This appetizer of fried eggplant with peppers, onions, and garlic has been a staple of Sicilian cuisine for centuries; there are as many variations of this dish as their are kitchens in Sicily. I learned…Continue Reading
This classic Italian recipe is perfect for early summer when the zucchini blossoms are abundant. Use the male flowers (the ones with the single stamen covered in pollen); these don’t produce fruit, but just pollinate…Continue Reading
This simple vegetarian pasta is the national dish of Sicily. It probably originated in Catania in the 19th century and is reportedly named after the opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini. It is traditionally served with…Continue Reading
Nothing says summer like fresh tomatoes and this salad is a lovely way to use an abundance of cherry tomatoes. Perfect for alfresco dinners on the deck along-side grilled meats. Serves: 4-6 INGREDIENTS 1 Loaf…Continue Reading
Sweet, fresh cherries and ripe Tuscan melon with cherry/mint dressing make this summer salad a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats and fish. Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 1 medium Tuscan melon or cantaloupe, seeds and skin removed…Continue Reading
This splurge salad is full of summer flavors. Perfect for a casual dinner on the deck or as a starter for a celebration dinner. Serves 6 INGREDIENTS For the Salad: 3 duck legs confit 3…Continue Reading
The name changes depending in which Italian region you are making it! Ingredients 1 1/4 cups semolina (durum wheat) flour, plus more for sprinkling 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 3 extra-large eggs 1 tablespoon extra-virgin…Continue Reading
Recipe courtesy of La Terrazza del Chiostro, Pienza, Italy Serves 6 Ingredients 500 gr. Rice (3 1/2 cups) 500 gr. Beet (3 1/2 cups 70 gr. (1/2 cup) Peconzola (Pecorino blue cheese from Pienza)* 100 ml.…Continue Reading
Meat pies with hot-water crust are hearty and delicious. In the middle ages the crusts were thick and hard and not meant to be eaten, just a vessel for the filling. These crusts are tasty;…Continue Reading
A decadent combination of buttery shortbread, soft caramel, and chocolate, these bars originated in Scotland and are so named because they are so rich. INGREDIENTS For the shortbread crust: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened…Continue Reading