the blog

A YEAR IN AN ITALIAN KITCHEN:

An Italian canned tuna and zucchini pasta recipe

This Italian canned tuna and zucchini pasta recipe is very easy yet gourmet in a way only true foodies can understand: the crispiness gained by zucchini, the umami from the canned tuna in olive oil, the freshness from the mint leaves. All is simple, all is traditionally combined, all is divine.

Italian roasted bell pepper creamy pasta sauce

You can make a delicious Italian roasted bell pepper creamy pasta sauce with just four ingredients: bell peppers, olive oil, garlic, basil, and pasta, of course!

Pasta alla Crudaiola with Stracciatella cheese

Pasta alla Crudaiola is an Italian Summer pasta recipe that seasons any pasta shape not with a sauce but with a “battuto”, a mince of raw tomatoes, usually cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese or other fresh cheeses cubed.

Authentic Italian chopped salad recipe with Primosale cheese

Here’s an authentic Italian chopped salad recipe that becomes a one-dish meal with the addition of delicious Primosale cheese and the accompaniment of a few slices of rustic Italian bread.

How to Cook King Oyster Mushrooms (Cardoncelli) the Italian Way

How to cook King Oyster or Cardoncelli mushrooms the Italian way: a very simple recipe with just olive oil, garlic, and parsley.

HOW TO MAKE PASTA WITH MUSHROOMS THE ITALIAN WAY

Once again, I'm here to make you discover the simplicity and authenticity of my country's cooking with this Italian pasta with mushrooms, a recipe that highlights Italy's rich culinary tradition. As always, Italian cooking is all about using fresh ingredients and...

Italian Latte E Menta

Here in Italy, Latte e Menta, Milk and Mint, is a traditional summer fresh drink. Nourishing, rich, and refreshing. Here's how to make the syrup with fresh mint and the summery drink by adding the syrup to iced cold milk. It's a recipe from Ortigia's Simposio: a...

Italian peach iced tea or tè freddo alla pesca

How to make Italian peach iced tea, “tè freddo alla pesca:” a refreshing summery drink.

Italian Fava Bean Pesto and Pecorino Pasta Recipe from Rome

A deliciously fresh, vernal fava bean pesto to season spaghetti (or linguine), plus a rain of pecorino flakes to add flavor peaks and crunchiness.

The Italian authentic and original tortellini panna e prosciutto recipe

Are you ready to make the authentic tortellini panna e prosciutto recipe? The recipe that my male friends and brothers made continuously to satisfy their endless appetites. The steps they had learned from their moms and nonnas and that they replicated as accurately as their first-experienced skills let them.

OLIVE OIL BANANA BREAD THE ITALIAN WAY

How to make my olive oil banana bread recipe, an Italian-style banana bread! The other ingredients are classic: good old baking stuff.

An Italian card game for Christmas: Sputo

In this post, I’m sharing with you an Italian card game for Christmas: Sputo. Fun, easy, endlessly repeatable card game for Italian Cartate.

Italian pasta with burrata and cherry tomatoes

Simple and quick pasta with cherry tomato sauce, melted burrata, and basil.

Italian Pumpkin Risotto Recipe – The Authentic Way

Pumpkin risotto, or "Risotto alla Zucca," is a beloved comfort dish from Northern Italy, , but enjoyed throughout the country. The combination of creamy Carnaroli rice, velvety pumpkin, and aged Parmesan cheese makes this a perfect comfort dish for autumn and winter....

Authentic Italian Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic & Basil Recipe

Pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a summery and easy main dish from Italy. Here’s the recipe!

How to Make Caffè Leccese – The Authentic Puglian Iced Coffee

Caffe Leccese is a coffee drink from Salento made with espresso and almond syrup. Here’s the recipe!

Authentic Torta Pasqualina Recipe from Liguria – A Traditional Italian Easter Dish

Torta Pasqualina: the recipe of the Ligurian Easter savory tart with greens, ricotta, and eggs.

Italian smoked salmon pasta recipe

Italian smoked salmon pasta recipe (penne al salmone) made with penne pasta, smoked salmon, heavy cream, white wine, a hint of brandy, and fresh parsley. A delicious, festive, and traditional Italian pasta dish for Christmas Eve! 

Italian eggplant pasta sauce recipe

In this post, you’ll find an easy but delightful Italian eggplant pasta sauce recipe. Make it if you want a dish packed with Italian flavors.

lavender and peach lemonade

Peach and lavender lemonade recipe with overnight infused water and honey.

asparagus rice bowl with chickpeas and almonds

asparagus buddha bowl with rice, chickpeas and almonds

Grilled radicchio with balsamic vinegar recipe

Grilled radicchio with balsamic vinegar: an Italian side dish.

authentic Italian hot chocolate recipe

Thick Italian hot chocolate for cold, cozy days.

Italian gifts made in Italy

Italian gifts made in Italy: “regali” for your family and friends who are in love with Italy. Here is my list of Amazon Italian Christmas gifts ideas.

how to cook kale the Italian way

How to cook kale on the stove the Italian way. Learn how to cook kale without losing nutrients.

canned tuna pasta the Italian way

Canned tuna pasta with tomatoes.

authentic Italian tomato sauce recipe

homemade tomato sauce recipe with tomato paste or crushed tomatoes.

Italian ricotta gnocchi recipe

Ricotta gnocchi recipe with flour and Parmesan cheese.

An Italian stuffed eggplant recipe from Puglia

Stuffed eggplant recipe with tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, pecorino (or Parmesan), and mortadella (or ham).

Italian Russian salad recipe

Russian salad recipe: the original recipe with vegetables, pickles, and mayonnaise.

an authentic Italian minestrone soup recipe

This is one of the authentic Italian minestrone soup recipes – there are many. This minestrone recipe from Milan has cabbage, parmesan, and pancetta.

inspirational books to give as gifts

Best books for women that need inspiration, dreams, or a a moment for themselves.

Christmas in Italy traditions, food, and customs

Christmas in Italy from the tree day to La Befana: everything that happens, including food, traditions and family business.

Italian new year’s eve traditions

Italian New Year’s Eve traditions: here comes a messy list of customs, some from the past, some still extremely actual! Learn about Italian new year’s eve food, red panties, and kisses. Christmas is over? Don’t be sad! This year has come to an end, but another one is...

Christmas day in Italy

Christmas day in Italy: food, meals, and traditions.

Christmas Eve in Italy

Christmas Eve in Italy is a day full of food and traditions. In this post, I outlined a typical Italian Christmas Eve: what happens hour by hour. First of all, remember that the Christmas Eve dinner in Italy is meatless: we can only eat fish. But we can certainly eat...

castagnaccio recipe

a Tuscan delight for Fall celebrations

Italian peach bellini recipe

the peach bellini recipe with real peaches and prosecco

giardiniera recipe for an Italian Summer

Italian giardiniera recipe: authentic and traditional Summer canning

panzanella salad recipe from Tuscany

Traditional panzanella salad recipe: with stale bread, tomatoes and red onion.

Celebrate Fall & Christmas in Italy with Authentic Recipes & Roman Traditions

The Red and Orange Simposio is a Fall and Italian Christmas cookbook dedicated to Rome and other beautiful places of Italy.

latte di mandorla: the Sicilian almond milk

How to make almond milk at home with the authentic Sicilian recipe.

Sicilian Baked Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe – Authentic Italian Easter Dessert

The Italian Easter pie from Sicily: a ricotta pie (crostata) spiced with cinnamon, vanilla and orange zest.

sautéed Italian kale recipe

Sautéed kale recipe: a tasty Tuscan side dish.

erbazzone recipe: the Italian swiss chard pie

the erbazzone recipe: a swiss chard pie from Emilia Romagna

dried porcini risotto recipe

Creamy, earthy and delicious porcini mushroom risotto, a rice recipe from Northern Italy.

how to make a cheese board

How to make an Italian cheese board: 7 steps to a perfect Italian cheese board.There are seven fundamental steps to make an Italian cheese board. From choosing three (or more) different kinds of cheese to the accompaniments, from the fruits, to the bread.   how...

authentic Italian basil pesto recipe from Genova

The authentic Italian basil pesto.

cookbooks for Christmas gifts

the best cookbooks of my kitchen

DIY chocolate gift basket ideas

A DIY chocolate gift basket for gourmet people.

eggplant dip from Sicily

An eggplant dip recipe: eggplant caviar from Sicily.

Italian pickled eggplant recipe

How to preserve eggplants in olive oil according to Italian nonnas.

Eggplant funghetto: Italian sauteed eggplant

Make eggplant al funghetto when you need a delicious side dish or a glorious condiment for your pasta.

Halloween food ideas from Italy

Halloween food ideas: spooky Italian recipes.

Italian pasta frolla recipe (to make Nutella crostata)

Italian pasta frolla is the sweet pastry dough we use to make delicious crostata pies, cookies, and pastries. Here’s the recipe!

Authentic Italian Easter Bread Recipe: Pan di Ramerino

A sweet Italian Easter bread recipe from Tuscany: pan di ramerino, rosemary and raisins bread rolls.

la befana Italian Christmas traditions

Story, origins, and stocking for La Befana Italian Christmas tradition. La Befana is an Italian witch that brings candies and charcoal…

chickpea tuna salad with chard, oregano, and olive oil

chard, chickpeas and tuna filets with looots of fresh oregano

Italy’s zampognari

You have Christmas singers and we have Zampognari.

kale bruschetta from Tuscany

Sautéed black kale bruschetta with olive oil and red chili. Make the bruschetta with kale when you have a delicious loaf of crusty Italian bread.

Italian Christmas presepe

Unfortunately, the Italian Christmas Presepe is a fading tradition.I admire those who won't abandon it for more "modern" alternatives - or at all. Setting up a rural landscape, paying attention to every tiny detail, and involving the whole family in a manual activity...

herbal chocolate: no cooking chocolate enfleurage

A delicious and charming homemade gift recipe: chocolate enfleurage.

Italian Christmas fish recipes: pesce spada alla ghiotta from Sicily

Heavenly good pesce spada alla ghiotta: a Sicilian swordfish recipe with tomatoes, olives and capers.

Italian Christmas tree traditions

when and why Italians put up and decorate their Christmas trees

authentic Italian struffoli recipe from Naples

The authentic Italian struffoli recipe from Naples: tiny dough balls, fried, dipped in honey, and sprinkled with colorful confetti.

Italian ossa di morto cookies

Bone shaped Halloween Italian cookies recipe. A traditional recipe from Treviso perfect for spooky baking.

burrata appetizer ideas: basil marinated burrata

Italian stracciatella marinated in olive oil, garlic and fresh basil leaves.

Sicilian fennel and orange salad recipe

Sicilian orange salad with olives, shallot and fennel

pesto potato salad

pan-roasted potato and pesto salad with curly endive, tomatoes, sugar snaps and sprouts

chickpea salad with feta

chickpeas, tomatoes, carrot, cucumber and feta salad, with lots of mint and basil

himbeersirup raspberry syrup recipe

himbeersirup: a refreshing raspberry drink syrup to refresh our last summer days

buddha bowl recipe with farro and sugar snaps

farro buddha bowl made the Italian way. with sugar snap beans, tomatoes, basil and olive oil

how to make sun dried tomatoes the Italian way

sun dried cherry tomatoes preserved in extra-virgin olive oil and oregano

sun tea with ginger, lime and mint

ginger, lime and mint sun tea. how to make it, even if it’s easy, you just need a jar 🙂

prosciutto and figs appetizer

figs and ham (prosciutto cotto): sweet and savory, refreshing and delicious

easy ricotta mousse made in three delicious ways

The traditional ricotta mousse recipe, made in 3 easy ways.

the Italian prosciutto and melon appetizer

In this post, you’ll find the Italian prosciutto and melon appetizer recipe, a little mention of Italian Summer eating habits, ad a twist to the classic dish.

Authentic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe

Make an authentic Italian Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, and herbs. Tips on basil vs. oregano, mozzarella di bufala, and more.

the authentic almond granita recipe

an almond granita recipe, made with almond milk, an ice cream maker or a fork

Sicilian eggplant caponata recipe

Sicilian eggplant caponata with almonds, honey, olives and basil

tomato salad from Sicily

a tasty Italian tomato salad, with olives, capers, anchovies, fresh oregano and basil

An Italian savory zucchini bread recipe

a healthy, easy, savory zucchini bread recipe, with spring chives

olive oil carrot cake

Olive oil carrot cake recipe with healthy ingredients. A carrot cake with olive oil, hazelnut and oatmeal flour, honey, and apple juice.

cured egg yolks

what can you make with just egg yolks? the cured egg yolks recipe!

the egg project

4 egg recipes from Italy and the Mediterranean   a very Italian Spring omelette with...

eggs en cocotte in a jar

eggs en cocotte, cooked in a jar, seasoned with a tequila vinaigrette and ready for heavy dipping

Ricotta and Asparagus Omelette Recipe: A Fresh, Spring-Inspired Italian Breakfast Dish

Italian omelette recipes: asparagus omelette with ricotta, chives and thyme

quail eggs recipe: Turkish çılbır

gourmet çılbır: poached quail eggs on avocado yogurt with arugula and basil chimichurri

spaghetti and meatballs recipe with lemon and cream

spaghetti and meatballs, lemon flavored and delicately seasoned

how to make polenta from cornmeal + gricia polenta

Soft polenta, made from scratch, with crunchy guanciale and grated pecorino.

savory oatmeal recipes: Italian oatmeal soup with pear crisps & prosciutto flakes

A flaming oatmeal soup with sweet pear crisps and savory prosciutto flakes.

kale Buddha bowl

a raw kale Buddha bowl with lentils, barley, cashews and pomegranate vinaigrette

kale pesto recipe

Kale pesto with crunchy almonds, sweet raisins and fancy dried tomatoes.

Italian mushroom soup with parmesan broth

A decadent mushroom soup cooked in aromatic parmesan broth.

Tuscan white bean and kale soup recipe

bread tuscan soup: kale, potatoes and white beans to restore you from a cold, windy, winter day

zabaglione with gingerbread cookies

creamy zabaione & spicy gingerbread cookies: they’re in love!

the mercante in fiera card game, rules and a DIY project

Mercante in Fiera (Merchant at the Fair) a traditional Italian Christmas game played with illustrated cards

LATEST:

What Italians actually eat

What Italians actually eat

Let’s find out what Italians actually eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No romanticization, no falsifications, just a survey between my friends and family!

An Italian canned tuna and zucchini pasta recipe

An Italian canned tuna and zucchini pasta recipe

This Italian canned tuna and zucchini pasta recipe is very easy yet gourmet in a way only true foodies can understand: the crispiness gained by zucchini, the umami from the canned tuna in olive oil, the freshness from the mint leaves. All is simple, all is traditionally combined, all is divine.