Un Pranzo Semplice

We took the opportunity to visit our dear cousins, Pietro and Lucia and Lucia’s sister Luisa up north near Trieste, and c.b.m (cousins-by-marriage) Roberta, her family, Fabrizia and her family near Aviano. If you’ve ever heard the stories of our time at Aviano, you’ll quickly know that these kind, generous folks are dear to us….

Stirato… bread of my dreams

Stirato When my family was stationed in Italy, to say we ate well is an understatement. To say we lived well, seems boastful. We dined like anyone – al fresco, in back alleys, in a Nonna’s living room-turned Trattoria, at the corner pizzeria… we may have truly learned to live, to appreciate life during those…

Polpette & Busiate

There are hundreds of cuisines in Italy, not to mention the regional specialties. Then of course you have family secrets ~ the one thing you won’t find, spaghetti and meatballs. Oh, you can have a rich red wine-laced tomato sauce to dip the polpetti, or find miniature versions, almost like the Italian version of […]…

no-knead bread

I have easily made over 500 loaves of bread, and this one has magical powers! Truly! As soon as my son cut into the just cooled loaf, I knew it was going to be amazing; but one look at those marvelous holes*, I was transported! Back to Italy, when long, lazy lunches on the terrazzo…

Arancini

Gelato, granita and arancini – the Lombardo family has most certainly consumed kilos of all of these- every summer has memories of family, sun and FOOD! Enjoy – v Arancini di Riso 5 cups chicken stock 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 cup finely diced ham or prosciutto 2 cups…

Polpette & Busiate

  There are hundreds of cuisines in Italy, not to mention the regional specialties. Then of course you have family secrets ~ the one thing you won’t find, spaghetti and meatballs. Oh, you can have a rich red wine-laced tomato sauce to dip the polpetti, or find miniature versions, almost like the Italian version of…

Buona Pasqua

History of Pane di Pasqua Bread has a religious significance on the Italian Easter table, for Christ is often referred to as “the bread of life.” Hand-fashioned egg-decorated breads vary from region to region in Italy and go by many different names. But the commonality of baking whole eggs twisted or braided into bread is…

mandorla

Paese che vai, usanza che trovi biscotti di mandorle           ciao a tutti! oggetto del tema di oggi è biscotti ~ che delizioso, biscotto croccante vedrete nonni e bambini, inzuppare nel loro bevanda preferita … oh, I’m sorry ~ I forgot my audience is primarily English speaking!  Anyway, as I was…

noté in italia 

I remember the night very well ~ we were sitting on the terrace (terrazzo) at trattoria alla Fontaniva in Italy… the kids were given an aperitif (a big deal to a 10, 8 & 4 year old… an even bigger deal for their Mommy, still new to the custom!) of Prosecco. Mikaela was the first…

Puff Pastry, anyone?

While taking classes in Italy, I discovered just how versatile puff pastry was ~ and when you make your own?  WORTH every pounding moment! However, to enjoy the following recipe for “Strudel di Vegetali, Caprino e Basilico” (vegetable strudel with goat cheese and basil) a trip to your local grocer is all you’ll need.  …

step by step

   “share your smile, share your light” Tiramisu quite literally means, “a pick me up.” One of Italy’s most popular, Tiramisu is a rich treat blending the bold flavors of cocoa and espresso with savory mascarpone cheese and wine, layered with lady finger biscuits. At many Italian tables, a meal is often finished with fresh…