Asparagus Risotto

1 pound asparagus, peeled, trimmed and cut into one-inch-long pieces, tips reserved 4 to 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons butter ½ cup onion, diced 1 1/2 cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 lemon zest and juice Salt to taste 1/2 cup …

Zucchini and Eggplant Salad

3 medium zucchini1 eggplant, peeled into strips1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil2 small garlic cloves finely chopped2 tablespoons chopped parsley¼ teaspoons salt or to taste Cut the zucchini and eggplant into thin strips. Place them in a colander and sprinkle salt all over to help drain liquid from them. Pat dry with paper towels. Heat up a large, non-stick griddle or pan on …

Pizzelle or Ferratelle

Pizzelle are traditional waffle like cookies from Abruzzo, Italy. You can serve them with jam or nutella or make them into ice cream cones while still warm. For this recipe you need a pizzelle iron. You can buy it at amazon or cooking stores. 3 eggszest of 1 lemon3/4 cups sugar2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or other extracts of your …

Mini Baked Frittata with Zucchini and ricotta

3 eggs9 ounces ricotta1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1 teaspoon salt1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano3 zucchini (about 1 1/2 cup grated and strained)1/2 cup flour Oil a cupcake pan and add a piece of parchment paper on each cupcake holder. Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl and add the ricotta. Whisk everything together …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Caponata (Eggplant Relish)

Caponata is a sweet and sour eggplant relish that represent the intensity of flavors of the southern Italian region. It combines eggplants with onions, tomatoes, olives, capers, sweet balsamic vinegar and pine nuts. Similar combination of flavors shows in many other recipes in Sicily. Every family in Sicily have their own version of caponata. Some …

Asparagus Lasagna

12 lasagna sheets, boiled, pat dried and placed between layers of parchment paper1 packed cup fresh basil leaves½ cup fresh mint leaves¼ cup extra virgin olive oil2 garlic cloves1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, divided1 medium onion, diced2 ounces pancetta, diced1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheesesalt and pepper …