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 …
Garlicky Swordfish Calabrian Style
The Tyrrhenian Sea off the Calabrian coast is chock full of the majestic swordfish (pesce spada) that migrate through this region in late spring …
Delverde ‘Dish Your Blog’: Mezzi Rigatoni with Saffron Creme, Tuscan Kale and Crispy Prosciutto
Over 100 years ago, our grandparents arrived in this country from Italy, leaving family, friends and traditions behind in search of a brighter future. I …
Pasta ‘Ncasciata (Baked Pasta with Eggplant)
In Calabria, vegetables are king—especially in summertime. Every meal headlines the fresh vegetables that are in season, while meat or fish play a supporting role. …
Stuffed! Cipolle Ripieni (Onions Stuffed with Sausage and Parmigiano)
The cooks of Emilia-Romagna love to stuff things from their pillowy pastas to their greens-stuffed tortas. In this simple recipe, onions become the backdrop for …
A (Hot) Midsummer Night’s Dream: Watermelon Vodka Granita
There is a line in Will’s Midsummer Night’s Dream – “Thus to make poor females mad.” That would be me when granita is served – …
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. …
La Cucina Italiana and Learning Italian, Recipe by Recipe – Spaghetti with Clams and Cherry Tomatoes
I owe a world of gratitude to the Italian culinary magazine, La Cucina Italiana….they are improving my Italian, recipe by recipe. My one splurge (ok, …
Balsamic Roast Chicken (Pollo al Forno con Aceto Balsamico)
Balsamic vinegar is almost a religion in Italy, and more specifically in Emilia-Romagna. It dates back to monks making the stuff in the 12th century. …
Celebrating summer vegetables – Emilia-Romagna style!!
The farmer’s markets in Los Angeles are finally filling up with summer vegetables. Summer squash of all shapes and colors, Italian and Japanese eggplant, bell …
In My Father’s Memory: Laughter, Ladybugs and Chicken Marinated in Red Wine
My father passed away in 1981 at the tender young age of 54. He died suddenly that day, leaving us all to figure out how …
Soul Food Italian Style: Piadina Romagnola
It never ceases to amaze me how different the breads of Italy can be from region to region. Emilia-Romagna’s bread is no exception. Unlike the …