Porchetta is a succulent Italian roast pork dish that is popular throughout Italy. The humble porchetta is a holiday dish fit for a king. Different cuts of meat are used to make porchetta. Traditionally it is made with suckling pig, or pork belly wrapped around a pork loin, or just a rolled pork belly; however, […]
Pumpkin Tiramisu Torte
You know that fall has arrived when you notice an abundance of pumpkins at the supermarket. My brain goes into cold-weather mode thinking of foods synonymous with fall, like pumpkin and apple pie. Tiramisu is a popular dessert in cafes and restaurants throughout Italy. It has also become a popular dessert here in the US. […]
Lemon Paste Flavoring
Lemons can add magic to desserts. Lemon paste (pasta di limoni) is an intensely aromatic, thick, jam-like mixture used to flavor Italian desserts. You can use it to flavor cream fillings, cookies, pastries, breads, and cakes, etc. Think lemon cheesecake or just about any dessert you want to add lemon flavor to. There is an […]
Primavera Vegetable Casserole
Primavera means spring in Italian. Artichokes, peas, and asparagus are spring vegetables. These popular vegetables are prepared individually and combined in various Italian dishes. My friend Gerry was kind enough to share his Sicilian mother’s spring vegetable casserole recipe with me. The original recipe inspired me to create this Primavera means spring in Italian. Artichokes, […]
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 […]
Follow me!