All things Italian food, and Maryland love. Check out the most common categories:
The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and suddenly all you want is a big bowl of pasta or a slice of warm, cheesy pizza. Sound familiar? As November settles into Maryland and we head toward the holiday season, this craving for hearty, carb-heavy comfort food isn’t just in your head. Well, actually, it is in your head—but there are real biological and psychological reasons behind it.
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When we opened Spizzico Italian Kitchen in Arnold, we knew we wanted to bring authentic NY-style pizza to the Broadneck Peninsula. But what exactly makes a pizza “NY-style”? And why does it matter when there are so many pizza styles to choose from?
As three friends from Monte Di Procida, Italy, a small town just outside Naples, we grew up understanding that pizza is more than just food. It’s tradition, technique, and respect for quality ingredients. When Italian immigrants brought pizza to New York City in the early 1900s, they adapted their Neapolitan traditions to American tastes and ingredients, creating something entirely new: the iconic New York slice.
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America loves Italian food. From pizza to pasta to other cheesy dishes, Italian cuisine is a staple in many people’s diets. Some traditional Italian dishes have been “Americanized” over the years, though, meaning they are now more influenced by U.S. cooking traditions than they are by Italy itself. Today, there are certain misconceptions about authentic Italian cuisine in popular culture. Here’s the truth behind some of the biggest Italian food myths.
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At Spizzico Italian Kitchen, we believe that fresh herbs elevate the flavors of our authentic Italian dishes. These herbs add depth and complexity to our pizzas, pasta, and other culinary creations. Learn more about the basics by taking a closer look at what herbs we commonly use and why.
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In the world of pizza and pasta, there’s always room for a saucy twist. While the classic tomato-based sauce is a go-to, it’s not the sole contender. Tomatoes, with their diverse varieties and flavor profiles, play a leading role, but the culinary stage welcomes a variety of alternatives for these beloved Italian dishes. So, if you are looking to expand your palette and sauce knowledge, let’s dive into the alternative sauces to try.
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Is gnocchi pasta or potato? – Gnocchi is an Italian pasta made with potato, flour, and sometimes eggs. So, gnocchi is both pasta and potato. Read on for the answers to other common italian food questions.
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Authentic Italian food offers an exceptional dining experience for many reasons, but perhaps one of the most notable is the sauce. There is a wide range of amazing Italian sauce pairings that you can use throughout a variety of dishes, with different ingredients and flavor profiles to enjoy.
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Picture this: You and your family are sitting around the table with full bellies after another successful pizza night. while some of the family eats every inch of the pizza, you see some have leftover crusts. And out of the corner of your eyes, you realize your dog notices the leftover pizza crust too.
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Ah, one of the great debates about one of America’s favorite foods: red pizza vs. white pizza! Which is better? What’s the difference? It’s a debate with few worthy rivals, except the debate between pineapple-on-pizza lovers and haters. So what’s the story with the red vs. white pizzas that are served at the best Italian restaurants across the globe?
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It is said that variety is the spice of life, and this is never more true than when choosing Italian spices to turn a plain-Jane pot of pasta or a cheesy pizza pie into a culinary treat to delight the taste buds. Of course, selecting the right spices to enhance the flavor profile is essential. While creativity and experimentation can be fun, you might not be very pleased with the outcome if you grab the sugar instead of the salt, for example. The good news is, certain groups of herbs and spices are often tied to a region and to the dishes native to that part of the world, making it easy to work out tasty flavor combos. When it comes to herbs, there are several classics that will make your Italian dishes positively sing, and many work great for other recipes, as well. Here are the top five you’ll want to add to your spice rack.
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