• How to make PANCOTTO

    Bread Soup – a simple soup that warms body and soul. This was a soup that my Little Nonna made often so I get to think of her as it simmers on the stove. 1 LB YUKON GOLD POTATOES – diced 1 ONION – coarsely chopped 1 CELERY STALK – thinly sliced 1 TB FRESH… Continue reading

  • RICE TORTA

    RICE TORTA

      1 CUP LONG GRAIN RICE   3 EGGS – large 7-8 TBS OLIVE OIL ½ CUP PARMESAN CHEESE – grated 1 ONION – medium, chopped FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER 1 TB CORN MEAL or POLENTA SALT TO TASTE   ITALIAN SAUSAGE or PANCETTA – optional  PINCH OF NUTMEG Bring 2 cups of salted water… Continue reading

  • MUSSELS in WHITE WINE

    MUSSELS in WHITE WINE

    (Cozza al Vino Bianco) 50-60 MUSSELS – scrubbed                       3 GARLIC CLOVES – chopped 8 FRESH BASIL LEAVES – torn 2 TSP DRIED OREGANO 4 TBS OLIVE OIL ¾ TSP RED PEPPER FLAKES – or to taste 1 CUP GOOD WHITE WINE (Wine you will drink while cooking!) JUICE OF 1 LEMON SALT & PEPPER –… Continue reading

  • This is a great little appetizer to make for a small group.

    This is a great little appetizer to make for a small group.

    I prepared it for our family for Thanksgiving (it works best to make it a day or two ahead of time) and the grandkids had it demolished in no time. Quite versatile!  TORTA di SALAME e RICOTTA Salami – Ricotta Pie This simple dish makes a nice lunch or informal dinner.  It is sort of… Continue reading

  • A Gluten-free Almond Chicken Recipe

    A Gluten-free Almond Chicken Recipe

    The best chicken recipe ever! Almond crusted chicken  that’s crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside and it’s gluten free. INGREDIENTS •    3/4-1 cup almond – depending on the size of the chicken •    1 tsp garlic powder •    1/2 tsp paprika •    1/2 tsp dried oregano •    1/2 tsp dried thyme • … Continue reading

  • RISOTTO VERDE

    RISOTTO VERDE

    ¾ LB ARBORIO RICE 4 TBS BUTTER 6 OZ FRESH SPINACH LEAVES – rinsed and chopped 4 TBS OLIVE OIL 1 SMALL ONION – chopped 6 TBS PARMIGIANO 1 CELERY STALK – chopped SALT – to taste 1 SMALL CARROT – chopped FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER 1 QUART CHICKEN BROTH Sauté the spinach, carrot, onion… Continue reading

  • KALE, SAUSAGE AND WHITE BEAN SOUP

    1LB ITALIAN SAUSAGE – out of casing 2 TB OLIVE OIL 1 MEDIUM ONION – roughly chopped 1 CARROT – roughly chopped 1 CELERY RIB – roughly chopped 4-5 GARLIC CLOVES – peeled and chopped RED PEPPER FLAKES – to taste KOSHER SALT – to taste FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER 1 LB KALE – stems… Continue reading

  • LA BEFANA AND THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

    (In our house better known as the Feast Day of the 3 Kings and Little Christmas) January 6th is known as the Epiphany across many parts of the world, but for Italian children its main significance is the celebration known as “La Befana”. Traditionally, this is the day that an elderly, witchlike woman visits houses,… Continue reading

  • NEW YEAR’S EVE IN ITALY

    NEW YEAR’S EVE IN ITALY

    “Anno Nuovo, Vita Nuovo” is the greeting that is traditionally exchanged at midnight! New Year’s Eve in Italy also goes by many names, one of which is La Festa di San Silvestro and in Italy normally huge dinners are the norm along with many other traditions. Some Italians rent houses in the countryside to celebrate… Continue reading

  • LASAGNA MARINARA

    Not your typical meat filled lasagna, and not your cheese filled. This is surprisingly filled with a variety of fish! LASAGNA 1 BOX (16 ounces) LASAGNA NOODLES1 ½ LBS COOKED FISH – your favorite, such as cod, sea bass, monk fish, crabmeat, lobster meat or shrimp, all cut into bite size pieces or chunks 1… Continue reading