This past week, I was introduced to the Michael Angelo’s Frozen Italian Meals brand, and given an opportunity to meet the founders of the company. As part of this, I was able to attend a Publix Apron’s Cooking Class and sample an Italian Holiday Meal. It was yummy!
Michael Angelo’s is a family owned and operated business that has been around for 30 years. The founders Michael Angelo and his mother Sara have created home-style Italian Dishes that are made from fresh ingredients and contain no preservatives. As Michael says, “If you can’t find it in Mom’s kitchen, we won’t use it in our food.” These small batch meals are then flash-frozen and shipped directly to local grocers, natural food stores, and warehouse clubs. Meals can either be prepared in the microwave or in the oven. To check out my review of their Frozen Food line, CLICK HERE–>Michael Angelo’s Italian Frozen Meals Review.
If you have never had the opportunity to attend a Publix Apron’s Cooking Class, they prepare the meals in front of you while broadcasting it on TVs so you can see how the items are prepared. In addition, they share the recipes, give you tips, and then you get to sample the dishes. The menu from that evening included a Caprese Stacker, Rigatoni Pasta alla Norma, Beef Tenderloin Ripieni, and Tiramisu.
This was really a great opportunity because we got to learn about the company, it’s history, and have a conversation with the founders.
The first item prepared by Michael Angelo and Sara was the Caprese Stacker. It had a toasted crostini, grilled eggplant with basil pesto, heirloom tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella seasoned with Italian style dressing. I was surprised at how easy this was to prepare, and I can’t wait to try it out at home.
Next up was the Rigatoni Pasta alla Norma. It was made with a zesty tomato sauce with roasted eggplant, capers, kalamata olives, calabrian chili peppers and al’dente rigatoni pasta topped with ricotta salata and imported Romano cheese.
This was actually a beta test for a potential new item for their frozen food line. I’d give it a thumbs up. I’m hoping I can get my hands on some of the peppers used in the dish so I can try to duplicate this at home.
The Beef Tenderloin Ripieni was so delicious. It was made with a Beef loin filled with sautéed spinach, prosciutto, imported Romano cheese and pine nuts, seasoned with Tuscan-style fresh herbs and served with roasted vegetables and red wine sauce. I wish I could have had some of the red wine sauce to go.
Of course I save the best for last! The Tiramisu was hand-dipped in Belgium dark chocolate, garnished with zabaglione, raspberries and blackberries. Not only did this look awesome, it tasted awesome.
Here I am with Michael Angelo and Sara!
To learn more about Michael Angelo’s and their various dishes, visit their website at michaelangelos.com. You can also check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/michaelangelos or Twitter at @Michael_Angelos.
And, don’t for get to enter the giveaway for a trip to Italy. CLICK HERE–> Enter To Win a Trip To Italy with Michael Angelo’s to place your entry. Giveaway ends November 4th, 2012.
Good Luck!
FFM
Frugal and Fun Mom did not receive compensation for this review but was provided free admission to a Michael Angelo’s Publix Apron’s Cooking Event. Details about the product were provided by a PR agency representing the company. The opinions expressed in this review are that of my own.
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