Italian cuisine as a national cuisine known today has evolved from centuries of social and political change. Its roots can be traced back to 4th century BC through to the introduction of notable chefs such as Maestro Martino who cooked an elegant refined Italian cuisine. The cuisine significantly changed with discovery of the New World helped shape much of what is known as Italian cuisine today with introduction of items as potatoes, tomatoes, bell pepper and maize, which are all central parts of the cuisine but were not introduced in scale until the 18th century.Ingredients and dishes vary by region. There are many significant regional dishes that have become both national and regional. Many dishes that were once regional, however, have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. Cheese and wine are also a major part of the cuisine, playing different roles both regionally and nationally with their many variations and Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) (regulated appellation) laws. Coffee, and more specifically espresso has become highly important to the cultural cuisine of Italy.

Why has lackluster restaurant service become the norm? Not your standard rant-and-rave about cold coffee, hastily cleared dishes and haughty servers, but industry commentary on the effect of profits vs. losses on old fashioned hospitality.

This is a favorite dish in our family, especially in the hard cold winter months. Only 47 days until spring, dish it up tonight and think ‘warm thoughts’ .

Delicious and good for you, Lima Bean Soup is the perfect dish to serve to warm your family in times of harsh winter cold! This simple recipe takes only a short time to prepare and is great for those on a budget. As an added treat, find out some interesting information about the benefits of eating beans. Don't forget to leave a comment!

The old flaming bag of dog poo has entered the digital age. With services like PooYoo! now available, you can send poop to anyone via traditional mail...for a nominal fee. In the spirit of free enterprise, ExtremelyFunny.info is offering a free virtual alternative.

They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but when this Florida architect saw a job advertisement in the local paper for a position she believed was her current job, with her own bosses number attached and, thinking she would be fired, decided to meter out her own punishment.