Panettone Bread Pudding

Panettone Bread Pudding

Panettone is a buttery bread studded with raisins and candied orange, lemon and citron peel. Italians, especially in the north, love to eat panettone at Christmas and New Year. Dunk panettone in your morning espresso or cappuccino. Panettone for dessert pairs well with a glass 

Fried Fritters (Pasta Cresciuta)

Fried Fritters (Pasta Cresciuta)

Frying is an important Neapolitan cooking technique practiced by generations of southern Italian-Americans. One of my fans wrote that he continues his wife’s grandmother’s Christmas tradition by making savory fried fritters with an anchovy filet in the middle for the family to enjoy every year. 

Strufolli (Holiday Honey Balls)

Strufolli (Holiday Honey Balls)

It wouldn’t be Christmas in a Neapolitan house without struffoli, little round fritters bathed in a boiling honey glaze and then topped with colorful sprinkles. The little marbles are crispy outside with a nutty flavor sweetened by the honey. The inside is light and airy. 

Pignoli Cookies

Pignoli Cookies

Want an easy and sweet treat for your holiday table? Bake some almond cookies topped with pine nuts. We always have a stash of pignoli cookies for our Christmas table. You can make them in less than an hour. A fan asked for this recipe. 

Tulare Giant Plum Crostata

Tulare Giant Plum Crostata

We’re nearing the end of summer and the plums have been superb. I wanted a final plum celebration to tide me over until next season.

Easter Pies: Pizza Rustica & Pastiera Napoletana

Easter Pies: Pizza Rustica & Pastiera Napoletana

Serve the pizza rustica as part of the antipasti course and the Pastiera as your dolce (dessert). But only on Easter!

Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Zeppole di San Giuseppe should only be made on St. Joseph’s feast day, March 19, also Father’s Day in Italia.