FRESCO by Ferraro - July 2024 by Ferraro Foods

July / 2024 / ferrarofoods.com

Tradition Meets Innovation

Welcome to the July issue of Fresco by Ferraro, where we explore the exciting intersection of tradition and innovation in the world of Italian cuisine. This month, we're delving into how timeless Italian culinary traditions can be reimagined and revitalized with contemporary techniques and ideas. For pizzeria owners and operators, this issue is packed with inspiration, from inventive recipes and modern plating tips to featured products that can transform your menu and captivate your customers.

As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, it's essential for pizzerias to stay ahead of the curve while honoring the classic flavors and methods that have made Italian cuisine beloved worldwide. In this issue, you'll discover creative ways to blend the old with the new, enhancing your offerings with innovative twists on traditional dishes. Whether you're looking to refresh your menu, attract new customers, or simply explore new culinary horizons, this issue of Fresco by Ferraro is your guide to navigating the exciting world where tradition meets innovation.

Buon apetito, amici,

The Ferraro Family

JULY 2024

MODERN TAKES ON CLASSIC ITALIAN CUISINE

Modern takes on traditional Italian cuisine.

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RECIPE: THAI CHICKEN PIZZA

Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken Pizza.

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JULY INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:

Some tips for balancing traditional values with innovative approaches.

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FEATURED ITEMS

A few innovative featured products.

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Italian cuisine has always been celebrated for its rich flavors, comforting dishes, and timeless recipes. However, as the culinary landscape evolves, so do the ways we present and enjoy these beloved classics. Modern takes on traditional Italian cuisine bring a fresh perspective, blending the old with the new to create visually stunning, flavorful, and innovative dishes.

Modern Plating Techniques:

Using contemporary plating techniques to present traditional dishes in visually appealing ways. Emphasis today is on how food looks, especially when pictures are frequently taken and shared on smartphones when dining out. Here are some examples:

• Drizzling balsamic glaze artfully over caprese salad, pizza with arugula and prosciutto or bruschetta

• Adding microgreens over grilled meats or fish. It is also sometimes used over risotto or a creamy soup

• A vibrant sauce drizzled on top of a pizza, such as chipotle mayo or hot honey

Fusion Cuisine:

Combining elements of different culinary flavors; especially latin american and asian. For example, on many menus is a taco pizza, using ground beef, crushed taco shells, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and mozzarella cheese. Also growing in popularity is Teriyaki Chicken Pizza, as well as Thai Chicken Pizza.

Healthier Versions:

Adjusting traditional recipes to make them healthier, such as using a cauliflower pizza crust instead. Another way is by using a whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Overall, we see more pizza toppings using vegetables and greens for a more balanced diet.

Miniature or Bite-Sized Versions:

Serving traditional dishes in small portions or as bite-sized appetizers. Creating bite-sized versions of Italian dishes is a great way to offer delicious, easy-to-share appetizers. Here are some examples:

• Mini Cannoli: smaller versions of the classic Sicialian dessert, filled with sweet ricotta cheese and often garnished with mini chocolate chips or candied fruit

• Mini Pizza Wedges “Pizzettes”: Pizza slices cut into smaller pieces loaded with a variety of toppings

• Bruschetta Bites: Crostini or toasted ciabatta pieces with traditional diced tomatoes or various toppings such as ricotta and honey or prosciutto and fig

Flavor Infusions:

Infusing traditional dishes with new flavors through creative use of herbs, spices, or sauces. For example, adding truffle oil to mashed potatoes. Stir a small amount of truffle oil into creamy mashed potatoes for a rich, earthy flavor. Another way to use truffle oil is on white pizza, especially one topped with mushrooms, prosciutto and arugula.

As the culinary world continues to evolve, modern takes on classic Italian cuisine offer an exciting blend of tradition and innovation. These contemporary adaptations honor the essence of Italian cooking while inviting new flavors and experiences to the table.

Thai Chicken Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup cooked shredded chicken

• ¼ cup carrot grated

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish after baking

• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts chopped

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup peanut butter, smooth

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon sriracha

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated

• 1 teaspoon fresh garlic grated

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 550 degrees.

2. Make the sauce, in a bowl combine all of the sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Sprinkle the pizza peel with semolina to prevent the dough from sticking, then shape/stretch your dough gently with your hands into a 10 or 12-inch circle. Before adding any toppings, make sure that the pizza can slide off onto the pizza stone easily. If not, just lift it up gently and sprinkle with more semolina. Don’t push the dough too hard, and start working it from the center. Leave the edges puffed up for a great pizza shape and bubbles.

4. Spread ¾ of the peanut sauce on the crust, top with mozzarella cheese, chicken, carrot, and green onions.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-7 minutes.

6. Drizzle with the remaining peanut sauce, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Slice and serve.

July

The Culinary Harmony of Tradition and Innovation in Italian Cuisine and Pizza

Italian cuisine, renowned for its rich history and diverse flavors, is witnessing a dynamic transformation as chefs and restaurateurs blend tradition with innovation. This trend is particularly evident in the evolution of pizza, one of Italy's most iconic dishes. Here’s an industry update on how merging traditional with innovative ideas is reshaping the culinary landscape.

Embracing Tradition and Innovation

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and timehonored recipes passed down through generations. Classic dishes like pasta, risotto, and osso buco highlight the diverse regional flavors of Italy. However, even these cherished recipes are being reimagined with modern creativity to captivate contemporary palates.

Cultural Preservation with a Modern Twist

Innovative approaches allow traditional Italian recipes to remain relevant in today's culinary scene. This ensures that the cultural heritage is preserved while adapting to contemporary tastes and dietary preferences. Gluten-free and vegan pizza options cater to modern dietary trends without compromising the essence of Italian cuisine.

Creativity and Innovation

Chefs can experiment with different cooking methods, such as woodfired ovens or sous-vide techniques, to reinvent classic dishes. This experimentation can lead to the creation of unique and memorable dishes that stand out in a crowded market.

A Diverse Menu for a Wider Audience

Restaurants that offer both traditional and innovative dishes can attract a broader customer base. Traditionalists can enjoy classic recipes, while adventurous diners can explore new and exciting flavors. This diversity enhances the restaurant's appeal and ensures there is something for everyone.

Enhanced Dining Experience

Integrating traditional and contemporary elements results in a dynamic dining experience. The surprise of encountering a new twist on a familiar dish or a theme night can make their visit memorable.

According to Eventbrite, three in four millennial consumers would rather pay for an experience rather than a product. Brands winning with modern consumers mix both digital innovation and traditional pillars.

Strategic Opportunities in Challenging Times

According to an article by McKinsey & Company, this uniquely challenging environment represents an opportunity: restaurant companies that seize this open-ended moment to innovate and grow can set themselves apart for years to come. Our research indicates that making bold, strategic decisions during times of uncertainty can be a winning play.

In the dynamic landscape of the restaurant industry, balancing traditional values with innovative approaches is key to staying relevant and successful, ensuring that the rich legacy of Italian cuisine continues to thrive.

PLANT AHEAD VEGAN CHEESE

TRADITIONAL CHEESE FLAVOR IN A HEALTHIER PLANT BASED ALTERNATIVE

Plant-based eating is more popular than ever, and accommodating different dietary preferences is crucial for foodservice operators to attract, and retain, new customers.

Plant Ahead's delectable plantbased cheeses help restaurants and pizzerias cater their menu to all types of eaters, satisfying vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.

Plant Based Vegan Mozz

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