Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking Season 5 Episode 3 Polesine Parmense, Italy

In this episode of Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking, host Pete Evans heads to the town of Polesine Parmense in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region to explore the area's rich culinary traditions. Pete is joined by two local chefs, Massimo Spigaroli and Cesare Fracca, as they embark on a journey to gather fresh ingredients and create a feast for the town's residents.

The first stop on their journey is Antica Corte Pallavicina, a 14th-century castle that is home to a renowned culatello factory. Massimo is the owner and master salumi maker at the factory, and he shows Pete and Cesare how he prepares and cures the prized Italian ham. The three chefs then visit a nearby herb garden to gather fresh herbs and vegetables to use in their dishes.

Next, the group travels to a local dairy farm to taste and learn about the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. They sample various aged cheeses and witness the cheese-making process firsthand. Pete, Massimo, and Cesare then head to the fields to pick fresh melons, which they plan to use in a refreshing melon and prosciutto salad.

Back in the kitchen, the chefs begin to prepare their feast, which will include risotto with squash blossoms, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and zucchini; a whole roasted pork and fennel dish; and the melon and prosciutto salad. The chefs work together seamlessly, using traditional Italian techniques and fresh, local ingredients to create a meal that truly embodies the flavors of the Polesine Parmense region.

As the feast is served, the town's residents gather to celebrate their local cuisine and the chefs who have brought it to life. With each bite, they savor the rich and complex flavors of Emilia-Romagna and the passion and care that went into creating each dish.

Overall, this episode of Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking offers a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary traditions of Polesine Parmense. Through the eyes of its chefs and the flavors of its dishes, viewers are transported to the heart of Italy and the vibrant community that calls it home.