Italian Ingredients

Do you love cooking, but are sometimes unsure of the ingredients. Well here is a guide to some of the more common Italian Recipe Ingredients.
Amaretto - A liqueur made from apricot kernels and bitter almonds. You will ofter find this used in dessert recipes.
Amaretti - Small, dry biscuits (cookies) similar to macaroons. Made with bitter almonds, almond essence and egg whites.
Baccala - is salted, dried cod. You will need to soak it for at least 24 hours and changing the water often.
Bocconcini - means 'little mouthfuls'. And that's what it is, little balls of fresh mozzarella cheese stored in water.
Campari - A crimson colored spirit.
Carta di musica - This is a crisp, twice baked flatbread. Can use toasted Lebanese bread or lavish as a substitute.
Ciabatta - A crusty bread that is airy on the inside. The best type is wood fired.
Dried Porcini Mushrooms - A type of mushroom used to add intense flavor to dishes. Choose light brown or tan ones that are not crumbly.
Limoncello - This is a citrus based liqueur. Made by infusing lemon rind in pure alcohol. Serve chilled as an after-dinner drink or a fabulous palate cleanser.
Mascarpone - This rich, smooth cream cheese that has a high fat content. Used in both savoury and sweet dishes.
Mozzarella - A stretched curd cheese known for its melting qualities.
Pancetta - This is dried pork belly. It is generally used like bacon.
Pappardelle - Is a pasta. It can be fresh or dried and is a wide flat ribbon.
Pecorino - A hard cheese made from sheep milk. It has a sharp flavor and is used to grate over pizza.
Pecorino dolce - Known as sweet pecorino, is less aged and has a milder flavor.
Prosciutto - Is a dried and salted (cured) ham, generally served in wafer thin slices.
Radicchio - A red leafed salad ingredient that has a slightly bitter flavor.
Risotto Rice - This is the rice used for making Risotto. It is a short grain rice that is capable of absorbing much fluid while still maintaining it's shape and firmness. This is what gives Risotto it's creamy texture.
Scamorza - Very similar to mozzarella. A slightly salty cheese made from cows milk. It can be hung and dried and is often smoked.
Taleggio - This cheese has a pinkish-brown rind and a soft creamy texture. It is made from cows milk, has a strong flavor and becomes acidic with age.
So next time you are cooking Italian, you will be sure to know what ingredient to reach for.
Happy Cooking!