Italy's beloved cooking show "E' sempre mezzogiorno" is gearing up for its most vibrant week yet, as it celebrates Carnival with color, flavor, and festive fun. Hosted by Antonella Clerici, the show will air daily from March 3 to March 7, 2025, on Rai 1. Each episode promises to be filled with delightful costumes, delicious recipes, and special guests to mark the joyous occasion.
Throughout this week, viewers will be treated to the lively spirit of Carnival. The show's festive atmosphere will include colorful masks and confetti, with chefs demonstrating traditional Carnival recipes and some original concoctions. "Carnival is all about colors and flavors, and our pizza mascherata will reflect just this," said Fulvio Marino, the master baker who is part of the show's regular lineup.
On March 6, actor Alessio Lapice, known for his role in the series "Imma Tataranni – Sostituto Procuratore," will join the cast, adding to the excitement. Besides the guest appearances, the show maintains its core element of engaging with the audience, incorporating interactive games and discussions about Italian culinary traditions and local products. Each episode will showcase the best of made-in-Italy products, emphasizing the importance of regional ingredients.
The culinary experts featured on the show include chefs Giovanna Civitillo, Evelina Flachi, Alfio Bottaro, and Daniele Persegani, each contributing their expertise. Giovanna will highlight various exhibitions and local events across Italy, bringing cultural insights to the viewers. Evelina, as the well-being curator, will provide nutritional tips—essential for those indulging during the festive week.
One remarkable addition to this week's programming came during the episode on February 28, 2025. Fulvio Marino reported touching news involving the students of the M. G. Rossello school from Savona, who sent their very own cookbook filled with recipes created with their grandmothers. "I am so proud of our little chefs who made this cookbook with their grandmothers," said Marino as he opened the heartfelt package on air.
The initiative, which encourages students to connect with their culinary roots, highlights the strong bonds formed through cooking and the passing down of cherished recipes. The cookbook features handwritten recipes paired with illustrations by the children, celebrating both tradition and creativity.
Turning to the culinary delights being prepared for Carnival, one standout dish this week is the "pizza mascherata." This special pizza, rich and colorful, is set to steal the spotlight. The recipe includes wholesome ingredients such as 500 g of flour, 5 g of fresh beer yeast, 375 ml of water, and olive oil, among others, culminating in fluffiness and flavor. Fulvio prepared the unique dish live, demonstrating its creation step by step for eager viewers.
With the dough requiring chilling and careful handling, this pizza showcases the essence of Carnival through lively, rich textures and unexpected flavors. Topping it with fresh ricotta, Taleggio cheese, and garnishing with mascarpone and prosciutto, it hopes to tantalize taste buds just as much as it brings joy to the celebration.
"E' sempre mezzogiorno" is more than just cooking; it creates a community centered around food, tradition, and togetherness. Each segment emphasizes the joy of sharing culinary experiences, be it through rich regional dishes or through the personal narratives shared by guests.
This upcoming week promises enriching moments blending heritage, culinary expertise, and festive entertainment, making it must-watch programming. With Antonella Clerici at the helm, viewers can anticipate heartfelt stories, interactive fun, and plenty of delicious recipes to inspire their own Carnival celebrations at home.
From colorful masks to mouth-watering dishes, the spirit of Carnival has never been more alive on "E' sempre mezzogiorno," where delicious food and festive joy collide, inviting everyone to partake and celebrate together.