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 …

Chocolate Budino

3.5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped1 cup whole milk4 large egg yolks1/4 cup sugar2 tablespoons marsala wine1/2 teaspoon sea salt2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oilwalnutscandied orange peel (optional) Check step-by-step video in my youtube: Chocolate Budino Place chocolate in a medium bowl; set aside. Bring milk to a simmer in a saucepan and remove from heat. …

Cannoli Siciliani

Yield: 18 Check step by step video here For the cannoli pastry shell 1 3/4 cup All-Purpose flour2 yolks eggs2 teaspoon sugar3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil½ cup Marsala For the stuffing 2 pounds ricotta, drained and processed1 cup of powdered sugar½ teaspoon cinnamon1/2 cup candied orange peel1 tablespoon orange blossom water For finishing 1 …

Mini Panettone with Raisins

Yield: 10 mini panettone molds for mini panettone (or muffin paper cups); available online3/4 cup raisins1 cup rum1 Tablespoon yeast 1/2 cup cup water1/2 cup sugar2 1/2 cups flour3 eggs1/2 cup sugarthe zest of an orangethe zest of a lemon1 teaspoon cinnamon4 oz butter, at room temperature1 tsp salt For the glaze melted butter for …

Torta di Mele della Nonna (Grandma’s Apple Cake)

This recipe is adapted from La Cucina Italiana magazine (Italian version; September 2020). olive oil to oil the pan4 eggs1 1/2 cups sugar (300 grams)2/3 cup butter (150 grams), soften3 1/4 cups flour (400 grams)1 tablespoon baking powder1/2 cup milk1/2 cup rum3 pounds apple, peeled and thinly sliced1 teaspoon vanilla2 teaspoons cinnamonjuice of 1 lemon …