Showing posts with label Italian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Italian. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Marcella DiChiara talks about her experience on Season 3 of the PBS' "The Great American Recipe" (audio)

FM #1207 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1207 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marcella DiChiara, Franklin resident and cook. She was selected to participate in season 3 of the PBS show “The Great American Recipe.” We met to record this conversation virtually Friday, May 17, 2024.  

Marcella DiChiara
Marcella DiChiara
We talk about 

  • How she got selected

  • Learning Sicilian cooking from her mother

  • The show experience (no spoilers)

  • Queue for the first show June 17 at 9 PM Eastern

The conversation runs about 24 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Marcella. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1207-marcella-dichiara-talks-about-the-great-american-recipe-season-3-05-17-24


--------------


Follow Marcella on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/bostonhomecooking/ 


The Great American Recipe show page ->  https://www.pbs.org/show/great-american-recipe/ 


Press release shared on Franklin MAtters -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/franklins-marcella-dichiara-was.html 


--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Franklin's Marcella DiChiara was selected to participate in Season 3 of "THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE" on PBS

Today (May 7, 2024), PBS announced the eight home cooks from across America who will showcase their culinary talents in Season 3 of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, the upbeat cooking competition that celebrates the multiculturalism that makes American food so vibrant and delicious. With a wide-ranging variety of cooking styles influenced by their varied backgrounds — from Alaskan to African, Chinese to Sicilian, Southern, German, Mexican and more, Season 3’s contestants represent the unique diversity of American home cooking.


Hosted by Alejandra Ramos, Season 3 of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE features two new judges and a new location. Tim Hollingsworth, award-winning chef and Los Angeles restaurateur, and Francis Lam, host of public radio's "The Splendid Table," join returning host Alejandra Ramos and judge Tiffany Derry in Nashville, Tennessee. Each week, after two challenges, the judges will determine which home cook has the winning dish and, in the final week, the top three will compete for a chance to win this year’s competition. The eight-episode series premieres Mondays, June 17 through August 12, 2024, 9:00-10:00 PM ET (check local listings) on PBS,  PBS.org and the PBS App. 


Franklin's Marcella DiChiara is one of the Contestants:

Marcella DiChiara
Marcella DiChiara

Marcella DiChiara (Franklin, Massachusetts) is a first-generation American whose passion for her Sicilian roots comes through in every dish she prepares. Her mother came to the United States with her family at age ten, and her dad immigrated to the United States in his late twenties. Growing up in Connecticut, Marcella spent every summer with her family, including her three siblings, back in Sicily. These experiences informed how she viewed cooking and the importance of family and community gathering around the table. Marcella works as an E-Commerce executive but never misses an opportunity to get in the kitchen and prepare a meal for her husband and two children. She prides herself on cooking traditional Sicilian dishes based on her mother’s recipes while using fresh, Mediterranean-inspired local produce. Marcella’s signature dish is Arancini al Ragu (Risotto Balls with Meat Sauce). 


Meet the other Contestants

 

Mae Chandran (Malibu, California) was born in Guangzhou (Canton) in Southern China. At the age of three, she and her mother left China for Hong Kong. When she was eight, Mae left Hong Kong for Fall River, Massachusetts, to join her family, who lived above the Chinese-American restaurant they operated. Although Mae was immersed in the world of cooking (specifically Cantonese cuisine) from a young age, it wasn’t until she met and married her Sri Lankan husband that she began exploring the use of more spices and more "heat" in her recipes. Now with two grown children, Mae and her husband are enjoying retirement while she keeps busy working on their garden, which has been featured in The Malibu Times, making her international award-winning marmalade, and working on her memoirs. Mae’s signature dish is her Cantonese BBQ Chicken made with chicken thighs, Chinese brown bean sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha sauce.

 

Tim Harris (Fort Mill, South Carolina)  grew up living all over the world as a “military brat” until his father retired from a 27-year career in the US Air Force, and the family settled back in the Carolinas when Tim was 12. Influenced by his Dutch mother, as well as his paternal Southern Grandmama’s cooking, Tim developed an appreciation and a taste for many different types of cuisines at an early age. Now married with two children and a career in insurance, Tim uses his cooking to bring people together and spread community and positivity through his dishes. Creative and willing to try anything in the kitchen, he loves to grill, smoke meat, and feature fresh seafood from the Carolinas’ coastal waters along with bold flavors. Tim’s signature dish is his Lowcountry-Style Shrimp and Cheesy Grits. 

 

Doug Heilman (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a training consultant who grew up on a farm in western Pennsylvania. With German roots from both of his grandfathers, Doug fondly remembers his maternal grandmother cooking what she referred to as “peasant food,” taking their traditional German recipes and making them with the produce and other ingredients they farmed. In his cooking, Doug draws inspiration from his German heritage (often utilizing his family’s handwritten recipe cards), the thriving and eclectic Pittsburgh food scene, and his husband’s Italian roots. He’s a frequent guest on local news, where he does monthly cooking segments and loves to host delectable dinner parties with his husband for friends and family. Doug’s signature recipe is Pickle-Brined Chicken Schnitzel.

 

Jon Hinojosa (San Antonio, Texas) was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, to proud Mexican parents. Tragically, both of Jon’s parents passed away when he was young, so learning to cook began out of necessity. It quickly blossomed into a passion as he worked in local restaurants – starting as a dishwasher and eventually serving as manager. Now with a family of his own and a proud dad of three adult daughters, he feels it’s more important than ever to celebrate their roots and fully embrace what it means to be Mexican-American. He extended his nurturing role to the work he did as Founding Director of a San Antonio-based youth organization that advocates for marginalized communities through a series of arts and culture programs. As he looks forward to his next adventures, his focus and work will always center on the arts, culture, and community. Jon’s signature dish is Green Chicken Enchiladas served with Spanish Rice.

 

Adjo Honsou (St. Louis, Missouri), originally from Togo, West Africa, combines her heritage with her passion for food. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 and, introduced to the art of cooking traditional West African dishes by her grandmother, Adjo's culinary skills flourished. However, sourcing authentic African ingredients in Missouri proved to be a formidable task. Undeterred, she embarked on a journey of exploration and experimentation, tirelessly researching and discovering local substitutes to recreate the flavors of her homeland. Today, Adjo proudly shares her love for West African cuisine with the St. Louis community and beyond. A scientist and single mother of two, she balances her professional responsibilities and familial duties while nurturing her entrepreneurial spirit. Two years ago, she started her food truck showcasing Togolese specialties at local events and festivals. Among her signature dishes is Oxtail Palm Nut Stew, a tantalizing fusion of oxtail, aromatic curry sauce, palm nut puree, and fiery habanero peppers.

 

Ingrid Portillo (Charlotte, North Carolina) was born in El Salvador in the mid-1980s. Her father was a farmer and rancher whose dream was for his children to continue that tradition, but Ingrid and her family were forced to flee to the United States to escape the Salvadoran Civil War. Ingrid credits her grandmother as her cooking inspiration, and she keeps her memory and legacy alive through her own cooking. Ingrid considers herself a lifelong PBS fan, having learned English and many cooking skills by watching PBS programs. After meeting her husband and having two kids, they relocated to North Carolina, outside of Charlotte. It is incredibly important for Ingrid that her children embrace their Salvadoran roots and honor the memory of their ancestors, especially those who didn't survive the war. Ingrid's signature dish is Pupusas with Curtido and Salsa Maíz — corn tortillas stuffed with braised meat and served with pickled cabbage and salsa.

 

Kim Sherry (Anchorage, Alaska) is an artist who grew up in the small town of King Salmon as a fourth-generation Alaskan. Coming from a family of subsistence hunters and fishers, Kim is an avid gardener who has always had an appreciation for the outdoors and a reverence for the wildlife that sustained their community. Kim has two teen daughters and credits her husband, Bruce, for expanding her culinary repertoire and introducing her to the global flavors that influence much of her cooking. While comfort food is her go-to, Kim is also a skilled baker and frequently uses a sourdough starter that’s been in her family for more than one hundred years! Kim’s signature dish is a Salmon Banh Mi.

 

Season 3 of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE was filmed at GREEN DOOR GOURMET, a 350-acre farm, on-farm market, and agritourism destination in Nashville, Tennessee. THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE is co-produced for PBS by VPM and Objective Media Group America. Steve Humble is the Executive in Charge for VPM. Zara Frankel is the Executive in Charge for PBS. At Objective Media Group America, an All3Media companyAlyssa Hastrich is Showrunner, Layla Smith and Jilly Pearce are Executive Producers and Erin Flynn is Senior Vice President of Current Series. 

 

About VPM

As Virginia’s home for public media, VPM connects nearly 2 million people across Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley to insightful programming in arts and culture, history, science, news, and education. VPM operates public television stations VPM PBS, VPM Plus, VPM PBS KIDS, lifestyle channel VPM Create and international program channel VPM WORLD, as well as Richmond NPR station VPM News (88.9 FM) and VPM Music (107.3 FM, 93.1 FM and 88.9-HD2). In the Northern Neck (89.1 FM) and Southside Virginia (90.1 FM), listeners receive a combination of news and music. Audiences can access VPM online at VPM.org and on Facebook TwitterInstagram and YouTube

 

About OBJECTIVE MEDIA GROUP AMERICA

Objective Media Group America is the U.S. arm of Objective Media Group. An LA-based All3Media America company, OMG America is led by President Jilly Pearce in creating and producing original entertainment and reality formats, including “Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown (The Food Network) “Lingo” (returning for season 2 on CBS), “The Cube” (TBS), “12 Dates of Christmas” (HBO Max), “Worst Cooks in America” (The Food Network) and more. Objective Media Group, an All3Media company, is headquartered in London and headed up by CEO Layla Smith. 

 

About PBS

PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 42 million adults on linear primetime television, more than 15 million users on PBS-owned streaming platforms, and 56 million people view PBS content on social media, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’s broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS LearningMedia for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. As the number one educational media brand, PBS KIDS helps children 2-8 build critical skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality content on TV — including a PBS KIDS channel — and streaming free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app, games on the  PBS KIDS Games app, and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at PBS.orgone of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, FacebookInstagram, or through ourapps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on X (formerly Twitter).



Sunday, February 5, 2023

Franklin TV: new cooking shows by the Sons and Daughters of Italy

  • Lisa Oxford shares her family recipe for ciambotta is this episode. 




  • Dora Brett shares her family recipe for Italian cookies in this episode


   

If you have a cooking show (or series of shows) in mind to share your family recipes, contact Franklin TV to work out the arrangements.  info@franklin.tv

Friday, November 13, 2020

Franklin Cultural Council: Annarella's Favorites: Italian Ricotta Cookies & Almond Crunch Biscotti

The next Franklin Cultural Council’s Masterclass is schedule for Monday, Nov 16. Are you registered? It’s FREE! 

Join owner of Annarella's Bakery, Suzanne Gendreau, for a night of Italian baking!
Join us to make Italian Ricotta Cookies and Almond Crunch Biscotti!

PDF copies of the recipes will be emailed to you. Please reach out to us at Franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com if there are questions!

**The Almond Crunch Biscotti has almonds that need to be caramelized 1-2 hours minimum before the class starts***
 
Topic: Annarella's Favorites: Italian Ricotta Cookies & Almond Crunch Biscotti
Time: Nov 16, 2020 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Register online
 

Annarella's Favorites: Italian Ricotta Cookies & Almond Crunch Biscotti
Annarella's Favorites: Italian Ricotta Cookies & Almond Crunch Biscotti


Friday, January 25, 2019

Traveling to Italy? Take the course "Conversational Italian for the Traveler"

Conversational Italian for the Traveler

DATES:  6 Wednesdays, February 6 - April 3

TIME:  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

LOCATION:  Franklin High School

COST: $80

Buongiorno! Are you planning a trip to Italy? Through situational vocabulary
framed in a cultural context, you will learn the basics to make a stay in Italy
even more pleasant. Get ready to learn about greeting, sightseeing, ordering
food and shopping – Italian style!

Register online
https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-0e4c00bfd8d043199dc7abf0f6d5736c

Traveling to Italy? Take the course "Conversational Italian for the Traveler"
Traveling to Italy? Take the course "Conversational Italian for the Traveler"

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Check out Coffee In Italia

"As the holiday season gears up, check out new(ish) Franklin owned business www.coffeeinitalia.com for gift ideas for those coffee fiends in your life! Like our page and get notified when our Black Friday sales start. 
Or, order now using code "LOCALFREEDELIVER" and pay no shipping if you live in Franklin ... get it delivered straight to your doorstep!"

From the About page:
"Our history with Italian coffee goes back a few years and during that time we've made all the mistakes possible! We received a Moka as a gift and managed to break it after the first use because we paid no attention to the direction not to twist it by the handle. We've learned why the pressure valve is important when making stove-top espresso. We've learned why Italian baristas looked at us knowingly when we order Cappuccino after lunch. We've stared confusingly at an unrequested glass of water provided by the barista in various parts of the country. 
Our Italian travels have deepened our love of espresso, not just the drink itself, but more importantly the culture around it that you find in Italy. Popping into a bar in the early morning, late morning, before and after lunch or whenever you need a boost and some chiacchierata (a chat). The process of going to the register to order and pay the reasonable price, then heading to the counter with the receipt for the barista, standing there to drink it. Perfetto! 
We plan this site to be more than a place to buy espresso and espresso makers at great prices (although if that’s all you want to do, go for it!). Together we will create a community of like minded Italophiles, travelers, former expats, espresso lovers as well as those who either want to reminisce about their magical Italian experiences or prepare for a new adventure. 
We also will be blogging about new coffees, coffee makers, espresso machines and other offerings by the great Italian companies that we love so you can join in the conversation there... "
Let’s talk!
Adrianna and Beppe

screen grab of Coffee In Italia
screen grab of Coffee In Italia

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

"Growing Up in an Italian-American Family" - May 5


Topic: Growing Up in an Italian-American Family
Speaker: Dr. John Christoforo
When: Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 2:00 PM

Where: Franklin TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin, MA

Admission: Free and Open to the Public

Program: The presentation by Dr. Christoforo will be followed by an interactive session at which those in attendance may ask questions while enjoying light refreshments: Italian cookies and cannoli’s.



This event is part of ArtWeek, an incredible regionally and statewide celebration of the arts from April 27-May 6! We offer sincere thanks for a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, which made this event possible, as well as the cosponsorship of FranklinTV, at whose studio the event will take place.

"Growing Up in an Italian-American Family" - May 5
"Growing Up in an Italian-American Family" - May 5






Monday, April 3, 2017

In the News: The Other Talk scheduled; Alpine Place and Ruggles St

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The high school will host later this month a talk that will help parents address the issues of substance and alcohol abuse with their teens. 
The program, titled "The Other Talk," is set to take place on Wednesday, April 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school's lecture hall. The talk was designed by the treatment center Caron's Student Assistance Program, and sponsored by Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey. 
David Traub, a spokesman for the district attorney's office, said the talk, funded through the drunk driving trust fund, is intended to help parents as their children reach age 1."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170402/franklin-talk-to-assist-parents-on-substance-abuse


"Two streets near Franklin's downtown - Alpine Place and Ruggles Street - once served as the heart of an Italian-American neighborhood in town. 
Mary Olsson, the chairwoman of the Franklin Historical Commission, said the streets - especially Alpine Place - drew many newcomers to town, creating a vibrant community that is still remembered today." It seems all the old Franklin Italian names first came to Franklin and settled on Alpine Place," she said. 
Jeanne D'Orazio Curry said her family lived on the street, adding that it had once seemed jam-packed. "For such a small, little street, it had a gazillion people," she said, noting that big families were common years ago. "My grandparents had 11 children, and one of them died (very young)".
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170402/neighborhood-series-franklins-alpine-place

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Sunday Breakfast - May 15 - 8:00 AM to noon

Please join us to Celebrate Spring at the Order Sons of Italy in America, Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414 Breakfast on Sunday, May 15 from 8 AM to 12 Noon at the VFW on Pond Street, Franklin, MA. 

Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, ham, bacon, pancakes, juice and coffee. The cost is $6 for adults. 

Children 10 and under are $3. Tickets will be sold in advance via Lodge members and at the door.

Please visit our website, franklinsonsofitaly.org for information about the Quattro Eroi Lodge.

Franklin Sons of Italy
Franklin Sons of Italy

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Ciao Bella now open on Union St

Did you get a mailer from Ciao Bella?


Ciao Bella mailier
Ciao Bella mailier


It is a new Italian Kitchen just opening on Union St, across from the Union St Grille

Ciao Bella store front on Union St
Ciao Bella store front on Union St
You can visit them on the internet at http://ciaobellafranklin.com/index.php

Thursday, July 17, 2008

"we're more interested in feeding people"

GHS
Posted Jul 16, 2008 @ 10:56 PM

FRANKLIN —

As he grabbed a handmade deli sandwich at Anne's Market and reflected on the return of Anne Brunelli's clan, faithful customer Scott Resley had just one question: "Are you guys doing porketta again?"

Yes, Anne's porketta is back - as are the homemade meatballs, manicotti, hand-stuffed cannoli, and other Italian fare Franklin has been missing since she sold her locally famous store in 2003.

"It's excellent - the best porketta ever," pronounced Resley, who has missed Anne's recipes.

"I'm psyched. I'm really happy they're putting (the store) back in the family," said Resley, who estimated he has been a customer for up to 15 years.

Anne's Market will once again reflect the Brunellis' love of food - Italian in particular, said Mark Brunelli, patting his belly.

You can read the full story in the Milford Daily News here