Gia's Italian Kitchen's Podcast

What do you think of CURRY HUMMUS?   Ever tried it?It's delicious, nutritious, and easy......and when you make it yourself, you know exactly what ingredients are in there...and NO vegetable oils!!!!!Full recipe on my website:https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangia/f/curry-hummusWatch the full video on my YT channel:https://youtu.be/JORQ-KjMVGkHomemade hummus shouldn’t feel like a project. We’re in the kitchen making a fresh, creamy curry hummus that’s big on flavor and simple enough for a busy weeknight, starting with whole garlic cloves, fresh ground ginger, and curry spice that instantly wakes up a basic dip.We also get practical about the details that actually change the outcome. Fresh lemon juice brings the brightness that store-bought hummus often lacks, and we share a surprisingly useful tool tip: a flat silicone juicer with a seed catcher that squeezes out every last drop without the “painted metal” mess. From there, we talk tahini (pressed sesame seeds), why it makes hummus taste richer, and how you can skip it or even use a little chicken broth if you’re trying to keep calories in check.The biggest texture upgrade is our favorite shortcut: blending two types of beans. We use classic garbanzo beans (chickpeas) plus cannellini or Great Northern beans for a softer, creamier finish, then bring it together with good extra virgin olive oil and a splash of water as needed. Finally, we taste, adjust, and make it personal, more lemon, more curry, more salt, whatever your perfect hummus recipe looks like.If you love easy healthy snacks, meal prep dips, and simple Mediterranean-inspired recipes with a twist, queue this up now. Subscribe, share the episode with a fellow hummus fan, and leave a review, then tell us: are you team tahini or team no tahini?Remember when you used to have a family dinner? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen spaceLearn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Did you miss our cooking extravaganza last night?  SHORT CLIPCooking with Maestro Tim from Orchestra Iowa is always an adventure!We made Braciole and Bruschetta and talked about Mahler....WITH props....this is a must watch!!!!EMAIL FOR THE GROCERY LIST AND RECIPES: [email protected] by the drama of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 — the soaring melodies, the hammer blows, the hero’s fate — we’re cooking dishes that hit with the same bold intensity.First up: classic Italian BRACIOLA, rolled tight with herbs and cheese, then simmered low and slow until it’s tender enough to make you forget your troubles. It’s rich, emotional, and just a little bit epic… very Mahler.Then we balance the drama with something bright and heavenly: burrata & roasted tomato BRUSCHETTA. Creamy burrata (hello, cowbells!) meets blistered tomatoes, garlic, and basil on toasted bread. One bite and you get that perfect mix of light and dark — just like the symphony.Watch it also on my YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079A night of big flavors, big feelings, and a nod to one of the most electrifying pieces of music ever written. Aprons on — let’s get cooking.Please go to my socials and subscribe, follow, like, comment, and share....to help me grow! Thank you! https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Did you miss our cooking extravaganza last night?  SHORT CLIPCooking with Maestro Tim from Orchestra Iowa is always an adventure!We made Braciole and Bruschetta and talked about Mahler....WITH props....this is a must watch!!!!EMAIL FOR THE GROCERY LIST AND RECIPES: [email protected] by the drama of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 — the soaring melodies, the hammer blows, the hero’s fate — we’re cooking dishes that hit with the same bold intensity.First up: classic Italian BRACIOLA, rolled tight with herbs and cheese, then simmered low and slow until it’s tender enough to make you forget your troubles. It’s rich, emotional, and just a little bit epic… very Mahler.Then we balance the drama with something bright and heavenly: burrata & roasted tomato BRUSCHETTA. Creamy burrata (hello, cowbells!) meets blistered tomatoes, garlic, and basil on toasted bread. One bite and you get that perfect mix of light and dark — just like the symphony.Watch it also on my YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079A night of big flavors, big feelings, and a nod to one of the most electrifying pieces of music ever written. Aprons on — let’s get cooking.Please go to my socials and subscribe, follow, like, comment, and share....to help me grow! Thank you! https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Braciola, Burrata… and a Little Mahler Magic!Join me and Maestro Hankewich from Orchestra Iowa for Italian inspiration! We’re turning up the heat in the kitchen and in the concert hall vibes on Saturday, April 18 at 5:30pm CST.  It's FREE!COOKING WITH US? EMAIL FOR THE GROCERY LIST AND RECIPES: [email protected] by the drama of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 — the soaring melodies, the hammer blows, the hero’s fate — we’re cooking dishes that hit with the same bold intensity.First up: classic Italian BRACIOLA, rolled tight with herbs and cheese, then simmered low and slow until it’s tender enough to make you forget your troubles. It’s rich, emotional, and just a little bit epic… very Mahler.Then we balance the drama with something bright and heavenly: burrata & roasted tomato BRUSCHETTA. Creamy burrata (hello, cowbells!) meets blistered tomatoes, garlic, and basil on toasted bread. One bite and you get that perfect mix of light and dark — just like the symphony.Watch on LIVE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hhrd94tJQ/Catch it later on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079A night of big flavors, big feelings, and a nod to one of the most electrifying pieces of music ever written. Aprons on — let’s get cooking.Please go to my socials and subscribe, follow, like, comment, and share....to help me grow! Thank you! https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Today’s chicken dish is extra special — not just because it was packed with flavor, but because of who it was made for.I had the honor of cooking for the cancer patients and caregivers at  The Hope Lodge in Iowa City, a place where strength, love, and community show up in the most beautiful ways.See video footage on my YT channel:https://youtube.com/shorts/Crb9wLXcMkg?feature=share More recipes on my website:https://giasitaliankitchen.bizI built this dish around five powerhouse spices — turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, paprika, and cumin — each chosen for their warmth, comfort, and supportive benefits. Together they create a blend that’s soothing, nourishing, and deeply flavorful… exactly what I wanted to bring to the table.Cooking for this community is a reminder that food is more than a meal — it’s connection, comfort, and a moment of care in the middle of a hard journey. I’m grateful to the American Cancer Society and the incredible team at Hope Lodge for welcoming me into their kitchen and their day.To everyone fighting, supporting, and showing up with courage — this one was for you.Let’s keep cooking, together.| Spice  | Core Benefit | Turmeric  | Anti-inflammatory power | Ginger  | Digestive relief | Cinnamon  | Blood sugar balance | Paprika  | Antioxidant + circulation support | Cumin  | Digestive enzyme support Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

What's for dinner, it's Friday!This Lemon Dill Salmon or Trout is so easy and delicious!🍋 Why I always bake my fish instead of frying itIn Gia’s Italian Kitchen, we keep things simple, flavorful, and rooted in real Italian cooking — and that’s exactly why I reach for baked fish every time.When you bake fish, you let the ingredients do the talking.No heavy breading. No greasy after‑taste. Just clean, bright flavor that actually tastes like the sea.✨ Baking keeps those beautiful omega‑3s intact✨ You get that tender, flaky texture without the oil bath✨ Your body feels light and energized afterward — not weighed downItalian cooking is all about letting good ingredients shine.Baked fish does that beautifully… and your body will thank you for it.More recipes on my website:https://giasitaliankitchen.bizLemon Dill Trout or Salmon1 lemon1 shallot or yellow onion4 cloves fresh garlic2 leeksSmall bunch fresh dill3 tablespoons salted organic butter3 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)1 whole fillet of wild-caught trout or salmonPreheat your oven to 450°.Prepare a large baking sheet (with sides) with parchment paper and add the fish, skin side down.  Set aside.In a medium saucepan, warm the butter and EVOO on medium heat.Dice the shallot and thinly slice the leeks, excluding the dark green woody parts of the leeks.  Add to the saucepan and sauté for about 7-8 minutes.   Mince the garlic and add to the saucepan.  Sauté for another 5 minutes.Zest and juice the lemon, then add to the sauce.  Turn the heat off but let combine in the saucepan for a couple minutes.   Finely chop the fresh dill and add to the sauce.  Stir to combine.Pour over the fish.  Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until desired doneness. Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

You don’t have to be on social media to cook great food, and I’m proving it with a handful of recipes that make weeknights feel a lot less boring. I point you straight to my blog so you can skip the scrolling, grab the links, and see exactly what I’m making with step-by-step recipes and photos.First up: Caprese pork chops that stay juicy. I share the simple choices that make a big difference, like why bone-in chops help with moisture, how a little chicken broth in the pan keeps things tender, and why pesto plus tomatoes instantly makes the whole plate taste brighter. If you can find burrata, it takes this from basic to special fast, and it’s a great fix if you’re tired of rubbery grocery-store mozzarella.Then we get into two easy staples that punch way above their effort level: homemade granola and herb-flecked popovers. I talk about reading ingredient labels, why even “healthy” store granola can be full of junk, and how to make a batch that lasts in an airtight container so you’re always five minutes away from a yogurt bowl lunch or after-school snack. The popovers are blender-simple and bake up light, warm, and savory like little dinner rolls with personality.Finally, I share my new go-to Moroccan chicken, built from a quick spice rub inspired by an American Cancer Society cookbook. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, and garlic bring deep flavor plus antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and you can cook it in a skillet or roast it with root vegetables.Listen now, grab the recipe links, and if you try one, subscribe, share the show, and leave a review so more home cooks can find us.https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangiaHow about a dinner with friends and family? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen spaceLearn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Have you looked at the ingredients list lately?Homemade granola is so easy to make, super nutritious and delicious!   If that storebought bag has things you cannot pronounce, probably best to make your own!Watch my short video:https://youtube.com/shorts/2AEQtDwac-gFind more recipes:https://giasitaliankitchen.biz #cooking #cookingathome #cookingtime #cookingwithgia #italiancooking #italianfood #letsgetcooking #cookingclass #foodie #foodlovers #giasitaliankitchen #dinnertime #cuisine #flavors #kitchen #cook #fresh #dinner  #viralpost  #tasty #yum #food #foodblogger #viralvideochallenge #viralreelschallenge  #granola #oatmeal #homemade #bake #breakfast Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Craving flavor without the scroll fatigue? We’re packing our feed with 30-second kitchen wins that still honor slow-food soul: quick-start marinara with seared chicken thighs, weeknight pasta made in the food processor, and a stovetop espresso ritual that beats drip by a mile. It’s the best of Italian comfort distilled into bite-size clips, with full recipes and stories linked when you’re ready to go deeper.Want your own cooking experience?  Learn how here:https://giasitaliankitchen.bizWe take you behind the camera and into our wider world: a physics-teacher brother pulling off the tablecloth trick, a Tuscan friend named Susanna guiding cannelloni with silky béchamel, and the sweet shock of a golden Pandoro dusted in sugar like fresh snow. Between laughs about Chicago’s notorious Malört and the steady rhythm of sourdough that replaces store-bought loaves, the theme stays the same—good food is a daily practice, a shared language, and a reason to gather.We also open a thoughtful lane for health and community. Hormone replacement therapy sits on many minds, and we’re asking for real experiences and resources as we weigh estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone choices. Add a big dinner-party spread—roasted vegetable lasagna and limoncello tiramisu for a crowd—and you’ve got a month of cooking that blends practical tips, heartfelt stories, and a few bold flavors you’ll want to try tonight.Follow us across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X, and Pinterest at Gia’s Italian Kitchen to catch every short, recipe, and Italy moment. Then visit https://GiasItalianKitchen.biz for more recipes, classes, and updates on 2026 cook-alongs. If you enjoy the show, tap follow, leave a review, and tell us what recipe you want to see next. Let’s get cooking. Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

A kitchen can be a lifeline when life gets hard. We open the door to a year shaped by service, taste, and community: monthly meals at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, where adults in treatment and their caregivers gather for nutrient-dense, comforting Italian dishes that are easy to repeat on long days. The work is different from a showy cooking class—more heart than spectacle—with a focus on protein, gentle textures, and flavor that stays kind to sensitive palates, all delivered with the warmth of a home-cooked evening.From there, we map the 2026 calendar. Private group classes and employer team building remain fully custom and available virtually, designed to bring teams together across cities with menus that travel well and formats that spark connection. Our partners at The Brick Kitchen in Independence, Iowa, host a run of hands-on workshops: Nonna’s marinara, a Tuscan-leaning carbonara, fresh fettuccine, and handmade ravioli, each paired with thoughtful wine tastings. We also team up with Swamp Fox Bookstore for an olive oil–focused night—tasting, live cooking, and the option to bundle a new cookbook—while the Marion Library offers approachable entry points for beginners who want Italian staples without the stress.Along the way, we celebrate a podcast milestone—10,000 downloads—and outline what’s next: fresh series, interviews, and a new twist we’ll unveil soon. We also share a personal project in motion: a cookbook memoir that weaves childhood cancer survivorship with family recipes from Tuscany and the lessons a grandmother passed down at the stove. If you’re an editor or publisher who loves culinary storytelling with heart, we want to hear from you.Come for the pasta, stay for the purpose. Grab tickets to upcoming classes, share your 2026 goals with us, and invite a friend who needs a seat at a welcoming table. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, leave a quick review, and tell us which recipe you want to learn next.Donated over 100 hours cookingDonated over $200 to Feed Iowa FirstDonated over $300 to Feeding AmericaPodcast reached 10,000 downloadsSo much to look forward to in 2026:* Core offerings – private group cooking classes and employer teambuilding events (custom menu and schedule)  https://giasitaliankitchen.biz * Social Media – short cooking videos, tips and recipes sent directly to you   https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen* Hope Lodge – cooking for adult cancer patients and their caregivers, with a focus on nutritional and delicious recipes    https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/iowa-city.html* Brick Kitchen – advanced cooking classes in Independence, Iowa (tickets are almost gone, get yours NOW)   https://www.thebrickkitchenstore.com/upcoming-classes.htm Jan/Feb – Carbonara and Marinara from Tuscany March – Homemade Pasta April – Homemade Ravioli* Swamp Fox Bookstore – collaborative, ticketed events with cookbook authors   https://swampfoxbookstore.com/gia      o   Thursday, March 5 – Olive Oil tasting and Charcuterie making Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

My name is Kelley Cole, hear the story unfold,In the kitchen I shine, got a heart made of gold.Simmering sauces, olive oil slick,Italian flavors—now that’s my trick.From pasta to pizza, risotto on cue,Every dish I make tastes molto bellissimo too.So when aromas roll in and the good times roll,You know it’s cooked with love by Kelley Cole Learn more about Gia's Italian Kitchen:https://giasitaliankitchen.biz Watch my short video:https://youtube.com/shorts/GooOjgsZcBw?feature=share Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Need a unique Christmas gift?  Here’ a gift that stands apart!Give a cooking experience straight from the heart.Not something to wrap or hide on a shelf,But time spent together, shared with someone else.Friends and family cooking, laughing, and tooA gift full of flavor they’ll always love you for.This season give more than just something to buy,Give memories made – one dish at a time!I will send you a gift certificate that you can give to your friend or family member before Christmas!Buy now or learn more about virtual and in-person cooking experiences:https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shopWatch this short video on my YouTube channel:https://youtube.com/shorts/QfWYDXAylGM?feature=share Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

The kind of soup that makes a snowy day feel like a celebration doesn’t need a dozen steps or a culinary degree. We walk you through our easiest-ever New England clam chowder, adapted from a beloved community cookbook and tuned for modern kitchens, weeknight schedules, and hungry holiday crowds. With a chop-and-simmer method, you skip the sauté, keep cleanup minimal, and still pull off a creamy, briny bowl that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.We start with the classics—clams, clam juice, potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, butter, and flour—then make a few thoughtful tweaks that lift the flavor without weighing it down. Instead of half and half, we balance 2% milk with a splash of chicken broth for a lighter body that stays velvety. For heat, sriracha brings a gentle garlic backbone rather than blunt spice, and we ditch the sugar so the natural sweetness of vegetables and dairy can shine. The result is comfort with character: rich enough to satisfy, bright enough to serve alongside a bigger spread.Hosting a crowd? Set the pot to low and let everyone help themselves. We share our trick of using a portable induction burner to hold the perfect gentle simmer without running a gas flame all day, whether you’re serving mugs of chowder for lunch or keeping it warm between courses. You’ll hear tips for thick vs. brothy textures, make-ahead options, and easy garnishes—oyster crackers, chopped parsley, a final drizzle of sriracha—that turn a humble pot into a festive centerpiece. Cozy, reliable, and endlessly adaptable, this chowder fits a holiday table just as well as a quiet Tuesday.Ready to ladle up comfort? Hit play, grab the recipe from our show notes at giasitaliankitchen.biz, and if you enjoy the cook-along style, subscribe, share the episode with a soup-loving friend, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangia/f/the-best-clam-chowder How about a dinner with friends and family? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen spaceLearn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Do you have any sweet potatoes left?This delicious and nutritious sweet potato and black-eyed pea stew will warm you up!  Try it this week!  It's easy!   Full recipe on my website:ð 1 1/2 cups dried black-eyed peasð 4 large sweet potatoes ð 4 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangia/f/sweet-potato-and-black-eyed-pea-stew Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Paper trails rarely tell a straight story, especially when you gather more than twenty relatives on a single quest for Italian dual citizenship. We open the door to our process—the wins, the stumbles, and the strange moments—so you can see what it really takes to turn family lore into legal status. From old certificates with misspelled names to a notary who balked at a bilingual page, we unpack the real-world hurdles and the practical workarounds that kept us moving.You’ll hear how we split costs across one application, organized a cross‑generational document hunt, and set up powers of attorney so our legal team could file in Italy. We talk through translations, certifications, and apostilles, plus the little systems that saved us: shared checklists, version control, and a single point of contact. When a church fire erased marriage records, we leaned on affidavits and “no record found” letters to satisfy the lineage trail without inventing facts. The lesson: bureaucracy rewards precision, persistence, and calm.If you’re mapping your own path to dual citizenship by descent, this story offers a blueprint. Start early, triple‑check every name and date, and expect the unexpected. Find professionals who know the Italian courts, prepare bilingual documentation that’s properly notarized, and keep a clean record of every request and response. We’re closing in on the finish line now, dreaming of the day we step off a plane as citizens with passports in hand. If this journey resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who’s chasing their roots, and tell us your best tip—or your wildest paperwork plot twist—in a review.How about a dinner with friends and family? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space. Learn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Time to make some changes to your herb garden….tear the basil out (sad face), bring the rosemary inside, and leave your sage, oregano & thyme outside (in the Midwest)How about a dinner with friends and family? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space. Learn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

BASILCELLO......WHAT?????After I cut & harvested my basil to make pesto, I left the plants in the ground and the leaves regenerated themselves!!!So now what?Well instead of Limoncello I am trying Basilcello!!!   Have you ever heard of this or made it yourself?Here is phase 1.How about a dinner with friends and family? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space. Learn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

A love letter to comfort food and the people who keep it alive, this episode takes a cinematic cookbook—born from a story of Italian grandmas cooking in a neighborhood restaurant—and turns its pages into dinner. We walk through “escaped birds,” a saltimbocca-adjacent pork roll with sage and prosciutto, seared in butter and olive oil until golden. Then we layer in a bright parsley salsa verde that cuts through the richness and finish everything on a bed of soft polenta that tastes like a hug you can hold with a spoon.We share why these recipes feel like a memoir you can eat: the faces in the book are the cooks behind the flavors, and their technique is practical, not precious. You’ll hear how to swap pancetta for prosciutto without losing balance, how to coax fond for sauce without scorching, and how a handful of fresh sage can perfume a pan. We break down texture choices for polenta, how to keep it oven-warm and silky, and the small, steady steps that make a home kitchen feel like a neighborhood trattoria.  By the end, you’ll have a game plan you can cook tonight—roll, brown, baste, spoon—and a new respect for the way simple ingredients tell big stories. If food nostalgia, classic Italian comfort, and no-fuss kitchen craft are your thing, this one belongs in your weeknight rotation. If you cooked along or tried your own twist, subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite Nonna-style recipe with us.How about a dinner with friends and family? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space. Learn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

A love letter to comfort food and the people who keep it alive, this episode takes a cinematic cookbook—born from a story of Italian grandmas cooking in a neighborhood restaurant—and turns its pages into dinner. We walk through “escaped birds,” a saltimbocca-adjacent pork roll with sage and prosciutto, seared in butter and olive oil until golden. Then we layer in a bright parsley salsa verde that cuts through the richness and finish everything on a bed of soft polenta that tastes like a hug you can hold with a spoon.We share why these recipes feel like a memoir you can eat: the faces in the book are the cooks behind the flavors, and their technique is practical, not precious. You’ll hear how to swap pancetta for prosciutto without losing balance, how to coax fond for sauce without scorching, and how a handful of fresh sage can perfume a pan. We break down texture choices for polenta, how to keep it oven-warm and silky, and the small, steady steps that make a home kitchen feel like a neighborhood trattoria.  By the end, you’ll have a game plan you can cook tonight—roll, brown, baste, spoon—and a new respect for the way simple ingredients tell big stories. If food nostalgia, classic Italian comfort, and no-fuss kitchen craft are your thing, this one belongs in your weeknight rotation. If you cooked along or tried your own twist, subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite Nonna-style recipe with us.How about a dinner with friends and family? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space. Learn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

What happens when your purpose drives away?  Our role as a parent has instantly changed.....and I am not really sure how to deal with this!Seems like people are in one camp or the other.  When your last child leaves the nest, parents are either so happy to have the kids out of the house…..or they are crying every day.  I am in the latter bucket!  The change is so huge and monumental, it is kicking my butt!  The day my last child left for college broke me in ways I never expected.  Tissued required!  What camp are you in?   Comment here or on my socials...find your favorite, I am on all of them:https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchenMy daughter gave me this little "Olive dude" before she left….how sweet is that!  And now it sits in the Iowa State Cyclone Lego. Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

We are back from Italy, and want to share all of the good nuggets with you!Nona and I have been recording some podcasts about our trip, with great info about the cities we visited, the transportation that we took, and of course the FOOD.  Today, let's talk about the Amalfi Coast and nearby towns.We visited several cities on and around the Amalfi Coast (Naples, Salerno, Amalfi town, Positano, and Herculaneum), then headed to Sicily (Catania, Taormina, Acireale, Aci Trezza, and Mt. Etna).  What a fabulous trip with so much to share with you!I have also been posting several 60-second videos of our travels, so please check those out.YT:  http://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079FB:  https://www.facebook.com/giasitaliankitchen/IG: https://www.instagram.com/giasitaliankitchen/I hope you will go to my socials and subscribe, follow, like, subscribe, and share....to help me grow! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!   You can go here to see all of them:   https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchenWant a unique cooking experience and learn how to cook authentic Italian dishes???    Let's schedule your private dinner party experience or employee teambuilding experience today!!!!Learn more about GIK:  https://giasitaliankitchen.bizContact me:  [email protected] Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

We are back from Italy, and want to share all of the good nuggets with you!Nona and I have been recording some podcasts about our trip, with great info about the cities we visited, the transportation that we took, and of course the FOOD.In the meantime, I have been posting several 60-second videos of our travels, so please check those out....and I will publish the podcasts in the coming weeks.YT:  http://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079FB:  https://www.facebook.com/giasitaliankitchen/IG: https://www.instagram.com/giasitaliankitchen/I hope you will go to my socials and subscribe, follow, like, subscribe, and share....to help me grow! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!   You can go here to see all of them:   https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchenLearn more about GIK:  https://giasitaliankitchen.biz Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

We recently went to Italy and I thought it would be helpful to brainstorm with you on what to PACK!  I review in detail the clothes I brought, the suitcase, what I put in my carryon, etc....for a seamless overseas travel experience! Questions?   Email me [email protected] In the coming weeks, I will post VIDEOS of our travels through the Amalfi Coast and Sicily for your enjoyment…maybe you will plan a trip in the future!All of my links are here…please follow, share, comment, like: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen#italiancooking #italianfood #letsgetcooking #cookingclass #foodie #foodlovers #foodphotography #giasitaliankitchen #localbusiness #womenownedbusiness #letsgetcookingwithgia  #dinnertime #cuisine #flavors #viralpost  #tasty #yum #herbs #food #datenight#culinaryclass #kitchen #cook #fresh #dinner #oliveoil  #charcutterie #travelabroad  #travel  #traveltips Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

I interviewed the New York Times bestselling author ADRIANA TRIGIANI!!!  YEP it’s true!   She is so awesome and down to earth!  I can't wait for you to meet her!  Her book release is July 8, 2025.....preorder your copy at a local bookstore today!  If you are in Eastern Iowa, Swamp Fox Bookstore can order you a copy!Watch the full interview, and short clips, on my YT channel:  https://youtu.be/EKvL9WgFgrcAll of my links are here:  https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Adriana Trigiani is The New York Times bestselling author of twenty books in fiction and nonfiction. She has been published in 38 countries around the world. She wrote the blockbuster The Shoemaker’s Wife, the Big Stone Gap series, the Valentine trilogy and Lucia, Lucia...to name a few.Adriana’s latest novel, The View from Lake Como, hits shelves July 8th, 2025. Publisher’s Weekly’s “Best Book of Summer 2025”, this is the story of Jess Capodimonte Baratta, a recently divorced, dutiful daughter, living in her parents’ basement. When an unexpected loss sends her to her ancestral home of Carrara, Italy where Jess learns to rebuild her life and the house that goes with it. Visit her website at www.adrianatrigiani.com  Learn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchenPlease follow, like, comment, subscribe....and all those social things, to help me grow!How about a dinner with friends and family? Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction! My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz  BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love! Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person? I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space. Learn more about us…all of our socials here:    https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

YEP it’s true!   She is so awesome and down to earth!  I can't wait for you to meet her!  Full video and podcast to be released the first week of July, just ahead of her book release!All of my links are here:  https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Watch on social or listen on my podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1876610 or just search for Gia’s Italian Kitchen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.Adriana Trigiani is The New York Times bestselling author of twenty books in fiction and nonfiction. She has been published in 38 countries around the world. She wrote the blockbuster The Shoemaker’s Wife, the Big Stone Gap series, the Valentine trilogy and Lucia, Lucia...to name a few.Adriana’s latest novel, The View from Lake Como, hits shelves July 8th, 2025. Publisher’s Weekly’s “Best Book of Summer 2025”, this is the story of Jess Capodimonte Baratta, a recently divorced, dutiful daughter, living in her parents’ basement. When an unexpected loss sends her to her ancestral home of Carrara, Italy where Jess learns to rebuild her life and the house that goes with it. Visit her website at www.adrianatrigiani.com   Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

FREAKING OUT!!!!!I am going to interview the New York Times bestselling author ADRIANA TRIGIANI next week!!!  YEP it’s true!Be on the lookout on my podcast and all social medias at the beginning of July when I release the interview!All of my links are here:  https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Watch on social or listen on my podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1876610 or just search for Gia’s Italian Kitchen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.Adriana Trigiani is The New York Times bestselling author of twenty books in fiction and nonfiction. She has been published in 38 countries around the world. She wrote the blockbuster The Shoemaker’s Wife, the Big Stone Gap series, the Valentine trilogy and Lucia, Lucia...to name a few.Adriana’s latest novel, The View from Lake Como, hits shelves July 8th, 2025. Publisher’s Weekly’s “Best Book of Summer 2025”, this is the story of Jess Capodimonte Baratta, a recently divorced, dutiful daughter, living in her parents’ basement. When an unexpected loss sends her to her ancestral home of Carrara, Italy where Jess learns to rebuild her life and the house that goes with it. Visit her website at www.adrianatrigiani.com  DO YOU MISS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

I am bringing Italian cooking to hungry foodies, to cancer patients, libraries, and beyond!  Did you know that Gia's Italian Kitchen is getting around?Hope to see you soon!https://www.thebrickkitchenstore.com/upcoming-classes.htmhttps://marionpubliclibrary.libnet.info/events?DO YOU MISS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

LET'S GET COOKING!Virtual folks can watch LIVE on my Facebook, YouTube, or IG: https://www.facebook.com/giasitaliankitchen/ ORhttp://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079  ORhttps://www.instagram.com/giasitaliankitchen/ If you want the grocery list ahead of time and are going to cook at home with me, simply send me an email at [email protected] PERSON folks, you can register on the library site (groceries will be provided): https://marionpubliclibrary.libnet.info/eventsSupport local and preorder your copy of Super Italian by Giada:https://swampfoxbookstore.com/item/wCIDqQu6pg8QGRKxd6hJlQWe will be making two DELICIOUS DISHES:1 - Calabrian Chili Garlic Oil2 - Casarecce with Sicilian Pesto and Shrimp Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Have you watched any of my cookbook challenges? I take a favorite cookbook and test a few recipes (and dress up a little like the featured book). I started with Audrey at Home (a cookbook/memoir written by Luca Dotti, Audrey Hepburn's son). This was followed by Stanley Tucci and Ida Garten. How fun is that??!!GIADA, one of my all-time favorites, has a new cookbook and I am going to test out a few LIVE at the Marion Library FREE on Thursday, May 15 at 6pm CST.Virtual folks can watch LIVE on my Facebook or YouTube. https://www.facebook.com/giasitaliankitchen/ ORhttp://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079If you want the grocery list ahead of time and are going to cook at home with me, simply send me an email at [email protected] PERSON folks, you can register on the library site (groceries will be provided): https://marionpubliclibrary.libnet.info/eventsSupport local and preorder your copy of Super Italian by Giada:https://swampfoxbookstore.com/item/wCIDqQu6pg8QGRKxd6hJlQWe will be making two DELICIOUS DISHES:1 - Calabrian Chili Garlic Oil2 - Casarecce with Sicilian Pesto and Shrimp Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

I am so honored and blessed to collaborate with the American Cancer Society in Iowa City, IA.  The Hope Lodge invited me to provide cooking classes and nutritional information to the patients and their families, in their beautiful dining and kitchen space.  I started with some protein packed boneless, skinless chicken breasts and made 3 dinners for them.  Check out the flyer handout and my full class packet on my website, link below.The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment. Learn more about the Hope Lodge - https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/iowa-city.html Class packet on my website:  https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/events Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Plans today?  Been to Independence, Iowa?   It’s an awesome day trip!   The Brick Kitchen, a bakery, a brewery, boutiques and more!    Go right now!  Only 30 minutes from Cedar Rapids!To watch the video, go to my YT:https://youtube.com/shorts/LTJQ6Kf8tfc?feature=shareREMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Your Pantry Already Has Everything You Need for Amazing Salad Dressing!Having fun at Jeannie's house making Italian Vinaigrette on the fly!Creating the perfect homemade salad dressing is truly an art form that transforms a simple bowl of greens into a memorable dining experience. In our recent kitchen adventure, we explored the fundamentals of crafting a delicious balsamic vinaigrette using nothing more than common pantry staples. This approachable method proves that exceptional cooking doesn't require specialized ingredients or complex techniques – just a few quality components and some basic knowledge about flavor balancing.To watch the full cooking episode, go to my YT:https://youtu.be/tMor1T3vizUREMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

SO much fun with Tim and Eric from Orchestra Iowa....this is a great clip.....thank you to Logan Adam Schultz, owner of Upload Media Group.  Do you use your hands to make the meatballs?To watch the full cooking episode, go to my YT:https://youtu.be/c5_jfrf-TvgREMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Forgot to post this, but thinking about my dad tonight, so wanted to share.My message....if you know someone who has lost a parent, text, call or visit them, RIGHT NOW, and just say, "hey, I am thinking about you today!"    It will make someone feel loved!!! Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

We cooked out of Ina Garten's cookbook at The Marion Library last week.  This is my cookbook challenge, in collaboration with Swamp Fox Bookstore in downtown Marion.  We made two delicious dishes...here are my thoughts.Weeknight Mushroom BologneseFrench Bistro Salad To see pictures of our class, pick your favorite social:https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Thanks to Swamp Fox Bookstore!  Visit their website and support local:https://www.swampfoxbookstore.com/ REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

OMG.....have you ever had a homemade Italian Cannoli?   They are the most wonderful dessert!  We are made them at The Brick Kitchen...homemade shells filled with a Ricotta filling, mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios....and yet another filled with Limoncello Mascarpone.To see pictures of our class, pick your favorite social:https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Want to try a class at The Brick Kitchen....see the schedule here:https://www.thebrickkitchenstore.com/upcoming-classes.htm REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

A beautiful evening last week at the Marion Public Library with Ana from Lovely Little Light and the Creators Club!  Cooking a delicious meal and enjoying conversation with friends!  I am so excited to collaborate with Ana!Learn more about GIK (https://giasitaliankitchen.biz)Learn more about the Creator's Club (https://www.lovelylittlelight.com)See photos of the event:https://youtu.be/N0hDfkxaibM  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

A beautiful evening last week at The Green House - Iowa City with Ana from Lovely Little Light and the Creators Club!  Cooking a delicious meal, enjoying conversation with friends, and sipping on fabulous craft cocktails!  I am so excited to collaborate with Ana and Emily (owner of The Greenhouse).Learn more about GIK (https://giasitaliankitchen.biz)Learn more about the Creator's Club (https://www.lovelylittlelight.com)Learn more about The Greenhouse (https://www.thegreenhouseic.com)See photos of our event:https://youtu.be/i1uxMgQTcwY Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

How are your New Years Resolutions going?Do you want sustainable changes instead of a short-term gig?At our ONE-TIME event of health & nutrition coaching with meal prep, you will walk away with delicious, nutritious homemade meals and motivation!  In-person and virtually.Monday, March 24 at 6:00 pm CST LEARN more or SIGN UP now:https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop/ols/categories/personalized-coaching-in-the-kitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

A ONE-time event....health & nutrition coaching with meal prep, where you will walk away with delicious, nutritious homemade meals and motivation!  In-person and virtually.Cooking & coaching session is Mon, March 24 at 6:00 pm CST.  LEARN more or SIGN UP now:https://kenzohealthcoach.com/shop   ORhttps://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop/ols/categories/personalized-coaching-in-the-kitchen Watch the recording of the info & kickoff session from Mon, Jan 27:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3jn9FeZzToWQue-a65H2TQ  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

What is your favorite brand of Olive Oil?   People ask me that quite often!   What should you look for?  What should it taste like?  What should it smell like?Sooooo, we are doing an olive oil tasting THIS Thursday, Jan 30 at 6pm, in-person at Swamp Fox Bookstore in downtown Marion, IA.Support LOCAL....Help me sell this event OUT!!!!!  Only a few tickets left!!!!https://swampfoxbookstore.com/events/olive-oil-tastingTickets include charcutterie, wine tasting, and of course, the olive oil tasting.Learn more at about GIK:https://giasitaliankitchen.biz   Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Struggling to stay on track with your 2025 goals and eat healthier?  Join Coach Kim & Chef Kelley for both health coaching & meal prep on January 27 at 6:00 pm CST for the FREE kickoff & info session.   The coaching and meal prep program is available as a 1-time event or a 10-week program, where you will walk away with delicious, nutritious homemade meals and motivation!LEARN more or SIGN UP now:https://kenzohealthcoach.com/shophttps://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop/ols/categories/personalized-coaching-in-the-kitchenREGISTER for this FREE info & kickoff session:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3jn9FeZzToWQue-a65H2TQ   Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Warm up with a bowl of Baby It's Cold Outside Veggie Soup, a delightful blend of seasonal vegetables that not only warms the soul but also packs a nutritional punch. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days, offering comfort and nourishment in every spoonful.For this and more recipes, visit my website:  https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangia 1 small butternut squash4 teaspoons of homemade dry rub (see below)1 large yellow onion1 whole head of fresh garlic cloves4 large carrots Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)16 oz. baby bella mushroomsLarge handful of fresh cut brussel sprouts16 oz. fresh or frozen green peas3-4 handfuls of fresh kale leaves24 oz. chicken broth24 oz. turkey broth1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root1 tablespoon lemongrass1 cup homemade lemon basil pesto1 tablespoon sea saltPreheat your oven to 400°F .Dry rub - In a small bowl, mix the dry rub.  1 teaspoon of ground cumin and turmeric.  Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground coriander, garlic powder, sea salt, & fresh ground black pepper.  Toss to combine.  Store extra in a glass jar.Slice the butternut squash into 3/4 inch rounds, place on a prepared cookie sheet (with a sheet of parchment paper) and drizzle with EVOO.  Slather with the dry rub.  Roast for 45 minutes.  Set aside to cool.Vegetables - Dice the carrots and onions.  Sauté the carrots in 3 tablespoons of EVOO in a large stockpot (approximately 5 quarts) on medium heat for 10 minutes.  Add the onions and sauté for another 5 minutes.  Mince the garlic and add to the stockpot.   Cut the ends off of the brussel sprouts.  Add the brussel sprouts, peas and mushrooms then sauté for just a few minutes.  Add the kale and toss so the leaves begin to wilt, just a few minutes.  Remove the skin from the squash, roughly dice and add to the stockpot.Soup – add the broth to the stockpot and bring to a boil.  Add the fresh grated ginger root, lemongrass and pesto.  Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Taste and add salt if needed.  Simmer for at least 1 more hour, more if possible.REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

The "Flavors of Wellness" series is a transformative program designed to simplify healthy living and sustainable meal preparation, all LIVE with both Chef Kelley & Coach Kim. Join us for the Info Session & Kickoff on Mon, Jan 27 at 6pm CST via Zoom....link coming soon!  It's FREE!  Mark your calendars!AND register now or find out more:https://kenzohealthcoach.comhttps://giasitaliankitchen.bizWATCH THE LAUNCH VIDEO ON YOUTUBE:https://youtu.be/LbFP08O6CasJoin forces with two local women entrepreneurs to transform YOUR health!The program is available in-person and virtually.  In-person options includes all groceries.  Both options include all live coaching, recipes, and community support!Experience personalized coaching and delicious, healthy meal prep that makes creating new habits simple and your work week easier. Includes 3 dynamic 90-minute LIVE sessions, plus weekly 30-minute Zoom check-in calls, through Monday, March 31.  Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards a Healthier & Happier You! https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop/ols/products/flavors-of-wellnessHealth Coaching & Meal Prep Kim Barns (Coach Kim) is a passionate Health, Life, and Nutrition Coach who has successfully guided hundreds of clients to transform their lives. With expertise in everything from lifestyle modifications and weight loss to chronic health management and smoking cessation, she brings a holistic approach to every challenge.Kim’s philosophy? Making healthy fun! She believes that sustainable habit change is the key to long-lasting success, and she’s dedicated to helping you build a healthier, happier life—without the stress or overwhelm. Whether you’re aiming to hit nutrition goals or embrace a new, vibrant lifestyle, Kim is here to make the journey enjoyable and effective.https://kenzohealthcoach.com Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

I tried to dress like Stanley Tucci for my Cookbook Challenge #2, but I just couldn't wear the bald head cap. I did the blue oxford and the glasses! What do you think?In collaboration with Swamp Fox Bookstore, I cooked Chicken Scarpariello with Italian Sausage and Peppers from The Stanley Tucci Cookbook.  So fun!  Thank you to Terri for joining me!Cooking at The Marion Library has been such an amazing experience the past couple years!  I am there every month, cooking Italian, and donating my time to the community.  Thank you to The Marion Library for having me!Book your own private cooking experience and LEARN more about GIK: https://giasitaliankitchen.bizREMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

This quick clip of my Cooking Challenge #1, cooking from the new Audrey at Home cookbook / memoir, gives you a little flavor of the book.  This was written by Audrey Hepburn's son, Luca Dotti.   He shares memories and recipes from their life, some of which was living in Italy, where his father was from.   It is a beautiful book!We cooked Penne with Vodka and a Flourless Chocolate Torta....YUM!To watch the short and full videos, visit my YT channel:http://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Episode 3.1 - Flavors of Wellness, Health Coaching & Meal PrepThe "Flavors of Wellness" series is a transformative program designed to simplify healthy living and sustainable meal preparation, all LIVE with both Chef Kelley & Coach Kim. Join us for the Info Session & Kickoff on Mon, Jan 27 at 6pm CST via Zoom....link coming soon!  It's FREE!  Mark your calendars!AND register now or find out more:https://kenzohealthcoach.comhttps://giasitaliankitchen.bizWATCH THE LAUNCH VIDEO ON YOUTUBE:https://youtu.be/LbFP08O6CasJoin forces with two local women entrepreneurs to transform YOUR health!The program is available in-person and virtually.  In-person options includes all groceries.  Both options include all live coaching, recipes, and community support!Experience personalized coaching and delicious, healthy meal prep that makes creating new habits simple and your work week easier. Includes 3 dynamic 90-minute LIVE sessions, plus weekly 30-minute Zoom check-in calls.Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards a Healthier & Happier You! https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop/ols/products/flavors-of-wellnessKim Barns (Coach Kim) is a passionate Health, Life, and Nutrition Coach who has successfully guided hundreds of clients to transform their lives. With expertise in everything from lifestyle modifications and weight loss to chronic health management and smoking cessation, she brings a holistic approach to every challenge.Kim’s philosophy? Making healthy fun! She believes that sustainable habit change is the key to long-lasting success, and she’s dedicated to helping you build a healthier, happier life—without the stress or overwhelm. Whether you’re aiming to hit nutrition goals or embrace a new, vibrant lifestyle, Kim is here to make the journey enjoyable and effective. Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Meal prep made easy + habit changes that actually stick. Tired of scrambling for meal ideas? Don’t know how to prep efficiently? We’ve got you covered with delicious meals and healthy tips to kick off your new year the right way!The "Flavors of Wellness" series is a transformative program designed to simplify healthy living and sustainable meal preparation, all LIVE with both Chef Kelley & Coach Kim. The program is available in-person and virtually.Keep an eye out on socials for our exciting news!  Kim & Kelley are collaborating !While you are waiting, check out our websites:https://giasitaliankitchen.bizhttps://kenzohealthcoach.orgExperience personalized coaching and delicious, healthy meal prep that makes creating new habits simple and your work week easier.  Get started with 3 dynamic 90-minute live sessions, plus weekly Zoom check-in calls.Program kickoff is over Zoom on Monday night, January 27 at 6:00pm CST, goes through March 31.Health Series Package includes:·        Certified Health & Nutrition Coach AND Professional Chef·        Healthy groceries for samples, meal prep & take home meals·        Three in-person, live sessions·        Weekly Zoom calls to answer your questions and collaborate·        A community of like-minded people to support you·        All recipes and coaching notes·        Social interaction in a fun, engaging environmentCost:  $497 in-person / $347 virtually (discount code will be provided)Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards a Healthier & Happier You!  Paired with personalized health habit coaching, weekly Zoom calls and unlimited email support, this series equips you with the tools, skills, and confidence to create a balanced and flavorful lifestyle. Perfect for those ready to take control of their nutrition while enjoying the journey!       PURCHASE - https://kenzohealthcoach.org/shop Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Cookbook Challenge!  WHO AM I?My first collaboration with Swamp Fox Books was just before the holidays.  It was fabulous!  We cooked out of the cookbook / memoir Audrey at Home, authored by Luca Dotti, son of Audrey Hepburn.  This was written by Audrey Hepburn's son, Luca Dotti.   He shares memories and recipes from their life, some of which was living in Italy, where his father was from.   It is a beautiful book!We cooked Penne with Vodka and a Flourless Chocolate Torta....YUM!To watch the short and full videos, visit my YT channel:http://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO HAVE SUNDAY DINNER WITH FAMILY?Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

How about a cooking experience as a gift this year, instead of more clothing or trinkets?  Imagine a unique private group cooking experience where you could be the hero!  We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences.   You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!  My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique gift that all will absolutely love!  • Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class. • Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking! • Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?  I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space.  Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen Watch the full cooking video:  https://youtu.be/SOQ5OzNtCMw  Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!