Gia's Italian Kitchen's Podcast

Have you heard of “Grow Don’t Mow”? Have you been to your local farmers market lately?   You should consider it! I recently visited with Emmaly, Executive Director of Feed Iowa First.  We talked about how buying local, like at your farmers markets, helps support their cause!  You can watch the full interview here on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/wiX2PUWNpi4 "Join our over 20 urban gro...

Thought I would make an update on what Gia's Italian Kitchen is doing this year! We have so many exciting events, and I want to share! I am writing two cookbooks!!!!  This is so exciting for you and for me!  The first one is a "My First Apartment" cookbook, with easy and inexpensive recipes, that will be available online only, thru my website.  The second one is a Cookbook/Memoir, w...

Let’s make this basic prep ahead dish, that will set you up for many easy lunches and dinners throughout the week. Preheat your oven to 400 F.   Find a baking sheet with sides, so the chicken juices don’t run all over your oven.  This is probably different than what you would use to make cookies.  Cover the cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper or tin foil, this will make your cleanup easie...

THANK YOU!!!!! I made the quarterfinals!  I still need your daily votes!!!!!! There are three more weeks, three more rounds (quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals).    Please set a reminder to do your free daily votes, on your phone! This is going to take a big effort to get to the next round!!!! https://favchef.com/2023/kelley-cole  #italiancooking #italianfood #letsgetcooking #cookingclass #food...

This will become your new favorite HUMMUS! Black Bean Hummus with Chipotle and Lime.....YUM! 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans or 2 cups hydrated black beans 6 garlic cloves 1 chipotle pepper & 1 teaspoon of adobe sauce 3 tablespoons fresh lime (3 limes) 2-4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil  1/4 teaspoon salt 1 bunch fresh cilantro 3 stalks green onions, roughly chopped 1 Seedless English cucumb...

Lemon Basil Water?  What? Check this out! You can watch my short video in the YouTube channel....link below. #italiancooking #italianfood #letsgetcooking #cookingclass #foodblogger #foodie #foodlover #giasitaliankitchen   #cookingwithgia   #letsgetcookingwithgia Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes. Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Leftover Watermelon from the 4th?   Listen as Amy, Food Scientist, and I create this amazing and refreshing drink! 33.12 Martini with Watermelon and Mint 5 oz. Watermelon puree 3 oz. Vodka 1 oz. Simple syrup (or agave syrup) Fresh mint leaves 1 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice (2 limes) 2 shakes of salt Lime sparking water 1 1/4 cup granulated cane sugar Fresh grated lime zest  Simple syrup – the...

As part of my Girlfriends in Business series, I recently sat down with Erika, owner of Tura Lura Co., concrete and candle maker in Iowa City.  Her next event is Sunday, June 25 in Cedar Rapids at Ashton Hill Farm on the SE side.  High five to this strong woman building her business!   To watch the full interview, visit our YouTube site: https://youtu.be/2w8lqTw0-FE   I’m the person behind Tura Lur...

Looking for fun things for you or the kids?   The new Marion Library has amazing specialty areas for all to enjoy.  Check these out: • MakerSpace | A creative and collaborative space with 3D printers, laser printers, sewing machines, and other supplies. • Recording Studio | A space for patrons to channel their inner podcast host, YouTuber, audiobook author, or singer-songwriter. • Green Screen Roo...

Looking for a new Salmon recipe?   This will be your new favorite!  (and even those who don’t love salmon, you will now!) Salmon with Leeks and Thyme 1 pound fillet of wild caught salmon  Sea salt Fresh ground black pepper 2 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil) 4 tablespoons of butter 1 lemon 1 large leek 8-10 Fresh sprigs of thyme 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 cup grape tomatoes Preheat oven to 5...

What’s for breakfast tomorrow? How about some easy & delicious Overnight Oats? In a glass jar, add the following ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Just place in the refrigerator tonight.  Enjoy cold or warm it up in the morning…Mangia! • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (not quick) • 1 teaspoon chia seeds • 1 teaspoon vanilla protein powder • 1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter or nut butter • 1 te...

Introducing a new series with Gia's Italian Kitchen.....do you dream of traveling to Italy....or have plans of going to Italy and not sure where to go?    We will tell you about our experiences and itineraries to help guide you.   This episode contains memories of my mom, Nona, when she went to Italy decades ago with my dad, and her parents, Nonoini and Papaini (approx. 1979 and some nuggets...

What is a live interactive food demonstration? We were at the new Marion Library...we made two appetizers, Baked Caprese and Orange Salad with Pickled Red Onions & Basil.  Watch the full video in our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/xqyZN0fFCmk   Do you want a private dinner party or an employer teambuilding event ?  Find out more about us at https://giasitaliankitchen.biz  Join us for future...

It's just time - Planning for HERBS! Looking for advice? I sat down with a good friend, Lori Lane , who was a Master Gardener for 10 years, about what we should be thinking about right now....planning for amazing herbs this summer! What to plant and when?   What comes back each year?   Fresh herbs make such a huge difference in any food dish you are preparing!   Bring your food to the next le...

It is an amazing kitchen store in Independence, Iowa!  Locally owned, they have bakeware, cookware, cutlery, and Olive Oil/Vinegar tasting!  YUM!  They have every kitchen gadget you could imagine, it’s like Christmas again!  “Quality products to inspire everyday chefs!”  This week is the perfect time for a visit! Independence Iowa is about 30 minutes north of Cedar Rapids.  There are also local sh...

What are you looking for this year from Gias' Italian Kitchen?    Send us an email so we can cook up what you are craving! Find out more about us at https://giasitaliankitchen.biz   We made the newspaper!  https://www.thegazette.com/business/my-biz-chef-shares-love-of-cooking-through-in-person-and-online-classes/   Do you want our "library" of prior cooking episodes?  They are all o...

Part of your new years resolutions might have been how to be healthier or to just feel better.   A new year brings new goals, resolutions, and intentions.  Sometimes this relates to exercise, food, more quality sleep, or other nuggets of our day that could help us feel better. If one of your goals is to eat better or to feel better, here are a few simple tips to help you get there....we will talk...

Have you been to the new Marion Public Library ?   It's the beautiful new library for the City of Marion with so many new surprising nuggets!  Check out our interview with their program director Kylee Pusteoska. Oh, BTW, there is an awesome new cooking kitchen! Marion’s new library is a community gathering space with new specialty areas for all to enjoy. Some of the new spaces include: MakerS...

Orchestra Iowa is celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year!   What is the Gala all about on Saturday, April 22?   Listen to what Tim has to tell us! LIVE event was in our YouTube channel here, watch anytime:  https://youtube.com/live/cecmbgjW130?feature=share   Hey, we made the newspaper!  Did you see it?  https://www.thegazette.com/business/my-biz-chef-shares-love-of-cooking-through-in-perso...

Hysterical cooking again with the Maestro Tim!  We created Beef Saltimbocca and Fennel Salad with Mint….YUM!   LIVE event was in our YouTube channel here, watch anytime:  https://youtube.com/live/cecmbgjW130?feature=share   Hey, we made the newspaper!  Did you see it?  https://www.thegazette.com/business/my-biz-chef-shares-love-of-cooking-through-in-person-and-online-classes/   Many of our RECIPES...

Hysterical cooking again with the Maestro Tim!  We created Beef Saltimbocca and Fennel Salad with Mint….YUM!   LIVE event was in our YouTube channel here, watch anytime:  https://youtube.com/live/cecmbgjW130?feature=share   Hey, we made the newspaper!  Did you see it?  https://www.thegazette.com/business/my-biz-chef-shares-love-of-cooking-through-in-person-and-online-classes/   Many of our RECIPES...

Last year when we cooked with Maestro Tim, he gave us an amazing tip when cooking! Join us THIS Sunday, April 2 when we will cook again with the Maestro, creating Beef Saltimbocca and Fennel Salad with Mint….YUM!  Email us for the grocery list and recipes at kelley@giasitaliankitchen.biz  LIVE event will be in our YouTube channel here:  https://youtube.com/live/cecmbgjW130?feature=share   We made...

That sounds like such a wonderful holiday, YES! What's your favorite filling? Here is a family favorite, a little easier to make than homemade raviolis, and some photos from the real deal....want to make them together? Want to watch some of our cooking episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079 We made the newspaper!  Did you see it?  https://www.thegazette.com/business/my-biz-...

Do you know what the most northwest point of Chicago is? TAVERN ON THE POINT! Two brothers owning a restaurant, a tribute to our first responders, seriously great food, and an awesome atmosphere!  We visited this past weekend!  Check it out! https://tavernonthepoint.com/ On the NW Highway, in Edison Park, just next to Park Ridge and Des Plaines. Did you hear about our interview with The Gazette Ne...

We talked about three quick tips in the Chicken Piccata dinner:  Garlic, Green Onions and Capers! Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full cooking episode...we would love it if you would subscribe and like: https://youtube.com/live/GeVmzyftQJY?feature=share Did you hear about our interview with The Gazette Newpaper: MY BIZ: Chef shares love of cooking through in-person and online classes | The...