Chicken under a Brick: Pollo al Mattone
“Chicken under a brick” is a simple but very functional recipe that comes from Tuscany but has a southern Italian version that uses lots of …
Pici all’ aglione: Tuscan pasta with tomato-garlic sauce
I just returned from a brief winter escape in Tuscany. Sigh. Every time I return, a tiny bit of my soul remains behind in the hills. The …
Ravioli of the Island of Capri: Ravioli Alla Caprese
Ravioli alla Caprese is the most simple yet delicious “primo” on the Island of Capri. Using the best ingredients of fresh ricotta, Parmigiana-Reggiano cheese and …
Polpettine di Ricotta e Parmigiano: Ricotta and Parmesan Meatballs
Snowy day here in Pennsylvania and although we had to postpone a family birthday celebration (complete with homemade gnocchi) due to the weather, I am …
Cipolline sott’Aceto: Marinated Baby Onions
Cipolline onions (those small wide flat onions) are another sign that Spring is on the way. This recipe uses inexpensive commercial Balsamic vinegar to create …
Pisella con Prosciutto di Parma: Sweet Peas Parma
This is an old and much loved springtime dish from Parma. Freshly picked peas are best but frozen tiny peas substitute successfully when fresh ones …
Sicilian Tilapia with Roasted Lemon Asparagus
Relaxing rainy day here today in Pennsylvania. I spent the morning excitedly planning out the garden! With spring just around the corner and an expanded garden for …
Peposo with Wine-Poached Pears: Tuscany’s Ancient Peppery Beef Stew
While doing some research for an upcoming trip to Tuscany, I stumbled across this ancient recipe for a hearty beef stew known as Peposo. The …
Sun-dried Tomato Focaccia with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese
I have mentioned this before – but I do love carbohydrates. Bread and pasta are a major part of my diet and I cringe when …
Carciofi Gratinati: Baked Artichokes
Artichokes, lemons, capers and mint are ingredients found all over Sicily. Sicilian artichokes, often called spinelli (spiny), are small with spiny points. Capers are found …
Fagioli all’Uccelleto con Salsicce: Tuscany’s Version of Pork and Beans
Fagioli all’ Uccelletto con Salsicce – literal translation ‘beans of the bird with sausage’ – Tuscany’s version of pork and beans. (I will explain the …
World Nutella Day!! Toasted Coconut and Nutella Semifreddo
World Nutella Day 2009 finally arrived!! So many ways to use those little jars of hazelnut/chocolate goodness!! Memories of late night post-grad exams with jars …