Plum Crostata

1 cup flour1 cup almond meal1/2 cup powdered sugar5 oz butter, cold and cut in small pieces1 tablespoon vanilla extract.1 egg white12 plums, halved, pitted and quartered1/4 cup water1/2 cup sugarzest and juice 1 lemon Process the 4 first ingredients until a sandy mixture forms. Add vanilla and egg white to form a dough. Cover …

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Adapted from Emily Luchetti’s Fearless Baker, 2011; makes about 30 cookies 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature1 cup brown sugar, packed1/2 cup granulated sugar1 large egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick-cooking or steel-cut)1 cup All-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon kosher salt2 tablespoon whole milk1/2 cup dried apricots1/2 cup walnuts Cream …

Gnudi (Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi)

For the gnudi: 1 pound ricotta3/4 cup flour, or more if needed1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese1 large egg1 pound spinach leaves1/4 teaspoon saltpepper to tastea pinch fresh nutmeg For the tomato sauce: 1 can tomatoes San Marzano (28 oz)2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil4 cloves garlic, thinly slicedPinch of crushed hot red pepperSalt and freshly …

Rhubarb and Apple Crisp

I love rhubarb but if you can't find it or you don't like it, you can replace it for strawberries or any other fruit. For the filling: 1 pound rhubarb, cut in 1/2 inch pieces2 apples, peeled and cut in 1/2 inch cubes3/4 cup sugar3 tablespoons flourjuice and zest of one lemon For the topping: …

Torta di Carote (Italian Carrot Cake)

3 eggs1 1/2 cup brown sugar1/2 cup extra virgin olive oilZest and juice of 1 orange300 grams carrots, about 6 (medium size)1 1/2 cup walnuts, grounded1 1/2 cup flour2 teaspoon baking powder Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line and oil a 9 inch cake pan with parchment paper. You can use olive oil for …

Pan d’Arancio (Sicilian Orange Cake)

While most orange cakes are flavored with the zest or the juice of the citrus fruit, nothing goes to waste in this Sicilian version. The whole orange is processed into a puree and then added to the batter. The resulting cake is very moist and fragrant, and it has an intense citrus flavor. Enjoy! 2 …

Cauliflower Fritters

Serves  20 1 small head cauliflower (1 3/4 pounds), cut into short 1/2-inch-wide floretsSalt and pepper, to taste1 cup flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 egg1 cup sparkling water1 tablespoon parsley, choppedOlive oil for deep frying (or a mixture of olive and canola oils) Cook cauliflower in a 4- to 5-quart pot of simmering salted water, uncovered, …

Cranberry Bundt Cake

Adapted from "Oh, Sweet Basil" blog. I was looking for a good recipe to use fresh cranberries and this recipe inspired me. It looked very festive. I made some changes to adapt it to my taste. Since I didn't have sour cream I substitute it for 3/4 cup of whole milk. I also reduced the …

Panforte (Tuscan Confection)

2 cups of whole almonds toasted1 ½ cups flour½ cup sugar3/4 cup honey1 cup candied orange peels2 cups raisins½ cup dried apricots2 teaspoon cinnamon¼ teaspoon cloves¼ teaspoon nutmeg½ teaspoon gingerpinch salt¼ teaspoon ground coriander½ cup water Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, spices and salt in a …

Schiacciata all’uva (Grape Harvest Focaccia)

1 3/4 cup water1 tablespoon active dry yeast 2 teaspoons salt 3 1/2 cups unbleached, Bread flour (King Arthur)1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for the pan1 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup (200 g) raisins1 glass Vin Santo or another dessert wine1 pound seedless black grapes3 tablespoon brown sugar Warm 1/3 cup of …