Posts in Holiday
Carrot Ravioli in Carrot Top Pesto

I’ve been working on this recipe for over a year. When we had the idea for the live show, I knew this dish had to be in it. Check out how to make this really beautiful pasta dish!

Read More
Bugie w/ Mamma D

Everyone's favorite Cucina guest joins me this week - Mamma D! Mom and I try our hand at a famous Italian carnevale dessert recipe that Nanny used to make for us at Easter time! Bottom line? You can't mess up friend dough!

Read More
Winter Fruit Crostata

This Winter Fruit Crostata is the perfect holiday dessert for people who don't think they're good at baking! It's super easy, and the whole idea is that it has a rustic, imperfect appearance to it. Also, store brought pie crust is perfectly OK!

Read More
Vin Santo Gelato

This simple homemade ice cream recipe uses a sweet Italian dessert wine, vin santo! Don't worry if you can't find it though, you can swap in your favorite dessert wine! This recipe does require an ice cream machine.

Read More
Ossobuco

This winter classic is also a holiday show stopper! It's a "stick to your ribs" kind of dish, that's very simple to make. In this video I use beef shanks, but you could use pork or veal as well! Some simple veggies, red wine and tomato create an incredible sauce that when served over pasta or polenta is how I want to celebrate any and EVERYTHING!

Read More
Butternut Squash Risotto

Vegetarian main dish? Holiday side dish? Weeknight dinner? This Butternut Squash Risotto recipe covers it all! Risotto is a super simple and versatile dish that can be easily tailored to any diet or tastes! Give this seasonal butternut squash version a try!

Read More
Pear & Gorgonzola Tart

Get ready for the Holidays with this quick and easy, savory pear and gorgonzola tart recipe! The perfect appetizer to serve or bring along! Store brought pastry puff makes this incredibly simple. You could also swap in your favorite cheese like goat or brie! Enjoy!

Read More
Roast Chicken w/ Apples & Grapes

This incredibly simple recipe is PERFECT for the holidays! You can use it for chicken, turkey - even pork! A handful of ingredients lands you a flavorful roast chicken! Seasonal apples and grapes are balanced with a few strips of bacon to create a really delicious meal - whether for a weeknight or a show-stopper for the holiday table!

Read More
Fall Harvest Salad

This Fall Harvest Salad is my go-to when the weather turns cold but I want to eat healthy! Loaded with Fall flavors and delicious goodies, you'll definitely want to try this one either on its own for lunch or as a side for a larger meal! Don't forget to make that honey cider dijon dressing - it ties the whole thing together PERFECTLY!

Read More
Mother's Day 2021

Mamma D joins me in the Cucina for this special Mother's Day episode! We took an "English tea" (not really) and give it some Italian-American flair! (Because really, what's America if not a mix of the rest of the world!?) Mom & I show you 3 simple, savory "bites." (Caprese, Fig & Prosciutto, and Mortadella Sammies) Plus one sweet one! (Strawberry Ricotta toast!) AND of course we have tea...but we turned it into a cocktail with the help of my friend Beth Nydick, co-author of Clean Cocktails! Finally, Mom sheds a tear as she shares her favorite part of being a Mom! It's all in this episode!

Read More
Spinach Gnocchi with Parmesan Cream Sauce

I've always loved looking through old photos, old notes and papers, and above all, old cook books! When my Nanny passed we pulled what has become our kitchen Bible from her home. ALL of her best stuff was in there, including notes, substitute ingredients and other recipes she had collected over the years. This one was one of those recipes that's jotted onto scrap paper and tossed in the front cover - which means you know it's gonna be good! We actually never made this as a family, I'm not sure why because it's DELICIOUS! These spinach and potato gnocchi are the fluffiest little pillows of yum ever! They some how have the texture of ricotta gnocchi, and the color of Spring! It was always tradition in my family to start using spinach as the first of the Spring ingredients. And these gnocchi incorporate it perfectly (also, good way to sneak greens into picky eaters!) Best part? This recipe had it's own special sauce included! I changed the sauce a little because of my body's aversion to dairy but feel free to make whatever changes work best for YOU!

Read More
Porcini Mushroom Risotto

Nonni's porcini mushroom risotto is a family favorite for us! While it's a hearty dish, best served when the weather is cold; we eat it all year round! Laganica sausage and ground beef create the base for this earthy meal. Then we add dried porcini mushrooms to the recipe. If you can't find them at the grocery store or market, I've included a link to buy them online. Finally I show you how to make one of my favorite, simple salads. It's the perfect side for this meal; creating balance with peppery arugula and bright lemon! Plus I'll show you how to build any salad so you can get it done in advance!

Read More
Berry Tiramisu

This colorful take on the classic is perfect for Valentine's Day! Fresh or frozen berries, along with berry juice create the layers between the classic custard filling. Served in individual bowls (or for sharing!) it's a gorgeous finish to your Valentine's Day dinner!

Read More
Heart Shaped Ravioli

Love is love - and pasta is life! It doesn't matter what kind of love you have in your life - you have love worth celebrating! And this is the perfect combination to do it with! Pink pasta dough creates heart shaped ravioli, filled with seasoned, fresh ricotta. Tossed in the easiest sauce ever! Butter and cheese! But don't worry, I added a mature little twist to finish it off with.

Read More
Bagna Cauda

This classic Piemontese dish is a family tradition for me! Mamma D joins me in the Cucina this week to walk us through, not just how to make bagna cauda, but what to serve with it and a few delightful little memories around this meal! And, watch for a cameo from my grandfather as he tells the story of the origins of bagna cauda!

Read More
Zeppole

What better way to end the Feast of Seven Fishes than with some zeppole! This is my neighbor's family recipe and they turn out perfect every time! Crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside! This recipe uses a small potato, but I know there's a lot of other versions out there! Like so many Italian Christmas Eve dishes, they're each as unique as the family that makes them!

Read More
Affogato

Since the holidays will be looking a little different this year, I wanted to share a simple dessert that can be made quickly and easily, without creating weeks worth of leftovers! This easy affogato recipe shows you how to make the perfect pot of espresso, assemble and eat the dish! Plus it's a great way to make everyone happy because you can use any flavor of gelato (or ice cream) that you like! Try things like chocolate, hazelnut or peppermint!

Read More
Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving 2020 is going to look a LITTLE different. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate and enjoy! In this video I share three new recipes for a smaller crowd! Starting with my citrus and sage roast turkey breast. A simple Italian side dish of roasted fennel. And a unique and light dessert idea of cranberry granita! These recipes can help create a delicious dinner experience regardless of who is (or isn't) around the table this year! I hope you'll give them a shot and add them to your traditional fair. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Read More
Pig Candy

I'm SO excited to be kicking off November with my friends at Groundwork Elizabeth and Urban Griddle! I headed to Urban Griddle to get their recipe for their fan favorite "pig candy" - and to get a sneak peek at the menu for November 7th's Urban Farm Dinner! Owner George Vlahos talks about why Groundwork Elizabeth is so important to him, and to the community! Plus we have a lot of fun!

Read More
Limoncello

I can’t think of anything more quintessentially Italian Summer than limoncello. And what better way to hold on to these last few days than bottle it up!? My aunt’s been making limoncello for years now and it always turns out great. So I finally got around to asking her for the recipe - it’s amazingly simple, but like all things Italian, it takes time and quality to do right.

Read More