Ep 6. Sunday Supper; Cena Domenicale

In this episode of Ciao Italia, titled "Sunday Supper; Cena Domenicale", host Mary Ann Esposito prepares a delicious Italian meal perfect for sharing with family and friends. The episode begins with Mary Ann visiting a local farmer's market, where she selects fresh ingredients for her menu.

Back in the kitchen, Mary Ann starts by making a classic antipasto platter, featuring cured meats, cheese, olives, and marinated vegetables. She also prepares a homemade tomato sauce for her pasta dish, simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

For the main course, Mary Ann prepares a tender pot roast, which she braises in a mix of red wine and beef broth along with onions, carrots, and celery. She also shares her recipe for a fragrant gremolata, a traditional Italian garnish made with garlic, parsley, and lemon zest.

To accompany the pot roast, Mary Ann prepares a creamy polenta, made by slowly stirring cornmeal into hot chicken broth until it thickens. She then stirs in butter and grated Parmesan cheese until the polenta is rich and smooth.

For a sweet finish to the meal, Mary Ann bakes a traditional Italian fruit tart, which features a crisp pastry crust and a filling made with sweetened ricotta cheese and seasonal fruit.

Throughout the episode, Mary Ann shares tips and tricks for making these classic Italian dishes, emphasizing the importance of choosing fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to prepare each dish with care. Her warm and inviting demeanor makes viewers feel as though they are right there in the kitchen with her, cooking up a delicious Sunday supper of their own.

Overall, this episode of Ciao Italia is a celebration of the flavors and traditions of Italian cooking, providing viewers with plenty of inspiration for their own Sunday suppers.