what will you pack for the first, illustrious outdoor lunch of the year?

1. Dijon, ham and asparagus roll-ons



By far, this is one of my favorite recipes I have ever come across. My mom taught me this one years ago when she first served it to our family for a holiday brunch. Ever since then, these asparagus roll-ups have been on my "top-picks" list. Not only do these taste wonderful... they are so easy to make and will only take you 15 minutes tops from prep to finish.

Recipe here: http://www.thedailymeal.com/dijon-ham-and-asparagus-roll-ups-recipe

2. Chicken tikka salad

I love salads and it makes me sad that such a fantastic cuisine does not have more varieties of salads. Our salads are normally served alongside the other main course dishes, to provide crunch and freshness to the meal. I crave salads that are main courses in their own right, have all the textures of a meal but on one plate, and are so much lighter than a full meal. This is one of those dishes – it is a salad I have built around chicken tikka, is easy to make and you can add or take away any salad vegetables you like. The dressing is delicious and creamy, reminiscent of Caesar salad dressing in consistency but lighter and fresher. If you make the dressing in advance, it will thicken as it sits so loosen with a little water or oil and re–season to taste. The end result is delicious and satisfying without being complicated.

Recipe here: http://www.thedailymeal.com/chicken-tikka-salad-0

3. Quinoa Tabbouleh

This spin on the classic Middle Eastern salad, "tabbouleh," swaps traditionally used bulgur wheat (which you could also use) for nutritional, superstar quinoa, which is high in "complete protein," meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. Serve it as a dinner side dish or store it covered in the refrigerator for a healthy and filling go-to snack.

Recipe here: http://www.thedailymeal.com/quinoa-tabbouleh

4. Egg Salad Sandwich

This simple egg salad recipe makes a hearty and delicious side dish that's great for picnics or backyard barbecues.

Recipe here: http://www.thedailymeal.com/egg-salad-sandwich

5. Quick and Easy Pasta with Pecorino, Tomatoes, and Parsley

 

When you have fresh pasta (that you either made yourself or bought), you really don't need to do much to it because it's already going to be so good. That's the reason why this recipe works so well. Fresh, silky noodles topped with quartered tomatoes, nutty and creamy Pecorino cheese, and chopped parsley. Add a little olive oil and you're in business. Great for a weeknight meal or when you don't really feel like doing much at all.

Recipe: http://www.thedailymeal.com/quick-and-easy-pasta-pecorino-tomatoes-and-parsley

6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Garlic Confit and Baby Arugula

What is it about melted cheese? Just about anything oozing with melted cheese tastes delicious — like melted mozzarella on a flatbread pizza; sweet, nutty Asiago in a luscious mac and cheese; or earthy fontina in an unbearably sinful fondue with chipotle and tequila.

But perhaps the simplest recipe — the most adored of all — is the grilled cheese sandwich. When prepared with a crusty bread and stuffed with a cheese that melts to perfection, it is essentially irresistible. Here, this beloved sandwich takes on a gourmet twist. The secret ingredient: garlic confit!

When garlic is gently poached in olive oil, it becomes sweet, with a subtle flavor. The cloves become so soft that you can spread them on your toast — or in this case, in your grilled cheese sandwich. Pair the mellow garlic confit with zingy baby arugula and a nutty, pungent aged Cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina, and every luscious bite is mouthwatering.

Recipe: http://www.thedailymeal.com/grilled-cheese-sandwich-garlic-confit-and-baby-arugula

Read for this weekend's picnic?! Let's go!

(source: http://www.thedailymeal.com/6-perfect-picnic-recipes)



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Best Dressed Chefs..

I have recently stumbled upon this interesting ranking proposed by The Daily Meal. At first, I thought: "who cares", but after some careful consideration, I realized I would definitely opt for a meal prepared by an elegant, trim and neat cook rather than a sloppy, untidy and unattractive chef, wouldn't you? If you're still not sure, let's see those stars together... and then respond.

1. Marcus Samuelsson.

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Marcus Samuelsson was a shoe-in for our list. He is seen as well-dressed in the eyes of his peers, and shows off color, trends, and texture in his attire. Pairing classic looks with bold-hued scarves and ties, he has it all — good looks and killer style that makes him appear sharp and put-together at all times — whether he's greeting diners at his restaurant, Red Rooster, or on the red carpet.

2.  Geoffrey Zakarian

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Though they were a huge trend of years past, thick-framed glasses of all styles have come and gone. None, however, have looked as good as they do on newly crowned Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. Usually clad in tortoise frames, a crisp suit, and a printed collared shirt, Zakarian owns the studious look (although he looks pretty slick in this photo). 

3. Scott Conant

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Conant is a suit guy, and he wears them well. His sharp, sometimes double-breasted numbers are never without a pocket square and occasionally come paired with a pair of slim jeans, a V-neck, and oxfords. A well-dressed, successful chef and restaurateur? Yes, please!

4. Donatella Arpaia

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After a brief stint as an attorney, Arpaia decided her heart was in food world. While she has been successful as both a chef and a restaurateur, with locations in New York and Miami, she has graced red carpets in both cities with classic silhouettes and soft-colored numbers. In 2011, Arpaia had a dream wedding at The Plaza in Manhattan, clad in a stunning Monique Lhuillier beaded gown with a pop of peonies in hand to match. 

5. Candice Kumai

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 The first model to grace this list — Kumai traded her heels for Crocs as she stepped away from the runway to pursue a career in food. Though she is now fully in the culinary world, her eclectic and effortless style always shows through, ergo her nickname, The Stiletto Chef. 

6. Michael Chernow

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One half of the adorable pair behind NYC’s hit eatery (with several locations now) The Meatball Shop, Michael Chernow is doing more than running a kitchen. Between playing cupid for his best friend and partner earlier this year and modeling — yes, modeling — for J.Crew’s men’s catalogue, he is keeping busy. Chernow sticks to more of an urban look, and can often be found in skinny jeans, desert shoes, and a collared shirt — though he did trade that look for a slim-cut thin lapelled suit in the February J.Crew catalogue. 

7. Johnny Iuzzini

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Famed pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini serves up his sweets with a sense of style. His bad-boy, James Dean-esque attire is very becoming and keeps the ladies swooning, and his tattoo-clad arms and bold sideburns don’t hurt either.

8. Christina Tosi

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While Tosi doesnt need her wardrobe to woo anyone (she has her no-fail desserts to do that), she knows how to wear a dress. Although bold-printed dresses, cardigans, and booties are in her signature wardrobe, she's the kind of woman who could trade her trademark boho-chic ensembles for another look and be equally successful, though we like her just the way she is.

9. John Delucie

 

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DeLucie is a serious insider and rubs elbows with the elite of both the fashion and food worlds. First, DeLucie helmed the kitchen at The Waverly Inn and then at his own restaurants The Lion and Crown, where last year’s Met Ball after-party was held. It’s no wonder he’s so well-dressed — he's exposed to plenty of inspiring and influential players in the fashion industry with the likes of Anna Wintour and Madonna gracing his tables. He even made an appearance on an episode of Gossip Girl last year — a serious fashion statement. 

10. Sam Talbot

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There are too many things to be said about Sam Talbot with regards to style. This fit, scruff-faced, accessory-clad gentleman, with his ever-changing hairstyles, knows how to achieve a manly look. By simply donning a pair of worn-in jeans, boots, and a collared shirt and cardigan, he gets it done — beautifully, some might add. 

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Last minute Easter gifts for everyone!

Whether your family members, friends or colleagues prefer dark or milk chocolate, whether there are kids or not, there's little something for everyone. Take a look at these various Easter gift ideas:

1. An organic Dairy Free Easter Egg for all those with allergies (from Moo Free)

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This dairy free Easter egg is made from our award winning organic, dairy free alternative to milk chocolate in a factory that has only ever been used to make dairy free products. These dairy free and organic Easter eggs are packaged in unique Easter egg boxes featuring Mikey Bunny. Our dairy free Easter eggs are perfect for kids or adults of any age who can't have dairy products, are Vegan or enjoy quality tasting milk chocolate.

This organic, dairy free Easter egg is unique. We don't believe that you will find another organic, milk chocolate tasting dairy free Easter egg manufactured anywhere else in the World.

Moo Free bring you all the flavour of quality milk chocolate pralines but make them without even a trace of milk.

2. Eggsplosion Hen Eggs (from Artisan du Chocolat London)

http://www.artisanduchocolat.com/eggsplosion-hen-eggs.html

6 hen sized eggs in milk and dark chocolate with popping candy incorporated into the shells.

3. Flowerpot (from cocoapod)

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Spring has sprung and the flowers are out—this pretty flowerpot is handmade by Cocoapod with milk and white Belgian chocolate and everything is edible except the lolly stick!!
There are 5 varieties of flowers-the choice we send is a lucky dip-and the colours may vary from those shown

Approx 135mm (5.25”) high—83gms

Packaged in clear bag with silver card backing

4. Smarties Chciken 117.5g (from Sainsbury's)

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Milk chocolate hollow figure with a chocolate egg containing mini Smarties (milk chocolate in a crisp sugar shell).

5. Traditional Colomba and Egg Jar (from Carluccio's)

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6.Champagne Truffle Egg (from Hotel Chocolat)

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The Champagne Truffle Egg with thick shells cast in creamy 40% milk chocolate and a deliciously hedonistic collection of 20 classic and pink champagne truffles - made to uplifting recipes with cream, real champagne and a hint of strawberry for the pink truffles.

• Number of Chocolates: 22
• Weight: 490g
• Dimensions: box measuring 257mm in height

7. Gianduja Truffle Easter Egg (from Hotel Chocolat)

http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/Luxury-Chocolate-Easter-Egg-P300265/

 Two thick shells cast in smooth 70% dark chocolate and a collection of 20 super fine dark gianduja pralines - made with lots of extremely fine ground hazelnuts and mellow chocolate that melt-away in the mouth like butter on hot toast. Presented in a stunning black box and finished with black satin ribbon. Vegan suitable.

• Number of Chocolates: 22
• Weight: 490g
• Dimensions: box measuring 257mm in height

8. Keepsake Easter Tin- 11 eggs (from Hotel Chocolat)

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Crack open our keepsake Easter eggs and you'll find they're full of our favourite filled mini eggs. And when they're gone, the beautifully designed tin will be useful for keeping safe all sorts of treasures. Includes 11 filled mini eggs with Salted Caramels, Milk Pralines & Pink Champagne eggs.

• Number of Chocolates: 11
• Weight: 130g

 9. Nibblatron Tin (from Hotel Chocolat)

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This cute little tin egg isn't just hiding 3 soft caramel mini eggs - it's also perfect for keeping safe all sorts of little treasures after the chocolates have disappeared! Including salted caramels in milk chocolate shells. Decorated with naturally coloured white chocolate.

• Number of Chocolates: 3
• Weight: 35g

Happy Easter from Bravo Italy Gourmet!!!

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Interwine China 2012 (November 14-16)

Interwine China is the short for China(Guangzhou) International Wine & Spirits Exhibition. It’s inaugurated in 2005 whenas the tariff of wine decreased from 40% to 14%. It mostly constitutes a prestigious showcase for wine and spirits production, trade, relative products and services from abroad, responding to the need of professionals in the field for a trade-fair with strong international appeal and a strict Business to Business formula.In the context of China's rapidly growing appetite for wine consumption, the Guangzhou International Wine and Spirits Exhibition is the first large international exhibition in China dedicated entirely to the wine&spirits industry. Bringing together the country's entire community of wine & spirits importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, along with noteworthy large-scale buyers including hotels, airlines and restaurants, the event is one of the most important platforms for International and Chinese producers,exporters and marketers to firmly establish themselves in the Chinese market.

Renowned for its success-proven track record and exclusivity, has already turned its engine on again and heading straight ahead to China’s most vibrant business hub. Aimed at offering participants a highly privilege and trade-oriented atmosphere as usual, the region’s most exhilarating wine and spirits tradeshow will be on stage

China Wine Market

figures released in Shanghai On FEB.11th(According to Shanghai Daily)

Between 2004 and 2008, Chinese wine consumption grew by nearly 80 percent, according to the International Wine and Spirits Record survey conducted for Vinexpo, the world's leading wine fair.

In 2008, there were 74.97 million cases of wine, or 900 million bottles, consumed in China.

The country accounted for 68.9 percent of all still light wines consumed in Asia and 3 percent of total world wine consumption in 2008, the survey found, based on latest confirmed sales.

The survey, released by Dominique Debreuil, chairwoman of Vinexpo's overseas fair scheduled for Hong Kong in May, projected that over five years from 2009 to 2013, China's wine consumption would increase 31.58 percent.

China would then be consuming 1.26 billion bottles a year, almost equivalent to one bottle annually per capita for the drinking age-population.

The survey projected that over a 10-year period from 2004-2013, the volume of wine consumed in China will have soared by 250 percent.

In terms of drinking preferences, the survey found red wine takes up 88 percent of annual total sales by volume.

As more Chinese women develop a taste for wine, white wine drinking is rising and should grow by 41.7 percent in the five years to 2013.

Contact us for details if you're interested in participating!

email: info@bravoitalygourmet.it

ph. no. +39 3929051663

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Wine for Asia 2012 = Asia Wine Expo 2012

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One of the greatest food and wine fairs in the world, has recently defined the dates for this year's event. There are some important changes that has occurred. First of all, Wine For Asia has been rebranded into a new and better wine trade fair event – Asia Wine Expo 2012 (AWE 2012) happening on 1-3 November 2012 at Suntec Singapore.

AWE 2012 is positioned to be the regional wine trade show focusing on the Southeast Asian markets. The event is also focused on new and growing markets such as India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and the Middle East.

With more than 300 exhibitors and 3,000 regional buyers present at the exhibition, Asia Wine Expo offers the following benefits:

• Asia Wine Expo’s comprehensive buyers’ programme with business matching opportunities will attract key buyers from the around region. 
• Emphasis on Chinese buyers and wholesalers, given the burgeoning wine market in China. 
• There will be an aggressive wine purchase guarantee scheme offered to a limited number of exhibitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Asia Wine Expo is the perfect platform to bridge wineries with the Asian market. 
• Co-located with 2 cuisine exhibitions Delicioso Spain and Oishii Japan, Asia Wine Expo is a key component of a holistic, large-scale cuisine and wine trade exhibition that attracts regional and international Food & Beverage (F&B) industry players.

Please take a look at the brochure with some additional details:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/57652656/Asia%20Wine%20Expo%202012%20Brochure.pdf

Contact us for details if you're interested in participating!

email: info@bravoitalygourmet.it

ph. no. +39 3929051663

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