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 …
Paccheri with bottarga and lime
My sister Michele and I have written recently about Italy’s region of Marche, the birthplace of our paternal grandfather Guiseppe. Le Marche is truly one …
Risotto alla Milanese – The Real Deal
Risotto alla Milanese is one of Italy’s most famous dishes. I once was at a dinner party where someone started playing that silly game in …
Crescia: It’s not for just Easter anymore
Since a very young age, I can remember eating Crescia at Easter time. It’s one of my earliest food memories. The aroma of this cheese …
‘mbrecciata – A Perugian bean and ancient grain soup
Like so many other cities in Italy, Perugia (home of Italy’s famous chocolate industry) has its own unique cuisine and dialect. While visiting this lovely …
Beat the Winter Beiges! Sicilian Blood Orange Sangria to Pizazz Your Palate
Aah, the winter beiges! Trips to the local farm market this time of year tend to be rather uninspiring – fresh heaps of gorgeous colorful …
Lentil and golden beet salad with hazelnut gremolata
It’s the dead of winter, when one’s tastes go to deep earthy root vegetables such as beets and lentils. Never mind that it’s 70 degrees …
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 …
Caramelized and braised fennel
Fennel is probably my favorite vegetable. Every time I eat it, I am reminded of Italy. Fennel seeds and more recently pollen show up in …
Pasta alla Norcina
When we visited Umbria this fall, I expected the region to be a mere stepchild to Tuscany and its cosmopolitan, touristy vibe. Instead, we found …
Simply Soul Satisfying Soups for Fall
The simplest of meals can feed the soul. With the Thanksgiving holiday (and all its excesses) behind us, it is the simple soups of fall …
Crostata di marmellata (Jam-filled crostata)
Why haven’t I made this before??? Every time I’ve been to Italy, I’ve enjoyed a crostata filled with jam as part of a classic Italian …