Few things are quite as relaxing as watching the sun start to set in mid-Summer while sipping on a crisp, effervescent cocktail that matches the glowing orange of the sky. In Veneto, they sometimes jokingly refer to this as spritz hour, and the reason for this is the Aperol Spritz. What is Aperol? Aperol is […]
There are many custard desserts in the food world; flan, pots de crème, crème caramel, etc. One traditional Italian version that is actually a little bit different is Panna Cotta. Custard and Flan Versus Panna Cotta – Is it like a flan or creme brulee? When making a custard or flan, you take milk or […]
Many of the most loved traditional dishes come from the simplest of backgrounds. This dish, Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is one of those dishes. It is as simple a pasta dish as you can get, while still calling it cooking (tossing pasta in butter just doesn’t quite count). However, don’t think that means it […]
Tools. Every profession, avocation, simple task, and Rube Goldberg machine has them. Great men and women will tell you, without the right tool getting the job done properly can be impossible. In cooking there are certain tools you have to have–a knife, a spoon, a whisk–and there are others–a sharp chef’s knife, a stand […]
There is nothing on earth that I find as loathsome as badly prepared tuna. That has to be the most disgusting meal there is – I’d rather eat an eye! On my last trip abroad I went to dinner one evening and was served (with great aplomb, mind you) a grey lump of tuna, boiled […]
What is Genovese Sauce? La Genovese is puree of onions flavored mainly with meat and is considered one of the greats of the Neapolitan kitchen; a dish that bears witness of superb cooking before the arrival of tomato! The Origins of Genovese Sauce… Some people say that in the 16th century, the private chefs of […]
Capri, where this cake originated, is famous for it’s Limoncello and that’s probably why it was used initially. However, I cannot imagine the cake made without it. It’s delicious, very easy and very quick to make during the Easter break. You’ll notice it contains no flour and consists entirely of roughly chopped chocolate and nuts with only […]
Passata di pomodoro is an Italian staple. You have likely heard of it or used it without even knowing! Tomato passata is something any chef should be familiar with, and the history behind it is also worth knowing. It is indeed part of Italian culture, not merely a kitchen necessity. What is Tomato Passata? At […]
Lemon semifreddo is one of the lightest, most refreshing desserts out there. Its delicate texture and robust flavor is one that cannot be matched! While it may seem like making such a perfect dessert would be challenging, it is in fact, quite simple as long as you follow the directions carefully. This recipe will enable […]
Who doesn’t enjoy pasta? If you’re used to store-bought pasta, you might be ready to take things to the next level of deliciousness by making your own fresh pasta right at home. Making pasta by hand can be a bit tedious, though. Lucky for us, you don’t have to do it the old fashioned […]
Pizza is a widespread food in cuisines across the world. However, in every country, every region and even in every town, what “pizza” means may vary. One area may prefer a ticker crust while other opts for thinner. Some places put cheese on before sauce, and others might skip sauce all together. However, if you […]
Cannoli cheesecake is a combination of two true Italian classics. You get to enjoy two delicious Italian desserts and never need to choose which to have- you can have them both! So how did cannoli cheesecake come to be an, most importantly, how can you make such a fantastic dessert? Those questions will be answered […]
Eggplant parmigiana is a classic dish that almost everyone has tried once or twice. It is a delicious, meat-free dinner option with a long history rooted in Italian culture. While you may think that eggplant parmigiana seems like a complicated dish, but it is quite simple. We’ll share with you a beautiful, easy and very […]
Similar to minestrone, this hearty, authentic Italian bean soup is perfect for a chilly evening. A thick slice of toasted bread, or crostino, adds crunch, and canellini beans provide an excellent source of protein and a creamy texture. Garlic, rosemary, and a pinch of Calabrian red pepper flakes give this soup its delicious, comforting flavor. […]
Lasagna and pizza are probably the most famous Italian imports, but are usually not translated authentically.Just as there is no pepperoni on pizza in Italy, there is no ricotta cheese in lasagna either. The entire city of Bologna would riot if you brought them a lasagna with ricotta in it. They take their pastas extremely seriously and […]
I make fresh pasta from scratch every week. It reminds me of my Nonna who taught me how to make all the different shapes and varieties of pasta. This recipe combines some of my favorite ingredients, Porcini mushrooms, leeks and prosciutto with my favorite fresh pasta—pappardelle. The flavors are powerful and pronounced, while being true […]
Polenta is made from corn meal that is an ancient peasant food—in Northern Italy it is made with a harder consistency, cut and grilled and topped with a sauce, while in the center and South, it is served creamy, almost like American grits. I made this recipe as a warm comforting dish with a slow-cooked […]
There’s no need to spend a fortune this time of the year and anyway, most of us have been affected by the economic downswing in some way or other, so we can’t. It is important, though, that we give ourselves some time to enjoy the company of our loved ones and even if there’s only […]
You either love potatoes or you hate them, there’s nothing in the middle & those amongst us who say they hate them, are probably lying anyway. How do you hate a potato? Not possible. Mashed, creamed, whole & dripping with butter or generously drizzled with olive oil and lashings of lemon juice & salt, fried, […]
Edible vanillin (vanilla planifolia) is native to Mexico and is now widely grown throughout the tropics but Madagascar is the world’s largest producer. Vanilla pompona and Vanilla tahitiensis are grown in Tahiti and Niue even though they have significantly lower vanilla contents. The plant grows as a vine that usually creeps up a tutor tree […]
One of my favorite winter comfort foods is risotto, and I love to order it when I’m in Italy. However, since I haven’t found a restaurant in my area that serves a decent one, I either make it myself or ask my kids to make it for me. Risotto is one of the best things […]
Black pepper originated in the monsoon forests of the Malabar Coast in southwestern India in prehistoric times; it has been used in Indian cooking for over 4,000 years. Egyptians also used the spice in mummification rituals as early as the 1200s B.C. Two thousand years ago, pepper reached Southeast Asia, and it has been grown […]
Tender, chewy farro and earthy mushrooms make this hearty soup a meal in itself. Although it takes an hour to make, most of that is simmering time, during which you can feel free to curl up with a good book and wait for the flavors to meld. Farro is an ancient grain that is said […]
Making mustard is not only simple but is versatile – there are thousands of taste combinations that will suit whatever it is you’re cooking – so why limit yourself to store bought mustard? Mustard is made of a basic mixture that consists of dry mustard seeds, vinegar and the seasonings of your choice. They get […]
There is a restaurant in Naples called Limoncello and today we pay tribute to them – the food is always excellent, the pizza bianca they serve before the meal out of this world and they make the best grilled calamari around. They also make brilliant Limoncello and few people leave without having, at least, one. There […]
