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Ricotta gnocchi is a dish that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Imagine tender, pillow-like dumplings, lighter than air yet rich in flavor, thanks to the creamy magic of ricotta cheese. This recipe for ricotta gnocchi is a variation on the classic potato gnocchi. This authentic ricotta gnocchi recipe is from the popular Italian cooking…
Imagine diving into a bowl of perfect potato gnocchi, each pillowy morsel a delightful blend of simplicity and elegance. Here, we transform humble potatoes into a comforting gourmet homemade pasta dish. These potato gnocchi are so light and tender they’ll practically melt in your mouth! If you love gnocchi, also try my ricotta gnocchi. Serve…
This simple Fra Diavolo sauce is a fiery blend of tomatoes, garlic, and a generous dash of red pepper flakes, creating a bold yet harmonious flavor. It’s perfect for pairing with pasta or seafood and makes ordinary meals extraordinary with its kick. This fra diavolo sauce is a testament to the power of simple ingredients…
These homemade Lemon Ricotta Cookies are the perfect little treat, where the tang of fresh lemons meets the richness of ricotta in a delightfully soft, sweet treat that’s as perfect for a cozy afternoon as it is for a festive gathering. The Ingredients This is an “old school” Italian recipe that was very popular in…
This rich and comforting Old-Fashioned Beef Barley Stew is the ultimate comfort food. A combination of tender beef, hearty barley, and vibrant veggies are all elevated by a splash of robust red wine and slow-cooked to add the perfect depth of flavor. This stew is ideal for casual family dinners, game days, or those chilly…
Arrabbiata sauce is a simple, spicy tomato-based pasta sauce with a big flavor that reflects the simplicity of great Italian cooking. Whether enjoyed in a quaint Roman trattoria or in the comfort of your kitchen, Arrabbiata sauce is a perfect example of the timeless allure of Italian cuisine. Want to know the secret to making…
This chicken florentine pasta can be best described as a rich, creamy garlic-parmesan sauce over pasta. A fusion of flavors, this dish will have you wanting that second helping. Simple to prepare yet perfect for any dinner occasion, it’s the kind of comfort food that satisfies. Whether for a family meal or a cozy date…
Transform your dinner routine into a gourmet experience with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Imagine plump shrimp bathed in a sauce that whispers of garlic and sings of lemon, all paired with your favorite pasta. This recipe strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication, offering a flavorful journey that’s a easy to prepare and so good…
Giardiniera is a versatile Italian condiment that consists of pickled vegetables, typically a mix of cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, celery, and sometimes onions. As a condiment, it is commonly used to add flavor and texture to sandwiches and other dishes that enhances taste. Additionally, giardiniera can be served as a standalone side dish or as…
Imagine juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves mingling in a symphony of flavors – that’s the perfect Caprese Salad. Drizzle with olive oil, add a pinch of salt, and voilà! A dish that’s simple, fresh, and bursting with goodness. Perfect for those lazy days when you want something amazing without the fuss and…
Roasted red bell peppers topped with garlic and olive oil are a classic Italian American dish that’s simple and delicious. The sweet, smoky flavor of the roasted peppers is enhanced by the garlic and olive oil, creating a versatile and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, or served as an antipasto….
This effortless authentic Italian homemade marinara sauce is so simple yet so delicious! It’s one of my favorite sauces to make because it’s just so easy and good! The depth of flavors includes a touch of sweetness from the tomatoes, aromatics like onion and garlic, and fragrant basil leaves, all brought together with a touch…
Philadelphia tomato pie is regional type of pizza (popular in Philadelphia and Central NY/Utica) that can be described as a medium thick rectangular pizza topped with a slightly sweet, thick tomato sauce and a dusting of grated cheese (typically pecorino Romano) and sometimes oregano. Always served at room temperature, tomato pie is great for entertaining…
A very easy focaccia recipe made with sourdough starter. This sourdough focaccia is fluffy, crispy and very light. Switch up the toppings, turn it into a pizza, or even sandwiches! Very good!! Like so many other recipes, focaccia making is almost more about technique than it is about ingredients. Why Focaccia and What Makes a…
Do you love to make homemade pasta? Or maybe you want to try your hand at a new kitchen project? Let’s learn two methods of making handmade fusilli, including a twisted pasta and a hollow rope, each made using fresh homemade semolina pasta dough. Both types of pasta is formed using a metal fusilli iron…
Skip the frying and the excess cheese – try this simple and healthier way to prepare a baked eggplant parmesan, which is more reminiscent of true Mediterranean cooking. Based on Jamie Oliver’s eggplant parmesan, this version uses roasted eggplant layered with parmesan cheese and fresh marinara sauce. Delicious! If you love spicy food, you might…
This is a quick and easy recipe for making citrus paste (lemon or orange paste) that is called for in some panettone recipes. The ingredients are lemon or orange juice (fresh!), grated peel/zest, sugar, cornstarch, and liquor. This recipe is from the Italian language panettone book, pH4.1 The Science and Craftsmanship of Leavened Dough (Author,…
This is a classic Italian recipe for Mediterranean style skillet-roasted chicken made on the stovetop using fresh garlic cloves, freshly juiced lemons, fresh herbs, and white wine. It is the absolute epitome of Italian cooking, which uses simple, unfussy ingredients to yield truly outstanding flavor. The chicken is tender and flavorful, and I promise you…
These tender and savory Italian-style ground turkey stuffed peppers are a favorite around here. They are full of fennel-seasoned ground turkey and flavored with pizza sauce, and cheese – all nestled into a soft and delicious bell pepper to round up all that goodness. Perfect one dish meal and so easy to make-ahead or freeze…
This savory pasta with peas (pasta e piselli) is very popular staple in the Italian American kitchen! With only a few ingredients, you can have this one pot recipe ready in less than 30 minutes! A few reasons I love this dish: Pasta with peas! I’ve been eating this dish for as long as I…
This mixed berry pie is one of my absolute favorite pies and is a perfect dessert any time of the year. Loaded with a mixture of berries, fresh or frozen, and topped with a brown sugar oatmeal crumb, everyone will be asking for more! Perfect with a scoop of ice cream. You gotta make this…
Sometimes cooking tips and techniques are more important than the recipe itself – read on to learn about how to make a very tender yet crisp fried calamari using this very easy method- better than most restaurants, right at home!! How to Make Fried Calamari There are many recipes out there for fried calamari (also…
Nothing says springtime like an old fashioned, delicious, super moist, homemade carrot cake with carrot cake frosting. I’m proud to share this recipe that I truly believe is the BEST classic carrot cake and carrot cake frosting recipe ever! Homemade Super Moist Carrot Cake I made this classic cake for an art class luncheon (but…
Buttery Cashew Brittle is a delicious and easy treat to make at home with your family! Plus, it only requires 4 ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time! This brittle is cooked to the “soft crack stage”, not the hard crack so it’s not “burnt” tasting and it is a touch softer! A Candy Maker’s Recipe for Nut…
Homemade kolaches make for an impressive and delicious breakfast, dessert, or snack. While they may look intimidating to make, this kolache recipe is a cinch and great for cooks looking to try a new spin on classic pastries! What Exactly Are Kolaches? Pronounced “koh-lah-shee,” the word kolache is derived from the Czech word, kola, meaning “wheels” or “rounds,”…
Sfogliatelle are classic Italian (Neapolitan) pastries that are typically served warm. On the outside, there are hundreds of buttery, crisp, and flaky layers; on the inside, a warm, rich citrus and vanilla filling thickened with semolina and ricotta. If you are up for a baking challenge, this recipe is for you! The results are very worthwhile! History…
Nothing beats a homemade snickerdoodle! Learn how to make them with my perfected recipe that prevents spreading and flattening.
This is a super easy recipe for Italian-style baked turkey meatballs that comes together in minutes. I like to let the meatball mixture marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight (so easy for make ahead dinner) before cooking, but that is completely optional! Baked Turkey Meatballs Are an Easy Weeknight Meal…
The best white vanilla cupcakes are soft, moist, fluffy and delicious with an amazing buttery vanilla flavor! A really classic cupcake! Top with vanilla buttercream or stabilized whipped cream and decorate! The Best Vanilla Cupcake! Tired of dry tasteless cupcakes that aren’t worth the calories? Me too! We are all after that perfect vanilla cupcake,…
Recipe Index Welcome Foodie! I’m excited for you to explore and find something that you love. Cooking and baking hold a special place in my heart because they’re not just about making food – they’re about creativity, sharing, and gathering loved ones around the table. So, please pull up a chair and read on. And,…
Philadelphia roast pork, a very popular Philadelphia food, is infused with lots of fresh garlic and herbs, and is very easy to make at home! A perfect meal for entertaining a hungry crowd or simply feeding the family! Have I got a treat for you today! This is one of the most popular foods in…
My absolute favorite way to enjoy escarole, Utica greens are a Central NY favorite and for good reason! It’s a spicy take on escarole with crisped prosciutto, hot peppers, grated cheese, and breadcrumbs. If you can’t find escarole, try it with kale or Swiss chard. Enjoy as a side dish, a main meal, or even with eggs and…
This traditional Italian Struffoli Christmas dessert is popular Neapolitan tradition in Italy and other areas of southern Italy. Commonly called honey balls in the US, struffoli are best described as small balls of sweet dough, fried and then dipped in honey and decorated with chopped nuts, colored sprinkles, cinnamon, and grated citrus peel. The History…
A beloved family recipe for peach cookies that is often requested at parties and holidays! Here is Lilla’s recipe for her fabulous peach cookies! These are a very simple cookie, dipped in a peach flavored syrup and filled with a vanilla pastry cream. Simple but delicious! These can be made without alcohol so everyone can…
This lobster tail pastry is a flaky, shell-shaped Italian dessert that features a crispy, golden outer shell made from laminated dough, a middle layer of light, airy choux pastry, and is filled with a sweet, creamy custard. Think of it as a cousin to the sfogliatelle – same crust different filling. It is quite a…
This is a very easy recipe for authentic Italian homemade pasta (spaghetti) sauce. The sauce is slow cooked (stovetop or in slow cooker/crockpot) over a period of several hours. It can be made with or without meat (I prefer the latter). Ingredients include tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, fresh basil, and a pinch…
A simple recipe for homemade sandwich rolls, also called hoagie rolls (or sub rolls). Step by step instructions for how to make rolls included! These rolls are great for lunch meats, meatballs, or even grilled vegetable sandwiches. Fresh made = no preservatives! Eat real bread! How to Make (step by step) Okay! So…ready to make…
This easy chicken marsala can be on your table in less than 30 minutes and it is sure to please! To save time, buy pre-sliced mushrooms and thin cut chicken breast. Other ingredients include chicken broth, dry marsala wine, olive oil, and butter. Easy chicken marsala: a classic Italian American dish I can remember my…
This recipe is for an Italian vegetable stew called ciambotta (also referred to giambotta), popular in the Naples region of Italy. It is slow cooked and typically made from eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, and lots of fresh basil. Ciambotta is typically served as a side dish, but can easily be served as a main meal.
This recipe is from my Italian born mom who has been baking pignoli cookies for over 40 years! These chewy, delicious cookies contain only 3 major ingredients and no flour. This recipe does not require almond paste, it uses almond flour instead so it is much less expensive to make. What are pignoli cookies? A…