In this episode I attempt to make a gourmet dessert out of a fast food piece of pie. While it is nothing like Dolce Debbie's Ricotta Pear Torta, it is certainly better than the "out of the box" pie. (I had to eat three pieces to get this video right!) This was the episode where we introduced music to the video.

So enjoy the video, then leave me a comment - What fast food chain should I visit next? Thanks! - Barry

While my favorite way of eating is undoubtedly on a terrace somewhere above Positano, Italy with chef Dolce Debbie providing the meals, on occasion I have to eat at a fast food "restaurant" here in the USA. This is the first in a set of videos where I have fun trying to make gourmet meals out of fast food. I hope you enjoy it.

To help you make real gourmet meals, I will be picking one name from those who have left me comments on this blog entry to win a year's subscription to Cook's Illustrated magazine. A random name will be picked on January 10, 2010.

January, 2011: For the one year anniversary of our first episode, it has been re-mastered and theme music added.

So enjoy the video, then leave me a comment. Thanks! - Barry

The Italians are quite fond of the local cheeses from the Robiola of Piemonte to the Pepato of Sicily. Only a small portion of these cheeses make it to the cheese stores (and even less to the grocery stores) in the United States.

In many parts of Italy the locals enjoy their cheese with Mostarda. Mostarda is a product resembling marmalade in consistency, but has an aroma and a taste all its own. It is usually made by combining something sweet (like honey or candied pears) with something pungent (usually mustard powder). The combination pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of cheeses, and is the perfect way to finish off your evening.

The pairing of mostarda with cheese after a meal seems to be most popular in the Veneto area (usually honey-based), with other fruits such as pear and watermelon being introduced in other regions.

Pick up a jar of Mostarda at your local Italian specialty shop. I'm enjoying a serving of Mostarda di Pera which I found (via Google) is also available here: http://bit.ly/PearMo or you can make your own like Mario Batali does: http://bit.ly/8jh098.

Once you have ended your meal by enjoying mostarda with some great Italian cheese, traditional desserts just don't seem to cut the mustard.

Over-commercialization of Christmas has become the phrase we use to describe this holiday celebration in the United States. Long before Halloween, we start to hear Christmas carols in the malls throughout the 50 states. So our first Christmas in Italy was a bit of a culture shock.

Thanksgiving had come and gone, and there was still no sign that Christmas was approaching. No lights hanging in the windows, no trees, no songs in the stores. We couldn’t even find Christmas cards. What gives?