The Different Types of Pasta

When you think of Italian food, pasta is usually the first thing to come to mind. Pasta has such a long history and is a staple today for Italian cuisine. It is estimated that Italians eat over 60 lbs of pasta per person, per year. Americans eat about 20 lbs per person. Pasta can be found in just about every restaurant these days, and whether you’re cooking a pasta dish or ordering one at a restaurant, you have to think about the specifics.

There are 7 common types of pasta that you can find almost anywhere:

1. Angel hair pasta is the thin and long kind of pasta that can easily be mistaken for spaghetti. Angel hair only needs about 6-7 minutes to cook. It is typically paired with light dishes with soupy or dairy-based sauces to top it off. The hollowness of the pasta makes it easy to absorb the sauces. Angel hair pasta and spaghetti probably aren’t the best choices to slurp down on a date.
2. Farfalle is more commonly known as the “bow-tie” pasta. It’s slightly pinched in the center with wide surfaces on the end. This pasta is usually eaten with richer sauces that are tomato based or creamy because it sticks to the surface better. Farfalle takes about 11 minutes to cook.
3. Fusilli is the spiral shaped, corkscrew looking pasta and is one of the most common ones you will see. The shape of the pasta is made by wrapping thin strips of pasta around long skewers and then cutting them into multiple pieces making the individual pasta. The shape makes the cook time a little longer than the others, around 14 minutes.
4. Penne, the cylinder shaped pasta, takes long to cook and is usually paired with heavier, chunkier sauces. Penne is a common household pasta along with ravioli and macaroni.
5. Ravioli is the square shaped sheets of dough and can be filled with a variation of cheeses, lobster, or meat. This pasta is so rich that it typically doesn’t use much sauce.
6. Macaroni is the “elbow” shaped one that kids typically love to eat in their mac and cheese.
7. Spaghetti is an American favorite and probably one of the most Americanized of the Italian pasta dishes. It is usually paired with oils and sauces that have a creamy substance. It is served soft at all times, making it easy to slurp.

Now that you’re informed on pasta, it’s best to know what pasta does for you. Many people cut  carbs out of their diets when they want to lose weight. However, pasta can be a healthy option when the basic ingredients are swapped with nutritive ones. Pasta can be healthy depending on how it is both made and served. It’s dependent on what you pair the pasta with and what ingredients you cook it with.

The better you know your pasta, the better you'll be able to prepare them for yourself and the more knowledgeable you'll be when you order a dish.

The Benefits of Wine for Heart Health

For all you wine lovers out there, we might just make the day better for you with this wonderful information. Red wine, in moderation, is said to be healthy to the heart. Why? Red wine contains antioxidants by increasing levels of high density lipoprotein, a “good” cholesterol that enable fats to be carried into the bloodstream. Antioxidants in red wine alone, called polyphenols, may also help protect the lining of the blood vessels in the heart and one of the main reasons why red wine has gotten attention.

The key ingredient in red wine is resveratrol, which helps aid in reducing cholesterol and preventing blood clots. Resveratrol in red wine comes from the skin of the grapes and contains a higher amount of resveratrol as compared to white wine as it is fermented with the grape skins longer.

Wine is the healthiest way to drink compared to other types of alcohol. In a study conducted from the Israel Institute of Technology, researchers found that red wine enhanced the health of cells in the blood vessels. Healthy adults with a mean age of 29 drank two servings of red wine for three consecutive weeks and provided positive blood samples. The final evaluation claimed  that drinking wine every day helped reduce cell death.

Wine is also said to sharpen the mind. Research showed how alcohol’s ability to sharpen the mind was on the rise in a study from 2004, and a study conducted by academics from the University College of London found that those who drink one glass of wine a week have “significantly sharper thought process than those who do not”.

Red wine may have these great positive effects but doctors also fear that its consumption may have a negative effect on other organs such as the liver and kidneys. It is important to keep in mind that most research on resveratrol has been done on animals. The effect on these animals are positive although some human studies were conducted with human cells on a petri dish. Resveratrol can also be ingested through eating grapes although you may be receiving less depending on your intake.

It's Cold Out There. Takeout Anyone?

The frigid cold and snow brought by winter storm Jonas was brutal, and more snow may be returning sometime soon. It looks like we all may have to brave several more rough days this winter. No one enjoys the chaos of going to the grocery store when snow is on its way, and sometimes it is better to just take it easy and pick up some takeout. Defeat cabin fever and keep yourself warm by picking up a hot and delicious meal to enjoy with those who are stuck at home with you.

At La Bottega of Farmingdale we offer a take out menu filled with tasty italian dishes that will keep anyone warm during these long winter days. You may not think of soul-satisfying comfort foods, gourmet soups, and hot pressed paninis as typical takeout foods, but at La Bottega of Farmingdale, we offer the best Italian dishes on our takeout menu. We also offer soups, salads, pastas, paninis and even desserts that can be picked up or delivered that can all be enjoyed while getting cozy at home.

When the winter blues hit, and you feel like you’re freezing, warm up with one of our tasty soups. Our minestrone, tortellini in brodo, lobster bisque, and other soups are certain to to defrost the coldest of winter days. To add some warmth and comfort you can choose from one of our many comfort dishes or indulge in delicious taste of Italy with our entrees or specialty pizzas. We even offer a vast amount of gluten-free dishes to satisfy your entire family.

You can never go wrong with one our famous paninis. With vegetarian, chicken, cured meats, roasted turkey, steak, pork or shrimp paninis options, you can bring home a delicious, toasty pressed sandwich for everyone in the family. Roasted veggies, melted cheese and ciabatta bread will be sure to fill you up, so you won’t have to brave the cold more than once.

Don’t get stuck at the grocery store only to find long lines and craziness. Avoid the stress, and treat yourself you a nice, hot cooked meal. Call in your order and we will get your meal ready for you  to take out, and enjoy getting cozy with your family.  

Cured Meats

There are many of us enjoy salami, prosciutto, and other cured Italian meats, but what exactly do we mean by “cured”? Pork is an Italian favorite, as well as beef, veal, goat, and other fresh meats, and they are transformed into cured meats by the processes of salting, air drying, and sometimes smoking. Curing the meat is done so that the meat is preserved and can be enjoyed after many months. Cured meats, known as “salumi” in Italian, have been a staple in Italy for thousands of years.

Prosciutto is one of the most popular of Italian cured meats enjoyed in the U.S, especially in New York. Prosciutto is cured pork made from the back leg of a pig. Two forms of prosciutto include “crudo”, which in uncooked, and “cotto”, the cooked version. Parma ham is a prosciutto variety produced only in the Parma region of Italy. Prosciutto is best prepared on toasty Italian bread and paired with strong Italian cheeses that can match with it’s bold flavor.

Soppressata is another popular Italian dry salami which contains different cuts of pork, including thigh and belly, depending on the region it is created in. Some varieties are sweet and made with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and the spicy variety is made with hot pepper, oregano, garlic, basil, and other Italian spices. The taste of spicy soppressata is akin to pepperoni, which is another Italian classic.

At La Bottega of Farmingdale, we offer a delicious variety of cured meat paninis that will let you get a taste of this Italian specialty. Choose from different flavors of Parma ham, prosciutto, or soppressata, and pair it with delicious mozzarella or other Italian cheeses as well as fresh veggies on toasted Italian bread. Italian cured meats offer a saltiness, spiciness, and certain aromatic qualities that you won’t want to miss out on enjoying. Stop into La Bottega of Farmingdale today and try one of our cured meat paninis to get a taste of authentic Italian with a little American flair.

Eating Gluten-Free

Gluten is a combination of proteins found in wheat, barley and rye, and it is found in most breads, pastas, cereals, pastries, and even in processed foods. If you avoid gluten for medical reasons or as part of your healthy eating regimine, you certainly know your menu choices are restricted at most restaurants. This is not the case at La Bottega of Farmingdale. We know hard it can be to find gluten free foods while eating out so we offer an extensive gluten free menu with delicious dishes for anyone’s tastes.

You can’t go wrong with one of our delicious gluten free salads. We have many gluten free salad options that are both nutritious and rich in flavor. With our salad varieties, you can chow down on mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and delicious cheeses all tossed in tasty dressing choices. You can still enjoy the satisfying crunch of a crouton with our gluten free alternative of toasted walnuts or almonds. You can also choose from one of our vegetarian salads or make your salad more hearty with our grilled chicken, roasted turkey, grilled shrimp, steak, or salmon choices.

We take pride in our famous paninis and offer an extensive panini menu at La Bottega of Farmingdale. You now won’t have to miss out on our flavorful paninis when you’re eating gluten free. We have many vegetarian, steak, chicken, roasted turkey, cured meats, pork, and shrimp paninis, all gluten free. Our panini options include delicious italian cheeses, roasted vegetables, meats and sauces so come in today and enjoy a worry-free pressed sandwich hot off the grill.

At La Bottega of Farmingdale, we understand how difficult it can be to eat gluten-free and we’ve worked hard to create a menu to cater to all of our customer’s needs. You no longer need bring a scour only to be disappointed to find out you have only one or two gluten free dishes to pick from. Visit us for a taste of Italy that is now also gluten-free.

Italian Cheeses

Whether it is the gooey, stretchy mozzarella or the flaky, delicious parmigiano reggiano sprinkled on top, most people can agree that the cheese is the star of the show when you take a bite into a piping hot slice of pizza. Italian cheeses are best served incorporated into delicious lunch or dinner dishes, so here is all you need to know about mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, provolone, and other Italian favorites.

Everyone is most likely familiar with mozzarella as we know it today, but did you know it was originally made from water buffalo milk? Also known as mozzarella di bufala, this cheese comes in two forms. Fresh mozzarella is made from whole milk and is often formed into balls and kept in a brine to keep its freshness. It is not an aged cheese and is best eaten soon after is made. Mozzarella goes perfectly with some basil, olive oil, and tomatoes, and creating an insalata caprese is the best way to devour this cheese quickly. Mozzarella is often hand-spun, giving it its famous pull apart and meltable texture and moistness. Its other form, which is more commonly used, is a softer, stretchier cheese usually bought shredded or in a block.

Nicknamed the “King of Cheeses”, parmigiano reggiano is a cow’s milk cheese originating from the Italian provinces of Parma and Bologna and is aged over two years. The cheese can only be made from April through November as these months allow the cows to eat only the greenest grass rather than dry hay. It has huge flavor that can be paired with many dishes such as pasta, salads, vegetables, meat dishes, breads, and soups. Authentic parmigiano reggiano will have a stamped rind.

Gorgonzola is the cremier Italian version of blue cheese. This soft, sweet cheese gets its name from the city of Gorgonzola, which is outside of Milan. As an alternative to bleu cheese, it is great with grapes and is a good choice for your wine and cheese parties. Born in the Italian alps, Asiago is another aged cheese which is great to serve when entertaining. Sliced up with bread or shredded into pasta, this hard cooked cheese is great for snacking or for preparing delectable meals.

Provolone is another well known Italian favorite. It’s an aged, somewhat smokey cow’s milk cheese from Basilicata, Southern Italy, and is best served as a sandwich cheese. Provolone is firm but with some elasticity, making it great for melting and pairing with meatballs or roast pork or even cooked into a tasty omelet.

These are just a few examples of delectable Italian cheeses which are sure to be crowd pleasers. There are many more Italian varieties, and any you choose, you can be sure that it will it will entertain your taste buds and take your dishes to the next level. Buon appetito!

Eating Right This New Year

What better way to start off the New Year by eating all the hearty and healthy foods in order to boost your energy and to get that healthy figure you’ve been craving? Most people start off the New Year eating a healthy diet because they want to get in shape. In most cases, they fall off the wagon and get back into the diet they’ve been following for years. However, eating right benefits your overall well-being, and by making gradual changes, you can help improve the way you eat in the distant future.

There are many paths to a healthy diet. Switch from full-on fatty foods to low-fat dairy products and choose lean meats and whole-wheat grains instead of fatty cuts and refined grains. These changes can lower your intake of unhealthy fats and increase your dietary fiber intake. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain less sodium than canned foods and consuming produce such as carrots, apples, and cucumber slices are a healthier option than chips and junk food.

While the quality of the food is an important factor, quantity (or lack thereof) also matters when trying new healthy eating habits. Taking in the same number of calories as you burn guarantees your weight to remain stable throughout time. Consuming more than you burn, on the other hand, develops as weight gain and your body converts these excess calories into fat tissue. When you assemble fat tissue, you increase your risk of developing one or more health problems, including heart disease, hypertension, respiratory issues, diabetes, and cancer. A healthy meal plan without an overabundance of calories can help you both feel better and prolong your life.

If you’re trying to live a healthier life, get in shape, or you’re just trying to lose some pounds, eating healthy provides a variety of benefits. Just remember, eating a healthy, balanced diet to make sure your brain has the energy it needs means more effectiveness and increased productivity at work. Also, taste is abstract and healthy food can taste tasty if it’s prepared well. Come into La Bottega of Farmingdale and try some of our health kick foods!