Italian Culinary Terms

Well the last big weekend of the summer is coming in a few days. Jacki and I are taking a few days off and I wanted to send everyone a new Tip before the last picnic of the year. Today I was working in the kitchen and remembered an old friend who was from a small village in Southern Italy. Thinking of this old friend, I remembered some of the Italian she tried to teach me when I was working toward becoming a Certified Executive Chef.

Here are a few Italian culinary terms I remembered from her teachings.
AL CARBON: In Italian cooking means foods grilled over charcoal.
AL DENTE: Literally means "to the tooth". An Italian term describing the consistency of pasta cooked to a tender firmness.
AL FORNO: A term for food baked in an oven.
AL FRESCO: Term for an outdoor meal or social event held outside.
AL PASTOR: This term is for food cooked over an open fire on a long spit.

So, this weekend when you are having that last back yard cookout, remember to tell everyone this Labor Day's meal is Al Fresco and the burger is being prepared Al Carbon.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Thanks.......Chef Johnny

September 1, 2000

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