Impepata di vongole al finocchietto: Peppered clams with fennel
I was in the mood for clams this weekend. Perhaps a nod to the final days of summer….the last warm nights under my pergola, candles …
Party? Prosecco!
Serving Prosecco—the wonderful sparkling Italian white from the Veneto—is Joe’s and my favorite way to start a celebration, whether an evening with a few friends …
Peachy Pantelleria Passito
Trolling the local Trader Joe’s to grab a last-minute bottle of moscato (will they even carry my favorite Italian dessert wine, I wondered? Well, sort …
Polpettine di vitello in umido di melanzane (or ‘Cooking while lost in translation’)
I have to confess that I have a guilty pleasure (ok, maybe more than one but only one that I am owning up to here) …
In Honor of Julia’s 100th Birthday: A Mini-Quiche (Frittata) Photo Shoot
Our much loved culinary icon and legend, Julia Child, would have turned 100 today! In honor of her big day, I have renamed what started …
Southern Italian seafood salad (Insalata di mare)
Seafood salad is served all over Italy: anywhere near the sea and with ready access to seafood, which is most of the country. This is …
Clam, squid, fennel and sausage stew (Vongole, calamari, finocchio, salsiccia guazzetto)
Guazzetto is the Italian word for stew: not just any stew, but a low-and-slow-cooked stew. Cooking it slowly allows all the flavors to meld. I …
My Lesson in Food Photography: A Roasted Tomato and Eggplant Soup Photo Shoot
I have been trying to get more creative with my food photos. I am fortunate to have great light in my kitchen which presents me …
Clam risotto with lemon (Vongole risotto al limone)
I was on the hunt for some interesting seafood at a Korean market here in Los Angeles and came across GIANT clams. They reminded me …
The Eggplant Meets The New Vitamix! The Result: Cheesy Eggplant Mousse
Things have been a bit hectic in my world over the past few weeks – house filled with wonderful guests from near and far, a …
The Evening Quietude: Shrimp with Spinach, Tomatoes and Garlic (and a bit of Bocelli)
I simply love entertaining and having company fill the house. The buzz of new voices gathered round the dinner table after preparing a meal together …
When life gives you too many zucchini, make Chocolate Zucchini Bread….
Wow – this hot weather has sent my zucchini and tomato plants soaring! I had to take out one zucchini plant this weekend because the little …