Zucchine ripine all marchigiana (Stuffed zucchini Marche style)
This is a very special recipe for me. In 1993, I visited my relatives near Senigallia, Italy for the first time. Lena, my dad’s cousin …
Melanzane in potacchio
I’m still on my eggplant kick, so here’s a crazy-simple recipe especially for those first-time eggplant cookers. This recipe and the whole style of “in …
Caponata alla Siciliana Revisited
I’ve been on an eggplant kick lately. It’s summertime and eggplant are everywhere in the farmer’s markets and grocery stores. People seem to be terrified …
Somewhere Beyond the Sea: Sicilian Clams with Fennel Broth
When the summer heat comes swooping in, I always have a hankering for clams – a big, soupy bowl of briny littlenecks bathed in garlicky …
Baby red kale and leek frittata
It’s spring and the farmers’ markets are bursting with new crops. I spotted some baby red kale on a recent venture and thought what a …
The Scent of Spring: Wild Ramp and Ricotta Tarts
I have a confession – yes, again. I have never eaten a ramp before this year. Well, actually, its bigger than that – I didn’t …
Food Karma: Soufflé di Formaggio, Miele e Noci (Soufflé with Cheese, Honey and Walnuts
I was supposed to be at yoga class this morning but a soufflé laced with cheese and drizzled with chestnut honey led me astray. My ‘down …
Pesce crudo – Don’t call it Italian sashimi!
Pesce crudo (Italian for “raw fish”) and Japanese sashimi both rely on ultra-fresh seafood, but that’s where the similarities end. Italians near the coastline have …
Bringing Tuscany Home: Anchovies Marinated in Parsley Pesto and Chickpeas
With Tuscany fresh in my mind, I knew the moment I woke up this morning what I was going to make for lunch today. One …
‘Cucina Povera’: Chestnut Crepes with Fresh Ricotta and Honey
The Tuscan kitchen is based on the concept of ‘cucina povera’ which literally translates to ‘poor kitchen’. This way of cooking, or should I say …
Insalata di calamari (Squid salad)
This is an awfully fancy bowl on a fancy place mat for such a simple salad. My sister is the photographer in the family, so …
Spuma di Mortadella (Mortadella Mousse)
OK, for most Americans, this is going to sound like a weird dish – a mousse made from Mortadella – Italy’s inspiration for American baloney. …