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 1999.
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    Tiramisu

    Tiramisu literally translates to “pick me up.” We have had many requests for this classic Italian dessert and I’m sure my mother’s recipe which is presented here will pick up anybody who tries it. Serves 6-8 1 Package of Savoiardi (Italian Lady Fingers) 4 egg yolks 1/2 cup of sugar 1 lb of Marscapone cheese…

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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…

  • Pasta Piselli

    Pasta with Peas, very basic, very quick to prepare and very good. I do not know of an Italian that does not enjoy this dish. Serves 4 1 package of frozen fresh peas 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 large onion chopped. 1/4 cup of marinara sauce 1 pound of datali pasta or small shells Bring…

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    Risotto Milanese

    A successful risotto can only be made using a particular type of Italian rice. The rice must be able to absorb lots of liquid to give it that creamy texture while still delivering an al dente firmness to the bite. The three types of rice Italians favor for risotto are arborio, vialone nano, and carnaroli….