1.
Which of these is not a cured Italian meat?
Correct Answer
A. Ajada
Explanation
Ajada is not a cured Italian meat. Bresaola, Coppa, and Speck are all examples of cured Italian meats. Ajada is not a known cured meat in Italian cuisine.
2.
What are the deep-fried Italian dessert cavazoons or "St. John's Pants" made of?
Correct Answer
A. Cici Beans (Chick Peas)
Explanation
Cavazoons or "St. John's Pants" are deep-fried Italian desserts made of Cici Beans, also known as Chick Peas. These beans are ground into a paste and mixed with other ingredients to form a dough, which is then fried until crispy. The resulting dessert has a crunchy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.
3.
Granchio is Italian for what seafood?
Correct Answer
B. Crab
Explanation
Granchio is the Italian word for crab. Therefore, the correct answer is crab.
4.
In Italian cooking, what are capers?
Correct Answer
B. Flower Buds
Explanation
Capers are flower buds that are commonly used in Italian cooking. They add a tangy and salty flavor to dishes and are often used in pasta sauces, salads, and fish dishes. The buds are harvested before they bloom and are then pickled or salted to preserve their flavor.
5.
How is the cheese in the appetizer "Mozzarella Impanata" prepared?
Correct Answer
A. Fried In A Skillet
Explanation
The cheese in the appetizer "Mozzarella Impanata" is prepared by frying it in a skillet.
6.
What is the Italian dessert tartufo made with?
Correct Answer
D. Ice Cream
Explanation
Tartufo is an Italian dessert made with ice cream. It typically consists of a ball of ice cream filled with a fruit or nut center, covered in a chocolate shell. The ice cream used in tartufo can be any flavor, such as chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. The combination of the creamy ice cream, flavorful filling, and rich chocolate coating makes tartufo a delicious and indulgent dessert.
7.
What color is the crocus flower that saffron comes from?
Correct Answer
C. Light Purple
Explanation
The crocus flower that saffron comes from is light purple.
8.
What is goose in Italian?
Correct Answer
D. Oca
Explanation
The correct answer is "Oca" because "Oca" is the Italian word for "goose". Mascarpone, Olio, and Magro are not translations for "goose" in Italian.
9.
The name of the Italian dessert "tiramisu" means what?
Correct Answer
C. Pick Me Up
Explanation
The correct answer is "Pick Me Up." Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that is known for its rich and creamy texture. The name "tiramisu" translates to "pick me up" in Italian, which is fitting because the dessert is often enjoyed as a pick-me-up due to its indulgent flavors and caffeine from the coffee used in its preparation.
10.
What is one name for wagon wheel shaped pasta?
Correct Answer
A. Ruote
Explanation
Ruote is one name for wagon wheel-shaped pasta.
11.
What kind of milk is used to make pecorino cheese?
Correct Answer
A. Sheep's
Explanation
Pecorino cheese is made from sheep's milk. Pecorino is an Italian cheese that gets its name from the Italian word "pecora," which means sheep. It is a hard cheese with a distinct flavor and is commonly used in Italian cuisine. Sheep's milk is preferred for making pecorino cheese because it has a higher fat content compared to other types of milk, which contributes to the cheese's rich and creamy texture.
12.
What shape is the pasta called chiocciole?
Correct Answer
C. Shell
Explanation
The correct answer is "Shell" because chiocciole is a type of pasta that is shaped like a shell.
13.
What shape is the Christmas bread pandoro made in Verona, Italy?
Correct Answer
D. Star
Explanation
Pandoro is a traditional Christmas bread made in Verona, Italy, and it is typically shaped like a star. The star shape is created by baking the dough in a special star-shaped mold. This unique shape adds to the festive and decorative aspect of the bread, making it a popular choice during the holiday season.
14.
Fragole is Italian for what fruit?
Correct Answer
A. Strawberry
Explanation
Fragole is the Italian word for strawberry. This is evident from the fact that strawberry is the only fruit mentioned in the given options that is commonly associated with the Italian word "Fragole". The other options such as grape, blueberry, and apple do not correspond to the Italian translation of "Fragole". Therefore, the correct answer is strawberry.
15.
How long is Italian "tradizionale extra vecchio" balsamic vinegar aged for?
Correct Answer
D. Twenty-Five Years
Explanation
Italian "tradizionale extra vecchio" balsamic vinegar is aged for twenty-five years. This type of balsamic vinegar is known for its high quality and intense flavor, which is achieved through a long and careful aging process. The vinegar is aged in wooden barrels for a minimum of twenty-five years, allowing it to develop its rich and complex taste. This lengthy aging process is what sets "tradizionale extra vecchio" balsamic vinegar apart from other types of balsamic vinegar.
16.
Which Italian doughnut, sometimes cream-filled, is a popular dessert served on St. Joseph's Day?
Correct Answer
A. Zeppole
Explanation
Zeppole is a popular Italian doughnut that is often filled with cream. It is commonly served as a dessert on St. Joseph's Day.
17.
The name of the Italian Colomba Cake comes from the Italian word for what bird?
Correct Answer
B. Pigeon
Explanation
The correct answer is Pigeon. The Italian Colomba Cake is named after the Italian word for pigeon because of its shape, which resembles a flying dove or pigeon. This traditional Italian Easter cake is often made in the shape of a dove and is typically flavored with citrus zest and studded with candied fruits and almonds. The name "Colomba" also symbolizes peace and is a popular treat during the Easter season in Italy.
18.
What is a traditional Italian first course at a Christmas dinner?
Correct Answer
A. Tortellini
Explanation
Tortellini is a traditional Italian first course at a Christmas dinner. It is a type of pasta that is typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and served in a broth or sauce. It is a popular dish during the holiday season in Italy and is often enjoyed as a warm and comforting meal to start off the Christmas dinner.
19.
What is an Italian term for horseradish?
Correct Answer
B. Rafano
Explanation
Rafano is the correct answer because it is the Italian term for horseradish.
20.
Which of the following is an Italian cheese that originates in the Veneto region?
Correct Answer
D. Siago
Explanation
Siago is an Italian cheese that originates in the Veneto region. It is a type of hard cheese that is made from cow's milk. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, and a firm and grainy texture. Siago is often used in cooking and is commonly grated over pasta dishes or salads. It is also enjoyed on its own as a table cheese.
21.
On what occasion in Italy are you likely to encounter a Colomba Cake?
Correct Answer
C. Easter
Explanation
During Easter in Italy, it is common to encounter a Colomba Cake. This traditional Italian cake is shaped like a dove and is typically enjoyed during the Easter holiday. It is a symbol of peace and resurrection, and its sweet and soft texture makes it a popular treat during this time of year.