An Italian meal consists of many courses. Antipasti, the first course, consists of an array of salads. The salad may include cheese such as fresh mozzarella, and meats such as salami and prosciutto, as well as artichokes and olives. The second course, Primi, is a pasta or rice dish. The sauces served with the second course may vary. Protein makes up the Secondi or the third course. This might include fish, meat, poultry, or eggs. Secondi does not normally come with a side dish. The Contorni, or side dish, is served next. Contorni is often vegetables, or a salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Another important part of the Italian meal is Formaggi, or the cheese. A variety of cheeses are served before dessert. Lastly comes Dolci, or dessert. Tiramisù can be found on just about any menu, as well as a variety of cakes and tortes.

Northern Italy, which includes Val d'Aosta, Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, The Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, varies from central and Southern Italian cuisine in a variety of ways. While each region has its own distinctions, Northern Italy as a whole tends to use creamier sauces (more dairy, less tomato), puts more emphasis on the use of herbs, and makes use of butter over olive oil.

Central Italy is known for its simplicity, balance, and use of olive oil, grains, and seasonal produce. Central Italian cooking uses less pasta and risotto. The regions of Tuscany, Umbria, The Marches, Latium, and Abruzzo make up central Italy.

Campania, Molise, Apulia, Bascilicata, Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia make up Southern Italy. This region is characterized by its tomato sauces, pizza, pasta, use of spices (especially chili peppers and garlic), and cheese. The birthplace of pizza, Naples, and Italy's largest producer of olive oil, Apulia, can both be found in Southern Italy.

Won't be making a trip to Italy any time soon? Get into the spirit with these delicious Italian dishes. Please have Adult Supervision while making these recipes, and Enjoy!!

• Meatballs
• Marinara Sauce
• Pesto
• Fried Eggplant
• Pizza
• Stromboli
• Fried Dough

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