Emilia Romagna

Some of the most famous Italian ingredients come from the Emilia Romagna region: parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and Parma ham. It's the culinary heart of Italy. Chef Michael Bonacini begins his regional feast with a flaky pie stuffed with savoury pancetta, spinach, and swiss chard. Next, he makes a rich and delicious Bolognese sauce - a pasta topping so famous in Italy, they often just refer to it as 'sauce'. Then, Michael highlights one of the region's most famous exports: balsamic vinegar. He shows us how to make succulent balsamic chicken, and even uses the reduction as a dressing for a side of grilled radicchio. And for a decadent dessert, he bakes a dense chocolate cake filled with spices and nuts called Pampepato.