Antonio | Professional History
Antonio Cecconi has been involved with many companies over the years - helping with product improvements and knowledge to bring better taste to the masses. From tables in restaurants to dinner tables - his influence can be enjoyed. A few of the notable companies that he is involved with and has been involved with are; Dakota Growers Pasta Co. as Executive Corporate Chef, Author of Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking and creative food research for Pillsbury during their time of becoming more internationally know.
Born and raised on Sardinia-that lovely, mountainous island west of Italy-Antonio learned to cook in his mother's kitchen, where most good chefs begin. He also served a youthful apprenticeship in his uncle's butcher shop and deli before coming to America. He managed an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia, before being recruited by Pillsbury to be part of their new products development team in Minneapolis from 1979 to 1985. Mr. Cecconi developed many new menu creations for the Olive Garden between 1994 - 1996 when they switched from using fresh pasta to dry pasta in their chain operations. Antonio's culinary creations also appear in a series of Betty Crocker Italian Cooking cookbooks, with a third to be published in the summer of 2000.
Today, Antonio is known throughout the Minneapolis area and beyond as The Italian Gourmet. He owns a corporate catering business and teaches cooking classes in the Minneapolis area in Italian cuisine. He is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
Dakota Growers Pasta Co.
Antonio Cecconi, Executive Corporate Chef brings nearly four decades of authentic Italian cooking experience to the table. He has been providing Dakota Growers and our customers with tailored recipes and innovative menu applications that further differentiate each plate of Dakota Grower's pasta.
Betty Crocker
Antonio worked with Betty Crocker to create the "Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking" cookbook. This book has been the hottest selling cookbook over the last 6 years and is still ranked as a 5 star asset to anyone's kitchen.
Chapters range from appetizers to dessert, making it so easy to find just what you want to make authentic dishes for any occasion. There's an entire chapter on pasta and sauces, as well as a chapter on great first course - or main course - ideas for risotto, polenta, soups, pizzas, breads and great ways to bring out the best flavors for meats and vegetables.
Pillsbury
During the 6 years at Pillsbury, Antonio acquired an in-depth knowledge of creative food research. A scientific approach guided the development and test marketing of numerous Italian products. Frequent testing of creatd pasta and pizza products brought international attention to the company. To this day, a variety of Pillsbury products can be found in most supermarkets in the US and beyond.
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