This Ricotta Rice pie recipe of my Mama Carmela’s and Grandma Lena’s is dedicated to the Camarata family and to the memories of Easter Sundays spent at our cottage by the lake. This is one of our family’s traditional Easter desserts and like many Italian dolces, it is simple and lightly sweet with just a…
Tag: Italian
Vino: A Poet, a god and a Few Ancient Mixers
The great Roman poet Horace once wrote, “No poem was ever written by a drinker of water.” Possibly, Horace was a tremendous admirer of Bacchus, the god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine. And possibly the most intriguing, the god of ritual madness and ecstasy. Bacchus was one of the primary gods worshipped in…
Vino! Some Ancient Medicinal Mysteries
Today, I’d like to cover some ancient beliefs in regard to wine’s therapeutic uses. This “nectar of the gods” hasn’t won the hearts of many and transcended the years for its mere taste alone. We’ll move on to the origin of its making one day soon, but “why” it was used seems more intriguing to…
Grandpa Louie’s Sicilian Stuffed Artichokes; Carciofo
Few things ignite the deep flames of the fondest memories of my childhood like spending moments with Grandpa Louie and Grandma Lena at my parent’s cottage by the lake. If my siblings and I were fortunate enough, we would experience one of these three, rare occurrences; a sample of a freshly plucked purple fig from…
Pasta alla Carbonara Una Pentola: “One Pot”
We all know what pasta embodies, but have you ever wondered what “carbonara” means? Carbonaro means charcoal in Italian, but to this day, the connection to this savory, flavorsome dish remains uncertain. Some food historians believe this pasta may have been popular among charcoal makers working in the Apennine Mountains; or perhaps it is called…
Crema Yogurt Pane
Your bread machine will do most of the work after you measure in the ingredients. You can cut fat and calories in this protein-packed, hearty, but light, flavorful, luscious bread by using nonfat Greek yogurt if you prefer. The yogurt imparts a slightly sour edge reminiscent of sourdough, but with a less chewy crumb….
Ice Cream (gelato) versus il gelato…There IS a Difference!
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…
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…
Once Upon a Spice 