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I love this meal! This comforting and hearty Italian Lentil Stew recipe (“Lenticchie in Umido” in Italian) brings together tender lentils with a savory mirepoix and a luxurious tomato and wine sauce and is seasoned to perfection. A must try, whether you’re looking for a light yet satisfying summer meal or for a warm comforting…
Zuppa di Pesce is an Italian seafood stew that includes many of your favorite shellfish varieties in a fragrant, herbed tomato broth, with just a small kick of red pepper. The broth is just perfect to sop up with crusty bread or ladling over your favorite spaghetti. This dish is one of my favorites and…
This Italian-style chicken soup is perfect on a chilly day. Juicy bits of chicken mingle with veggies and pasta, all bathing in a glorious chicken broth (homemade if you want). A sprinkle or more of freshly grated parmesan on top takes it from “yum” to “wow!” Once you taste it, you’ll be swooning I promise!…
Let’s talk about making homemade Italian bread – it’s easier than you think! I just love a crusty golden loaf of bread, fresh from the oven, filling the kitchen with that unbeatable aroma. The good news is that you can easily do this! Because this recipe is all about keeping it simple but spectacular. So,…
Italian Shredded Beef is a unique spin on Chicago Italian beef and is a staple in my kitchen, because it’s easy and really flavorful! It is a cinch to make at home any day of the week! Complete this meal by serving your Italian shredded beef on homemade hoagie rolls and a simple arugula salad…
Imagine biting into a cookie that’s so buttery and tender, it practically melts in your mouth. That’s the magic of Italian Butter Cookies. Their rich, velvety texture combined with a hint of vanilla is pure bliss. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make. You can whip up a batch of these elegant melt-in-your-mouth delights…
Revel in the charm of Italian Rainbow Cookies, also known as Tricolore or Venetian cookies, a beloved Italian-American bakery classic. These cookies captivate with their three colorful layers in the hues of Italy’s flag, sandwiched with luscious apricot or raspberry jam and encased in a silky chocolate glaze. These almond- and chocolate-flavored beauties are visually…
This Italian sausage stuffing in a mouthwatering combination of savory, crumbled Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and crusty bread, melding together to create an irresistibly savory, fragrant, and utterly unforgettable herb infused, Italian-inspired stuffing that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to a new level of deliciousness. A family favorite each year! This stuffing is a must-have,…
Piadina is a simple yet incredibly delicious thin, golden Italian flatbread with crispy edges and soft, chewy middles. Straight from the heart of Emilia-Romagna, piadina will fill your kitchen with that inviting aroma. If you love making flatbread as much as I do, also try my pocketless pita and also my flour tortillas. Interesting Facts…
Indulge in the irresistible combination of luscious strawberries, delicate ricotta cream, and moist cake layers with this heavenly Italian Strawberry Cassata Cake. The light and tender cake layers, infused with hints of vanilla and brown sugar, provide the perfect base for the vibrant flavors to shine through. Topped with macerated strawberries and a delectable ricotta…
If you personally know a few Italian Americans, you’ll know that everyone of them makes “the best” Italian meatballs. It’s “a thing” among the culture – food is so important and so are family recipes! Here, I’ll share what you need to know about the most common tips and tricks to make the best, most…
Oh these cookies! I like to jokingly refer to them as Italian chocolate “kitchen sink” cookies because they are a combination of so many flavors that it results in a deep and varied flavor profile. And they are delicious! The flavor comes from double chocolate (cocoa powder and chocolate chips), a hint of citrus (orange…
These light and moist cookies use orange juice, orange zest, and optional orange extract for a mild orange flavor. This is one of those recipes from way back – all the Italian ladies in my old Philadelphia neighborhood made them, and they all used this same basic recipe. Go figure! Make these cookies as they…
Pizza Rustica is a very traditional meat and cheese pie that is served on Easter Sunday across many Italian American households. This pie is also known as Easter pie, which is a savory Easter ricotta pie with various meats. Other Italian names for this pie include pizza ripiena, or in dialect, pizza chiena, which has…
These Italian sesame cookies are one of my favorite cookies because I really love sesame, and the texture, and most of all because they are not very sweet. So if you are looking for a low sugar cookie, try these! Imagine a mildly sweet cookie with a nutty undertone (from the sesame). That’s what this…
Make these easy and delicious stuffed Italian long hot peppers for your next get together! Or enjoy as a quick meal along with a big salad. Very few ingredients and comes together in minutes… these crunchy and savory peppers are a big favorite around here! If you want a bigger meal, consider these ahhh mazing…
A staple in the Philadelphia area, Italian long hot peppers are very popular as a topping in hoagies or roasted and served alone with bread. They are also stuffed and served as an appetizer. Delicious! What exactly are these peppers? Italian long hot peppers are very popular in the Philadelphia area and are widely available…
Just say YES to this amazing Italian chopped salad! Based on the salad from California Pizza kitchen, this salad is full of vegetables with a touch of Italian deli meats. It is reminiscent of a deconstructed Italian hoagie. Best of all, it’s very easily customizable to your preference. Easy and tasty! Ingredients This is a…
This easy Italian tomato salad is made with just a few ingredients and contains no oil (trust me, you will NOT miss it) – we made this salad years ago in a little Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. All these years later, I still think about and enjoy this salad – that’s when you know it’s…
Indulge in the fantastic flavors of Italy with our authentic Italian Rum Cake – a perfect blend of airy sponge cake soaked in a rich rum syrup, layered with velvety custard, enveloped in a smooth whipped cream (or buttercream frosting) and coated with nuts. It is off-the-hook in flavor and amazingly delicious!! Each bite has…
This is an incredible, authentic recipe for Italian rice pie (pastiera di riso) straight from Italy, a true classic from the Naples region. Traditionally, it’s served as a special dessert for Easter in many Italian American families, including mine. This beloved Neapolitan dessert features a sweet, tender pie crust filled with a rich rice and…
This is a one-step, easy Italian Broccoli Rabe recipe with just a handful of ingredients, so it’s a breeze to throw together as a side dish for any day of the week! Garlicky goodness! What Is Broccoli Rabe? Broccoli rabe — aka rapini — may look intimidating to the naked eye, but it’s no more complicated…
Giorilli is considered to be one of the best panettone bakers in the world!! To quote the original recipe website, “This panettone is light as a feather, an enchanting, aromatic, fragrant and infinitely good unfriendliness.“ Who can resist?!? Overview of Panettone Making Process This is definitely an **advanced** recipe, for those who want a challenge….
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and impressive dessert recipe, then look no further. These Italian cream puffs are made from a baked chioux pastry and filled with Italian pastry cream or sweetened whipped cream. Often called baked bignè, profiterole, or St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs, they’re a simple dessert that is sure to impress…
Ring in the holidays with these traditional Italian Fig Cookies (also “Cuccidati,” in Italian). These decadent, tender, sweet fruit-filled cookies are drizzled with a lemon glaze and traditional holiday sprinkles. Perfetto! What Are Cuccidati? Italian Fig Cookies, aka Cucidati, are deliciously moist, tender, and sweet fruit- and nut-filled cookies. The filling generally consists of some combination…
One of my favorite cheesecakes. This Italian pineapple cheesecake is made with whole milk ricotta and crushed pineapple for a unique twist and added flavor. It has a creamy texture and is oh soooo good! There are several traditional Italian Easter recipes that are very near and dear to my heart. These include Italian Easter…
This recipe for Italian beef braciole is made from thin slices of beef and a few other simple ingredients like garlic, parsley, and grated cheese. The secret is a long and slow cooking time and you will get the most tender and tasty braciole ever! This is a must try recipe! What is Italian beef…
Easter bread is a staple in many Italian American homes. Like brioche and challah yet unique. This version, from Philadelphia-area Italian grandmothers, is super light and airy. Often adorned with colored eggs, and colorful sprinkles, it is a delicious treat at Easter. Slice leftovers and make terrific french toast! An Italian American Easter Favorite I…
These traditional Italian cookies are served at many holidays and weddings in the old Italian neighborhood! They are very simple lightly sweetened cookies that are traditionally flavored with anise, almond, or lemon and then dipped in a sweet sugar glaze. Everyone will love them! One of My Favorite Italian Cookies: Anginetti Here’s a favorite, basic,…
You’re going to LOVE our Italian Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole! This easy-to-make casserole features a medley of sizzling, savory Italian sausage, paired with vibrant red and green peppers (you could even use roasted peppers), tender onions, hash browns and fluffy eggs, crowned by a generous layer of your favorite cheese. This casserole is the epitome…
I love making traditional escarole and beans because it’s so simple, it’s healthy, and full of flavor! The garlic gives it a subtle kick, and the creamy beans pair perfectly with the tender greens. I spoonful of tomato paste gives it a beautiful color and richer taste. It’s one of those comforting dishes that comes…
These oven-fried chicken cutlets are everything I love about a good meal: quick to make, crispy and delicious, and versatile enough to go with just about anything. They are perfect for when you want a quick meal, especially if you prep them in advance and freeze without cooking. Why Make These? Ingredient Notes Substitutions and…
This effortlessly delicious Eggplant Pizzaiola is a must try! Picture roasted eggplant slices, their edges caramelized just right, topped with garlicky tomato sauce, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese that melts into pure perfection. The kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of garlic and olive oil, making it hard to wait for that first bite!…
If you’re like me and love the idea of less cleanup after a good meal, you’ll love this one-pot pasta with garlicky broccoli. Pasta with broccoli is a very popular dish among Italian Americans. It comes together quickly, is high on flavor, and is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting that’s simple…
This classic Italian American dish combines the rich, savory depth of perfectly seared pork chops with the tangy burst of vinegar peppers. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to open a bottle of wine, sit back, and truly enjoy the fruits of your minimal labor. Ingredients Step-by-Step Overview Tips and Technique More…
St. Joseph’s Day Pastries are traditional Italian pastries specifically prepared on March 19th each year to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph Day. The pastry shells are deep-fried are filled or topped with a vanilla pastry cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with a cherry or sour cherry preserves (Amarena cherries ideally but maraschino…
My Favorite Tools & Equipment Welcome! Here you’ll find some of my favorite must-have or highly recommended tools for baking and cooking some of our favorite recipes. Please note that if you make a purchase, we earn a small commission (see my disclosure policy.) Pizza Making Tools Investing in a few tools like a pizza stone…
Let me tell you about this little slice of Italian heaven: ricotta cheesecake. It’s all about that smooth velvety ricotta with just the right hint of lemon to make it sing. It’s so easy to make, with just a few ingredients, a quick mixing time, and has no crust. A sublime fusion of traditional cheesecake…
Soft amaretti cookies (amaretti morbidi) are another classic Italian cookie that makes you feel like you’re strolling through Italy. A close cousin to pignoli cookies, all you need is some almond flour (or peeled almonds), sugar, egg whites, and almond extract (optimally bitter almond extract too but that’s very hard to find) to whip up…
I always love whipping up a batch of fresh homemade tomato Florentine soup. There’s something utterly comforting about the velvety texture of tomato soup infused with the earthy essence of spinach, isn’t there? Whether served as a soul-warming starter or alongside a crusty Italian bread loaf, this soup never fails to impress. And let’s not…