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 …

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 …