It’s customary in my family to prepare seafood for Christmas Eve dinner. Not quite the traditional seven courses but I make around three or four dishes because not everyone in the family is fond of seafood. The first course is always a pasta dish. Pasta with red clam sauce is quick and easy to prepare […]
Pumpkin Spice Anginetti Cookies
Anginetti, soft, cake-like, Italian cookies are usually lemon or vanilla flavored. But this basic cookie can be made in a variety of flavors. I had some canned pumpkin on hand that was slated for a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, but I decided not to make it because some of my guests didn’t like pumpkin pie. […]
Baked Cod a la Pizzaiola
Pizzaiola sauce is basically a marinara sauce seasoned with dried oregano. The Italian term “a la pizzaiola” refers to any dish that is made with this sauce. However, the term is seldomly used here in the States. Eggplant Parmesan and Chicken Parmesan are popular Italian dishes using pizzaiola sauce. This recipe was originally given […]
Roast Eggplant with Garlic, Cheese, and Herbs
My father loved to cook. This recipe is a simple dish my father made. It’s easy to prepare and so delicious. Fresh herbs, garlic, and cheese really make this eggplant dish flavorful. When buying eggplants, choose eggplants that are firm, shiny, and blemish-free. I recommend using the Italian or Globe variety for this recipe. They […]
Espresso and Anise Granita: Granita di Caffe e Anice
Granita is a popular frozen Italian dessert that is made with water, sugar, and various flavorings. Originally from Sicily, some of the more traditional and regional flavors are watermelon, lemon, almond, jasmine, mulberry, and coffee. Granita is sort of like sorbet and Italian ice except the granules are much larger. In Sicily, granita is sometimes […]
THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC LASAGNA – SICILIAN STYLE
When I make lasagna, I go all the way. If you’re going to go through all the trouble of making it, it might as well be a showstopper. Go big or go home is my motto when making lasagna. I like my lasagna five-layers high, with lots of cheese and smothered in a thick, flavorful […]
Layered Tomato Salad with Basil Chiffonade
Fresh garden tomatoes are on of the greatest pleasures of summer. I can’t wait to eat fresh picked tomatoes from the garden, farm stand, or farmers market. I loathe eating tomatoes from the supermarket, especially in the winter. They have little to no flavor. My dad grew the most amazing beefsteak tomatoes in his […]
Roasted Garbanzo Bean Salad with Whole Meyer Lemon and Mint
This lemony an minty salad is quick and easy and refreshing! It was inspired by my love of Meyer lemons.
Veal Tortelloni
Last month I posted a recipe for Pistachio Cream Sauce with Pancetta and Peas. The sauce goes incredibly well with veal tortelloni that I make. I felt that I would be remiss in not including the recipe for these incredible pasta morsels. I admit that making homemade tortellini is labor-intensive and difficult for some. But […]
Tortellini with Pistachio Cream Sauce, Pancetta, and Peas
Give me anything pistachio! This rich pistachio cream sauce can be served over any type of pasta but it is the ultimate combination when paired with veal or other meat-filled tortellini.
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