A timballo or timbale as Sicilians call it, is a molded dish made of rice, pasta, or potatoes. The timbale can be a layered concoction with cheese, vegetables, eggs, meat, ...
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Sicilian Rice Timbale
A timballo or timbale as Sicilians call it, is a molded dish made of rice, pasta, or potatoes. The timbale can be a layered concoction with cheese, vegetables, eggs, meat, and or poultry. Sometimes the filling is encased in a layer of pastry crust or thin fried eggplant slices. It can be simple or as […]
Sfinci: Zeppole (Italian Fried Doughnuts)
Sfinci (or sfingi) is the Sicilian word for the Italian fried doughnut called zeppole (plural). Different regions of Italy also refer to it by different names, but we’ll keep it simple here to the two names that are most popular. This is my family’s recipe for this basic fried yeast doughnut. Have you ever been […]
Turkey Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Currants in Tomato Sauce
Turkey meatballs are a great alternative to those made with beef and pork. The secret to making good meatballs is to brown them before adding to the sauce and to use the best quality canned tomatoes and grated cheese. These meatballs are just as delicious pan fried without the sauce. If you elect not to […]
Almond, Orange, and Cinnamon Meringue Topped Cookies
These unusual buttery shortbread cookies are a family favorite. I have never come across a similar recipe. What makes them unusual is that they are topped with a thin layer of meringue, rather than having a meringue base. Then sprinkled with almonds, orange zest, and cinnamon. A delicious flavor combination. Almond, Orange, and Cinnamon Meringue […]
Orzo with Mushrooms
Although this recipe is not traditional Italian cuisine; this family favorite is a quick pasta dish that I created and wanted to share with you. It has a deep, earthy mushroom flavor that I like, and it is easy to prepare. Best of all it can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. Serve as […]
Veal Marsala Stew with Mushrooms and Peas
This dish is a different take of the classic Veal Marsala. Veal Marsala uses thin slices of veal that are pan fried and cooked briefly in a Marsala sauce. It must be served immediately because the sauce congeals quickly. It is difficult to make for a large crowd. This recipe uses chunks of veal simmered […]
Marsala Poached Pear Tart
Tarts and pies are basically the same creature in a different form. The pie is humble in nature while the tart is its elegant counterpart. Think blueberry tart as opposed to a blueberry pie. The tart is what I would go for! A large tart will feed more people than a pie will, so it’s […]
Casarecce with Squid and Shrimp
There are many Italian Americans traditionally celebrate Christmas Eve with the Feast of Seven Fishes. Cooking seven seafood dishes can be an onerous task, especially if one person is responsible for cooking the entire meal. In my opinion, seven courses for dinner is a crazy amount of food. So, over the years I have paired […]
Pina’s Sicilian Rice Dressing
My cousin Pina, who lives in Detroit, shared this holiday recipe for rice dressing that can be used as a stuffing or a side dish. It goes well with poultry and pork. Pina’s Rice Dressing Difficulty Rating: EasyMakes 8 servings. Ingredients:1 1/2 cups rice cooked in 3 cups chicken stock2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut […]
Butternut Tortelloni with Browned Butter Sauce
Fall has finally arrived and that’s when I get excited about cooking with seasonal ingredients. Butternut squash is one of my favorite choices to cook with. I especially love butternut squash ravioli but, I don’t really like making them unless I have an army of helpers. In my opinion, tortelloni are easier to make than […]
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