Salmon Baked in Paper (Salmone in Cartoccio)
It’s winter in Los Angeles: getting dark early, cold (low 60s, even high 50s) and even raining every couple weeks for a whole day. Might …
Capodanno, Cappelletti and Red Underwear
Although my mother was Sicilian, she learned to cook many a dish from our paternal grandmother who hailed from Emilia-Romagna. One of these specialities is …
In my mother’s footsteps: Pasta with Tuna and Tomatoes
The fridge is stocked; the pasta machine is at the ready; and the baccala is soaking. The company has started to arrive and it won’t …
Fennel, France and Flights
There is nothing like the beautiful City of Light to put you in the Christmas spirit! I had a quick business trip this week to …
Do not fear the butternut squash: Roasted Butternut Squash and Pancetta Soup
I bought a beautiful butternut squash at our local farmer’s market last week and it has been rolling around on my counter begging to be …
From My Little Test Kitchen: Fig Tart with Gorgonzola and Caramelized Onions
The house is decorated for Christmas and the presents are piling up! Christmas carols have been blazing from the ipod all week and the holiday …
Zuppa di cipolla rossa di Tropea (Tropea red onion soup) – kind of
We were in Ojai, California last weekend and I went to a small yet very diverse farmers’ market on Sunday morning. I came across some …
A Chilly, Lazy Sunday and a Tender Braciole
My Italian family always sat down for the classic Italian Sunday supper. We would wake to the smell of meatballs frying or tomato sauce warming …
Pasta con polpa di ricci (Pasta with sea urchin roe or “uni” if you like)
I would have never thought to incorporate sea urchin roe, the famous Japanese sushi bar ingredient — a.k.a. uni, into Italian food. But there we …
The Elusive Cavolo Nero (Black Kale): Black Kale, Sweet Potato and Cheddar Gratin
Ahhh, the elusive cavolo nero! This mysterious green is an essential ingredient for authentic ribollita – a Tuscan soup made with tomatoes, beans, kale and …
Paccheri ripieni di pesce spada, cavoli e funghi (Paccheri stuffed with swordfish, kale and mushroom)
Paccheri is a pasta shape that is all the rage in the USA at the moment. It’s been in several cooking magazines of late, mentioned …
The Calm after the Storm: Hurricane Sandy and a good ‘ole pot of Sausage, Kale and Cannellini Bean Soup
Hurricane indeed! Hmpfh! Sandy certainly made her presence known last week around these parts. Her howling winds made for quite a long night as every …