Stories
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Roman Style Tripe for the Ides of March
BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH “Beware the Ides of March.” Not only did Shakespeare’s words stick, but they also branded the phrase—and the date, March 15—with a dark and gloomy connotation. It’s likely that many people who use the phrase today don’t know it’s true origin but history tells it this way. In modern times, the… Continue reading
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AUNT MAY’S PASTIERRA di GRANO (Easter Wheat Pie)
There is always so much baking to do for Easter that it is never too early to start the planning! This is the way it was written and given to me many years ago. 1 Container (3 Lb) Whole Milk Ricotta, 9 Eggs, 2 ½ Cups Sugar, Cinnamon (powder or oil) Citron, Orange Peel, 1… Continue reading
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And Now it is March!
We are 3 months into 2024. The first month of Spring is March which starts between the 19th and 21st. Flowers start to bloom, and many animals awaken from hibernation in March. March is a busy month! March 8 is International Women’s Day, which is a day that not only celebrates the achievements of women and the progress… Continue reading
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Time Does Fly!
It seems that not too long ago I was shuffling thru my recipes trying to get ready for Thanksgiving. Abbra-cadabbra, well not quite that easily, and the Thanksgiving table was laden with all the things our family enjoys and anticipates, along with a few ceramic turkeys, a pilgrim here and there and then some flowers.… Continue reading
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It’s Leap Year!
February 2024 gives us a present of an extra day this year, a day on which we may not have anything of instance to do, so it is a present, a gift! Leap year occurs every four years, so that the calendar can take into account that the orbit around the sun that year will… Continue reading
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CARNEVALE & FAGIOLATA (Bean Stew)
The days before Ash Wednesday are eagerly awaited throughout Italy and every village and town will be deep in preparations to celebrate this annual event known as “Carnevale”. Each “Carnevale” has a very distinct character because it celebrates that town or village’s own historical connections. Many of the larger cities are very well known and… Continue reading
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CORAJISIMA and QUARESMALI in ITALY
(And Crepes for Dinner in Our Home) If you happen to be in Italy during Lent and you find yourself in Calabria, do not be startled if you come across what appears to be an old lady type ragdoll hanging from a balcony or the side of a house. No need to be concerned, this… Continue reading
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Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Italy – That’s Amore!
In Italy, St. Valentine’s Day is called La Festa Degli Innamorati -the Feast of Lovers. While in America, it is quite common to send a Valentine card to a friend or anonymously to someone who you would like to get to know better, this isn’t the case in Italy. In Italy tradition dictates that St. Valentine’s… Continue reading
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Vitello Tonnato (Veal in Tuna Sauce)
This is a very Piedmontese dish and one that you will find in the best restaurants in Torino. Tuna figures in a great many Italian dishes and nowhere more inventively than in the Piedmont area. 2 1/2 lbs Lean Veal Roast – preferably top round1 Large Onion – cut into chunks1 Bay Leaf1/2 Cup Dry… Continue reading
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Welcome to Ancora!
A blog for your favorite Italian recipes, stories, and all things Italy. Welcome Friends to ANCORA: Italian Cooking and More! It has been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And so it must follow that my journey into this new adventure must begin with a single word and… Continue reading
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