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…
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…
Cutlets, they are a staple of every Italian’s diet. Veal cutlets and chicken cutlets are quick to prepare and can be enjoyed in many different ways. This variation of the veal cutlet is served with a refreshing salad on top and is quite delicious. Of course if veal is not your bag then you can…
For all of you steak lovers out there, here is an excellent alternative to a plain grilled or broiled steak. If you do not wish to add the mushrooms and peppers, it is delicious just with the marinara sauce alone. Serves 4 4 boneless Shell Steaks 1/4 cup olive oil 1 large green pepper and…
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….
When preparing for large parties, baked pastas are a very popular menu choice, especially if time is an issue. The advantage of preparing a dish ahead of time and then popping it in the oven just before your guests arrive, so that you can spend more time enjoying their company than working, is very appealing….
This recipe comes from Chef Paolo’s wife Frances who is an excellent cook in her own right. The crepes can be made a few days ahead of time and kept refrigerated. Serves 6 For the crepes: 8 eggs 1 cup milk 1 cup water 2 cups flour makes 24 to 30 crepes For the filling:…
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…
From Urban Italian: Simple Recipes and True Stories from a Life in Food (Bloomsbury USA, 2008) For years, I thought Sicilian Pesto was some weird, made-up American sun-dried-tomato abomination. It wasn’t until my first trip to Sicily that I discovered that pesto alla Siciliano was actually Italian–and more to the point, that there was a reason to…
From Gelato!: Italian Ice Creams, Sorbetti, and Granite by Pamela Sheldon Johns (Ten Speed Press, 2008)Hardcore coffee-lovers can intensify the flavor of this coffee gelato by doubling the amount of ground coffee. It is essential to grind the coffee fresh and as fine as possible to extract the most flavor. Makes 1-1/2 quarts; serves 6 2…
