Italian

Winter Panzanella Salad

Salads are good all year long because greens can serve as the base for seasonal vegetables.  For more heartiness, you can add lots of seeds,...

Insalata mista

The ingredients in most parts of Italy are so delicious and fresh that most of the salad and vegetable dishes are very simply prepared.  You don’t need a lot of...

Zucchini with garlic & basil sauce

Caramelizing the zucchini in this recipe creates a different flavor which is deeper and richer.  For a more summer version, you could lightly soften the zucchini and add a squirt...

torta della nonna

How can you not love a tart named after a grandmother, “torta della nonna” or Grandmother’s tart?

ricotta cheese & spinach filling

A very easy ricotta cheese based filling that can be used to for eggplant rollatini or pasta shells.  It’s super easy to make, and adds great flavor to Italian style...

delicious Italian spaghetti & meatballs

There is almost nothing as comforting as a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.   Nothing sophisticated or too complicated but a plate of warm, satisfying pleasure that is almost a hug...

Mini arancini rice balls

If you have any leftover risotto, which tends to be more glutinous when cold, arancini balls are the ideal way to use up extra. 

Risotto with mushrooms

Another flavor of risotto made with mushrooms.  Select a variety of mushrooms that are fresh and will give the risotto a nice flavor.  I think...

A basic risotto with parmesan

Making risotto requires time. Time to allow the starch in the rice grains to slowly release creating the creamy consistency but firm bite of each grain.

garlic bread

Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Somehow it works just as well with a plate of spaghetti or a big bowl of soup.

Ricotta ravioli filling

Super easy and classic filling for any shape of ravioli.  The creamy ricotta cheese is seasoned with just enough flavors to create a delicate filling. ...

ravioli dough

Ravioli dough is slightly different than a noodle pasta dough in that it has more egg yolks that create a greater amount of moisture, more fat and a brighter color. 

Pasta with eggplant (alla Norma)

Pasta all Norma is a classic recipe containing only vegetables.  The flavors of the eggplant, tomatoes and onions create a luscious sauce that coats the pasta in a delicious sauce.

fresh homemade pasta

Why not try making homemade pasta noodles?  It is not difficult and adds an extra bit of pizzazz to any meal.

raspberry crostata

Do you like a slightly crispy crust that is not too rich and not too thick? Here you go, this recipe is just right for you.

focaccia with rosemary

Focaccia....most common in Liguria, Italy made popular by the city of Genoa.  In other parts of Italy the name is schiacciata or crescentina. 

Aperol Spritz

An Italian aperativo that is not too sweet and not too sour with a wonderful flavor that hints of orange.  I love to serve an...

Pasta Amatriciana

If you have ever been to Rome, Italy, you surely have seen Amatriciana pasta on the menu.  It is a staple in Roman cuisine but has many different versions- adding...

Italian Cornetti (brioche)

Start flexing your pastry muscles and prepare to embark on your journey to Italy! The Italian cornetto is a cross over between a French croissant...

salmon with fresh pesto

Fresh pesto can be delicious on a variety of different fishes but works especially well with a luscious piece of salmon fillet.  The spicy, bright flavor of pesto complements the...

Lemon risotto with a dab of pesto

Incredibly delicate with the perfume of lemons, a beautifully balanced dish that brings forth the essence of each ingredient.  This recipe is delicious and creates a dish that can be...

pasta with pesto & mascarpone

Since some people find pesto rich or overpowering, I created this recipe to smooth the flavor of pesto in order to make it easier and sweeter on the palate.

Easy Cacio & Pepe Pasta

I have been making this pasta forever and am never disappointed.  With just a few ingredients – pasta, cheese, butter, olive oil, salt and ground...

simply delicious mini frittatas

Super easy and perfect for a crowd or less during brunch, breakfast or lunch, and so much lighter than quiche. Mini or cupcake size, the frittatas can be partially prepared...

It’s pesto

Fresh basil has such a strong, wonderful fragrance.  It fills a room with its aroma and just begs to be put into some amazing dish....

tiramisu di Alessandra

My very good friend Alessandra is from Padua, Italy and a fantastic cook.  Actually, both she and her husband, Luigi, are incredible hosts.  An invitation to dinner from them is...

An easy Lasagne

Why is this lasagne easier?  Because Bechamel sauce is eliminated and only a meat sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese is layered.  I prefer no Bechamel...

the perfect meat sauce (for filling)

There are hundreds of different Bolognese sauces, also known as ragù.   This one is my own recipe that has been adapted over the years.  The use of two different type...

Pasta Bolognese sauce (Ragù)

There are hundreds of different Bolognese sauces, also known as ragù.   This one is my own recipe that has been adapted over the years.  The...

fresh and easy tomato sauce

This sauce is quite simple and is made with fresh cherry or baby tomatoes. I like to mini San Marzano Plum tomatoes but buy what is the freshest or easiest.

roasted kale with chickpeas

Roasting kale, as in this recipe, makes a wonderful side dish, complement to fish or meat and even a tasty snack.  You can complete all the steps many hours before...