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 …
Trippa Finta (Fake Tripe): Wait! It’s not what you think!
Wait! Before you hit the back button, this recipe is NOT made with tripe! Yes, I know this unpretentious offal strikes fear in the hearts …
Arrosto d’Urbino
Marche is an underrated region of Italy; not as famous as Tuscany or Umbria, but just as beautiful, historic, and fascinating as anyplace in this …
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 …
Primi Sapori di Primavera: The First Taste of Spring!
I almost cried at the farm market today. Little tears pricked my eyes but, com’on Michele, hold it together. First, the smell of a light …
Braise, Baby, Braise! Vinegar Braised Chicken with Pancetta and Onions
When a chill fills the air, few meals up the comfort factor more than a succulent, warming braise…that fork-tender cut of meat bathing in some …
A Magical Silver Thread: Fresh Cod in ‘Potacchio’
Many, many years ago, I imagine our great grandfather, Gaspare Becci, staring out over the baby blue Adriatic sea as he slowly made his way …
Eggplant Parmigiana warfare
I hated eggplant as a kid. So did my sister, Michele. And my Mom’s attempts to get us to eat it were met with fierce …
A Tasty Kettle of Fish: Adriatic Seafood Brodetto
My paternal grandfather grew up on Italy’s Adriatic coast in the small village of Senigaliia in Le Marche. I remember little of my grandfather as …
Zucchini blossom and ricotta agnolotti (Agnolotti di fiore di zucca e ricotta)
Summer is here! We’ve had an early start here in LA. I recently went to the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market looking for something summery! I …
Food Memories: Grilled Swordfish with Chickpea Puree and Salmoriglio Sauce
With a beautiful spring day in full bloom, I finally had time to plant my new little herb garden – basil, oregano, parley, tarragon, mint, …
Vignarola: A Celebration of Spring
Artichokes. Fava beans. Asparagus. Peas. Ramps. Spring’s glorious bounty is finally here after a long winter of turnips, potatoes, rutabagas and butternut squash. Don’t get …