Author: Phil Torre

Phil Torre is a second-generation Italian-American cook. He learned to cook in his father's New York Italian restaurant, where he worked for over a decade before launching The Italian Chef in 2003.
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    Stuffed Lobster

    This recipe comes from my Cousin Sal and the dish is the centerpiece of his traditional Christmas Eve meal with his family. Chopping up the meat from the claws and including it in the stuffing is a really nice touch. Serves 4 2 lobsters, 1 1/2 – 2 pounds each 1 cup bread crumbs 2…

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    Spaghetti Alla Rosinella

    From Cucina Napoletana: 100 Recipes from Italy’s Most Vibrant City (Interlink Books, 2008) In this typical pasta dish from the Posillipo district of Naples, the most is made of the fresh seafood available along the coast of Campania. Posillipo, situated at the western end of the Bay of Naples and leading down to the water, is one…

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    The Veal Cutlets of Trattoria Battibecco

    Biba Caggiano has written some of my favorite Italian cookbooks. Her book Biba’s Italy: Favorite Recipes from the Splendid Cities is one I keep coming back to, and this Cotoletta alla Bolognese is a perfect example of why. The technique of coating the veal cutlets with Parmigiano-Reggiano before breading adds a savory depth that I…

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    Zabaglione Gelato

    From The Perfect Scoop: Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, and Sweet Accompaniments (Ten Speed Press, 2007) True zabaglione?a foamy custard of egg yolks, wine, and sugar?is often made to order in Italian restaurants. Moments after the waiter takes your order, you’ll hear the frenetic “clang-clack-clang” of the whisk hitting the copper bowl in the kitchen. Once it’s reached…

  • Vegetable Stock

    From The Silver Spoon (Phaidon Press Ltd, 2005)Serves 4-6 2 potatoes, coarsely chopped 2 onions, coarsely chopped 2 leeks, trimmed and coarsely chopped 2 carrots, coarsely chopped 2 turnips, coarsely chopped 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped 3 cherry tomatoes, coarsely chopped salt Place all the vegetables in a large pan, pour in 6 1/4 cups water, add…