PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA SUPPORTS POPULAR ITALIAN TV COOKING SHOW

20.06.2007

The Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma is pleased to announce that it has become an official underwriter of the TV series Ciao Italia, America’s longest running cooking program, with host Mary Ann Esposito. The sponsorship is a joint venture with the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano and made possible through a program grant from the European Union.

Seen on over 170 affiliate PBS stations throughout the country, the 18th season of Ciao Italia provides 26 entertaining episodes of some of the best, most authentic, traditional Italian cooking being offered today. Joining Mary Ann nella cucina, or “in the kitchen,” this season is a cast of notable guests who share Mary Ann’s passion for Italian cooking. Some highlights include: Food Network celebrity chef and cookbook author Sara Moulton in front of a live audience to cook a sumptuous Eggplant Timballi with Tomato Sauce, French Toasted Mozzarella and Prosciutto di Parma Sandwich, and, for salad, Grilled Radicchio; Italian and Latin flavors join hands when Daisy Martinez, cookbook author and host of PBS’s Daisy Cooks, joins Mary Ann as they offer their takes on classic stuffed pepper dishes; PBS celebrity chef Martin Yan brings his Asian flavors to Mary Ann’s kitchen.

In addition to Mary Ann’s exciting guest chef lineup this season, she also goes on location in Rome, Italy to deliver the country’s culture and history direct into viewers’ living rooms. “To me Ciao Italia is more than just a cooking program,” say Chef Esposito. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate for viewers the depth and meaning of Italian culture. Ciao Italia captures the passion and the tradition of Italian cooking that has been passed down from generation to generation and preserves it for posterity.”