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 … Continue reading Limoncello, Mandarinetto and other citrus Italian liquors

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. … Continue reading Holiday Star Bread

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 … Continue reading Italian Plum Torte

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 … Continue reading Eggplant Parmigiana

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 … Continue reading Carrot Ginger Soup