If you’ve ever visited Italy, you’ve more that likely had the pleasure of experiencing velvety, luscious Italian gelato or possibly an icier version similar to American ice milk gone Italian ice. Maybe you assumed the only reason it seemed richer and more flavorful than American ice cream was because you were enjoying it in the…
Tag: Italia
Cioccolato e Caramello Gelato Affogato
What a big name for such a simple decadent treat. Serve this as a dinner aperitif—one won’t spoil your appetite. As an after dinner treat in place of dessert. Or anytime you wish to experience the harmonious blend of coffee, cream and chocolate. Let your imagination run wild with the additions: Kahlua, chocolate fudge, sprinkles,…
Got Mik?! Then You Got Ricotta Cheese in Less Than an Hour! Without Leaving Your Kitchen!
What happens when you find the perfect ricotta recipe and there’s none to be found? Solution! Make your own! Yes, you can do it! I’ve done it several times and actually prefer the creamy texture and smooth, soft yet rich taste to any store bought. I’d like to share a simple recipe courtesy of one…
Napolitana e Siciliano Easter Egg Lasagna
This is a quick and easy version of my Mama Carmela’s famous Easter Lasagna. The addition of hard-boiled eggs and sliced meatballs were influenced by her northern Italian background and make this dish extra delicious and one of a kind! I made this recipe “today” friendly for ease of preparation by using good-quality bottled sauce…
13 Bean (for Good Luck) Pasta e Fagioli– Fazul Italian Chili!
“When the stars make you drool just like pasta fazul, that’s amore!” As I write this recipe, I can hear the famous crooner, Dean Martin, sing this famous line from his 1953 signature song “That’s Amore” It reminds me, every time, of my all-time favorite film “Moonstruck” and memories of my mama and I sitting…
Lasagna: Lasagnum, Laganon, Lagane? The Classic Dish with Multiple Personalities
The history of lasagna is a perplexing and much debated topic among culinary historians and experts worldwide. While there are a few theories as to its origins, some believe that the word ‘lasagna’ comes from the Greek word ‘lasagnum’ which is actually the word for the vessel the pasta was made in! The Greeks then…
Mama Mia, That’s a Spicy Meatball!!
I have to chuckle when I think of this very witty Alka-Selzer, television commercial aired frequently in the early 70’s. Mostly, because I remember my Sicilian Father’s hilarious, but meager attempts at mimicking the American, turned temporary Italian, Actor! While you had to be there to truly appreciate daddy’s efforts, this was one of the…
Zuppa Inglese Mama’s Italian Cream Rum Dessert Cake
Zuppa Inglese is an Italian cream rum cake or dessert that requires no baking. It is wonderfully rich, easy and delicious! And the presentation, in a trifle bowl, is really quite lovely and impressive! My Mama prepared it for special occasions & I have adapted it for modern tastes. I am going against the grain…
Pasta or Spaghetti Sauce: The Nectar of the gods? Could be!
Spaghetti or pasta with tomato sauce, also known as marinara, is a staple of southern Italian cookery or almost anywhere that southern Italians live today. However, spaghetti with marinara hasn’t always been a pillar of southern Italian cuisine. It’s actually a relative newcomer. Let’s briefly touch on pasta. Once upon a time every school child…
Chicken D’Olivo Bello
This incredible Northern Italian dish includes every flavor pleasing to the palate; sweet, salty, sour and savory. This is a recipe which I adapted from my mother’s northern Italian influence and a brilliant Sicilian chef whose shared expertise I hold dear as well. As a young teen, I fondly remember visiting my mother’s homeland near Naples,…
Once Upon a Spice 