Celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini explores simple, even humble dishes from the Italian region, Tuscany. In a Tuscan kitchen, nothing goes to waste, so Michael transforms stale bread into a rustic bread salad called Panzanella. Bread, olive oil, and red wine vinegar mingle with the juices of Pomodoro tomatoes and cucumber while red onions and basil add an extra bite. For his primo, Michael cooks up a Tuscan take on Italy's quintessential gnocchi - Spinach Ricotta Gnudi. Made with ricotta and blanched spinach, these gnudi resemble ravioli fillings without the pasta ...
Le Marche is a small, lesser known region in the middle of Italy and its cuisine draws on influences from both the North and South. Chef Michael Bonacini highlights these influences by starting off with Stuffed Artichokes. Filled with a savoury mixture of prosciutto, Pecorino, and breadcrumbs and drizzled with white wine, these artichokes are truly to-die-for. Next, Michael bakes up an Italian classic with a regional twist - Marche-style Lasagna. This rich, woodsy dish is different from popular lasagna because it's full of Italian mushrooms, cream, and briny pancetta
Charming host Michael Bonacini delves into the secluded Italian region of Abruzzo. First up, a Farro and Vegetable Salad made with seasonal vegetables that is great on its own or as a side dish. Next, Michael crafts Rolled Meat Crepes. Loaded with meat and cheese, this savoury crepe dish is one of Abruzzo's scrumptious specialties. For his secondo, Michael prepares a protein commonly found in Abruzzo's mountainous region: lamb. Cooked with delicious egg and Pecorino, this lamb is simple, yet juicy and flavourful. Michael concludes his meal by baking a delightful
Puglia is known as the "bread basket" of Italy because it's where most of Italy's wheat is grown; it also means the region cultivates delicious pasta, bread, and pizza dough. Chef Michael Bonacini starts off with a creamy, golden-brown Artichoke Cheese Panzerotti. Rich, warm, and full of flavour, this panzerotti will have you adding extras to your plate. For his primo, Michael makes a classic Apulian pasta dish - Orecchiette with Rapini. Michael uses his thumb to shape the homemade pasta into little ears, then cooks a sweet garlic and spicy chili sauce that plays off
The diverse Calabrian landscape makes for a variety of unique dishes. Captivating host Michael Bonacini starts by making Stuffed Focaccia bread featuring two of the region's specialties: Ca-ciocavallo cheese and cured Soppressata meat. Next up, Michael makes a spicy Calabrian-style Tuna inspired by the coastline of Calabria. Then, Michael treks into the Sila region of Calabria where dense woods and snow-capped peaks influence the Calabrian love for pork. Cooked low and slow with starchy potatoes and woodsy mushrooms, this secondo is warm, hearty, and delicious.
Famous for its beautiful coastline, Campania is home to many popular Italian seafood dishes. Chef Michael Bonacini's delicious antipasto is light, crunchy, and influenced by the sea. From shrimp to scallops to squid seasoned with fresh sage, this deceptively simple dish will impress your dinner guests. For his primo, Michael makes Campania's most beloved dish said to be invented in its capital, Naples - Margherita Pizza. This uncomplicated, thin-crust pizza features sweet tomatoes, white Buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves for a crispy, flavourful bite
Surrounded by the brilliant blue waters of three different seas, seafood is an important part of Sicilian cuisine. Chef Michael Bonacini stays true to this region by crafting Rice Balls Stuffed with Seafood. Creamy risotto shaped into little balls and stuffed with a shrimp and crabmeat filling, these bite-sized delights make a great antipasto. Keeping with the seafood trend, Michael then makes a smoky, sweet, and spicy Seafood Couscous with Italian sausage and medley of herbs and spices.
The Italian region of Piemonte borders both France and Switzerland, in turn influencing its cuisine. First up, a fragrant oil fondue for veggies - Bagna Cauda. Host Michael Bonacini's version uses seasonal vegetables like licorice fennel, peppery endive, and soft zucchini with preserved anchovies for extra flavour. For his primo, Michael uses Arborio rice, mushrooms, and truffles from the Piemonte soil for a creamy Mushroom Risotto. Michael's next dish features two of Piemonte's favourite ingredients: tender beef and Barolo wine.
Cuisine in the Northern region of Lombardy is largely influenced by the mountains. Italy's famed wheat doesn't grow in the mountains, so Chef Michael Bonacini uses buckwheat to make crispy, deep-fried Buckwheat Fritters filled with ooey-gooey cheese. Next, Michael handcrafts a delicate pasta commonly made in Lombardy and fills it with a rich, flavourful filling of pumpkin, nutmeg, and Parmesan. For his secondo, a slow-braised veal shank served with a citrus and herb gremolata - delicious.
The Veneto region of Italy is located on the Northeastern side of the country and spills into the Adriatic Sea, which returns a bounty of fish and seafood. Host Michael Bonacini starts off with a local, fish favourite - Sweet and Sour Sardines. For his primo, Michael offers his take on a traditional, Venetian specialty featuring thick polenta and sweet garlic shrimp. For his secondo, Michael then makes Chicken Cacciatore with Radicchio Orange Salad.
Once the heart of the Roman Empire and home to Rome and Vatican City, Lazio is an Italian region of hustle-and-bustle. But out in its pristine countryside, life is simpler. To start, Chef Michael Bonacini explores a simple, springtime bean dish, popular in Lazio's rustic rural areas - Mint Fava Bean Soup. For his primo, Michael goes metropolitan by cooking up a Roman favourite - Spaghetti Carbonara. This creamy pasta dish contains no cream and is made with eggs, cheese, and meat.
Umbrian cuisine is simple - fresh, seasonal ingredients and a lot of cured meat. For his antipasto, Chef Michael Bonacini cooks a uniquely flavoured Umbrian Frittata using succulent vegetables, fresh herbs, Italian sausage, and crispy pancetta. He then offers an Umbrian take on Stuffed Pork Roast or Porchetta. Sprinkled with toasted fennel seeds for a licoricey flavour, be sure to get pieces of the fatty belly, chewy meat, and crispy skin on your fork for the perfect bite. Michael pairs the Porchetta with the perfect aromatic side dish - Warm Lentil Salad.
Liguria is one of the smallest regions in Italy. Hugging the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it is home to the glittering Italian Riviera and tasty dishes. For an antipasto, Chef Michael Bonacini prepares a soft, creamy chickpea flour flatbread called Farinata, that he tops with rosemary and crispy shallots. His pasta dish is a Ligurian specialty - decorative and delicious hand-stamped pasta coins. He tops the pasta with another iconic Ligurian invention: pesto. Basil and pine nuts crushed with olive oil and hard cheese is the perfect topper for any kind of pasta.
Some of the most famous Italian ingredients come from the Emilia Romagna region: parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and Parma ham. It's the culinary heart of Italy. Chef Michael Bonacini begins his regional feast with a flaky pie stuffed with savoury pancetta, spinach, and swiss chard. Next, he makes a rich and delicious Bolognese sauce - a pasta topping so famous in Italy, they often just refer to it as 'sauce'. Then, Michael highlights one of the region's most famous exports: balsamic vinegar.
In the northeast of Italy lies the majestic Dolomite mountain range, where you will find the region Trentino-Alto Adige. Renowned Chef Michael Bonacini begins his culinary tour in his kitchen with a starter of asparagus with a creamy, tangy egg sauce. Next, he shows viewers how the influence from nearby Austria plays out in the region's cuisine with a hearty bread dumpling topped with the Italian version of sauerkraut.
Chef Michael Bonacini explores the mountainous region of Basilicata with a feast fit for any celebration. Beginning with an antipasto that caters to the region's southern heat, Michael stuffs crunchy sweet peppers with ripe tomatoes, savoury anchovies, and fresh oregano. Moving on to the primo, Michael cooks up a creamy vermicelli frittata. Using leftover pasta, he combines eggs with cheese, anchovies, and chili flakes for extra flavour to make a classic Basilicata dish.
Michael highlights the tiny region of Molise, exposing some of its best kept savoury secrets including a multi-layered chicory timbale - a pie filled with fresh chicory, ripe roma tomatoes, prosciutto, pecorino, and breadcrumbs. Michael's primo is a spicy octopus in purgatory. For his secondo, Michael cooks up a traditional marinated rabbit, stewed in wine, tomatoes, and chilies. To finish, Michael whips up light and luscious peaches and cream cookies.
Delving into the cold mountainous region of Valle D'Aosta, Michael whips up four hearty dishes that are sure to warm up any chilly day. Wild mushrooms and lardo on rye, chestnut fettucine with pork and cabbage, stuffed veal cutlets, and hazelnut cookies make up the menu.
Michael celebrates Tuscany's fine cuisine with four of his favourite dishes, including mushroom soup, lamb ragu, porchetta-style duck, and a creamy coffee custard.
Home to popular Italian dishes like Tiramisu, chef Michael Bonacini explores cuisine from Italy’s Veneto region.
Puglia's lush landscape and large coastline characterise its cuisine. Michael explores its native ingredients through some of his favourite Puglian meals. First up, he serves crispy fried mussels, followed by tomato and burrata risotto.
Simplicity is key with Sicilian cuisine and Michael explores just how the region balances simplicity with intensity through four flavourful dishes. He starts with an antipasto of folded flatbread with ricotta and fennel seeds, and a primo of broccoli and sausage rigatoni.
Filled with ruins in its bustling streets, the region of Lazio sticks with grandeur in all it does, including food! To introduce us to Lazio, Michael highlights its Jewish influence with crispy Roman Jewish-style artichokes. As crunchy as a potato chip, Michael's artichokes are a delicious fried treat that are a perfect way to kick off a delicious meal.
Campania's beautiful coastline is filled with two things - tourists and seafood. Diving into the culture of the region, Michael begins his meal with a salad from the Island of Capri. Putting a twist on the classic dish, Michael's grilled Caprese salad combines fresh tomatoes, tangy balsamic, and a hint of sweetness from basil. For his primo, Michael serves up bold flavours with his spaghetti puttanesca.
Michael delves into the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna to discover its iconic cuisine. He starts with mortadella mousse spread on fluffy Modena flatbreads, and tortellini in broth - dish originally from Bologna that can be easily altered to personal taste. For his secondo, Michael uses traditional ingredients and pairs them in a tart, luxurious dish of duck breast with balsamic cherry sauce.
Chef Michael Bonacini explores sweet and spicy dishes hailing from the coastal region of Calabria. For his antipasto, Michael cooks up a light and refreshing brioche with gelato. Switching to spice for the primo, Michael prepares a spicy sausage and ricotta pasta. For his secondo, Michael goes for a hearty lamb au gratin with peas and asparagus.
Full of luxurious treats, the northern Italian region of Lombardy offers rich and delicious cuisine. Chef Michael Bonacini prepares stuffed squash blossoms with a creamy filling of parmesan, anchovies, and nutmeg. To follow, he cooks up a rich risotto Milanese. A feast for your eyes and taste buds, this risotto is coloured by saffron and its floral strands release flavour and colour as it's cooked.
Known for its lush landscape, Umbria is a region that offers fresh, seasonal ingredients perfect for simple yet boldly flavoured cuisine. To begin his Umbrian feast, Chef Michael Bonacini serves up a sweet and spicy antipasto of fried spicy tomato flatbread. For his primo, Michael brings our attention to an Umbrian specialty - truffles! He serves black truffles with light and fluffy gnocchi.
Appreciating island culture, Michael Bonacini explores the enchanting region of Sardegna and its exceptional cuisine. Michael begins his island feast with a taste of the sea through his antipasto of stuffed snails. Next, Michael prepares a luxurious and delicate lobster spaghetti, highlighting the fresh seafood of the region.
One of Italy's quieter regions, Friuli Venezia Guilia offers iconic dishes, waiting to be discovered. Michael Bonacini begins his exploration of the region with his take on a traditional meal - cheese crisp baskets with polenta and mushrooms.
In this heartwarming one-hour holiday special, celebrity chef Michael Bonacini invites us to his cozy farmhouse in Ontario for a charming Christmas feast.
Michael cooks up a traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner, showcasing dishes like salt cod mousse on polenta crostini, pork braised in milk, and a classic Italian dessert, espresso zabaglione with toasted panettone. From Veneto, Sardinia, Calabria, Sicily, and Emilia Romagna, Michael explores the homey Christmas flavours and traditions of these unique Italian regions.
