While the weather may not be cooperating - it IS Spring! And the very beginnings of beautiful veggies are coming to the market. This risotto is a great way to start bringing some freshness back into your cooking after winter. Topped with a poached egg, it's a great meal! Enjoy!
Read MoreMy father's family hails from the region of Abruzzo in Italy - and we think there's some additional heritage in Naples. This dish comes from the South of Italy. In the States it is often called Pizza Gain, Pizza Gaina, or Pizza Rustica. Whatever you call it, my Grammy was known for hers! This is the recipe she used every year for Easter and the one that we still share. The meat & cheese pie is meant to be indulgent. A way to celebrate after the fasting of Lent. And I certainly hope you celebrate. Buona Pasqua! Buon Appetito!
Read MoreWe always celebrate the arrival of Spring and especially Easter with this delicious Northern Italian dish, passed on to me from my great-grandmother. The green spinach is meant to represent the new life and new beginnings that spring offers all of us. We use this dish as a "primo piatto" or "first dish" during our Easter celebration but it's a great starter, side or main throughout this wonderful season.
Read MoreOne of my mother's best friend's is of Irish heritage - and it turns out she has the best recipe EVER for Irish Soda Bread. Better yet, she was willing to share it with us. We don't do St. Patrick's Day very big in my house, but I'll make this bread and we'll eat it for breakfast just about every day. It's delicious. Not too sweet, not too dry, just perfect. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do!
Read MoreSo many people are afraid to cook fish, don't be. In this week's video you'll learn how to perfectly sear scallops and make a complimentary lemon, tarragon risotto. Citrusy tarragon adds the perfect flavor to creamy risotto making an ideal bed for the scallops.
Read MoreEating my veggies can be a challenge for me at times - but when they're coated with olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes, and tossed with perfect pasta...I'm in! I hope you enjoy this dish as much as my husband and I do!
Read MoreI have so many friends who head out to fast food spots - particularly during Lent - to grab a fried fish sandwich. But what's really IN those? Try your hand at making your own and you won't be disappointed! Check out my recipe for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. The fillets will even last overnight in the fridge and can be warmed in the oven the next day.
Read MoreI LOVE football - and while my Giants had a less than stellar season - I still plan on watching the Big Game this Sunday with family & friends! Check out all 3 recipes on my Grid Iron Grub menu - perfect for your Super Bowl party!
Read MoreA friend of mine from high school shared a photo of this recipe years ago on Facebook. It was so creative I had to have it! I've made a few adjustments since then but either way you do it, it's delicious and warming. Enjoy!
Read MoreAs we wrap up January I'm still trying to keep my food on the lighter side and this dish does just that while fulfilling my want for something sweet! Deliciously ripe bears get baked with nutrient packed walnuts, sweet honey and cinnamon; and are then nestled on top of fragrant vanilla scented Greek yogurt for extra protein. This dish can serve as breakfast, brunch OR dessert!
Read MoreI used to love when my Mom made her chicken marsala for dinner. Now it's a favorite for my husband and me. This dish is easy enough to pull off on a weeknight but delicious enough to feel like a special meal. I hope it becomes one for you and your family!
Read MoreThis quick and easy dish is a great, light meal, any time of day! You can add in whatever veggies you like. I used spinach and tomato here.
Read MoreItalian traditions for New Year's Day involve things like eating lentils and pork (for abundance) to wearing red underwear (for love!)! I've got the pork covered here - but the red underwear is up to you! I hope you enjoy this soup with your loved ones and start this new year with abundance in your kitchen and all who join you there! Happy 2016 Cucina lovers!
Read MoreMy Aunt Linda always brings these pretty, sweet cookies to our Christmas Eve celebration (and others throughout the year!). They're delicious, and look so cute with their rainbow colored sprinkles! The cookie itself ins't too sweet because of the amazing, liquor flavored icing on top. These are a family favorite for us, and I hope they become one for you too!
Read MoreGinger bread is, by no stretch of the imagination, an Italian tradition. But my love for spice gets the best of me and I always include these cookies in my holiday baking. I hope you enjoy them too!
Read MoreMy Aunt Mary is not a big fan of baking. It's just not her thing. But every year on Christmas Eve she breaks out these ricotta cookies - and they're delicious. Wonderful little pillows of mildly sweet softness. And they don't need to be perfect, which is the best part. These cookies are a great way to start your holiday baking!
Read MoreMy best friend since the day I was born (literally) is Jewish, and I have always celebrated Hanukkah with her and her family. While the gelt (chocolate coins) was my favorite part growing up, latkes are my favorite tradition as an adult! My mom used to use leftover mashed potatoes to make pancakes when I was a kid, and over time, I learned how to make them with raw potato as well, I hope you enjoy both versions here.
Read MoreThis is how I've made my holiday turkey for years - and it's always a big hit! If you're cooking Thanksgiving for the first time or are looking for a new way to make yours - I'm sure you'll love this recipe! Happy Thanksgiving!
Read MoreLike most Italian families, we have family that isn't necessarily blood. But they are family none-the-less! This recipe comes from one of my mother's dear friend's Debbie who is always at the table with us for Thanksgiving! I could eat these every day. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Read MoreMy great-grandmother was an amazing cook - and she liked to be the best one in the family - and she was! Her pumpkin pie was always one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving but it wasn't until she passed away and we were cleaning out her kitchen that we found her recipe! I try my best to do it - and her - justice.
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