Busiate are long corkscrew shaped pasta noodles.  The province of Trapani, Sicily gave birth to this unique pasta.  The classic way to serve these noodles is with pesto Trapanese.  The name comes from the long, thin wood or metal rod (busa or buso) that is used to shape the pasta.  Making busiate gives new meaning […]

My grandfather Vincenzo was a baked onion aficionado.  He just loved baked onions. It’s one of the things I remember most about his eating habits. They didn’t seem too appetizing as a kid, but later in life I came to realize what I was missing.  Onions are surprisingly sweet when baked.  These onions are fabulous […]

Poached pears are an easy dessert to prepare.  They can also be made ahead of time, freeing up more time for you to prepare that scrumptious dinner.  I find it’s always a good idea to serve a fruit dessert if the entree you’re serving is on the heavy side.  You can also forego the ricotta […]

Pasta with peas is one of the simplest dishes to make in Italian cuisine.  There is something earthy and comforting in eating a dish of pasta with peas.  Forget about adding anything other than onion – like pancetta or herbs.  I’m a purist when it come to my pasta and peas.  Other ingredients tend to […]