“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…
Tag: Italian
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,…
The Roman Spring of Ms., Mrs., Mr….? Un Piccolo (a bit) of info on “An Italian Spring”
Spring is a fantastic time to travel in Italy. Temperatures warm up, flowers are in bloom, and there are fewer tourists than in summer. Here’s a look at what Italy has to offer in spring. Why Travel to Italy in Spring? Beat the heat and tourist crowds of summer. Find reasonable airfares and hotel prices….
Ciabatta Bread the Pane of all Pane
Ciabatta Bread There are few things as fragrant and flavorful as fresh baked bread! The aroma of baking bread brings back memories of hearth and home and the warmth and love provided there. The spongy inner crumb and crusty outer layer makes this bread suitable for all needs; it is superb sandwich bread, amazing toasted,…
The “Sandwich” by Any Other Name…
Old, but New – Panini, Crostini & Bruschetta As I mention in yesterday’s post, throughout the past, we Italians have always eaten bread with everything. In the history of Italian breads the concepts of a sandwich or as some know them “sangwich or samwich” most likely started out as peasant fare….
Ciabatta, Filone, Focaccia, Muffuletta, Vastedda, Ah pane!
Ciabatta, Filone, Focaccia, Muffuletta, Vastedda, Ah pane…“A bread by any other name would smell as sweet. I can sense Sir William Shakespeare rolling over in his grave as I write this… Today, I want to briefly delve into a little history of another Italian staple; Bread or as we Italian’s affectionately call it…
Once Upon a Spice 