Cotechino and lentils is a typical dish for New Year’s Eve. Mainly for two reasons.  First, if you’ve ever received an Italian Christmas Gift Basket you’re most likely have found cotechino precooked cotechino sausage among other typical products. So New Year’s is a perfect time to prepare cotechino. But of course it’s a popular comfort …

Sicilian Almond Cookies or Paste Di Mandorla are perfect for Holiday Cookie Trays. These Italian Cookies are very easy to make and they disappear quickly! There are dozens if not hundreds of almond cookies in Italy. Some follow the same recipe but have a different name depending of the region of Italy where they’re coming …

Marron Glacé is a delicious candied chestnut treat from Northern Italy and France. It’s especially popular during November and December, when chestnuts are in season. But not just regular chestnuts. As the name implies, Marron Glace is made from marrons – a cultivated type of chestnut. Marrons are of a superior quality, have bigger in …

Delicious creamy pumpkin soup with extra comforting fall flavors? Why not! You’ve probably seen a gazillion of pumpkin soups of all kinds during the season. Some very easy to make with a few simple ingredients, some a more sophisticated and gourmet. So here I am, with a pumpkin cream soup recipe as well. Lol BUT …

Have you ever wondered how to roast chestnuts in the oven so that they don’t become dry and peel in a snap? Today, I’ll be sharing with you my tips and tricks on how to make perfect roasted chestnuts. With the same look, taste and easy peel as you get them from street vendor at …

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is a show stopper. Not only it looks like a real pumpkin but it makes your mouth water just smelling the fragrance of delicious fall flavors: pumpkin, cinnamon, chocolate and raisins. The best part? It doesn’t require any special equipment or tedious preparation. In fact, this pumpkin shaped bread is …

This Roman Style Pizza or Pinsa Romana is an ancient, healthier and more digestible version of classic Neapolitan pizza. With this simple pinsa recipe you’ll discover how to make a healthier, lighter and more digestible version of pizza. If you dig deeper into its origin, the recipe traces back to the times of Roman Empire.  …

Orecchiette with broccoli rabe is one of the signature pasta dishes from Apulia, city of Bari in particular. This is a classic “poor man’s dish” or cucina povera that dates back to ancient times. A couple of simple local ingredients like homemade pasta (orecchiette), seasonal veggies (broccoli rabe), anchovy fillets, extra virgin olive oil, garlic …

Who doesn’t love soft and creamy texture of eggplants? Its mild and delicate flavor makes eggplant a perfect veggie (or it’s actually a FRUIT!) to pair with all sorts of flavors. That’s why eggplant is the main ingredient of some of the iconic Italian dishes. Parmigiana {Eggplant Parmesan} If you ask an Italian to name …

It’s like having a pizza, but low fat, low cal, and naturally gluten free 😊 Eggplants, hands down, is one of my favorite veggies. I love them in any shape, form and pairing. And so do I feel about pizza. But eating classic pizza too often is bad for the tummy and waistline, you know …

On a hot summer day, is there anything better than indulging yourself with one of these fresh, mouth watering desserts? 😊 The best part? Most of them are ready in under 20 minutes and there’s ZERO baking involved 😉💃 Lemon Semifreddo With Ricotta & Fresh Mint Sauce The lightest, semi-frozen dessert you can imagine! Its …

Are you tired of conventional steamed spinach or broccoli sides? This sauteed broccoli rabe will give you the perfect variety to classic healthy green sides. For those of you hearing about this leafy vegetable for the first time, let’s see what broccoli rabe actually is. What is Broccoli Rabe? Broccoli rabe is a green leafy …

Is there anything more appetizing than these colorful polenta squares topped with creamy mushroom ragu and perfectly melted cheese?? And while it got you thinking I bet your mouth is watering. Like always, here some of the tricks to make your polenta squares easier, tastier and all around irresistible. Polenta / Cornmeal Classic polenta usually …

Let’s not talk about canestrelli as classic shortbread cookies from Northern Italy (Liguria and Piedmont region in particular) – even though that IS true. But what is more important is this. As you put a cookie in the mouth it immediately feels like heaven. Delicious lemony flavor, super soft and butter-ly texture with a light …

These classic Green Beans and Potatoes is a delicious no-fuss dish that can be served in many different ways. Especially if you’re looking for simple, delicious, veggie filled side that with a couple of variations can turn into a hearty salad or even used to make frittata. Slightly crunchy green beans are paired with soft …