Friday

Into the Heart of Italy ~ Give Away & A Chance to Win a Culinary Vacation in Italy!




Exciting News!

Recently I was approached by representatives for Bertolli to participate in a give away in conjunction with segment 5 of their 6 part series "Into the Heart of Italy" discovering "Secrets of the Cantina". The adventure features Rocco DiSpirito, Marisa Tomei and Dan Cortese. (Video link below)




The folks at Bertolli have allowed me to host the most generous give-away to date on my blog, and when you click the link above you can also enter to win a chance to win a culinary vacation in Italy!




THE GIVE AWAY



Bertolli sent me a VERY generous gift box filled with wonderful gifts, and requested that I host a food and wine paring party (featuring Bertolli Frozen meals for two) matched with complementary wines then blog about it. I was delighted to participate!



It was so much fun, and the GOOD news is that the lucky winner of "Into the Heart of Italy" Give-Away will receive identical gifts as those that I received, valued at $175.00!:


Here is what the winner will receive:




VIP coupons for four Bertolli Frozen Meals for two that will transport you to Italy in just 10 minutes. [Those equals 8 FREE servings of Bertolli's delicious and easy to prepare entrees!]
PLUS the following:


Two, CB2 (Crate & Barrel 2) "Verona" Pasta Serving Bowls
Four, Crate & Barrel "Rotate" Plates
Crate & Barrel Marble Wine Chiller
Crate & Barrel Wine Decanter
Bertolli Wine Pairing Guide
$50 of gift cards; you can use them to purchase wines complimentary to your meals if you wish.



I incorporated the surprise gifts into the food and wine paring we hosted for 4, and you can see them throughout pictures of our party table.
Following my pictures you'll find details of how to enter the give away.


The winner will receive an envelope like this one, containing the
Bertolli Wine Parings chart, as well as Fifty dollars in American Express Gift Cards.



~*~*~*~*~
Here is how I used my gifts:
It was a beautiful afternoon, which compelled me to set the table out on the lawn so we could enjoy the outdoors.


This was such an easy way to host a party, and I would have no hesitation serving the complete meals for two as party entrees again.
One of the Bertolli entrees I served was Chicken Florentine & Farfalle. (Bowtie shaped pasta and white chicken meat with spinach in a delicious Parmesan cheese sauce), and to my surprise all of this delicious flavor it is prepared in a skillet and ready in just 10 minutes.





To round out the meal I made a simple salad and served bread sticks to nibble on.


Using the wine pairing chart, I chose Pinot Grigio ; a crisp and clean tasting medium-bodied white. Perfect pairing for the chicken dish.


The other pasta dish I served was Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells (with four cheeses in the filling), served in a flavorful tomato-basil sauce. It is from Bertolli's Oven-Baked selection, and grated Parmesan cheese is included to sprinkle over the shells after they have baked. Just arrange the shells and sauce in an oven safe dish, cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes (or 30 minutes in a convection oven), uncover and sprinkle the cheese over and allow it to melt.


The time-saving entrees allowed me more time to take photos, and visit with our guests!
I love the square plates and how they automatically arrange themselves in a spiral shape when stacked. (These are the "Rotate" plates from Crate & Barrel, four are included in the give-away.)



The beautiful marble wine chiller on the left is also one of the gifts.

I can also picture using this as a vase; imagine a big bouquet of white hydrangeas with deep green foliage as a centerpiece ~ striking!







I chose a classic Chianti to complement the flavorful Sausage-4 cheese Shells in Tomato-Basil Sauce. Chianti is Italy's famous Tuscan red wine, full flavored but just mildly acidic. Bella!


Wine pours beautifully from the elegant Crate & Barrel glass wine decanter, another of the gifts the winner will receive.
Serving from a decanter is also a very civilized way to serve (even inexpensive) wine!








I served our salad in the big serving bowls from CB2.


Our winner will receive 2 of these, they make great pasta serving bowls, too.


I served tomatoes and ciliegine (small fresh-mozzarella balls) on skewers atop the spring greens. This method makes for easy serving (and eating) at a casual buffet; each person can grab a skewer, then serve themselves the dressed greens.







I garnished the Sausage & Cheese Stuffed shells with a little fresh oregano, snipped from the herb garden. I also offered additional freshly grated Parmesan (but it wasn't necessary, because everything you need to serve comes in the Bertolli entree pouch.)






Store-bought Italian Grissini (very thin bread sticks). You could make your own, but this kind of party is designed to be easy on the cook!





I honestly couldn't believe how simple this little party was to throw together at the last minute. The food was delicious and I can't say I would have enjoyed the gathering more if I had spent a few hours in the kitchen. A big thank you is in order to the folks at Bertolli!



I believe there are at least 21 Bertolli entree choices; pasta and vegetables combined with meat, chicken, or shrimp ~ so there are plenty of choices to please everyone.


If you follow my blog, you know I'm very much dedicated to serving fresh, homemade, "from scratch" foods, but I must say that the Bertolli frozen entrees I tried have truly impressed me with their high, restaurant quality and ease of preparation.





The Bertolli entrees could easily pass for homemade.












I hope I've helped whet your appetite...
To enter the Give Away:
1.) Watch the following video.
2.) After watching the video leave a comment here describing your favorite part.


3.) If you are a Google-friend follower of my blog (side bar), mention it and your name will be entered twice.






"In this episode, celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and actors Marisa Tomei and Dan Cortese explore Italian wine cellars, learn how to taste wine, visit Montepulciano and prepare Chicken Marsala. But you don’t need to search a wine cellar to enjoy the authentic taste of a slow-simmered wine sauce in your Chicken Marsala. With Bertolli Frozen meals you’re just minutes away from a luscious Italian experience in the comfort of your own home."



All entries for the giveaway must be located in the US.



Entries will be accepted up until May 22nd, 9PM, Pacific time.
Winner will be chosen randomly and announced Sunday, May 23rd.


Good LUCK to all who enter!!






130 comments:

  1. What a great giveaway and gorgeous pictures!

    My favorite part of the video was seeing Italy! I loved traveling to Italy and seeing it again brought back good memories!

    I'm also a follower of your blog. :)

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  2. Oh Mari! My favorite part was the memories of my childhood that this video brought me. Great giveaway!
    xoxo Pattie

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  3. And of course, we are followers!
    xoxo Pattie

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  4. Wow! Thank you for sharing this with us! My favorite part was the beautiful buildings/streets followed by the mouthwatering foods! Dan really added a touch of humor to it too! And "Darn tootin fig newton" I'm an avid follower!

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  5. I am a happy follower of your blog and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this Giveaway! I love Bertolli products anyway. The video was very entertaining. How fun would that have been to be in Marisa Tomei's shoes?! I loved the shop where they started the day and the scavenger hunt would have been fun too.

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  6. Loved the video! I will be in Italy in 4 days~ so of course the scenes are my favorite.
    In fact I will link to this under my Friday's Favorite!
    Bellisimo~

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  7. My favorite part was when they were choosing which wines go with which food. I love italian food and cook it all the time, but never know which wines go best with which dishes.

    I am also an avid follower of your blog.

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  8. I loved the flamming part! Marissa is just so cute I remember her in a great Italian movie with Robert Downey Jr. and Bonnie Hunt! That is one of my favorite movies but can't remember the name of it right now. Since I am not a drinker I loved the cooking segment part of the video and the filming in Italy of course! I would love to win! Oh and I am starting a new linky part next Wed. called Centerpiece Wednesday and would love to have you participate. Stop by and grab my new button to help spread the word. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!
    Oh and I am a follower now. Sorry for the novel. :)
    Karin

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  9. A great giveaway Mari. Favorite Part of the Video - 3 actually.
    1.The cellar with all its beautiful wines.
    2. View from the Ristorante Boccon Di Vino -- the views are amazing
    3.Marsala wine sauce chicken- Mouthwatering!

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  10. Yes, I am a follower and have been for quite some time!

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  11. I loved watching and imagining the Italian honeymoon that my non-existent fiance is going to make me on! (A girl can dream!)

    Follower!

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  12. Wow, what a fabulous give-away. I am a follower and love your blog.

    What a lovely tablescape. I always smile when I see the chicken pitcher from Williams Sonoma. I've always wanted one of those and for some strange reason never got around to buying one.
    Sam

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  13. Loved the scenery!I'm a blog follower. -- Karen

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  14. Wow what an amazing giveaway!
    You know I am a follower and I happen to adore wine from Montepulciano....one of my favorite
    places for Italian wines. I loved the little visit there...
    I will have to give these frozen meals a try...if you say they are good I know they are for sure!
    Everything certainly looks delicious!
    L~xo

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  15. I like the fun they have about looking through the wine celler.
    I have been to Italy a few times and loved the visits each time.

    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  16. Wow! What a great giveaway Mari! My favorite parts of the video were of the vistas and that awesome wine cellar. What an amazing piece of history, right there! Roberto Cipresso reminds me of my Uncle Rocco!

    I would love to entered for a chance to win this great giveaway!

    ~ Tracy

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  17. Wow--what a great giveaway!!! That wine celler was incredible. I would go absolutely nuts with that much good wine within arms reach.

    Krista
    kigallegos at hotmail dot com

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  18. Hi Mari, my hubby is Italian :-) We love Italian food. What's not to like about the video! Probably the vistas would be my favorite. You know I am a follower. I love your tablescape, and Bertolli has some decent products. Very generous of them! Have a nice weekend!

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  19. I have watched these videos and longed to be able to join in. Alas winners can only be in the States...sigh...good luck everyone!!!! This is such a fun giveaway!!

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  20. What a wonderful giveaway! I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and that amazing wine cellar. Wouldn't it be something to win this!

    I'm a long time follower.

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  21. I'm a follower!

    I enjoyed all of the 3 scenes. I thought the scavenger hunt for the cork was cute and pairing was clever. I went to Italy and had alot of Chicken and Potatoes so the chicken marcela reminded me of that.

    Can I just say how tasty the bertoli meals for 2 are. When it was just the 2 of us we ate those all the time. So fast, and so tasty. I don't like salt and those meals just tasted so fresh.

    What a great giveaway!

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  22. I follow you through my google feed reader!
    #1 The view - I want to see it in person
    #2 The French onion soup
    #3 The creme brulee

    Loved your tablescape!

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  23. I must tell you, my husband and I have an RV, and the Bettolli dinners are just PERFECT for traveling. They are quick, filling, and better than any other frozen thing we have tried. Just an FYI.

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  24. My favorite part was the feel of the lovely views; the friendly people; amazing wine cellar and then an inviting meal with pleasant company. Makes me want to go and get some now!
    I am a Google Friend!
    Kathy

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  25. Seeing Siena in the video was beautiful - and your photos are just stunning as always. They could be in any magazine.

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  26. AMAZING pictures!!!!! I love just seeing the scenery in the video...I wish I was there to really see it!

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  27. I liked the scavenger hunt part of the video and Marisa Tomei -- I think she's darling. You have an amazing blog and your photography is beautiful...I can see why they chose you to host such a great blog! Joni

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  28. How exciting! My favorite part of the video was when they were pairing the wine with the food dishes. I am a follower of your blog and hope I win! May 23 happens to be my birthday!

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  29. My favorite part is when the dish flames up and she screams! That is sooo what I would do!

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  30. I am a follower, of course!

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  31. I loved the scavenger hunt! Wow, what a great giveaway! Tati

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  32. My favorite part was the vistas in the Italian countryside and seeing Marisa Tomei jump when they did the flambe.

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  33. I am pouting. Can you see me? Good.

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  34. I am a google follower and can't believe this giveaway! The pics are awesome and how great would it be to visit a wine cellar like that in Italy!

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  35. wow, that is a great giveaway. that chicken pasta looks really good. I couldn't get the video to ever show up....just kept scrolling and scrolling. I'll try again another day.

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  36. Mary, I can see why you were asked to host this amazing Giveway. You really know how to entertain in style.

    Ann

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  37. I made a comment earlier but I forget to say that I am a new follower. Tati

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  38. You sure put on a lovely party! Everything looked great and if the food tastes 1/2 as good as it looks then it has to be wonderful!

    I really enjoyed the video too. It was fun. I enjoyed the whole thing really. It was fun to see them searching for the bottle of wine to fit the cork, trying to pick the correct wines with the dish and then going to learn to cook a wonderful meal.

    I also enjoyed seeing the Blue Hour that was captured on film as they ate.

    This is a super give away and I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I would be to win. I've always wanted to go Italy so winning this giveaway would allow me to have a great tablescape and meal to serve outside and dream that I was there!

    Thanks for the chance to enter.

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  39. Oh and of course I'm a follower! I love your blog and have stalked I mean followed your blog way before this giveaway :)

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  40. How fantastic!! I've been following this series, so fun!

    My fav part was watching them meandering through the old wine cellars trying to find that one bottle of wine. Being Italian myself, what a great opportunity to visit my homeland!

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  41. I enjoyed that! My fav part was the wine cellar and when they found the message in the bottle!
    Victoria S.
    I LOVE YOUR BLOG!

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  42. Excellent giveaway...Dan is a man after my own heart, "I'm not a fan of sweet wines, but I powered it down anyway." I'm a follower~ beautiful food & table...Darn Tootin' Fig Newton!

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  43. Saturday morning, 7:21am Central time....tried to view video but a little blue robot figure popped on the screen and prompt said "sorry, this video is no longer available" - ??

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  44. I enjoyed this video so much, as a culinary student one of the best things to do is food pairings and of course tasting and learning about what you have prepared. I w ould so much love to take a culinary tour through Italy- its like no other country. My favorit part if I have to choose a favorite part is imagining the taste of the chicken marsala and the wine- my mouth is watering now at the thought, plus I haven't eaten yet today. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  45. Wow! Loved the video and think the giveaway is fabulous! My favorite part of the video was the wine cellar... "Wine heaven." That, plus Marisa and the views of Italy. Food, wine, architecture, people... what's not to love! ;-)

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  46. This video only made me want to visit my homeland! I can only imagine! I loved the wine cellar, the view from the restaurant, and the flambe of the Marsala wine!! I hope I can be the winner of your giveaway!

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  47. Oh, and I am a follower, also!

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  48. I like the wine tasting and food pairing part. I am a blog follower of your site. Love it.

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  49. The wine cellar, the view from the restaurant, the luscious looking dishes at the winery... they're all pretty good but, when you've been smitten by Marisa since My Cousin Vinny, well, you just can't help but smile at the little scream when the flambe ignites. What can I say, that's amore.

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  50. My favorite part was the scenery...I think I have a past life in Italy. The videos are quite fun, I have been watching and entering the contests since the beginning, such luscious food and wine.
    Their romps through the towns and countryside amusing(message in a bottle).
    I enjoy the Bertolli with the Shrimp Asparagus and Penne, it is one of my favorites.
    Wonderful giveaway, thanks.

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  51. I love seeing the scenery and the wine cellar. We plan on going to Italy this September (25th anniversary) and can't wait to eat and drink and see all that Italy has to offer. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway. I just happened on to your blog today and will now be a follower :)

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  52. My favorite part of the video was the architecture - oh how I would love to see it in person.

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  53. I loved the scenery! Italy is on our list - and I would LOVE to win this giveaway.

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  54. I forgot to mention- I'm now a follower.

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  55. What an entertaining video! I've always wanted to travel to Italy, and this just increases that desire.

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  56. I loved the scenery of Italy and the old wine cellar was amazing! I guess my favorite in the video was the preparation of the chicken marsala. Made me hungry!

    Miss Bloomers

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  57. I have been a follower for quite some time..love your blog and all the fabulous recipes and presentation.

    Miss Bloomers

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  58. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. I am a follower of your wonderful blog.
    My favorite part of the video is Marisa screams as the flames jump up.

    Donna

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  59. First of all this video and your post has made me extremely hungry : ) I wish I had some Bertolli chicken marsala right now!!! Of course I would love to win your giveaway so I could eat in style like your post.

    My favorite part of the video was the view from the restaurant. It was breathtaking - looked just like a painting. Actually, the whole video was very fun to watch!

    I am a follower!

    caren

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  60. My favorite part is when they're cooking Chicken Marsala. I love cooking and I hope to be able to make this someday too. (Oh and I love Marisa Tomei! :D)

    I'm a google follower of your blog.

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  61. The view from the restaurant window.
    I'm a follower.
    Mimi

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  62. My favorite part of the video was the view from the restaurant. That looked amazing.

    I subscribe to your blog through Google Reader.

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  63. Hi Mari....fabulous give-away. I have been following this series on the t.v. and on the internet...Love that little Italian mushroom man...in this video I loved the wine cellar....and the fact that Dan had on the exact same Norma Kamali black and white checked shirt that I just bought....I bought a womens version ofcourse!....

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  64. Oh I yes...I am a follower..I never miss a post!

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  65. I liked both the wine store in the basement and the wine circus. I think these are clever and lots of fun to watch.
    I check your blog regularly, but I have the Google-Reader, too.

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  66. wonderful pictures, the food is outstanding. OMG...what a great prize this is.

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  67. This is a very generous giveaway, and I am glad to hear that they asked you to host it. You certainly did a great job in making Bertolli products look their best.

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  68. I am a follower! I loved the cellar because it was astonishing seeing all those wines but I think my favorite moment was the reveal of that view at the restaurant .. it just took my breath away!

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  69. I discovered Bertoli entrees a while back and love them...I would really like the recipe for the chicken marsala...but my favorite part was when Dan said, "Darn tootin' Fig Newton!" It reminded me of my dad who used to say that all the time!

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  70. I so enjoy your blog and what a great video! I use Bertolli product not just for the convience but for the great quality. Thanks for sharing...

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  71. It was a fun scavenger hunt type of a trip, but I liked the wine cellar, it was a step back in time and would be a fun place to explore.

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  72. I loved the expression "wonderland of Wine" & "wine heaven" - great video

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  73. I think my favorite part was the reminder of pairing foods with appropriate wines. Oh,I also loved the scenes in Italy! I am a follower!

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  74. I am an avid follower and just loved seeing Italy. It just makes me want to see it in person that much more.

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  75. My favorite part of the video was to place myself there tasting the wine and then cooking. I have always wanted to visit Italy which is where my family is from. To be given the opportunity to see my heritage would be a dream to true. I enjoy cooking and would love to join them. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy the video...

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  76. I follow your blog regularly and use your recipes and your wonderful cooking tips! thanks!
    I love the part when Marisa laughs at the flames and I loved the view from dining room window! It's a fantastic giveaway~

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  77. The wine cellar with the dusty bottles was very cool. And I'm a follower!

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  78. Oh my goodness, Mari...what a super-D-duper give-away!! I am bouncing in my chair with excitement!
    You certainly did their products justice with this wonderful table setting in the garden.

    We LOVE the Bertolli frozen entrees (shrimp is our favorite) & I always keep on in the freezer for nights when I'm too tired to cook.

    I am a Google follower & have been for ages. :-)

    Marisa Tomei has been a favorite actress since she was in The Paper & seeing her between these two hunks was wonderful, especially at the Boccon de Vino with those vistas....sheer Heaven!

    I'm running off to enter the contest for the trip at that first link. Thanks so much for giving us the chance to win something so spectacular!!!

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  79. I just stumbled upon your blog and I love it! I know I will definitely be visiting again!

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  80. What a delicious post! I have used Bertolli olive oil since I taught my first Italian cooking class. I always have an open bottle and two waiting in the pantry. As a cooking instructor, I would never have admitted to having a "dinner in my freezer". I now have several of the Bertolli frozen meals always on hand--just in case--and never feel I have to apologize. My favorite part of the video? There are many. The little glimpses of the amazing "light" in Siena, the dusty bottles of tempting wines in the cellar, the gusto of the diners are a few. And, yes, I am a follower of your always enjoyed blog.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  81. Even though it is 8 am I am now craving Italian food--I think I will check out those scrumptious looking Bertolli stuffed shells. My favorite part of this post was your beautiful table, as usual, and as for the video, I am oohing and aahing over the scenes of Italy itself. It is a beautiful country and I would love to go back! Linda

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  82. My favorite part is when the have the wine pairing challenge.

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  83. I like it when Rocca says he's not crazy about sweet wines..seriously that does - not - compute.

    What a fantastic prize package!

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  84. What an amazing table display. I might have to make some pasta tonight.

    My favorite part of the video was the view of Italy when they arrived at Boccon di Sino.

    I'm a Google-friend follower.

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  86. What a treat to visit such a magnificient wine cellar and prepare the marsala sauce with marsala wine from there.

    Beautiful presentation of the prepared Bertolli dishes on the table of "giveaways".

    Once my daughter gets home with my car I am off to the store for Bertolli Chicken Marsala and Roasted Potatoes.

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  87. What a wonderful give away and so generous. I always love your site....that's why I come back often!

    My favorite part was the very beginning...the coffee shop that must turn into a wine seller in the afternoon ;)

    Thank you!
    BG

    ps(I only temporarily live in Brasil...I also have a US address. Hope I still qualify!)

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  88. What a great giveaway! My favorite was the amazing view from the restaurant Boccon di Sino. Thank you for sharing!
    Kirstin
    tkzm2j2@msn.com

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  89. I loved visiting Italy (some years ago)! This video reminded me so much of a great trip. Now I'm hungry for Italian food.

    Carol
    ccg2420@aol.com

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  90. I have made Chicken Marsala for special occassions and everyone loves it. I imagine using a really great wine like the one in the video makes all the difference. I will have to try the frozed dinner version to see how it compares to my recipe!

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  91. What a great giveaway! I loved the trip into the wine cellar, how fun!! To be honest I have never tried the Bertolli dishes, this makes me think I should!!

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  92. I am a follower and love your blog. Thanks!!

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  93. The beautiful photos of Italy have longing for a trip.

    Also I am a follower.

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  94. What a wonderful giveaway! Your pictures alone make me want to try their products! They look delicious! I really liked seeing Italy in the video, as it's on my list of places to visit. My husband and I are big wine drinkers, so I was envious of the giant wine cellar that their scavenger hunt took them to.

    I am your newest follower! ;)

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  95. Mari, what exquisite photographs! And what an amazing giveaway! I would love to be entered for this. I have never been to Italy, but my father had a distant cousin who retired there and always told us how amazing it was. He had a villa called Ripar Bella just outside of Pisa. So, yes, PLEASE enter my name for this drawing. Thanks much!

    Happy Tablescape Thursday...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  96. If this isn't the most fantastic give away!!! Please enter me for a chance to win. My favorite part of the video was the view from the dining table at the restaurant. Oh how I would love to sit at that table!

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  97. I am a follower of your blog. Please give me another chance to win!

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  98. I love your simple setting that highlights this delicious looking food. Everything looks wonderful! Ah, Italy. I will probably never get there but seeing photos and video is the next best thing!

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  99. Loved the friendship during cooking and dinning... it's always more fun with a gathering!
    I am a follower of your blog thank you!

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  100. Your table setting outside is just perfect! My favorite part of the video is the large wine cellar and seeing how Italians, prepare meals, eat and dine with the wines and of course, the scenery....Christine

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  101. Of course I love the part where they actually get to sit down to a great meal of chicken Marsala and roasted potatoes, but I also appreciated the quick glimpse we got of the tremendous view of the Italian countryside. Ooh, to go there!

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  102. As of today, I'm a follower, so I'd love another entry into this great contest!

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  103. I love it all, and with very little effort I can feel the air and taste the flavors!

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  104. I love it all, and with very little effort I can feel the air and taste the flavors!

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  105. Veal marsala- this is actually one of my very favorite!!!!!!! I also love the wonderul Italian people!
    This is a wonderfully generous giveaway! You know I am a follower.
    Pease enter me.
    Thanks! I also entered the contest to go to Italy.
    Yvonne

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  106. My favorite part is the scenery.
    Geri

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  107. I follow (and love) your blog. And my favorite part of the video was when the chef flame bayed the marsala sauce and the gal jumped! hahahaha... famous last words...

    Great give away!
    And I really love Bertroli frozen meals! ALOT!

    Have a great week end!
    ~Rainey~

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  108. Hi Mari - I've tried 3 times to watch the video, but it's not loading for some reason. But after reading all the wonderful comments you've gotten, I'll keep trying!

    At any rate, wow, what a generous offer. I wish I knew how many gallons of Bertolli EVOO we as a family have consumed over the years - gallons and gallons and gallons. I haven't tried the frozen entrees, however I do like their pasta sauce so I'm sure the entrees are equally delicious!

    I've been a follower of your blog for a long time! Now let me try again to watch that video!

    :)
    ButterYum

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  109. Mari- What a generous giveaway. I have used their olive oil for years and started buying the entrees some when my nest emptied--it' perfect for just the two of us. Your photos are just beautiful and it looks like you spent all day in the kitchen :) I think maybe my favorite part of the video is that cute Dan Cortese :) I've been a follower for a long time!

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  110. Thank you! I enjoyed watching them pair up the right wine with the right food. I think that would be fun!

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  111. What a great giveaway. Looks like you had fun with it. I loved the part in the wine cellar and the beautiful view of Italy.

    Your pictures were amazing.

    I am a follower:)

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  112. Wow, Mary! I loved going into the wine cellar and the tastings, but then I loved the cooking part, too! I loved it all!

    Can't wait to try these...Chicken Marsala is a longtime favorite :-)

    And I have been a happy follower for a while now.

    Diane

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  113. Wouldn't it be fun to visit that amazing beauty? Your food looks mighty tasty and love the rooster.

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  114. Those dishes are so beautiful! I liked seeing the Italian architecture in the video - I really loved seeing the old wine cellars!

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  115. Definitely going to start following you...your pictures are lovely!

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  116. This is my first time at your blog and I am SO impressed. Following on google reader now. :)

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  117. The scavenger hunt was fun. Watching them cook was great too.

    kristisdeasls1 at yahoo dot com

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  118. I am a new GFC follower.
    kristisdeals1 at yahoo dot com

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  119. Okay, the wine cellar at Vini Liquor was REALLY impressive, but being a food nerd, I think my favorite part of all was the beautiful red flame on the chicken marsala flambe.

    (I'm totally a google friend. <3 )

    I love your blog. You make me happy.

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  120. The scenes of Italy were heartbreakingly beautiful! I've always wanted to go!! I also love the wine cellar... my goodness, I don't think you would be able to get me out of there!

    I am a follower! And I'm so happy that I am!

    -April

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  121. My favorite parts were the wine cellar and the choosing of the wines AND I love Marisa Tormei.
    I will add that I love Bertolli frozen entrees being a one person household they're very convenient for me and makes several meals. Just add a salad...
    I'm a follower, too.

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  122. I enjoyed the segment very much. It was all fun but I especially enjoyed the making of the Chicken Marsala.

    I've never tried Bertolli's frozen entrees but since you've given such a good review, it's definitely going on my menu for next week.

    I'm a follower - thank you for another great giveaway!

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  123. My favorite part is when they were searching the wine cellar with the cork clue and they found a $15,000 bottle of wine.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

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  124. I follow on GFC.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

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Thank you for your comments, friends ~ they make my day!

A Sampling of my food . . .

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