The Best Italian & Italian-American Recipes on the Internet
I never had polpette di melanzane (eggplant “meatballs”) before I stumbled upon them 8 years ago in Napoli at a family trattoria behind all the fancy hotels facing the Bay of Naples on the Lungomare. Despite the literal translation “eggplant meatballs” there’s no meat in …
The last time I was in Italy I hooked up with my friend Luca and the crew from his video company, HB Productions. We spent days together shopping and shooting episodes of me cooking in my apartment near the Spanish Steps. Here’s the first of those …
I’ll be with family and friends for Christmas. Our Neapolitan family tradition is to prepare a 7-fish Christmas Eve dinner, La Festa dei Sette Pesci. Seven fish unless I’m with the Sicilian branch of the family, then it’s 13! I hope you will be with …
I shot a porchetta episode a while ago. It’s a favorite among my friends and family so I had to share my recipe. And the episode got lots of views and tons of positive comments. Then, things suddenly turned nasty. The Italians got involved. They …
An antipasti platter is your culinary canvas. Lay out a couple of your favorite Italian cheeses and salumi (cured meats) that pair well together. Add some veggies for color. Olives maybe? And what about some taralli scattered all around? A feast for the eyes but …
Whadda youse crazy? I can’t compete on Food Network. I don’t like tension in the kitchen. My focus is the food not the drama. And I gotta do things my own way. When inspired I share recipes on my blog. When my producers’ and my stars …
This year I’m making a roasted boneless turkey breast stuffed with spinach and prosciutto. But I’m thinking fondly of my whole succulent roasted turkey and stuffing. Did I make the wrong choice for my Thanksgiving table? Nope, I’ve gotten over my ambivalence. I’m sticking with the …
This is part two of our Thanksgiving special. Check out part one here. I’m not in the mood to roast a whole turkey this year so I came up with this easy tasty boneless breast roast that’s ready after about 90 minutes in a hot …
Want a light dessert for your holiday table? I love this ricotta cheesecake with pumpkin as an end to a fall meal. It’s a nice change from the heavier New York cheesecake. Pumpkin ricotta cheesecake is easy to make. It doesn’t have a pastry crust …
This is part one of a 2 part Thanksgiving special. Stay tuned for part two next week. Easy and delicious, mashed potatoes flavored with mellow roasted garlic and extra virgin olive oil, pairs well with meat, fish or poultry. My Mom didn’t call them mashed potatoes, she called …
The Italian Homemade Company opened in North Beach on Columbus between Filbert & Greenwich a few days ago. I visited this morning for the first time. It was like stopping by someone’s kitchen in northern Italy. I’m making a light pasta cream sauce with zucchini …
Father’s Day is next Sunday, June 15. I’ve been thinking about my Dad with love and gratitude. Though he passed long ago he is still with me. Dad immigrated to America early in the last century. He did not have an easy life but he prevailed. …
Father’s Day is June 15. You know me. Holidays bring back food memories. Here’s one from my Dad Gennaro (aka Jerry). My Mom was always at the stove so my Dad didn’t cook often. But when he did Dad made some really good dishes. This …
Here’s a twist to your standard hamburger. Since it’s reported that Americans eat 3 hamburgers a week I thought you’d want to customize one. Mix in some chopped garlic, parsley and Worcestershire sauce to perk up the beef. I stuff mine with fresh mozzarella and …
My Family Christmas Menu Suggestions
Some say that the most important meal this season is the Christmas Eve fish dinner. I’m doing the Neapolitan-inspired Feast of Seven Fishes, La Festa dei Sette Pesci. But you gotta eat after everyone is done opening all their presents Christmas day, right? When I’m …