Food enthusiast Anatesha Dunn on Italian recipes and terminology to make dinnertime interesting again.
There are few things, says Anatesha Dunn, that bring a family together as well as a good meal. Food is a universal language that opens up many mealtime conversations. Anatesha Dunn cooks for her family and friends with all the love of a master chef and here, she shares a favorite recipe and a few tips on Italian cuisine.
It’s important, states Anatesha Dunn, that a kitchen is well stocked for Italian cooking. A variety of spices including fresh oregano and basil, kosher salt and peppercorn grinders are essential. Anatesha Dunn also suggests a high quality extra virgin olive oil, and a diverse range of pasta and cheeses. It’s a good idea, notes Anatesha Dunn, to keep sweet peppers, fresh Roma tomatoes, and onions handy.
Chicken Cacciatore
A simple and hearty one pot Italian meal, says Anatesha Dunn, is chicken Cacciatore. Cacciatore is an old fashioned “hunt and gather” meal. Anatesha Dunn notes that it is one of the most easily customizable dishes available. For a basic recipe Anatesha Dunn suggest:
- Tomatoes
- Sautéed onions
- Shredded chicken
- Sweet peppers
- Mushrooms
- Red wine
- Choice of al dente pasta
Anatesha Dunn recommends cooking the chicken and vegetables in the same pot, simmering all ingredients together on low for an hour or so, and adding some red wine and fresh spices for flavor near the end. Salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy what Anatesha Dunn calls the perfect “no fuss” dinner. Serve in a large bowl over pasta al dente tossed with olive oil, says Anatesha Dunn.
Families looking to dine out may benefit from a crash course in Italian food terms, cites Anatesha Dunn. Italian a Romance languages, derived from Latin, so many people are already unknowingly familiar with some words. Here are a few that will make ordering much easier:
- Bistecca – Steak
- Bistecca di Vitello – Veal steak
- Formaggio duro – Hard cheese
- Biscotti – Biscuits
- Al Denta – Firm cooked pasta
Anatesha Dunn suggests that Italian food’s universal appeal is due to its origins using seasonally available, fresh vegetables. Using what God has provided naturally, says Anatesha Dunn, always makes for a better dining experience than canned or heavily processed foods, and she also points out that it better nourishes our bodies.
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About Anatesha Dunn
Anatesha Dunn believes in Joyce Meyer’s positive, uplifting messages. A fan of Meyer’s book, Battlefield of the Mind, Anatesha Dunn takes spiritual guidance from Meyer’s advice to gain control over one’s own mind and refuse to let negative thoughts intrude. It is an attitude that has served Anatesha Dunn throughout her life.
Anatesha Dunn has worked most recently for Financial Freedom in Longwood, Florida. At Financial Freedom, Anatesha Dunn assisted with taking inquiries from potential clients looking for financial advice. During her time assisting customers with their financial needs, Anatesha Dunn no doubt relied heavily on Meyer’s advice on dealing with different temperaments.
“Learn different personalities and how to live with them,” Anatesha Dunn paraphrases from Meyer’s advice. “Once you know what triggers a certain personality, you can learn how to move through certain situations to get the end results you’re looking for.”
A devout Christian, Anatesha Dunn also follows the wisdom of Bishop T.D. Jakes. Once the subject of a Time Magazine cover story titled, Is This Man the Next Billy Graham?, T.D. Jakes is highly respected among Christians, thanks to his positive, uplifting messages. Anatesha Dunn especially appreciates Jakes’ take on change.
“Jakes accepts the inevitability of change, teaching how to embrace and accept it rather than fear it,” Anatesha Dunn says. “Mixing both sacred and secular insights, he shares a unique mix of practical and pragmatic steps, coupled with the sage wisdom of scripture for which he is noted.”
Anatesha Dunn believes in giving back, having headed up and assisted with fundraisers as well as participating in volunteer work over the years. She is certified in both CPR and First Aid and, in the course of her career, Anatesha Dunn has often been trusted with matters that are confidential and of a sensitive nature.
Anatesha Dunn currently lives on the East Coast, where she is actively involved with her church. She believes in Meyer’s advice to arm yourself with God every day.
“Begin your day with prayer to get your day started,” is the advice Anatesha Dunn takes from Joyce Meyer. “End your day with prayer and reflection of what you did that day.”
Anatesha Dunn believes in following Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind in positive thinking as well. Using the power of positive thinking, Anatesha Dunn finds specific ways to impact every aspect of her life. Anatesha Dunn has learned to count her blessings, thanks to a couple of great role models.
Anatesha Dunn also believes in balance. Anatesha Dunn tries to approach every day with a cool, calm, level and objective mind.
“Life is an experience of both good and bad,” Anatesha Dunn says, taking from Meyer’s advice. “In order to really enjoy life, try to find the positive in everything.”