The past year has been a big one for us here at Consiglio’s - from a range of new, Italian made products to the launch of recipes on our blog (courtesy of our very own Chef Angela Consiglio), to our move into a new location to better prioritize and serve our growing online presence.

This week, we take a moment to reflect on our  good fortune and favourite moments of 2016. Thank you to all of our loyal friends and customers for sharing the past year with us. We wish all the best and a Happy New Year, from our families to yours!

Consiglio’s 2016 Year in Review

2016 Product Highlights:

Ilsa Napoletana Espresso Makers: One of our favourite new product lines of the past year, the Ilsa Napoletana espresso pots are a unique method of preparing espresso, hailing from Naples, Italy. Using a flip-style design, water is brought to temperature in the bottom compartment before the entire Napoletana espresso maker is flipped 180 degrees to begin brewing and extraction. With this traditional brewing style becoming increasingly less common, it was a joy for us to be able to bring in these espresso makers!

Eppicotispai Italian Accessories: Ranging from pasta making tools to cheese graters and traditional ashwood coffee grinders, Eppicotispai offers a range of kitchen tools and accessories, all 100% made in Italy!

Lampe Berger - a Growing Selection of Lamps and Fluids: Over the past year, Lampe Berger has come out with a range of new, innovative and gorgeous lamps, fluids and box sets.  For fluids, some of our new favourites include the fresh Mineral Oakmoss (my personal favourite), Majestic Sequoia, and classic Timeless Rose scents; for lamps, one of the biggest highlights has been the Art-Deco inspired Diamant series.

Nonna’s Way: A Collection of Italian Cookie Recipes: Easily our favourite cookbook of 2016, Nonna’s Way brings together a collection of over 50 traditional Italian cookie recipes, as made by real Nonnas! With stunning full-page photography and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, this book will have you turning out classic cookies just like Nonna used to make!

Consiglio’s Casa Espresso: Over the past year, we’ve expanded our line of fresh-roasted espresso to include the new Consiglio’s Casa Espresso - each small batch is blended and roasted by the steady hand of a watchful craftsman for the utmost quality and consistency.

2016 Recipe Highlights:

Perhaps our favourite thing of 2016 was being able to share some of our favourite recipes, from our family to yours courtesy of our very own Chef Angela Consiglio! You’ll find some our our top highlights below, or you can check out the recipe section of our blog for the full collection!

• Lemon Cream Scones: Making use of a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, these lemon-infused scones are the perfect treat for a quiet Sunday morning!
  
  
• Sausage-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: A tantalizing appetizer hearty enough to be served as a meal (we prefer potato wedges and a salad as sides), these stuffed mushrooms are packed with Italian flavours!  
  
  
• Barese Braciole: Traditionally common of the Italian region of Puglia, these Braciole consist of tender bundles of beef that have been stuffed and slowly cooked in a delicious tomato sauce.
  
  
• Biscotti al Cafe: Enjoyed for over 3 generations in the Consiglio family, this cookie has a moist, fluffy cake-like texture and is bursting with earthy cocoa and espresso flavours accentuated by notes of cinnamon and clove spices

 What's been your favourite moment of 2016? Share in the comments below!