Italian
Easy To Make Stromboli
Stromboli, an inside-out sandwich or pizza roll, is easy to make and perfect for informal gatherings or pot luck events. I first tasted one when we lived in NYC and let me tell you, they are addictive!
Read MoreBaked Vegetable Custard
Years ago I bought a book to hold all my scraps of paper that I scribbled recipes on or ones I cut from magazines and newspapers. I remember, after the last recipe was glued down, how triumphant it felt to see my collection in one place. The other day I went through one I started…
Read MoreHomemade Limoncello
At OPUS (Alex Morabito’s Italian wine bar in Bangkok) our unforgettable meal years ago ended with a signature touch: a complimentary glass of his father’s homemade limoncello. It remains the best we’ve ever tasted. Four years after Alex shared the recipe, I finally made it at home and it’s every bit as lovely and delicate as we remembered.
Read MoreSpaghetti and Meatballs
The culinary snoop in me wonders if this well-known classic Italian dish originated in Italy or the USA. Turns out it’s all American! Italians from 1890 to 1920 emigrated to America by the millions. These impoverished immigrants (some on the brink of starvation) went from spending 75 percent of their income on food in Italy to…
Read MoreCranberry and Pistachio Biscotti
Biscotti (twice-baked), is an Italian cookie that is formed into a log shape, baked, sliced and then toasted to a crisp texture. This has to be one of the easiest desserts to make. Cranberry and pistachio are a perfect duo for this biscotti recipe by balancing the sweetness of the dough with a bit of…
Read MoreParmesan Crisps
Entertaining can seem like a daunting task whether it’s your first time or 100th! The key to any successful party is in the planning. When I plan a dinner party its roots are usually based on a country we have been to and have enjoyed the food. From there I start thinking about what I’d…
Read MoreZucchini Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Bruschetta (pronounced brusketta), is an Italian antipasto where grilled slices of bread are rubbed with garlic and a splash of olive oil added. Who would have thought a simple Tuscan recipe of grilled bread could turn out to be so magical.
Read MoreSquash Parmigiana
Parmigiana is an Italian dish made with a fried slice filling, layered with cheese and tomato sauce and baked in the oven. The most common is eggplant (aubergine) but breaded veal or chicken are also popular.
Read MoreDuck Ragu
The origin of ragù sauce can be traced back to Bologna, Italy. Duck ragu is a Venetian dish where the focus is more on the meat and herbs rather than the tomatoes. This slow-cooked sauce can also be made with beef, pork, veal, lamb or boar.
Read MoreGrilled Peppers
We grill all year round but when the weather is warmer we use the barbecue weekly. We grill anything – bread, cheese, veggies, meat, fish, fruit, you name it we’ve most probably grilled it. A couple of years ago John and I were on a cruise around the Adriatic Sea and one of the ports…
Read MoreHaddock Saltimbocca
The classic saltimbocca dish consists of thin slices of veal topped with a sage leaf, wrapped in a prosciutto slice, and sautéed in butter. If prepared properly, saltimbocca should melt in your mouth. Other variations can include chicken or pork. While haddock saltimbocca isn’t a typical Italian dish, these tender morsels were absolutely delicious. This…
Read MoreItalian Sausage with Peppers and Onions on Quinoa Polenta
I bought a bag of sweet baby peppers the other day and knew that if I didn’t use them soon, they would go off. Sausage, peppers and onions are perfect for a sandwich (hoagie) but I was thinking of something more for dinner. I’ve made many versions of polenta over the years but as I…
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