Hummus & Pita Chips

Watch how easy it is to make hummus at home! This snack is not only good for you, but quick and simple to make at home! PLUS learn how to make your own baked pita chips from pita bread!

Heirloom Tomato Galette

Enjoy these last days of Summer by using up her bounty of heirloom tomatoes in this fresh, delicious galette! Fast and easy and LOADED with good-for-you nutrients, it’s a great appetizer and/or vegetarian dish!

Spaghetti with Clams

There's something about seafood that just screams Summer for me. And since we're winding down these last lazy, hazy days, I couldn't think of a better dish to serve up than spaghetti with clams! It's quick and easy, packed with fresh Summer flavors, and great for entertaining!

Grilled Peaches

This simple summer dessert keeps everything outside on the grill! These are VERY easy to make and make a great presentation for guests! Serve them up with something sweet and cool - like whipped cream, ice cream or even some whipped ricotta!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This salad is a meal peppers dream! You can make it on your weekend and portion it out for the week! It can even sit in its dressing because it's quinoa based so it won't get soggy. Top it off with my Mediterranean spiced chickpeas OR grilled chicken if you're a carnivore.

Protein Packed Tuna Salad

I may have cheated a little on the title here. This isn't tuna salad slathered in mayo. This tuna salad will actually benefit your body and keep you feeling full for HOURS! And the story of where I found it is the best part of all! (hint, got the idea in an airport!) Check out the video to see how I make tuna salad, Cucina style!

Cacio e Pepe

My friend Mike Favetta joins me in the Cucina this week showing us his version of pasta cacio e pepe! This classic Roman dish only has 3 ingredients but is often difficult to make! Mike shows us what he learned from the "Nonna" downstairs from his apartment in Milan!

Tiramisu

This is NOT what Americans know as tiramisu. It's not cake, and it's not purely whipped cream - hell it's not even cooked eggs! (you'll be fine) This is an amazing recipe that turns out delicious and is fun and easy to make! Just make sure you get the right cookies! (The Italians were really insistent on the Pavesini) Snag those at the link in the recipe.

Panzanella Salad

This simple salad makes great use of leftover or stale bread. As in all things Italian - nothing goes to waste! Soaked in good olive oil and white balsamic - along with the juices from fresh tomatoes and onion - the salad is PACKED with flavor! Let it sit up to overnight to maximize the flavor!

Chef Jesse Jones' Chicken & Waffles

My dear friend Chef Jesse Jones is BACK in the Cucina showing us how to make his classic Southern fried chicken and sweet potato waffles! And we're talking about his new book, "POW! My Life in 40 Feasts" which you can purchase at the link in this post!

Guava Ribs

Check out this tried and true recipe for sweet and savory guava ribs! Perfect for the 4th of July or ANY BBQ! Pork ribs are roasted low and slow and then slathered in a mix of BBQ sauce and guava jelly! Super easy to make and SO delicious!

Spinach Ravioli

I can't think of anything more impressive than hand made pasta. It's literally the way to anyone's heart! These ravioli are fun to make with and for family and friends - plus they have the easiest sauce EVER! Thanks again to the staff at Certosa di Pontignano AND Florencetown for showing us this one!

Cantucci

These mildly sweet Italian biscuits pair perfectly with the classic Tuscan digestif, Vinsanto! Not only is the liquor IN the cookies, you dunk them in it as well! If vinsanto's not for you, you can always nosh on these mildly sweet little cookies for breakfast and dunk them in your coffee instead. Thanks again to Certosa di Pontignano for the recipe (and cooking class!)

Fresh Pizza Dough

Fresh pizza in the house! This was always my Dad’s job as a kid, but this Father’s Day, I’m taking over and showing you how to make homemade pizza dough - courtesy of my new friends in Italy!

Cherry Tomato Sauce

This cherry tomato sauce recipe is SO easy! You can literally get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes! Four simple ingredients marry together to make the perfect dressing for pasta.

Asparagus Risotto

I LOVE this dish! It’s beautiful green color, the fact that it creates NO waste, and it’s loaded with healthy asparagus! You’ve got to try it out!

Marinated Grilled Chicken

Check out my super simple chicken marinade! This easy dish is PACKED with flavor, from anti-inflammatory spices, heart healthy tomato, and blood sugar regulating apple cider vinegar! Grilled to perfection this dish is sure to be a hit at your Memorial Day BBQ!

Ciao From Italy + Fresh Pasta!

Our first Cucina Tour of Italy was a hit! Check out the incredible experience and grab one of the MANY recipes we picked up along the way!

Mahalabia (Mediterranean "Pudding" Dessert)

Mom asked me to figure out how to make a version of this dessert that we had enjoyed together while out to lunch one day. This is what I came up with! Doubles as a great breakfast to be honest. Protein packed Greek yogurt is flavored with vanilla and rose, then topped with bright berry compote, crunchy pistachios and sweet sesame candy! It's the perfect dish for Mother's Day!

Tequila Shrimp - Food & Wine, Dinner Special

Check out this great dinner recipe from Food & Wine Magazine’s newest book, “Dinner Special.” Watch the video and get the recipe, then head over to Youtube.com/carascucina and SUBSCRIBE to WIN a free copy of the new book!