SOUTHSHORE LIFE MAGAZINE
A PASSION F OR C OOK IN G "When I was just three years old, and other little girls were asking for dolls, I wanted my own kitchen. My grandfather, Angelo, actually built a kitchen for me in the back of the house. This was my play area. When I moved to Mira Bay, I designed my kitchen with a lot of the same personality: the wood, the warm Mediterranean look, the hood, the welcoming pineapple. "It's a tradition in my family that goes back over 100 years. Everything revolves around food. And I love to entertain, especially during the holidays. We'll have 25 to 30 guests. Everyone comes at least two hours ahead and we all cook together in the kitchen, enjoying a glass of Italian wine that my uncle still makes."
A FEW TIPS FROM DEBRA
- Kitchen Accessories. I swear by KitchenAid. They have lovely products and I use many of them. - Cookware. I used Ballarini Parma, a brand of Italian style forged aluminum, non-stick pans. They are widely available and very affordable. - I also have some Sardel Italian-made cookware that was passed down to me. These are great because the pans heat evenly. It's so important to have a good set of pots and pans, and you can find them at different price points. - Knives. I have a few knives that I have had for a really long time. I have Zwilling and also a full block set of Henckles knives. I use paring knives a lot as well as my boning knife. I cook a lot of lamb which I de-bone myself. To cut costs and not raise my prices, I now buy a larger piece of meat and use my boning knife. I've done this since I was little. - I do love entertaining. The cardinal rule is to understand who is coming, to know what they like and what they dislike, and make sure you have something for everyone.
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"Baking is my passion," says MiraBay resident Debra Nicola. "Starting at 7 years old, I began working and helping in my grandparent's bakery in the Bronx, NY. My family opened their first bakery in Benevento, Italy and migrated to New York in 1935, opening their second bakery across from Yankee Stadium. We sold the family business in 1990 and began other careers and raising our families. "Fast forward to now. I have decided that after much encouragement from family and friends to begin offering our family dishes that have been favorites in multiple countries for over 100 years. And I'm very excited to focus on offering my Italian Ricotta Cheesecake made from a family recipe that cannot be duplicated. I grow my own citrus zest and put much love into every dish I make! "I love to cook for others and share my heritage and that’s why I’m excited to also offer catering services featuring my family’s Italian specialities. I look forward to baking for your next event, dinner party, tea party or if you just want a really amazing authentic cheesecake. Each of my cakes are made fresh for each individual customer.
"I grow my own citrus zest and put much love into every dish I make! I love to cook for others and share my heritage. I look forward to baking for your next event." "I’m seeking to keep that passion for baking and serving local customers alive by introducing Cibo Delizioso to the Greater Tampa, Florida area. I hope that you’ll join me in keeping the legacy of our family bakery alive. "Cibo Delizioso works with catering clients on all types of events from dinner parties, open houses and office gatherings, to wine pairings, tea parties, bridal showers and other celebratory events. If you have a special event in mind, contact us and we’ll be happy to explore custom menu options for creating a unique dining experience for your guests." All dishes are homemade in my kitchen with recipes that have been in our family for over 100 years. Originally hand crafted in Benevento, Italy, we are proud to offer our dishes to the Greater Tampa Bay Area. www.cibodelizioso.com
