Ask Chef Walter: How to make Zeppole – Chef Walter Potenza

{Images are proprietary courtesy of Scialo Bakery, Federal Hill, Providence} HOW TO MAKE ZEPPOLE  Friends: The Feast of Saint Joseph, held on March 19th yearly, is very near and dear to Italian culture and tradition. “La Festa di San Giuseppe” honors Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary and adoptive father of Jesus, as patron saint of…

Read More

Ask Chef Walter: March-ing in season – Walter Potenza

Ask Chef Walter – MARCH-ING IN SEASON by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Incorporating these vegetables into your diet celebrates the season and supports a healthy lifestyle. Let’s make the most of March’s bounty! Also, a great recipe to try. Friends: Along with International Women’s Day, a call for parity and celebration of women’s achievements, and Women’s…

Read More

Ask Chef Walter: Stressful dinner decisions – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer How to manage work stress, and family meals, without losing your mind. Friends: Ginette L, from the lovely Sapulpa, OK., had a question about dinner decisions and the stress associated with the idea of constantly having an idea. Being an adult can be challenging. With deadlines, meetings, and the…

Read More

Ask Chef Walter: Chicken Thighs cooking lesson – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Friends: Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile meat option that both home cooks and chefs enjoy using. While chicken breasts are popular for being lean and high in protein, chicken thighs have their benefits and drawbacks. Advantages of Chicken Thighs. 1. Rich Flavor: Chicken thighs, being dark meat, boast…

Read More

Ask Chef Walter: Is frozen food good? – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer How to make the most out of frozen foods while saving money, time and effort.  Friends: Pauline Z. from Ocean Ridge, Florida, recently asked me about the use of frozen food—whether it’s safe, how it affects quality, and if it compromises taste. Freezing is one of the best preservation methods,…

Read More

Valentine, the Saint. And the Chocolate – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer For centuries it was believed to be a potent aphrodisiac, mainly because of a stimulant called Phenethylamine present in cocoa. Friends: I don’t know why we give out chocolates on Valentine’s or the connection between the 14 of February and cocoa beans. At first, I thought that maybe chocolate was discovered on…

Read More

Ask Chef Walter: The Tastemaker – Chef Walter Potenza

federal hill

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Photo, top: Emil Fioravanti, (first left) sister Norma Giordano, Parents Joseph and Ida Fioravanti, 1977 – Chef Walter This is the remarkable story of Emil A. Fioravanti, a visionary whose passion, mentorship, and dedication transformed and inspired generations within the Rhode Island culinary scene. Friends: In this new edition…

Read More

The Super Bowl Feast – Chef Walter Potenza

SuperBowl teams

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer. Photos courtesy Chef Potenza A taste of America, from sea to shining sea. So grab a plate, get comfy, and dig into the deliciousness of America this Super Bowl Sunday! Friends: The Super Bowl is a championship American football game, but to many, it is a cultural phenomenon that assembles…

Read More

Ask Chef Walter: Humble lentils, powerful health – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Humble lentils, powerful health. Friends: ACW reader Nicole F. from Corydon, Indiana, inquired about red and yellow lentils. Here we go, Nicole. I am including a good recipe to try. Hopefully, it will help! Lentils are a staple in our pantries. They are versatile, nutritional, and can offer a base…

Read More