1.
Which of the following is served as a raw beef appetizer in Italy?
Correct Answer
C. Carpaccio
Explanation
Carpaccio is served as a raw beef appetizer in Italy. It is made by thinly slicing raw beef and typically served with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and sometimes topped with shaved Parmesan cheese. The dish is named after the Italian painter Vittore Carpaccio, who was known for his use of vibrant red tones in his artwork, which resembled the color of the thinly sliced beef.
2.
What popular Italian cookie is traditionally flavored with anise?
Correct Answer
A. Biscotti
Explanation
Biscotti is a popular Italian cookie that is traditionally flavored with anise. Anise is a spice that has a licorice-like flavor, which adds a unique taste to the biscotti. This flavoring is a traditional choice for biscotti in Italy and is loved by many. Biscotti are known for their crunchy texture and are often enjoyed by dipping them in coffee or wine.
3.
Which of the following is a large, tubular Italian pasta that is often stuffed with cheese?
Correct Answer
A. Manicotti
Explanation
Manicotti is a large, tubular Italian pasta that is often stuffed with cheese. It is a traditional Italian dish made by stuffing the pasta tubes with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, and then baking it in a tomato sauce. Manicotti is known for its rich and creamy texture, making it a popular choice for pasta lovers. Macaroni, Minestrone, and Mantecato are not specifically known for being stuffed with cheese, making Manicotti the correct answer.
4.
In what shape will a diner find a piece of Italian Trenne pasta formed?
Correct Answer
C. Triangle
Explanation
A piece of Italian Trenne pasta is formed in the shape of a triangle. This type of pasta is typically made by rolling small pieces of dough into long tubes, then cutting them diagonally to form triangular shapes. The triangular shape allows the pasta to hold sauce and other ingredients better, making it a popular choice for dishes like pasta salads or baked pasta casseroles.
5.
Which of the following items is an Italian flat bread, often served with olive oil?
Correct Answer
A. Focaccia
Explanation
Focaccia is an Italian flat bread that is often served with olive oil. It is a popular bread in Italian cuisine and is known for its soft and chewy texture. Focaccia is typically topped with various ingredients such as herbs, cheese, and vegetables. It is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a sandwich bread. Pumpernickel, Scali, and Challah are not Italian flat breads and are not typically served with olive oil.
6.
Which of the following items is a traditional Italian soup?
Correct Answer
C. Zuppa
Explanation
Zuppa is a traditional Italian soup. It is a term used to describe various types of soups in Italian cuisine. The word "zuppa" literally means "soup" in Italian. It can refer to a wide range of soups, such as Zuppa Toscana, Zuppa di Pesce, or Zuppa di Pomodoro. These soups are typically made with fresh ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and sometimes meat or seafood. Zuppa is a popular and beloved dish in Italian cuisine, known for its comforting and flavorful qualities.
7.
Which of these varieties of pasta is the tiniest?
Correct Answer
A. Acini Di Pepe
Explanation
Acini Di Pepe is the tiniest variety of pasta among the options given. Acini Di Pepe translates to "peppercorns" in Italian, and the pasta is shaped like small beads or grains of pepper. It is often used in soups or salads due to its small size, which allows it to cook quickly and evenly.
8.
What is "Abbacchio"?
Correct Answer
C. Baby Lamb
Explanation
"Abbacchio" refers to baby lamb in Italian cuisine. This term is commonly used to describe a young lamb that is typically less than a month old. It is a delicacy in many Italian dishes and is known for its tender and flavorful meat.
9.
Which of these is least likely to be in a recipe for lasagna?
Correct Answer
B. Bananas
Explanation
Bananas are least likely to be in a recipe for lasagna because they are a sweet fruit and do not typically complement the savory flavors of lasagna. Lasagna is traditionally made with ingredients such as beef, spinach, and sometimes seafood, but bananas would not be a common or expected ingredient in this dish.
10.
What Italian pastry was immortalized in a line from the 1972 film "The Godfather"?
Correct Answer
A. Cannoli
Explanation
In the 1972 film "The Godfather," a line immortalized the Italian pastry known as cannoli. This suggests that cannoli played a significant role or had a memorable mention in the movie. Cannoli is a traditional Italian dessert consisting of a fried pastry shell filled with a sweet, creamy filling usually made with ricotta cheese. Its popularity and cultural significance make it a likely choice for being mentioned in a classic film like "The Godfather."
11.
Which of these is not a type of seafood used in Italian cuisine?
Correct Answer
D. Cedro
Explanation
Cedro is not a type of seafood used in Italian cuisine. It is actually a type of citrus fruit commonly known as citron. Italian cuisine is known for its extensive use of seafood, including dishes like calamari, shrimp, and various types of fish. However, cedro is not one of the seafood options commonly used in Italian cooking.
12.
In Italian cooking, what are salvio, timo, prezzemolo and basilico?
Correct Answer
D. Commonly Used Herbs
Explanation
Salvio, timo, prezzemolo, and basilico are commonly used herbs in Italian cooking. These herbs add flavor and aroma to various dishes and are essential ingredients in many Italian recipes. Salvio is known as sage, timo is thyme, prezzemolo is parsley, and basilico is basil. These herbs are used in a variety of Italian dishes, including pasta sauces, soups, and meat dishes, to enhance the overall taste and bring out the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine.
13.
What is Italian Mascarpone cheese made with?
Correct Answer
D. Cream
Explanation
Italian Mascarpone cheese is made with cream. This rich and creamy cheese is traditionally made from the cream that is skimmed off the top of cow's milk. The cream is heated, then an acid or culture is added to coagulate it. The resulting curds are then drained and the cheese is left to age, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture. Mascarpone is a versatile cheese that is commonly used in desserts like tiramisu, as well as in savory dishes.
14.
What is "Anatra"?
Correct Answer
C. Duck
Explanation
Anatra is the Italian word for "duck". Therefore, the correct answer is "Duck".
15.
In Italian cuisine, what sort of sauce is "agliata"?
Correct Answer
B. Garlic
Explanation
"Agliata" is an Italian sauce that is made primarily with garlic. It is a traditional sauce in Italian cuisine and is typically made by blending or crushing garlic cloves with olive oil, vinegar, and sometimes bread or nuts. The name "agliata" itself is derived from the Italian word for garlic, "aglio." Garlic is known for its strong flavor and aroma and is commonly used in Italian cooking to add depth and richness to various dishes. Therefore, the correct answer is garlic.