Embrace the Spirit of Italy This Holiday Season

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For those looking to reconnect with Italian heritage or just experience the enchantment of the rolling hills, beautiful coastline, and warm and welcoming people, here are some ideas for surrounding yourself in the spirit of Italy during this special time of year.

Culinary Delights

Italian cuisine is some of the most coveted worldwide. Italians view cooking as an art not a task, and put a bit of their heart into the recipe. Dining to Italians is also an experience not to take lightly. It's a family affair, with conversation and long hours basking at the dinner table, especially during the holidays.

Dabbling in Italian cooking is an easy way to impart the flavor of that culture into your everyday living. Choose from pasta dishes to decadent pastries to seafood specialties. In fact, for many Southern Italians, Christmas eve is the time to enjoy vigilia di magro, or The Feast of the Seven Fishes, where the holiday is celebrated with a bounty of seafood.

If you're looking for inspiration, there are a number of chefs who offer cookbooks full of scores of delicious recipes. Some of the more familiar chefs in this country who have gained celebrity recognition in recent years include Giada De Laurentiis, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, and Mario Batali. Visit your local or online bookseller for a peek at the cookbooks they offer, or tune to the Food Network or PBS for syndicated cooking shows.

Entertaining and Socializing

Gathering with family and friends is an integral part of Italian culture. Music, conversation and delicious cocktails are often part of the picture. Including a beverage that personifies Italy when socializing is another way to connect with Italian culture.

In 1945, Angelo Molinari, already a well-respected blender of wines and spirits, created what was to become one of Italy's most celebrated masterpieces -- a smooth, rich, full-bodied liqueur he proudly named Molinari Sambuca. Today, Molinari Sambuca Extra is the primary choice of Sambuca lovers everywhere and is, by far, Italy's favorite. The uncompromising quality of its ingredients and super-premium quality and smoothness contribute to that appeal. Molinari is also dedicated to tradition and has not strayed from the original recipe. Sambuca can be enjoyed as an after-dinner digestive. It's also the perfect companion to coffee, particularly espresso and it is often enjoyed chilled ice cold, or as part of delicious desserts and other recipes. It can be especially versatile for holiday entertaining when mixed with seasonal ingredients to create innovative drinks. Here's a recipe to get you started.

Beluga

1/3 Molinari Sambuca

1/3 Heavy Cream

1/3 White Creme de Menthe

Shake well with abundant ice. Serve in a martini glass. Sprinkle coffee powder on top.

Visit www.molinari.it for more recipes and information on Molinari Sambuca. For other inquiries, contact Shaw-Ross International Importers at 954-430-5020.

The Cinema

American movies that attempt to personify Italian culture typically do little to capture the essence. But Italian filmmaking can help unmask the magic of classic cinema. There are wonderful classic Italian movies featuring talented actors and directors that can offer a touch of Italian spirit. Consider films from prolific directors, such as Federico Fellini, Michaelangelo Antonioni, Pier Paolo Pasolini and Bernado Bertolucci, such as "La Strada" or "L'Avventura." Cuddle up on the sofa and enjoy one of these classics while the snow falls quietly outdoors.

There are many ways to embrace all that Italy has to offer. Now is the perfect time to start.