Italian police break up banquet with bear meat on the menu

Italian police broke up a summer banquet staged by a party in the Italian government after discovering that illegal bear meat was on the menu.

The Brown bear burgers and kebabs were part of the menu on offer at the rally held by the Northern League, key allies of Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister.

Armed officers stormed into the venue at Imer near Trento after they heard how 50kg of bear meat was due to be cooked. Hunting bear is banned in Italy and the meat had been imported from neighbouring Slovenia.

There was tension as the meat was seized from refrigerators with police saying that ''documentation'' was not in order and so the meat could not be eaten.

Furious members of the Northern League booed and jeered as the packets were collected and taken away and menus had the words bear scrawled out as the event continued.

Posters for the event had openly advertised the fact bear meat - which is seen as a delicacy in north east Italy - was on the menu and recipes have been handed down from generation to generation.

Enzo Erminio Boso, a Northern League senator, told the 200 strong crowd:''We have been told that he documentation is not in order to eat the bear meat and this is an order that has come direct from Rome.

''On Monday I will be calling Umberto Bossi (Northern League party leader) and telling him that we should leave the ruling coalition immediately. The paperwork is in order and this is an attempt to stop our traditions.''

In Italy bears are a protected species due to their dwindling numbers and the police intervention was welcomed by conservation groups.
Read more

Valentines Day Desserts

Every year February 14th approaches and everyone anticipates it. Whether excited or depressed, Americans still recognize the significance of the day.

Surprise your Valentine with home-made treats this holiday! If it’s because you’re on a budget or just want a quiet night alone, homemade desserts are a great way to show how much you care.

There are a lot of choices to choose from when it comes to desserts. What’s important is to keep your significant other’s palate in mind. Below we have a couple of suggestions for simple, but delicious desserts.

Every year February 14th approaches and everyone anticipates it. Whether excited or depressed, Americans still recognize the significance of the day.

Surprise your Valentine with home-made treats this holiday! If it’s because you’re on a budget or just want a quiet night alone, homemade desserts are a great way to show how much you care.

There are a lot of choices to choose from when it comes to desserts. What’s important is to keep your significant other’s palate in mind. Below we have a couple of suggestions for simple, but delicious desserts.

Strawberries Filled with Cream:
This recipe is sweet and a different take on a typical strawberry dessert.
Ingredients:

• 16-18 large strawberries
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2-3 (24-36 grams)tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Cut off strawberry stems so that the fruit can lie sit upright.
2. Using a large knife, cut an “X” into the strawberry almost to the bottom.
3. Push open the strawberry’s “petals” gently.
4. Set aside while you make the cream filling.
5. In a medium sized bowl, whip the marscarpone cheese and whipping cream until soft.
6. Add sugar and vanilla and whip until stiff peaks form
7. Add the cream into the strawberry openings. This is best performed by using a pastry bag with a star tip.
8. Cover and put in the fridge until ready to serve.

Molten Chocolate Cakes
Make individual chocolate cakes to easily share with a loved one.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 6 ounces (170 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
• 4 6-8 ounce molds, ramekins, or custard cups

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Butter cups generously and then set aside
3. Place a heatproof bowl above a pan with simmering water, melt butter and chocolate in the bowl and then set aside.
4. Add egg yolks and 1/3 cup of sugar in a separate bowl and beat with an electric mixer until pale, thick and fluffy. Then add in vanilla extract and melted chocolate mixture.
5. In another bowl, whip egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar and whip until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar and continue whipping until peaks are stiff.
6. Gently (over mixing will deflate batter) add eggs into chocolate mixture
7. Pour batter into molds. Place on baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and let molds sit for a few minutes.
9. Feel free to add sugar or whip cream on top.

These two desserts are just a few ideas for Valentines. With many more recipes accessible at your fingertips, there are lots of sweet ways to share with your significant other on this special holiday. Also, don’t forget, if you’re not great in the kitchen, a chef can make these to perfection at a romantic restaurant as well.
For more