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 …
The Stuff of Dreams: Rustic Strawberry Crostata
In my imaginary (yet-maybe-someday) life, I live on a little Italian hillside – nestled between the dreamy blue-tinged sea and vibrant fragrant hills of …
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 …
Panna cotta with peach compote and pistachio shortbread cookies
OK, first off I have to admit that I totally ripped off the idea of serving this panna cotta in little flip-top jars from my …
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 …
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 …
Fabulous Fennel: Baked Red Snapper with Fennel, Potatoes, and Lemon
Finally, spring is in the air! After a long and arduous winter for so many of us, you can feel moods and spirits lighten. …
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 …