Your next summer menu doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. I’m sharing what we’ve been cooking lately at Gia’s Italian Kitchen, starting with a seriously satisfying quinoa salad that’s built for real life: roasted asparagus, spinach, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a bright Italian vinaigrette that gets extra punch from Dijon mustard. It’s fresh, colorful, and easy to serve for guests, but it also shines as a weeknight dinner when you want something healthy that still tastes like a treat.

All the recipes are on my website:

https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangia

I also walk through my favorite simple trick for raw kale: massage it with olive oil and sea salt and give it time to soften. That one step takes kale from chewy to tender and makes the whole salad feel more balanced. If you want to make it a full meal, I share easy add-ons like roasted chicken or salmon, plus how to prep the quinoa and dressing ahead so you’re not rushing at the last minute.

Then we go sweet with gluten-free peanut butter oatmeal cookies that are basically baked “protein ball” energy: banana, honey, vanilla, peanut butter, oats, cinnamon, and eggs. They store beautifully in the fridge for quick snacks, and yes, I admit to an extra swipe of peanut butter on top.

Finally, I put backyard rhubarb to work with a bright pink rhubarb syrup, then turn it into a rhubarb mint mojito idea for the Fourth of July.

If you like practical recipes, make-ahead tips, and seasonal cooking that stays fun, subscribe, share this with a fellow home cook, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.

Craving a private dinner experience with family & friends?

Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!

My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz

BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love!

• Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class.
• Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking!
• Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?
• I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space

Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Estes Park, Colorado gave us the perfect mix of mountain adventure and “what should we order next” energy. We just got back, and we’re unpacking the trip in the most delicious way: a mini food tour, a couple unforgettable hikes, and the kind of drink inspiration that follows you home. If you’re searching for Estes Park travel tips, Rocky Mountain National Park ideas, and where to eat in Estes Park, you’ll get a real-world itinerary that’s equal parts scenery and flavor.

We talk through the highlights we actually tasted, from crispy Brussels sprouts and fresh, bright tacos to a savory crepe stop downtown. We also share why we try hard to stay local with cafes and coffee runs instead of defaulting to chains, because the small places end up shaping the whole vibe of the trip. Then the outdoors takes over: a 4 a.m. sunrise hike under a bright moon, big views across the valley, and elk encounters that remind you to keep your distance, especially during birthing season.

The drinks get their own spotlight, too. One brewery surprised us with a canned Italian-style spritz, and our favorite “reward” stop delivered a rooftop combo we’re still thinking about: an ahi tuna taco and a gin spritzer with St Germain, prosecco, and lavender syrup. That leads into an easy at-home takeaway for cocktail lovers and home cooks: simple syrup, plus how we infused rhubarb from the garden into a tart, gorgeous mixer you can splash into gin and club soda with lemon.

We wrap with horseback riding through the mountains, our favorite brewery pick, a funny elk moment around Estes Lake, and a daytime tour of the historic Stanley Hotel, famously tied to Stephen King’s inspiration for The Shining. If you enjoy travel stories with practical food and drink ideas, subscribe, share this with a friend planning Colorado, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.

Find the videos on all of my social medias....pick your favorite, all listed here:

https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Making Pasta at Kingston Yard

Get ready, Cedar Rapids — we’re turning up the heat at Kingston Yard this summer! Join me on Sunday, June 14 at 2pm for a live, on stage pasta making experience that’s fun, flavorful, and totally unforgettable. VIP tickets are on stage with me!

Get your tickets here (https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop/ols/categories/special-events)

I’ll be rolling, shaping, tossing, and saucing fresh pasta right before your eyes — sharing chef secrets, Italian cooking tips, and the kind of kitchen magic that makes homemade pasta absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook, or just someone who loves a great local event, this is your chance to experience Gia’s Italian Kitchen live.

Want to be HANDS ON? Get the VIP experience up on stage with me! Limited VIP tickets available! Get them NOW!

🎉 What to Expect • A high energy, interactive cooking demo • Fresh pasta made from scratch — right on stage • Tips you can use at home the same night • Laughs, stories, and Italian kitchen vibes • A delicious, community driven experience at Kingston Yard

📍 Where: Kingston Yard, Cedar Rapids (145 – 3rd St SW)

📅 When: Sunday, June 14 at 2pm CST

🎟️ Tickets: Limited seating — grab yours early (https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/shop/ols/categories/special-events)

VIRUTAL ATTENDANCE - we do have an option to attend virtually, for a reduced ticket price. A video link will be sent after purchase.

Come hungry for inspiration, flavor, and a whole lot of fun. Let’s make some pasta together, Cedar Rapids — see you at Kingston Yard!

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

This is a great, make-ahead breakfast to bring with you to work. Put all ingredients in a glass ball jar with a screw top.

· ½ cup uncooked quinoa

· 1 cup almond milk, original or vanilla

· ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

· pinch of salt

Toppings:

· slivered almonds

· raw chopped walnuts

· unsweetened coconut flakes

· raspberries and blueberries

· maple syrup or agave

Visit my website:

https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangia

Visit my social media sites (all links are on this "linktree" site)....like, comment, share, subscribe, follow!!!!

https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Rinse and drain the quinoa.

Place it in a small saucepan and add the almond milk, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to a low. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from the heat, fluff with a fork and let the quinoa sit for 5 more minutes or until the almond milk is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked.

Transfer to a bowl and top with your chosen ingredients, I put in all of the above toppings!

Cooked quinoa can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Remember when you used to have a family dinner?

Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!

My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz

BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love!

• Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class.
• Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking!
• Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?
• I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space

Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

What do you think of CURRY HUMMUS? Ever tried it?

It's delicious, nutritious, and easy......and when you make it yourself, you know exactly what ingredients are in there...and NO vegetable oils!!!!!

Full recipe on my website:

https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangia/f/curry-hummus

Watch the full video on my YT channel:

https://youtu.be/JORQ-KjMVGk

Homemade hummus shouldn’t feel like a project. We’re in the kitchen making a fresh, creamy curry hummus that’s big on flavor and simple enough for a busy weeknight, starting with whole garlic cloves, fresh ground ginger, and curry spice that instantly wakes up a basic dip.

We also get practical about the details that actually change the outcome. Fresh lemon juice brings the brightness that store-bought hummus often lacks, and we share a surprisingly useful tool tip: a flat silicone juicer with a seed catcher that squeezes out every last drop without the “painted metal” mess. From there, we talk tahini (pressed sesame seeds), why it makes hummus taste richer, and how you can skip it or even use a little chicken broth if you’re trying to keep calories in check.

The biggest texture upgrade is our favorite shortcut: blending two types of beans. We use classic garbanzo beans (chickpeas) plus cannellini or Great Northern beans for a softer, creamier finish, then bring it together with good extra virgin olive oil and a splash of water as needed. Finally, we taste, adjust, and make it personal, more lemon, more curry, more salt, whatever your perfect hummus recipe looks like.

If you love easy healthy snacks, meal prep dips, and simple Mediterranean-inspired recipes with a twist, queue this up now. Subscribe, share the episode with a fellow hummus fan, and leave a review, then tell us: are you team tahini or team no tahini?

Remember when you used to have a family dinner?

Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!

My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz

BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love!

• Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class.
• Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking!
• Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?
• I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space

Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Did you miss our cooking extravaganza last night? SHORT CLIP

Cooking with Maestro Tim from Orchestra Iowa is always an adventure!

We made Braciole and Bruschetta and talked about Mahler....WITH props....this is a must watch!!!!

EMAIL FOR THE GROCERY LIST AND RECIPES: kelley@giasitaliankitchen.biz

Inspired by the drama of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 — the soaring melodies, the hammer blows, the hero’s fate — we’re cooking dishes that hit with the same bold intensity.

First up: classic Italian BRACIOLA, rolled tight with herbs and cheese, then simmered low and slow until it’s tender enough to make you forget your troubles. It’s rich, emotional, and just a little bit epic… very Mahler.

Then we balance the drama with something bright and heavenly: burrata & roasted tomato BRUSCHETTA. Creamy burrata (hello, cowbells!) meets blistered tomatoes, garlic, and basil on toasted bread. One bite and you get that perfect mix of light and dark — just like the symphony.

Watch it also on my YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079

A night of big flavors, big feelings, and a nod to one of the most electrifying pieces of music ever written. Aprons on — let’s get cooking.

Please go to my socials and subscribe, follow, like, comment, and share....to help me grow! Thank you! https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Did you miss our cooking extravaganza last night? SHORT CLIP

Cooking with Maestro Tim from Orchestra Iowa is always an adventure!

We made Braciole and Bruschetta and talked about Mahler....WITH props....this is a must watch!!!!

EMAIL FOR THE GROCERY LIST AND RECIPES: kelley@giasitaliankitchen.biz

Inspired by the drama of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 — the soaring melodies, the hammer blows, the hero’s fate — we’re cooking dishes that hit with the same bold intensity.

First up: classic Italian BRACIOLA, rolled tight with herbs and cheese, then simmered low and slow until it’s tender enough to make you forget your troubles. It’s rich, emotional, and just a little bit epic… very Mahler.

Then we balance the drama with something bright and heavenly: burrata & roasted tomato BRUSCHETTA. Creamy burrata (hello, cowbells!) meets blistered tomatoes, garlic, and basil on toasted bread. One bite and you get that perfect mix of light and dark — just like the symphony.

Watch it also on my YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079

A night of big flavors, big feelings, and a nod to one of the most electrifying pieces of music ever written. Aprons on — let’s get cooking.

Please go to my socials and subscribe, follow, like, comment, and share....to help me grow! Thank you! https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!

Braciola, Burrata… and a Little Mahler Magic!

Join me and Maestro Hankewich from Orchestra Iowa for Italian inspiration! We’re turning up the heat in the kitchen and in the concert hall vibes on Saturday, April 18 at 5:30pm CST. It's FREE!

COOKING WITH US? EMAIL FOR THE GROCERY LIST AND RECIPES: kelley@giasitaliankitchen.biz

Inspired by the drama of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 — the soaring melodies, the hammer blows, the hero’s fate — we’re cooking dishes that hit with the same bold intensity.

First up: classic Italian BRACIOLA, rolled tight with herbs and cheese, then simmered low and slow until it’s tender enough to make you forget your troubles. It’s rich, emotional, and just a little bit epic… very Mahler.

Then we balance the drama with something bright and heavenly: burrata & roasted tomato BRUSCHETTA. Creamy burrata (hello, cowbells!) meets blistered tomatoes, garlic, and basil on toasted bread. One bite and you get that perfect mix of light and dark — just like the symphony.

Watch on LIVE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hhrd94tJQ/

Catch it later on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giasitaliankitchen9079

A night of big flavors, big feelings, and a nod to one of the most electrifying pieces of music ever written. Aprons on — let’s get cooking.

Please go to my socials and subscribe, follow, like, comment, and share....to help me grow! Thank you! https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!