Recipe of the Month May: Stuffed Baby Artichokes
Carciofi in the Style of Venezia Giulia - Buon giorno! Whoopee for Spring, a great season for veggies! So many new seasonal vegetables hit the markets during this time, with all of us getting excited about finding ways to serve them. Spring is definitely the time that we see artichokes entering the market scene. It’s funny though that people are often hesitant to cook with them. … Read More...
Aunt Lizzie’s Baked Zucchini With Tomatoes
Buon giorno! From the recesses of our memories, tiny sparks occasionally escape like little butterflies, seemingly insignificant. They are awakened by a sound, an aroma, a flicker of color or light, a flash of a partial dream from the previous night’s slumber perhaps. How often I have sensed these flickers and flashes with such fondness and often joy, many of them attached to a food … Read More...
It’s Chic to Cheek: Pork Cheeks with Butternut Squash
Buon giorno! It’s a fact! You either love pork or you don’t. When you do, it’s an “all in” kind of thing. You love every part and dish that is offered. For today’s recipe, we’re talking about a “cheeky” kind of affection for sure. It is less common, and some might say “it’s out there”. Actually PORK CHEEKS are not really uncommon, and can be found on many … Read More...
Risotto Alla Milanese
LA DUCHESSA – The Play’s the Thing! Buon giorno! A well made risotto is one of the wonders of Italian cuisine. Some like to use Carnaroli Rice – some like Arborio Rice – some like Vialone Nano, all short grain varieties. No matter which you choose, there is no denying that risotto is a memorable dish. Of all the different recipes for risotto, one sparkles for me like a … Read More...
Osso Buco
Finding Ecstasy in Bones with Holes - Buon giorno! The famous Northern Italian OSSO BUCO (seen also as Osso Bucco), is one of those most revered among regional dishes. This magnificent dish hails from the region of Lombardia. The beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Milan is often given credit for it, and you’ll often find it as OSSO BUCO ALLA MILANESE, reflecting the city’s … Read More...
Sicilian Blood Orange Salad with Shrimp
Insalata di Aranci Pattuali e Gamberi Buon giorno! It’s funny how sometimes the simplest of dishes can really pack a whallop! SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGE SALAD WITH SHRIMP is one of those. Whether you make this beautiful salad with or without the shrimp, it is a visual paradise as well as a temptress for the palate. Tradition: This gorgeous salad has its roots in Sicily, … Read More...
April: Asparagus Frittata with Leeks and Ricotta
Buon giorno! Frittatas are funny little “creatures”. You can adapt them to serve at almost any time of day or likewise for almost any need at your table. This ASPARAGUS FRITTATA WITH LEEKS & RICOTTA is no different in this regard and will definitely be a crowd pleaser. It is just as simple to prepare as any frittata – but this one is a little bit different in its … Read More...
Italian Sweet Easter Bread
Pane Dolce di Pasqua - Buon giorno! While we are all getting ready in this country to hippity-hop down the bunny trail - or jelly bean trail, as my kids used to do – in Italy they are preparing for one of the biggest events of the year, Easter. Like many other feast days in Italy, this day is steeped in religious roots. It is a treasured day on the calendar, and one anticipated … Read More...
Cherry Almond Biscotti
Buon giorno! Making biscotti is fun and not difficult—and OH the result! I have been in a biscotti kind of mood lately, looking for something tasty to backstroke through my tea, and also to dip in that great sweet after-dinner Vin Santo that is lurking among my favorite wines. That said, I thought it might be a good time to make some Cherry Almond Biscotti. These biscotti are really … Read More...
How To Stuff a Pig–Braciole di Maiale
Pork Braciole – Last Recipe in the Braciole Series Buon giorno! There she is! The siren! See her there – swimming naked in a blushing pool of coral loveliness – shamelessly waiting to be noticed – looking back with a “come hither” glance. It is in her saucy nature to ask her admirers, “lookin’ for a good time?” She waits – she knows – she owns all who gaze … Read More...
