What began as an antidumping review by the U.S. Department of Commerce — the process used to determine whether foreign companies are selling goods in the U.S. at artificially low prices — has now escalated into the threat of massive new tariffs, according to the Associated Press.

The U.S. government is now weighing tariffs as high as 92%, on top of the 15% levy imposed on most European exports during President Donald Trump’s administration.

For decades, major American pasta-makers have accused their Italian counterparts of dumping. Italian producers, for their part, deny the charge.

Regardless, the price of popular, authentic Italian pasta would effectively double come January if the standoff isn’t resolved.

Italy is the world’s largest pasta producer, exporting $4.65 billion of high-quality product each year — and Americans account for roughly 15% of those imports.

This year’s investigation was requested by two American companies: 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, which owns Ronzoni, and Winland Foods, which makes pasta under several brands including San Giorgio and Prince (the U.S. is the second largest pasta producer globally), according to The New York Times.

Italian politicians are advocating for their pasta makers on a diplomatic level, while industry experts warn such a tariff would hurt major exporters but also deal financial blows to small- and mid-sized Italian pasta makers.

The sanctions would be applied not just to imports going forward, but also the 12 months through June 2024, according to the Commerce Department. The department added that only 16% of total Italian pasta imports may be affected.

Its final decision is scheduled for Jan. 2, which could be extended by 60 days.

Make the pledge and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America today.

The post Italian Pasta Lovers Are Seeing Double as 107% Tariff Looms appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

Italian wines were not affected by tariffs during the first Trump presidency, and no tariffs have been announced to date against European partners. Still, Prosecco importers and distributors are taking measures to help sustain current market conditions, ABC News reports.

In 2024, Italy’s wine exports to the United States hit $2 billion, with Prosecco becoming the top-selling Italian wine in the U.S., representing nearly 40% of all sales.

Make a pledge and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America today. 

The post US importers Amass Italian Prosecco Stockpile — Cheers to That appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

Officials in Italy have slaughtered 90,000 pigs over the past two months as African swine fever swept through the country, renowned for its palette-tempting pork products.

Food industry insiders warn that salami, mortadella, and pancetta are at high risk of a supply crunch. These delicious delicacies are staples at almost every supermarket deli counter, sandwich shop, and Italian restaurant in the U.S.

“The spread of swine fever has reached alarming levels, putting at risk not just the health of the animals, but the entire pork sector,” Ettore Prandini, president of business trade group Confindustria, wrote in a recent letter to Italy’s minister of agriculture.

The potential deli-counter devastation comes amid soaring food costs and a strike that recently disrupted commerce at U.S. ports.

But it’s the overseas swine-fever impact on salty, silky, dry-cured prosciutto—an essential ingredient and flavor in Italian cuisine—that has chefs and restaurateurs sharpening their anxiety.

For now, only time will tell whether this confluence of factors is alleviated or worsened.

Make a Pledge and join Italian Sons and Daughters of America today. 

The post US Cold-Cut Crisis Looms as Virus Ravages Pig Farms in Italy appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 2 cups fresh strawberries washed, trimmed and cut into 1/4 inch dices
• 2 cups fresh cherries washed, trimmed and cut into 1/4 inch dices
• 2 pounds mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 2 packets Italian vanilla powder (Vanillina) or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 750 ml Moscato wine
• 50 lady finger cookies
• Optional: fresh strawberries and blueberries for decorating

Directions

The post Cherry Berry Tiramisu with Moscato appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

The new series is titled Tucci: The Heart of Italy.

Ever since the cancellation of Tucci’s previous culinary destination show, CNN’s Searching for Italy, which won Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series, fans have called on the actor and author to return to the old country and uncover and highlight Italy’s regional culinary gems.

According to Forbes: In this fresh eye-opening iteration, which will also air on parent company Disney+, Tucci will step away from crowded spots to discover behind-the-scenes surprises, scrumptious sustenance and compelling stories, while talking and toasting with professional chefs, home cooks, farmers, fishers, winemakers and more.

Expect classic Tucci charm, as he embarks on culinary adventures in Lazio, Marche, Sicily, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto.

“National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food,” said Tucci, in a prepared statement. “In Italy’s many distinct regions there is always something new to discover and I’m more than excited to begin the process in partnership with BBC Studios.”

Make a pledge and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America today.

The post Stanley Tucci Veers Off Italy’s Beaten Path in Search of Culinary Gems appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

Paparella opened Philly’s Steaks in August 2023 in Trani, a seaport town in the Puglia region. He’s a Philadelphia native and a former St. Joseph’s Prep student.

Philadelphia sports team jerseys are draped on the walls, and on any given day, you can catch an Eagles or Phillies game on the big screen.

Most importantly, Paparella stays loyal to the cheesesteak recipe, while using local ingredients from the old country.

The post Italian American Brings the Philly Cheesesteak to Puglia appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

For Tucci, growing up in an Italian American home in New York, meant much time together with family huddled in the kitchen or around the dining room table.

The “Searching for Italy” host, who has previously had his hand in the beverage category, partnering with Tanqueray gin and S.Pellegrino, shared footage of the cookware on his Instagram Friday morning.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stanley Tucci (@stanleytucci)

Each pan is handcrafted in the Italian Alps of Brescia, and the nonstick cookware is designed to transition from the stovetop to the table.

Make a Pledge and join Italian Sons and Daughters of America today. 

The post Stanley Tucci Launches New, Made-In-Italy Cookware appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

Summer is just around the corner, and it seems to be everyone’s favorite season. Especially if we can spend it in Italy! Italian summers are ideal for sun, sand, sea, and gelato! Not to be outdone by any of these beautiful aspects of summer are the refreshing cocktails and spirits found all over Italy.

Consider this your guide to Italian summer beverages. And yes, you can find any of these at any time of the year; yet they seem to go down that much smoother in the heat. And Italy is no stranger to delicious drinks! So, if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Italy this summer, be sure to order one from below.

Aperitivi

Aperitivi, or openers, are drinks typically enjoyed before dinner as they “open” your appetite. They prepare you for the meal you’re about to enjoy. They are an appetite stimulant, in a way, best enjoyed before eating a meal.

Negroni

The Negroni is an Italian cocktail loved all over the world and is recognizable by its dark orange-reddish color and particular and unique taste. The sweet taste of red vermouth meets the bitter taste of gin. The story begins in 1919 in Florence when Count Camillo Negroni, a regular at Caffè Casoni, abandoned his usual aperitif, the Americano, and asked the barman for a splash of gin instead of the usual seltzer. Customers liked this variation so much that, from that moment on, the Americano cocktail was called the Americano in Count Negroni-style. Thus the Negroni was born, and with a 28% ABV, this is one “stiff” cocktail.

Negroni Sbagliato

The Negroni Sbagliato, also known as “Sbagliato,” is the lighter version of the Negroni. A cocktail born out of error by Mirko Stocchetto in the Bar Basso in Milan in the 1960s. It differs from the traditional Negroni due to the presence of the sparkling wine that is used instead of gin. Somewhat reminiscent of the Spritz, but with a more bitter taste.

Aperol 

The word Aperol comes from the slang word Apero, which means aperitif. As the name implies, this is a favored pre-dinner opener in Italy. Lighter in color, bitterness, and alcohol content than Campari, Aperol has a citrus flavor with bitter undertones and can be enjoyed as an aperitif with added club soda, see below.

Aperol Spritz

The Spritz is an alcoholic aperitif prepared with Prosecco, Aperol, and club soda or sparkling water. The Spritz originated in the Triveneto area between the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century when the Austrian soldiers combined the particularly intense Veneto wine with selzar water to helped dilute the drink. The term spritz derives, in fact, from the German “spritzen,” which means to spray. The International Bartender Association officially recognized the Spritz prepared with Aperol as a cocktail in 2011, thanks to its great success worldwide. 

Bellini  

The Bellini is a classic drink combining white peach puree and sparkling wine, and I confess, a personal favorite of mine. Made famous in Venice by a bartender working at Harry’s Bar, it’s still the favored drink of the Venetians and many tourists. It sounds plain and perhaps not too exciting, but it’s pure deliciousness in a glass. Sweet, fizzy, and summery, it’s surprisingly refreshing and the best alternative to the bitters above.

Prosecco Wine

Made from prosecco grapes, prosecco is Italy’s version of the more expensive champagne. Produced mainly in Northern Italy, in the Veneto region near Venice, it can be fizzy or flat and enjoyed straight or added to fruity drinks, like the Bellini mentioned above, or the mimosa mentioned below. ​

The Hugo Spritz

The Hugo is one of the most requested cocktails in Italy. Particularly loved for its freshness and drinkability, it is a perfect drink for an aperitif with some appetizers. Its alcohol content is low, at around 8 percent, and varies only according to the prosecco used. There are only three ingredients: wine, seltzer, and elderflower syrup, with a few mint leaves as decoration. It is a typical aperitif of Trentino Alto-Adige, where this drink was born.

Mimosa

The Mimosa cocktail is a fresh and sparkling drink made with orange juice and prosecco or champagne, appreciated worldwide, and perfect for an aperitif. It is a variant of the Bellini cocktail, made with orange fruit pulp. A light cocktail typically served in a flûte and decorated with a slice of orange, the mimosa is the perfect drink for earlier in the day.

Digestivi

If you want something to aid your digestion, reach for a digestive instead, particularly after a large Italian meal. See below if you’ve overdone it or want to end the dinner as the locals do in Italy!

Limoncello 

If you can’t take one more bite of dinner, reach for a limoncello. This digestive drink comes from the island of Capri, which is not too surprising, seeing as the area is well known worldwide for its lemons, and is one of Italy’s most famous drinks. While favored year-round, consumption increases during the summer as it’s delicious chilled.

Lemon Sgroppino

The Sgroppino is a ubiquitous lemon drink, called “sgropin” in Veneto. The term sgroppino derives from the word sgropparsi, which means “to digest.” Sgroppino is an excellent dessert drink usually served in a champagne flute to cleanse the palate after meat and fish dishes or enjoyed as a digestif on summer holidays. A drink similar to lemon sorbet but differs in the addition of spirits. To prepare a sgroppino, you need lemon ice cream, vodka, and prosecco. Read more about the Sgroppino here. 

Fernet Branca 

Consider a shot of Fernet Branca if you’ve overdone it on the food. So much so that Limoncello will not cut it. One of the most recognized drinks in the bitters category, Fernet Branca is a potent drink, menthol in flavor. This is not for the weak of heart or stomach. Heartburn is sure to follow!

Espresso Corretto 

Typically enjoyed after dinner (or delicious at any time of day, in my opinion), a “corrected espresso” is a shot of espresso with some grappa, Sambuca, or anisette liquor added. My personal preference is adding the anisette. This espresso is delicious with dessert and optimal for dunking a few crunchy anisette biscotti. This also makes an excellent base for dipping your ladyfingers when making Tiramisu at home.

​Amaretto 

Sweet and a little bitter, with almond notes, the drink is delicious with a few cookies on the side. This post-dinner drink is delicious and served simply over ice and also favored by many home cooks, as it’s used in baking extensively. Amaretto Disaronno is by far the most widely used brand in Italy, and all easily recognize its distinctive square bottle.

Frangelico

if Amaretto’s almond flavor isn’t your liquor of choice, then order a Frangelico instead. From the characteristic and unmistakable bottle, which in shape resembles a monk with joined hands, Frangelico is a delicious Piedmontese hazelnut liqueur. It is moderately alcoholic and extremely versatile. Frangelico is delicious and served straight up, over ice, or better yet, over a bowl of hazelnut gelato. Frangelico is also a great choice to add to an espresso corretto.

Espresso Martini 

The Espresso Martini is a cold cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar syrup, and espresso coffee, ideal as an after-dinner drink, often to accompany chocolate or intensely flavored desserts. The espresso Martini is typically served in the classic frozen Martini glass.

Finding the best drinks in Italy

Wondering where to get the best drinks in Italy? Wonder no more! Add any of the places below to your list when visiting Italy next time. Click on the bolded bar name to be taken directly to their website.

The Atrium Bar, Florence

The Atrium Bar of the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence is a must for anyone that enjoys a hint of extravagance. Here, mixologist Edoardo Sandri creates unexpected cocktails inspired by the hotel’s exclusive Spa treatments.

Caffe Gilli, Florence

The oldest café in Florence, born in 1733, Gilli continues to set trends — not just for its desserts but also for the cocktails and drinks it serves. I recently added Caffe Gilli as one of the best places to get your espresso. So if you’re reading this and seeing this name again, it’s a sign that I really want you to visit this cafe.

Bar Basso, Milan

Bar Basso is the historic bar where the founder Mirko Stocchetto invented the Negroni Sbagliato, with prosecco instead of gin. Despite its more than 50-year history, Bar Basso remains among the places to be in Milan. The New York Times has included it among the unmissable stops in the city.

Drink Kong, Rome

Drink Kong is the first “solo” project by Patrick Pistolesi, one of the best Roman bartenders, who has brought his minimalist drink list to this eclectic venue. The menu only shows the name of the drink and the primary spirit. So trust yourself when making your selection; it will be worth it.

The Court, Rome

Inside the exclusive Palazzo Manfredi, a 5-star luxury hotel in Rome, The Court is where spectacular cocktails are savored while looking at the Colosseum.

L’Antiquario, Naples

Owned by the famous and award-winning bartender Alex Frezza, at L’Antiquari, you will find a mix of classic and modern drinks. In addition, jazz concerts are often part of the experience when visiting L’Antiquario.

Bar Quanto Basta, Lecce

You can go to this pub & bar after visiting Lecce Cathedral. You can order delicious food along with many delicious bourbons, martinis, or spritzers.

The post A Guide to Italy’s Summer Cocktails appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

No one knows, and the mystery is stirring banter, quips and conspiracy theories among social media users.

The 25-foot-long heap of uncooked carbohydrates included spaghetti, macaroni and alphabet shapes.

It has been dubbed the “Great Pasta-gate of 2023,” and users on reddit have even offered a few hackneyed one-liners.

So who did it, and why?

Perhaps some questions are better left unanswered.

Make a pledge and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America today. 

The post Sleepy NJ Town Buzzing After 500 lbs. of Pasta Dumped in Neighborhood appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

The post Stuffed Artichokes appeared first on Italian Sons and Daughters of America.