Spring’s First Pick (Le Primizie): Sardinian Stuffed Eggplant
It has been a busy week outside now that spring has arrived! In the summer, I have a little farmstand (or should I say farm …
Fusilli with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Capers, Pine Nuts and Raisins
Spring has finally arrived here in Pennsylvania and therefore, spent the entire weekend outside. Glorious!! Garden is almost ready! Little basil plants are growing stronger! …
Postcard from Tuscany: Rainbows after the Storm
I started out this evening to write a post to accompany this photo that I snapped during my recent trip to Tuscany. I soon realized that words could …
Spring’s Bounty: Lemon-garlic roasted artichokes
Spring. This is simply my favorite season – to see the world around us bursting with life and the market fill with fresh local artichokes, fava …
Postcard from Sicilia: Easter in the shadow of Mount Etna
Pasqua. La Pasquetta. Easter. Little Easter. I was thrilled to be able to spend Easter holiday in Sicilia a few years back. I was dating Daniele, …
Pastiera: Neapolitan Easter Pie
There are many versions of the traditional Italian Easter dessert, Pasteria, featuring my favorite ingredient, creamy ricotta. This Neapolitan version uses arborio rice instead of …
Torta di Patate e Spinaci: Potato and Spinach Pie
Potatoes – yum. Potatoes and spinach – yuum. Potatoes, spinach and cheese – yuuuuuuum! I served this dish for the Festa last week and it …
Homemade ‘Palm’ Pasta for Palm Sunday
Palms for Palm Sunday. My cousin’s family has a long held tradition of making a wide fresh pasta shaped like ‘palms’ for Palm Sunday. So for …
Simple Pleasures: Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Reduction
Simple pleasures. I am always searching for easy antipasto for my dinner parties and this easy prosciutto-wrapped asparagus does the trick. Easy to prepare ahead of …
Domenica delle Palme: Palm Sunday 2009
In celebration of my friend, Joan, and her daughter, Mekenna’s visit to Casa Becci, we decided to have ‘una grande festa’ for Domenica delle Palme:Palm Sunday …
Dario’s Aquacotta: The best ‘cooked water’ you have ever had
Aquacotta – literally ‘cooked water’. But the best darn cooked water you have ever had! According to the Academia Barilla, the herdsmen and coal men …
Pici all’ aglione: Tuscan pasta with tomato-garlic sauce
I just returned from a brief winter escape in Tuscany. Sigh. Every time I return, a tiny bit of my soul remains behind in the hills. The …