Lavazza Passionista, Making Your Best Coffee Recipe!

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Happy Columbus Day - A Memorable Day For My Father Who First Came To America Over 56 years ago..

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LIGABUE Italy's Record-Shattering Rockstar Announces American Debut - October Dates!

New York, NY — Renowned Italian singer, songwriter, film director and author Luciano Ligabue caps a record breaking quarter-century career with his first-ever concert appearances on the American continent.  Taking off from Manhattan's Terminal 5 on October 19th, the iconic performer makes stops in Los Angeles (October 22nd at the Whisky a Go Go) and San Francisco (October 24 at the DNA Lounge), before touching down at Miami's Grand Central on October 26th.  This US run of dates is a continuation of Ligabue's  "Mondovisione Tour – Mondo 2014"  in support of the acclaimed artist's 10th studio album "Mondovisione," released in November 2013 and certified Italy's top selling album of that year within four weeks of release.

The Emilia-Romagna born Luciano Ligabue spent his young adult life working jobs in the region's agricultural factories, while simultaneously moonlighting as a radio DJ and cutting his teeth as a bandleader on the local rock club circuit.   Ligabue released his first record at the relatively late age of 30 with an eponymously titled album in 1990.  Arguably the most successful debut in the history of the Italian music business, Ligabue's life experiences proved central to the formation of the artist's narrative as a songwriter and in his ability to intimately communicate as a storyteller on a national level.  "Ligabue" the album went platinum connecting him as a solo artist with millions of fans in a way not previously seen in Italy, playing some 250 dates up and down the Italian peninsula over the next 3 years, including a pair of opening slots for U2 on their "Zoo TV Tour" at stadium's in Naples and Turin.  By 1997 Ligabue had confirmed himself as a stadium headliner in his own right with the first of 11 appearances at Milan's temple of football and music San Siro.  In 2005 Liga, as he is commonly known, set the still unbroken European record for tickets sold in a single concert in the form of a "hometown" gig at Campovolo in Reggio Emilia.  The US trade publication Pollstar registered a staggering 165,264 fans in attendance at the event.   As a musician Ligabue has released 10 studio albums, 4 live albums, 2 greatest hits albums, 1 soundtrack album, all certified multi-platinum in Italy.

Luciano Ligabue's debut in the world of film proved equally auspicious with 1998's "Radiofreccia" which screened at the Venice Film Festival and was the subsequent winner of multiple trophies at both Italy's Nastri d'Argento and Davide di Donatello awards for Ligabue's screenplay and direction.  Considered at once a cult classic, commercial success and critical favorite in Italy, "Radiofreccia" was added to the permanent film archive of New York City's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2006.  Also a published author, Luciano Ligabue has penned 4 works including novels and poetry.  His 1997 literary debut "Fuori e Dentro il Borgo" was yet another award-winner; the collection of short stories picked up the prestigious Elsa Morante prize.

Ligabue has taken part in many of Italy's seminal events of the past generation including 1996's Pavarotti and Friends concert in Modena (the legendary tenor also an Emilia Romagna native), 2005's Live 8 concert in Rome (Italy's part in 10 simultaneous benefit concerts held in as many countries and organized by Bob Geldof), 2012's Italia Loves Emilia benefit concert for relief in the earthquake-struck region, and 2014's Sanremo Festival where Ligabue appeared as a special guest.

The US leg of Ligabue's Mondovisione Tour – Mondo 2014 is presented by Riservarossa and F&P Group.

Sunday, October 19, 2014                New York, NY
Terminal 5
610 W 56th St
New York, NY 10019
Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 8:00 pm
$50.00 Advance / $55.00 Day Of Show
(212) 582-6600
http://www.terminal5nyc.com/event/672015

Wednesday, October 22, 2014             Los Angeles, CA
Whisky a Go Go 
8901 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Doors: 7:30pm / Show: 8:30pm
$50.00 Advance / $55.00 Day Of Show
(310) 652-4202
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ligabue-tickets-12093286345

Friday October 24, 2014                 San Francisco, CA
DNA Lounge 
375 Eleventh St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Doors: 7:00pm / Show: 8:30pm
$50.00 Advance / $55.00 Day Of Show
(415) 626-1409
http://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/2014/10-24.html

Sunday, October 26, 2014                Miami, FL
Grand Central
697 N Miami Ave,
Miami, FL 33136
Doors: 7:30pm / Show: 9:00pm
$50.00 Advance / $55.00 Day Of Show
(305) 377-2277
http://grandcentralmiami.ticketfly.com/event/625215-ligabue-miami/

Ligabue Online
http://facebook.com/ligabue

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Upcoming Fall Italian American Events - Columbus Day Parade, Educational, Art & Fundraising Galas

PARADE -- This year's Columbus Day Parade will take place in New York City in October, visit the Columbus Citizens Foundation web page for further details and dates. http://www.columbuscitizensfd.org/
The parade is broadcast on the major New York networks such as NBC.


**Photo Credit - http://www.columbuscitizensfd.or

EVENTS --For upcoming events all around New York City, featuring musical events, educational lectures, be sure to visit the i-Italy Digital Project site for the latest updates and features.


GALA -- In October in Washington D.C., The National Italian American Foundation features their Gala, which aims to raise awareness and funds to all programs and education for the Italian American community.  This year's gala will take place on October 25, 2014.

Visit the site here for tickets and further details - http://www.niaf.org/

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Keurig K-Cup Coffee Machine and Lavazza Drip Coffee Giveaway

It's that time of year, when we have an exciting giveaway for one lucky Italian American Girl reader.  The team at Lavazza are presenting a fabulous giveaway, which includes this really cool and super chic Keurig K-Cup Mini, which if you haven't had coffee yet from a Keurig you're missing an amazing little coffee machine.   Lavazza is providing one lucky reader a chance to win this machine along with the Lavazza drip coffees for K-Cup version, which is fantastic!    

In order to enter to win this cool little machine and Lavazza k-cups in drip coffee versions, please comment below with your first and last name and tell me why or how Italian coffee has impacted your life.   I know for example coffee is the main component in my life either when I'm entertaining guests, go to a party and wait for that perfect cup of coffee, maybe it's a comfort and gets you through a tough day,  reminds you of your family, a time to get together and share a warm moment with a friend or family,  what does your coffee stand for?  I will choose one person by September 8, 2014 and announce the winner's name on the blog and Italian American Girl Facebook page.  

To learn more about the new Lavazza Drip Coffee line and K-Cup Versions you can shop for it here:

http://www.shoplavazza.com

Keurig K-Cup Machine 

Lavazza Drip Coffees - K-Cups

** This is a sponsored post by Lavazza and the giveaway will be provided by Lavazza and mailed direct to the winner, Italian American Girl will only be responsible for the promotion of the giveaway and choosing a lucky IAG reader. ***

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Growing Up First Generation Italian American

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Summer Italian Dishes - Garden Style Zucchini with Olive Oil and Salt ..

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Italian Summer Dinner Recipe - Roasted Italian Chicken, Organic Peas, Followed By Lavazza Coffee

Author - Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar
'Extra Virgin'

Summertime is the best time to experiment with cooking especially since you can use fresh ingredients from your garden or farmers market.  This month I decided to try a Tuscan version of roasted chicken, which myself and mother made. We used a version of the recipe from the new cookbook from Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar called 'Extra Virgin.' 
In the book, they actually grill the chicken with a lemon juice, rosemary, arugula combination. 

My version was a roasted chicken lightly brushed with olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper --really quite simple.  

For a side dish, my mother peeled fresh peas from the garden and fried them with caramelized onions, along with sliced potatoes roasted with the chicken. 

Here's the recipe - Roasted Chicken with Fresh Peas

Wash chicken thoroughly. Put a drop of lemon in water, cut pieces of chicken to liking.  In roasting pan, put 3 tablespoons of olive oil.  Add your salt, pepper, or chicken spices of your choice. Add onions and potatoes in cubes next to chicken.  Put in oven at 450 degrees for more than 30 minutes.  Turn with wooden spoon about two times to get potatoes and onions roasted evenly. 

For the peas - 

Cut small pieces of medium onions, cook for about one minute.  Add peas, cook for about 10 minutes more, gently move in pan about two times till peas are cooked.  Cover the pan while you wait to serve peas.

To end our perfect meal, we have coffee once we've digested, we've been trying the new Lavazza drip coffees, our version to try was the Perfetto blend, which you can find here http://www.shoplavazza.com/ 

The coffee is our end to our perfect meal, if you want a great coffee to try and know that Lavazza is great in espresso, get the new drip coffee, my favorite now. 

You can follow Lavazza on Twitter as well for some delicious ways to accompany new drip coffees and traditional Lavazza products.  

***This post was sponsored by Lavazza *** 

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Guest Speaking at Rider University on Digital Media and the Italian American Girl Site

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Happy 84th Birthday To My Father

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Italian American Coffee - Lavazza Drip Coffee My New Coffee of Choice!

Easter holidays have past and in any Italian household you know coffee is the most important element to any meal or desert after dish.  This month I was lucky enough to get some new Lavazza drip coffee blends from the Lavazza team.    What better time to start sampling than at a holiday time?

This year, as I posted before my mother made her famous Italian biscotti and Easter pie.  I thought I would debut these newer coffee blends to accompany those deserts.

I started out with the Perfetto blend, which is true to its name, there is an incredible aroma, which almost makes you think it's an espresso aroma, but to everyone's surprise it's drip coffee.  I always think it's so funny, every time I tell someone in my family the coffee is Lavazza they immediately think it's espresso, but then I say no, it's a drip coffee and everyone goes, "OH, I didn't know they make that for American coffee? ' (As we call it )

During Easter Italian holidays, there are always family visits and early morning coffee sit downs.  If you ever travel to Italy, they don't have breakfast the way we do with traditional eggs, pancakes, etc, they usually have cookies and their morning espresso.   The picture below is what our breakfast during the holidays consisted of, Lavazza coffee brewed to perfection and a slice of my mother's Easter pie.  There is nothing better.

If you want to try the new coffee by Lavazza which is drip coffee, you can purchase in store or online at 

You can shop the new line of drip coffees here http://www.shoplavazza.com/  and it maybe available at your local grocery stores.  Don't forget to follow www.twitter.com/LavazzaUSA on Twitter for coffee inspiration, recipes and more.

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Italian American Girl - Garden State Film Festival 2014

I'm on the board for the Garden State Film Festival and we had another great year this time in Atlantic City, NJ. The venues and parties were larger and lived up to the expectations.  Throughout the weekend there were over 184 films to see and Q & A sessions with industry leaders and actors from film. Overall, this year was amazing - looking forward to 2015. Here are some pictures with Laura Dern, Bebe Neuwirth and Ed Asner.

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ITALIAN SUPERSTAR ZUCCHERO RELEASES NEW ALBUM AND DVD — LA SESIÓN CUBANA — ON MANHATTAN RECORDS

Hollywood, CA — Zucchero "Sugar" Fornaciari http://www.zucchero.it/eng/  the Grammy-nominated Italian blues-rock singer, and one of Europe's best-selling artists, will release his latest album, La Sesión Cubana,  via Manhattan Records. Known as a musical wanderer, Zucchero achieves a long-held dream of recording in Cuba with the best native musicians in Havana, and exploring the roots of American music along the way.

"My music comes from blues, from soul, and from gospel," Zucchero says. "This project is a trip from New Orleans to Cuba via Mexicali. Latin, Cuban, and Tex-Mex sounds and rhythms melt together dancing. Hasta l'asta siempre."

Produced by Zucchero and Don Was, and mixed by Michael Brauer, La Sesión Cubana features seven brand-new songs, as well as six newly arranged versions of Zucchero's European hits: "Baila," "Un Kilo," "Così Celeste," "Cuba Libre," "Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime," and "L'Urlo." The new recordings consist "Guantanamera (Guajira), original compositions "Love Is All Around" and "Sabor a ti," and the covers "Never Is a Moment," "Nena," "Pana"(a duet with Spanish singer Bebe), and "Ave Maria No Morro" — a duet with Brazilian star Djavan. Each song was recorded virtually live in the studio to ensure the thrill of improvisation.

In addition to the studio album, Manhattan is releasing a deluxe CD/DVD version with the La Sesión Cubana studio CD with a two hour "Live in Havana DVD. A one hour version of The Live in Havana concert program will be featured in March, 2014 by Public Television stations as part of their pledge programs. The program is being presented by WLIW.

April 1st           San Francisco, CA       Great American Music Hall           
April 2nd           Los Angeles, CA         Club Nokia
April 4th           Phoenix, AZ             Wild Horse Pass Casino
April 5th           San Diego, CA           Balboa Theater
April 8th           Dallas, TX              House of Blues           
April 10th          Houston, TX             House of Blues
April 11th          Lafeyette, LA           Vermillionville PAC
April 12th          New Orleans, LA         HOB Parish
April 13th          Nashville, TN           Exit In
April 16th          Chicago, IL             Park West           
April 18th          Boston, MA              Berklee PAC           
April 22nd          New York, NY            The Theater at Madison Square Garden
April 26th          Atlantic City, NJ       Taj Mahal
April 27th          Ledyard, CT             Foxwoods Casino
May 1st             Atlanta, GA             Center Stage
May 3rd             Miami, FL               Gusman Center
May 4th             Tampa, FL               Capitol Theater

Catch Zucchero on tour in the U.S. and Canada this spring

For more about Zucchero:

 http://www.zucchero.it/eng/

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Cinema Made in Italy Presents 'HONEY' (MIELE) A film by Valeria Golino

HONEY

(MIELE)

A film by Valeria Golino

Starring Jasmine Trinca and Carlo Cecchi

Buena Onda Presents A Buena Onda and RAI Cinema Production

In Co-Production with Les Films Des Tournelles and CitéFilms

THE STORY 

Irene lives alone on the coastline outside Rome. To her father and her married lover, she’s a student. In reality, she often travels to Mexico where she can legally buy a powerful barbiturate. Working under the name of Miele ("Honey"), her clandestine job is to help terminally-ill people to die with dignity by giving them the drug. One day she supplies a new “client”with a fatal dose, only to find out he’s perfectly healthy but tired of life. Irene is determined not to be responsible for his suicide. From this point on, Irene and Grimaldi are unwillingly locked in an intense and moving relationship which will change Irene’s life forever.

Q & A WITH VALERIA GOLINO

How did you come across the novel?
Almost three years ago I read a very interesting review of the novel, the theme attracted me enormously. The writer was hiding under the pseudonym Angela del Fabbrowhich made me think that she might be shrouding her identity because she was the same character as Miele, and doing an illegal job. Also, the book was written in first person and was very detailed, which intrigued me even more. It made me feel that I was dealing with a very authentic story. It was only a year later, while we were already way deep into the script, that we found out that the author was Mauro Covachic, a well known novelist.

What was it about the novel that made you want to make it the subject of your first feature film as a director?   First of all, the subject of mercy killing is taboo in Italy, much more so than in any other European country, because of the Vatican influence and of our catholic imprint. But I feel that whereas the Italian people are ready to address this and other ethical issues, the politicians are not. Also, I wanted to make the film because the novel had a very cinematic material. Despite the gravity of the subject, the book had a lot of visual potential. The protagonist, Miele, has a powerful vitality, even more pronounced because of her dealing with pain and death. That contrast attracted me.

The subject of "mercy killing" is certainly a very current one. While the film is as much about a young woman's growth as an examination of the morals of "mercy killing", what are your thoughts on the subject?

I believe every human being should have the right to choose over their body, their life, and how to end it. Having said that, I don't mean the film to be a manifesto. In fact it doesn't give answers, it only poses questions. I would like to think that the film is about shifting convictions, prejudices and the fears that we all have.


Have you wanted to direct for a long time?
Vaguely so. I love cinema and photography, and having made so many movies as an actress I learned a lot of things without even realizing it. I never consciously thought to become a director until three years ago when I was asked to direct a short movie (Armandino e il madre). During the shoot I had my private epiphany: probably I had a calling I never knew was there...:-)
Does your experience as an actress make it easier to direct actors?
I suppose it does. I have a lot of empathy with actors, and gratitude.

Was casting a relatively straightforward process?
I did a lot of auditions, but actually the two main roles (Jasmine Trinca as Irene /Miele and Carlo Cecchi as Grimaldi) invaded my imagination and my co-writers’ since day one.

What did you look for when selecting the key crew?
I wanted to have a crew of friends, of people I had worked with, that knew me well and would be patient with a beginner. At the same time, people that were inspiring and inspired. The only new addition was GergelyPoharnok, an Hungarian DP, whose work I ran into by chance and immediately felt connected to.


Release Information 

New York City March 7-13
Elinor Bunin Monroe Film Center at Lincoln Center
Tickets:   http://www.filmlinc.com/films/on-sale/honey-miele


Los Angeles, March 14-20
Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hills, Laemmle.com
Laemmle Playhouse 7, Pasadena, Laemmle.com

Miami, March 28-30, April 2-3
Miami Beach Cinematheque, Miami Beach, mbcinema.com

Miami, March 28-30
Cosford Cinema, Miami, cosfordcinema.com

Washington, DC, March 28 – April 3
West End Cinema, westendcinema.com

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Cannes Film Festival - Un Certain Regard
Venice Film Festival - Venice Days
Chicago International Film Festival

WINNER
Special Mention - Ecumenical Jury - Cannes Film Festival
Nominee - Discovery Award - European Film Awards



NY & LA PRESS CONTACT:
Ryan Werner
ryan@cineticmedia.com
Office:  212.627.9898
Mobile:  917.254.7653



ABOUT CINEMA MADE IN ITALY
Cinema Made in Italy is a major new initiative between Instituto Luce-Cinecittà, the Italian Trade Commission and Emerging Pictures that will provide distribution and marketing support to five major Italian films with the goal of broadening the audience for Italian cinema in the United States.  Instituto Luce-Cinecittà (with funds from the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Culture) and the Italian Trade Commission (Agenzia ICE) have created a fund that will provide marketing and distribution support for 5 films.  The first film to receive support was Paolo Sorrentino’s THE GREAT BEAUTY (distributed by Janus Films) which is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film as well as the Film Independent Spirit Award and the César.  It is the first Italian film to win the Golden Globe in 25 years and also won the Best Film at the European Film Awards and Best Foreign Film from BAFTA.  The remaining 4 films will be distributed by Emerging Pictures and include Valeria Golino’s HONEY, Bernardo Bertolucci’s ME AND YOU, Gianni Amelio’s L’INTREPIDO:  A SELF MADE HERO and Marco Bellochio’s DORMANT BEAUTY.

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GIGI D'ALESSIO Announces February North American Album Release and Tour

New York, NY — 2014 kicks off on a North American note for Gigi D'Alessio.  The Italian superstar will release his 18th studio set Ora via Sony Music on February 4th, followed by the kick off of his world tour.

One of Italy's most popular recording artists, the Naples-born D'Alessio has sold 12 million copies and achieved 100 platinum awards during a 20 year career.  Ora features D'Alessio in collaboration with Neopolitan musician Enzo Avitabile on the track Notte di lune storte.  Avitabile recently came to the attention of American audiences through a documentary by Jonathan Demme; D’Alessio and Avitalile were childhood conservatory classmates.   Serpente e sonagli features words penned by the legendary Italian lyricist Mogoland includes the voice of Anna Tatangelo, D'Alessio's life partner who will be joining him on stage in the US and Canada.

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Have You Ever Had Pasta Chips? Italian Version of the American Potato Chip?

Here is the latest food product you have to try and no it's on the grown out of garden type, but it's pretty amazing.  So Superbowl Sunday just passed and we eat tons of party food and including chips.  Well,  about a week ago I received a package from the team over at Pasta Chips and they sent a few bags of their latest creation literally called Pasta Chips.  OK, so to an Italian American, I thought wow, they made pasta into a type of potato chip, but then when I tasted it I was so shocked at how light and crispy they were. 

I entertained with a bag of Alfredo, Marinara, and Garlic-Olive Oil flavors.    I served a side of spinach yogurt dip on the side, which was a-mazing.  The great thing about the chips, as you know I am a bit of a health aficionado, - the chips are actually baked, taking that guilt off right away. 

Pasta Chips are:

-all natural

-low in cholesterol 

-low in saturated fat 

-only 120 calories per serving 

-oven baked 

-60% less fat

       
Here's a bit of history from the creator of the Pasta Chips -- 

Pasta Chips

I would like to take you on a journey through Italy with our delicious Pasta Chips, an idea born in the hills of Tuscany at a small, authentic Osteria, where food comes alive with the passion associated with Italy. This Tuscan inspired chip is made with semolina flour and Italian herbs, married with different seasonings based on regional Italian favorites, is steeped in hundreds of years of Italian culture and living. Pasta Chips come in 5 flavor packed varieties: Spicy Tomato Herb, Sea Salt, Marinara, Alfredo and Garlic Olive Oil. 

The thing is it's not about being Italian, or Italian American, but rather the notion that this is a type of chip made from pasta and if you're a foodie, this type of variation on a pasta chip can be an interesting accent to your dishes.  The idea threw me off, but the taste and concept are amazing.  I would recommend and most likely buy these again for my next party.  It really allows for creativity if you want to accompany the chip with a side dish of either dips or antipasto.

Check out their site and you can actually buy Pasta Chips in most grocery stores.

http://pastachips.com/

                                                                 

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New Lavazza Drip Coffee With Traditional Christmas Cookies & My Family Italian Cookie Recipe

Tis' the season for eating and baking, especially in any Italian American household. This year, I got together with my sister Maria, my niece and my mother for some holiday baking. Mostly, my sister is more the aficionado on baking, I like to document with photos and video and lastly decorate the cookies. We tend to make more  traditional Italian cookies, along with my mother's variations, where she usually bakes up a honey biscotto.  As you can see to the left. 

This year my sister incorporated her variation of the cookie which we worked on together and was actually not so time consuming, a great traditional Italian cookie. 

Here is the recipe :

Biscotti de Natale

1 lb butter
1 cup sugar
Six eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour
6 teaspoons of baking soda

-Bake at 375° 10–12 minutes until light golden
-Combine butter sugar vanilla and eggs. 
-Add flour and baking soda
-Should be fluffy and not stiff drop by rounded teaspoon onto nonstick cookie sheet bake and allow this thoroughly cool.

Icing
-One box of confectioners sugar
-2 1/2 teaspoons of lemon extract
-Combine and ice cookies for the traditional decorated look.

Lavazza Drip Coffee

To accompany a traditional holiday cookie, is a great coffee, as you know we are truly lovers of coffee from our traditional espresso to our cafe Americano, as you know Lavazza is our staple for espresso, so when I was introduced to the newly available concept of drip coffees for Lavazza I was so HAPPY!  My favorite coffee is now in drip varieties!  This is truly Christmas!  

I received a wonderful package from the Lavazza team, which included a variety of the new drip coffees and gift cards to make this wonderful batch of Italian Christmas cookies. 

My family enjoyed these amazing coffees this holiday and I will be using for the rest of the year to make my daily coffee.   I hope you enjoy the cookie recipe and Buon Natale! 

You can shop the new line of drip coffees here http://www.shoplavazza.com/  and it maybe available at your local grocery stores.  Don't forget to follow www.twitter.com/LavazzaUSA on Twitter for coffee inspiration, recipes and more.

~Buon Natale!

*This post was sponsored by Lavazza.





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Happy Columbus Day 2013 - Controversial Holiday for Italian Americans or Hype?

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Italian American Girl Presentation at Rider University - Writing For the Media, Blogging

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Italian Consulate to Close in Newark, NJ - Italian Americans In New Jersey Get the Short End of Stick Once Again...

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End of Summer Recipe - Italian Organic Tomato Salad - Basil, Scallions, Olive Oil

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HITWEEK 2013 North American Return FRANCO BATTIATO | CANZONIERE GRECANICO SALENTINO & NICOLA CONTE

Nicola Conte

Hit Week – the world's only music festival showcasing Italy's current scene on the global stage — returns to North America with it's strongest line up to date.  A greatly expanded edition of the annual event touches down in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Toronto between September 7 and October 30th.  Headliners announced include iconoclastic Italian singer, songwriter and composer Franco Battiato and Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, Italy's top act on the international world music circuit.  Renowned DJ, producer and musician Nicola Conte will bring his DJ set Stateside.  Additionally, 2013 Sanremo Festival winner Marco Mengoni makes his US debut appearance and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Erica Mou rejoins the Hit Week fold after headlining the festival's inaugural event in Brazil earlier this year.

The core of Hit Week's fifth tour of the North American continent is a coast to coast run of concerts taking place between October 4th – 12th.  Highlights include Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino and Nicola Conte at the Hollywood ArtsPark (Miami) on October 5th with a redux of the bill on October 8th at New York City's Highline Ballroom.  Franco Battiato takes over the Highline stage onOctober 9th for the first in a pair of rare Transatlantic performances before heading to Canada and Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre on October 10th.  Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino then offers a California concert double header on October 11th at UCLA and October 12th at Taste of Italy Los Angeles.

Here are upcoming show dates:

September 7         Los Angeles, CA (TBA)       Erica Mou at Hit Week Preview
October 4           Miami, FL (TBA)             Nicola Conte at Hit Week / Rhythm Foundation
October 5           Hollywood, FL               Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, Nicola Conte
October 8           New York, NY                Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino and Nicola
October 9           New York, NY                Franco Battiato at Highline Ballroom
October 10          Toronto, ON                 Franco Battiato at Phoenix Concert Theatre
October 11          Los Angeles, CA             Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino at UCLA
October 12          Los Angeles, CA             Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino at Taste of Italy
October 28-29       Los Angeles, CA             Marco Mengoni at The Billboard Hollywood Reporter Film and TV Music Conference

Franco Battiato

Wednesday | October 9, 2013  | Show 8:00pm (Doors 6:00pm):                      New York, NY     
FRANCO BATTIATO
Highline Ballroom431 W 16th St (Bet. 9th & 10th Ave.)
(212) 414-5994Tickets: $60-$100 in advance, $70-$100 day of show
http://highlineballroom.com/show/2013/10/09/franco-battiato/

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino

Tuesday | October 8, 2013  | Show 8:00pm (Doors             New York, NY      

CANZONIERE GRECANICO SALENTINO + NICOLA CONTE DJ Set
Highline Ballroom431 W 16th St (Bet. 9th & 10th Ave.)
(212) 414-5994Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 day of show
http://highlineballroom.com/show/2013/10/08/canzoniere-grecanico-salentino/

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