The Ultimate Christmas Gift For Italian Food Lovers

by Karen Graffo

Italians are all about food. We are foodies and proud of it. It is a large part of our heritage and we enjoy sharing it with our extended family. The highest honor presented to a specialty food product is called the Sofi awards. They select a Product of the Year award and present Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for amazing taste and innovations in specialty foods.

The 2017 awards have already been announced. If you like to keep up with these distinguished awards the 2018 awards will be announced on April 18 and the Product of the Year is scheduled to be announced at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City from June 30 - July 2, 2018. Entries for all categories are accepted from all over the world. A Sofi award sets the product apart and tells you it is recognized as a product of distinction for the best in class in each category.

There are other distinguished specialty food award shows such as the New York International Competition, LA International Competition, and the Fancy Food Shows in New York. Look for products who won awards at these shows as well and you will not be disappointed.

I know of no better way to express your love to someone who loves Italian culture than to share authentic Italian food products as a Christmas gift this year. The following are Sofi award-winning products and where you might find them. See the link below for a list of retail stores.

Importer and Wholesaler: Manicaretti - Look for these and other award-winning Italian food products from a retailer in your area or an e-commerce retail store. Go to https://www.manicaretti.com/retail

Sofi Award-Winning Products	Producer	Region	Serving Suggestions From Manicaretti
Farro Couscous	Rustichella D'Abruzzo	Abruzzo	Serve with a meat ragu Excellent stirred into warm soups, like a seafood stew Toss it into grain-based salads Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy!
Olio Verde Lemon	Gianfranco Becchina	Sicily	Drizzle over grilled fish Pour over platters of shrimp, tuna, and octopus Drizzle over grilled chicken or vegetable platters Use it over any salad or on a sliced avocado with a pinch of salt
Sicilian Pistachio Spread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil	II Colle Del Gusto	Lazio	Mix it with pastry cream or whipped cream for delicious cream puff filling Drizzle artfully atop white chocolate truffles for a simple, beautiful dessert presentation Spoon it over cheesecake
Spicy Anchovies	IASA	Campania	Use in stuffing fish or meat Top crusty bread for a tasty appetizer Mix with extra virgin olive oil and use as pasta dressing
Tenuta di Capazzana Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Tenuta di Capazzana	Tuscany	Pour copious amounts on vegetables and grilled vegetable platters. Drizzle over Acqua Cotta, Panzanella or Minestra di Pane with generous pours of oil. Drizzle over sliced roasted pork, grilled beef and game meats

There are a number of distinguished Italian food retailers that carry award-winning Italian food products. My favorites are Gustiamo (www.gustiamo.com), and Italian Harvest (www.italianharvest.com). Check out their websites for the best in authentic Italian food.

In addition, you can find gift baskets to fill the products at World Market, Pier One, and Target to name a few. So, give the gift every Italian food lover will appreciate...authentic Italian food products.

Lastly, to complete the ambiance add a tea towel from Italian Linens Boutique for the people in your life who love to cook. They are 15% off now through December 10.

Happy Holiday Shopping to all!

Best regards,

Karen