A modern Coniglio in Porchetta
The first and only time I served a whole, intact rabbit was several years ago for Easter dinner (insert humorous comment about serving a bunny …
In Search of Castelluccio Lentils
While in Umbria on vacation a few years ago, we went in search of fabled Castelluccio lentils. We had seen these lentils for sale when …
Calamari ripieni alla marchigiana (Stuffed squid)
While we were in Marche, Italy this spring, we had stuffed calamari prepared by my cousin’s wife, Maria, several times. These beautiful squid from the …
Seppie con piselli (Cuttlefish with peas)
I’m in Italy!—in the region of Marche, along the Adriatic sea—staying in the town where my grandfather grew up (he immigrated to America in 1911, …
Cooking Le Marche Style: Vongole in Potacchio
Ciao, tutti! As I write this post, my brother and Mark are relaxing in the little village of Scapezzano, Italy – in the very house …
It’s raining artichokes! – Baby Artichoke Risotto
We have arrived in the hilltop town of Scapezzano, where my grandfather grew up and our cousins still live, in the Marche region of Italy. …
Marchigiana Fava Bean Soup
Every year I plant fava beans in my garden and I ask myself, “why?!” The plants take a lot of room in the garden (though …
Quails with fresh peas
Springtime is well underway here in Los Angeles! Flowers are fully in bloom mode; the few trees that lose their leaves are leafing out (most …
An Ode to Escarole :-)
Ciao ciao, dear friends! A nice quiet, chilly Saturday morning here in Pennsylvania! After a crazy, busy work week, it feels exceptional to just sit …
Pollo alla maceratese
I’m constantly amazed at how a few ultra-fresh ingredients, simply prepared, can make such a flavorful Italian dish. Today, I picked lemons from our backyard …
Le Marche: Polente con le vongole
Le Marche—the region of Italy on the Adriatic Coast east of Umbria—remains largely unknown to most Americans. Europeans and South Americans know about it and …
Eggplant-Wrapped Veal Meatballs
I received a cookbook as a birthday present from some work colleagues back in 1992. It’s by Jo Bettoja and is all about southern Italian …
