Blossom trees are beginning to bloom and spring is now in full-swing, things are looking brighter and we’ve got so much to look forward to this April. With some new dishes appearing on our menu this month, we’ve got options that are faster and fresher than ever before and we’re very excited to share them with you.
Here's 5 Things We're Talking About this April...
1. Carbonara Day
Celebrated on April 6th, National Carbonara Day encourages pasta lovers everywhere to come together and enjoy a bowl of pasta alla carbonara, a classic Italian dish made from egg, Pecorino Romano and guanciale, finished with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and served with long strands of fresh pasta, such as spaghetti or bucatini. This creamy dish is the perfect pasta indulgence that we'll be tucking into this week.
Whilst this dish is thought to have been popular in parts of Italy for several centuries, the name doesn't appear to have been coined until the mid-twentieth century as it isn't mentioned anywhere in Ada Boni's La Cucina Romana, published in 1930. In fact, many believe that the name originates from the time of the Allied liberation of Rome in 1944, as spaghetti alla carbonara was served to the American troops when the liberation was successful, and they were in awe of this delicious feast after months of living on meagre rations.
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2. Embracing al FrescoWith the arrival of longer, lighter evenings and the appearance of new life in budding green trees and blooming magnolias, we've found ourselves spending more time outdoors, or, if you will, al fresco. The late afternoon sun is almost irresistible and as the working day comes to a close, we follow the ebbing light, heading to local parks and heaths or even just into our own giardini. The joys of outdoor dining are many; throwing together a hamper of delights, grabbing a brightly coloured rug and skipping off into the evening is blissful indeed.
We’re all about al fresco this year and our wonderful chefs have made it their mission to create a new range of delicious dishes that capture the spirit of the delightful season that we’re now entering. We’ve got all the wherewithal to take your late-spring dining to the next level, with simple and authentic picnic-perfect pasta. We're excited to introduce our al fresco collection filled with all of our favourite flavours of Italy, and best-enjoyed in the beautiful outdoors.
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3. Saying Arrivederci to LockdownThis past year has been totally unprecedented and, for many, extremely difficult. However, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel and as we emerge from another long lockdown, we’re expressing our appreciation for the small things that have kept us going. Whether you’ve got into long walks, you’ve found a new love for reading or you’ve become adept at pasta-making, there will be something, however tiny, that you’re taking away from these months of solitude and isolation. As we reflect on the last year with mixed emotions, we’re also looking forward, with much anticipation, to the weeks and months ahead. From restaurants reopening to booking that first hairdressers appointment there are so many things to feel excited about.
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4. Virtual Pasta TourWhilst holidays to il bel paese might not be on the cards just yet, we’ve got the perfect solution to satisfy your longing for the sweet taste of Italia. Our virtual master classes are the ideal way to try your hand at pasta-making and unleash your inner sfogline. Making pasta is an art in Italy and masters of this craft will confirm that it is a very therapeutic occupation and one that yields the tastiest results.
Our expert chefs have put together an exciting pasta series for April and will take you on a vicarious tour d’Italia. Starting in the south on the beautiful island that is Sardinia and travelling to Puglia, Campania and Sicily - some of Italy’s most glorious regions - you can learn to make regional specialties that will take you on a sensory journey to some of our favourite places. Infuse a little italianità into your day with our wonderful, interactive pasta experiences!
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5. Perfect Pasta at HomeOne of the most exciting things that’s happening at Pasta Evangelists at the moment is the publication of our first ever recipe book, Perfect Pasta at Home. Filled with 80 recipes from our favourite parts of Italy, Finn and Roberta have curated a collection of the brightest flavours of every region. With some recipes that can be prepared in only 10 minutes we’ve got you covered for those weekday evenings when you need something quick, nutritious and delicious. The book also contains a number of show-stopping dishes that are perfect for wowing your dinner-party guests with an impressive pasta feast. We’ve also included special features on the country that we know and love so well, with snippets of fascinating Italian culinary history and heart-warming stories from past and present.
Whilst technically the book isn’t out until June, we simply can’t stop shouting about it, and it’s available to preorder now! Reserve your copy today and a bright, shiny cookbook will land on your doorstep on June 10th 2021, just in time for a summer of delicious feasting!
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