Monday, December 29, 2008

No DB Yule Log, but I did Make My First Timpano!!!!

Recently, I joined the amazing Daring Bakers community. The first month challenge of my membership was a French Yule Log complete with a creme brulee, mousse, frosting, ganache and praline crisp; all of which I have never made before. While this 14 pg. recipe did intrigue me and I even prepared for it, there was another beast I HAD to tackle this Christmas season: THE TIMPANO! So alas, there was no Yule Log but there was Timpano. :)

MY TIMPANO!!

When I was a pre-teen a movie called Big Night produced by Stanley Tucci was released. Many people whom have made a Timpano reference this film as their inspiration and I am no different. Big Night was one of my mother's favorite movies so I often remember how much this movie about the love and passion of food and family made her smile, so in her honor (and because I couldn't see her or even speak to her this past holiday) I embarked on the Timpano for Christmas Eve dinner for the Triolo family party. Just a note: timpano is named after its similar shape to that of a timpani drum.

I wish I had pictures of my two-day endeavor, so in lieu of photos here is a list of my cooking and prep steps:

Day 1
  • 2 qt. of Homemade Marinara from fresh plum tomatoes, some canned puree, onions, garlic, olive oil and spices. Simmer for 4 hours.
  • 1.5 lbs of Peppers and Onions Sausage, cut and cooked in the marinara.
  • 2 lbs of Pork and Beef Meatballs cooked in pan
  • 2 large Red Bell Peppers chopped
  • 1 large Sweet Onion chopped
  • 1 cup chopped Flat Leaf Parsley
  • 8 Hard Boiled Eggs
  • 1.5 cups of cut Provolone Cheese
  • 1 lb of Fresh Mozzerella sliced
  • 1 cup of Pecorino Romano Grated Cheese
Day 2
  • 1.5 lbs. of Penne Pasta cooked halfway
  • 2 large Fresh Pasta Sheets mixed and rolled out very thin (holy arm workout!)
  • Pasta Shells put into a 9"x4" round cake pan and a loaf pan, generously greased
  • Mixed Penne with Marinara
  • Started the Layering in both pans: Penne first, marinara, meatballs and sausages, three cheeses, red peppers, onions and parsley, eggs, poured in 3 beaten eggs, more pasta, more marinara.Fold pasta sheet ends on top.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 45min-1hr or until they are golden brown.
  • Let rest in pans for 30mins.
  • Take off pans and let rest another 30 minutes before cutting and serving!!
The Timpano's Guts!

Seeing the entire Timpano was a crowning achievement for me. I really feel like I would have made my mom proud if she could see what I could do in the kitchen. This next sentence is filled with corn, but it felt like I am ready to take my cooking to the next level in 2009. What that means exactly, I have no idea but I am excited to follow my passion to whatever direction its going to take me.
Let's not forget about the cookies for dessert! Mrs. Triolo holds up my cookie plate on my mother's amber antique serving plate. Miss you so much mama!! Even though we are apart know that you are in everything that I do.

15 comments:

Reeni said...

That is amazing! You did a great job, your hard work really shows!

Laurie said...

Merry Christmas Rachel!
Beautiful Timpano and cookies! Your post made me well up a bit in tears.. hugs to you!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Rachel, I'd say you're ready for the next level for sure! You did an amazing job with your Timpano! You should be very proud, I'm sure your Mom would be. It's a lot of work with several different steps, but the end result is definitly a WOW!!!

Vivo said...

Wow! This is spectular! Enough to feed an army... I hade never heard about Timpano before. You have been very courageous to go through this amazingly complicated recipe and all the work involved. I might try it one day, when I feel like challenging myself and expect a large crowd for dinner. Bravo!

pigpigscorner said...

Wow, looks amazing. This is something new to me!

... said...

Howdy... I've been a member of Daring Bakers for some time now... I've been in school, busy, etc., so I haven't been "blogging/posting/sharing" as the rules have stated. Anyhoot, I'll be back at it next year.
Great looking cake. I made the yule log last year.. it was AMAZING!

Joie de vivre said...

Oh Wow! I've never heard of anything like this before, that looks amazing!

sj said...

WOW! I am so so impressed! That is incredible! I am so proud of you! *hugs*

Happy New Year! May 2009 be the best ever for you :)

*big huggles*

The Duo Dishes said...

Congrats on your DB challenge with the timpano! It looks quite daring if we may say so. :) That looks like the kind of thing you slice into when you know you're ready to get down at the table!

Justine said...

wow that looks crazy! what a big undertaking!

Laura said...

I LOVE The Big Night and actually just ordered it on netflix. My husband really wants me to make him a Timpano especially after seeing yours. laur

... said...

Since I love your blog... I've left this award for you. Pick it up here...
http://socalpastrychef.blogspot.com/2009/01/omg-my-first-award.html

... and thanks.

Rachel J said...

WOW! I am unabashedly amazed at everyone's responses and support!!! I cook out of nothing but love and the love Reeni, Laurie, Marie, Vivo, PigsPigs, SoCal, Joie de Vivre, Jo, The Duo, Justine, and Laura all gave just encourages me even more.

Thanks again everyone and Happy New Year!

The Food Hunter said...

WOW that looks awesome. You did a great job.

Rico said...

wow, I first thought to be a cake, then I found out was a cake alright but a savoury one, everything is in there minus the kitchen sink....I loved that recipe and the amazing amount of work it went into it...well done xx

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