Tips and tricks

Tips and tricks

Here are some of Elena's tips and tricks in the kitchen!

Whether it is a tip on cleaning or using kitchen tools or a trick when cooking, Elena has got you covered!

Do you love making pasta, pizza, sausages or are into canning? Having trouble with something or are just curious? Explore this page to find some helpful advice.

Didn't find what you are looking for? Contact us and we will be glad to answer any questions.

  1. Cooking with Clay!

    Cooking with Clay!

    Cooking with clay is an excellent choice when cooking slow cooked meals such as soups, stews, beans, meats and even making "pasta al forno" (oven baked pasta)! It is also a great natural altrnative to nonstick cookware. With Vulcania, you can get all the benefits of cooking with clay plus the added bonus of its beautiful glazed aesthetic. Cook and serve all in one dish! *Vulcania is an Italian product* Here are some succulant recipes to try (…)

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  2. Cleaning your Coffe Pot - the RIGHT way!

    Cleaning your Coffe Pot - the RIGHT way!

    Cleaning your espresso coffee pot is SIMPLE, so simple in fact that we are conditioned to wash it with many (but useless) products such as vinegar, lemon juice and dish soap. Whether you own the classic caffetiera "Moka" (Bialetti) or a fancier stainless steel model like the Kontessa (VEV Vigano), the ONE and ONLY way to clean it is with hot water. That's it! Try these delicious recipes with your coffee in the morning... Citrus Paradiso Bundt (…)

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  3. Il Finocchio... buonissimo per la slaute!

    Il Finocchio... buonissimo per la slaute!

    Fennel, healthy and refreshing. You may use it in just about any kind of dish! In soups, salads or side dishes for meats. Enjoy it freshly sliced at the end of a meal, it is a great digestive and also cleanses the palate. A staple in Italian cuisine! Try these recipes with fennel… Frittata with Fennel and Cherry Tomatoes Avocado Salad Bruschetta al finocchio selvatico Carbonara alle fave e prosciutto Fennel, Celeriac and Green Apple Salad

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  4. Cleaning your Pasta Machine

    Cleaning your Pasta Machine

    The best pasta machine on the market is the Imperia SP 150- Made in Italy! If you have bought this machine, here are some important steps for cleaning it before you use it. We welcome you to visit our  Mezza Luna Cooking School website to sign up for one of our many pasta classes! Also, you may try these flavorful recipes with your homemade pasta… Asparagus and Snail Fettuccini Carbonara alle Fave e Prosciutto

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  5. Quick Sharp Knife Test

    Quick Sharp Knife Test

    Does your knife seem a little dull lately? Here is a super quick test to see if your knife is due for a sharpening – all you need is a tomato! Here are some great sharpeners you can use… Universal Manual Knife Sharpener MINOSHARP Diamond Knife Sharpener CHEF’S CHOICE Diamond Knife Sharpening Stone CHEF’S CHOICE Electric Knife Sharpener #110 CHEF’S CHOICE Hybrid 220 Electric Knife Sharpener CHEF’S CHOICE

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  6. Cleaning and Maintaining your Tic-Tac

    Cleaning and Maintaining your Tic-Tac

    The Tic-Tac is a fantastic little machine to make your tomato sauce with! You may use it to make a quick sauce for the moment but even better to use for bigger quantities like when canning. Just like any other machine the Tic-Tac too has some maintenance. Follow these few simple steps to ensure your machine stays in good shape. We welcome you to visit our Cooking School Mezza Luna to sign up for one of our many sauce classes! Now that you’ve (…)

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  7. Pickled Hot Peppers

    Pickled Hot Peppers

    Elena is proud to share with you her pickled hot peppers recipe ! Ingredients: Hot Chili Peppers (thin, red and long) at Jean Talon Market Coarse Salt Water HEINZ White Vinegar Vegetable Oil ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES WHILE HANDLING CHILI PEPPERS.

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  8. Cleaning and Maintaining your Meat Grinder

    Cleaning and Maintaining your Meat Grinder

    Cleaning your meat grinder is very important and oiling it even more so! Follow these steps to ensure your grinder stays in good shape for the longest time. We welcome you to visit our Cooking School Mezza Luna to sign up for one of our sausage making classes! Also, you may try these delicious recipes with your homemade sausages… Pizza di Elena "Tipsy" Risotto Lenticchie e salsiccie in umido Veal and Pork Sausages

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  9. Pizza Pan Maintenance

    Pizza Pan Maintenance

    Follow these steps to ensure your pizza pans stay in good shape for the longest time. We welcome you to visit our Cooking School Mezza Luna to sign up for one of our pizza classes! Here are some delicious pizza recipes to try out! Pizza di Elena Prosciutto and Taleggio Pizza

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  10. Sterilization of Jars and Covers

    Sterilization of Jars and Covers

    Follow these steps to properly sterilize your jars and covers.  

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