Limoncello, Mandarinetto and other citrus Italian liquors

Winter, when citrus are in season and at the best of their flavor, is my favorite time to make limoncello. In that way I can preserve its refreshing flavor and enjoy it all year round. Limoncello is a traditional, lemon-flavored, southern-Italian dessert liqueur that is often served chilled as “digestivo” after a meal. It is …

Torta Negra (Venezuelan Fruitcake)

This fruitcake, studded with dried fruit, spices and nuts is at the center of the holiday celebration in Venezuela. What makes this cake very moist and interesting is the maceration of the dried fruits in rum. I find that macerating the fruits a week in advance or overnight works great. 1/2 cup dates, chopped½ cup …

Holiday Star Bread

For the dough 1 tablespoon dry yeast 3/4 cup milk¼ cup butter3 tablespoon sugar1 ½ teaspoon salt2 large eggs, beaten1 teaspoon lemon zest 3 ½ cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour For the filling 1/4 cup butter soften1 cup chopped walnuts1/2 cup sugar1 tablespoon cinnamon For the glaze 1 yolk1 Tablespoon water Place yeast in a bowl. …

Chicken Cacciatore (Chicken hunter style)

Cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian. Thus, chicken cacciatore means chicken that is prepared hunter style. This classic of the Italian cuisine is made by braising chicken pieces with aromatic herbs and vegetables in tomato sauce. It is comfort food for Italians and it is usually served with polenta, rice or mashed potato. 6 chicken bone-in …

Italian Plum Torte

This recipe is adapted from Maria Burros. I substituted half of the wheat flour with almond flour and added almond extract. 1/2 all-purpose flour1/2 almond meal1 teaspoon baking powder1 pinch salt1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature3/4 cup sugar2 eggs, at room temperature1 teaspoon almond extract11 Italian prune plums (or any amount of plum halves you can fit in the cake), pitted and halved lengthwisesugar …

New York-Style Cheesecake

I just came back from my trip to Italy and my Italian niece asked me to teach her how to make New York Style cheesecake. My younger son also helped. I think they did a great job! For the Crust 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or any other cookies)1/3 cup melted butter2 tablespoons sugar For …

Eggplant Parmigiana

This recipe is a lighter version than the traditional one. Instead of flouring and frying the slices of eggplant I roast them in the oven. The dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you are ready to serve it. It can also be reheated with great result. 2½ pounds firm eggplant, peeled …

Carrot Ginger Soup

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1 onion, coarsely chopped4 large carrots, peeled and cut in 1-inch pieces2 tablespoon ginger, sliced4 cups water or chicken or vegetable stock3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1 teaspoon fennel seedszest of 1 lemon1 tablespoon white wine vinegar2 tablespoon tomato pastesalt and pepper to taste1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped Heat …

Strawberry Rhubarb Galette

For the dough 1 cup flour1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon granulated sugar6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold butter ¼ cup cold water or more (as needed).  For the filling 2 1/2 pints strawberries (about 2 pounds), steam off and cut in quarters2 large stalks rhubarb (about 12 ounces), cut in 3/4 inch pieces2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoon sugar 5 …

Torta Pasqualina (Ligurian Easter Tart)

Torta Pascualina is a traditional Easter dish of Ligurian origin, in northern Italy. It is a savory tart filled with spinach, ricotta and whole boiled eggs. It is perfect for a brunch and can be served hot or at room temperature. The original recipe was made with thirty-three sheets of very thin pastry dough stacked …