ITALY

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

• Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, north east of Tunisia

CLIMATE

• The climate is similar to ours, it's coldest months being December and January with its temperature at 52 degrees f and 66 degrees f and it's hottest months being in July and august

LANDSCAPE/TERRAIN

• Mostly rugged and mountains; some plains coastal lands

TRADITIONAL DISHES

SPINACH LASAGHNA ROLLA

• 1 tablespoon mezzetta extra virgin olive oil
• 12 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup to 1/3 grated Parmesan cheese divided 1 Jar mezzetta napa valley home made pasta sauce

ROASTED RED BELL PEPER LASAGHNA

• 3 cups mezzetta roasted red bell peppers.
• About 2 cups of ricotta cheese.
• 1-1/2 pounds of broccoli cut into 3/4 inch pieces.
• Stems into 1/2 inch dice
• 1 Jar mezzetta napa valley home made tomato and sweet basil
• 12 no. Boil, dry, lasagne noodles.
• About 2-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese grated.
• 11/4 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.

SPICY TOMATO SAUCE AND GRILLED SHRIMP ON PENNE

• 1/2 pound (16 - 20) peeled deveined shrimp tail removed
• 3 tablespoons mezzetta intense California extra virgin oil
• 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground pepper
• 6 ounces of penne pasta
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/2 jar mezzetta Italian plum tomato

ARUGULA WALNUT PESTO ON LINGUINE

• 3 cups arugula
• 1/2 cups mezzetta
• olive oil
• 1/4 cups walnuts
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic

EASIEST DISH TO MAKE

• Arugula