Calamari ripieni alla marchigiana (Stuffed squid)
While we were in Marche, Italy this spring, we had stuffed calamari prepared by my cousin’s wife, Maria, several times. These beautiful squid from the …
Bring on Summer! Grilled Peach, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Salad
SUMMER.IS.FINALLY.HERE!! I live for these warmer months when the rhythm of life moves outdoors. Mornings in the garden (fighting off the rather large garden snake …
Cooking Le Marche Style: Vongole in Potacchio
Ciao, tutti! As I write this post, my brother and Mark are relaxing in the little village of Scapezzano, Italy – in the very house …
It’s raining artichokes! – Baby Artichoke Risotto
We have arrived in the hilltop town of Scapezzano, where my grandfather grew up and our cousins still live, in the Marche region of Italy. …
A Tasty Spinach Sformato Recipe with Parmesan Sauce
Lets talk sformato! A what, you might ask? A sformato – a light, savory Italian custard-y treat. Think ‘flan’ with an Italian accent. I first …
Quails with fresh peas
Springtime is well underway here in Los Angeles! Flowers are fully in bloom mode; the few trees that lose their leaves are leafing out (most …
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 …