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October is National Italian American Heritage Month and National Pasta Month. One of the most iconic dishes of the Italian-American table is baked pasta. As the weather turns cooler, this Southern Italian recipe is the crowning glory of any Sunday Supper table. The recipe is from my Mediterranean Lifestyle for Dummies book, and is a perfect example...

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September is harvest season in Italy, and this month is a great time to take advantage of the late summer bounty. In a typical Italian meal, a main course consisting of fish, meat, or poultry would be accompanied by a green vegetable or two and perhaps a root vegetable or carrots. The contorni are always served alongside the main course and are the...

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Summertime calls for easy recipes that evoke happy memories and delicious flavors while providing the nutrients we need to keep us living our best lives. Scallops, called capesante in Italian, are made up of 80% protein and are low in fat. Eating them in this recipe will transport your mind to the Italian seaside while helping you to feel fuller lo...

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When temperatures soar, a few nibbles and a glass of vino are all we need to celebrate the season. Italy’s 20 regions offer such diversity in terms of appetizer recipes that you can sample many of the world’s best flavors simply by taking a bite of a crunchy bruschetta or breaking apart a mozzarella-filled supplì (risotto croquette) to discover a s...

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There’s a quote by Fabrizio Carmagna which says “Il poeta ama giocare con l’invisibile: prende l’aria intorno a una farfalla e costruisce il sorriso di un bambino.” This translates in English as “The poet loves to play with the invisible; he takes the air around a butterfly and constructs the smile of a baby.” As a cook, when I think of butterflies...

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In the United States, May is National Strawberry Month, and I love to celebrate with Strawberry Tiramisu. Usually made with prepared ladyfingers biscuits, it’s hard to believe that the lady fingers themselves were once considered extravagant. For European royalty centuries ago, having the best cooks and recipes was a symbol of prestige. The House o...

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Springtime calls for lighter desserts that take advantage of seasonal bounty. This traditional Italian cake is a favorite of my family, and I love to make it with whatever fresh fruit I have on hand. Light and airy, it’s a great way to start the day sweetly as Italians do or to end a meal with authentic Italian flair. All across the northern Medite...

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Zeppole and Sfingi di San Giuseppe are among our most beloved Italian culinary rituals. In addition to the highly anticipated sweet treats, however, Calabrians choose to celebrate with Lagane (or laganelle), a type of homemade pasta often paired with beans. Dating back to 4th century BCE Magna Graecia, this type of pasta can still be found in moder...

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In Italy, Carnevale runs until February 23 this year while the entire month is dedicated to Heart Health in the US. I’m celebrating with a dish that will transport your taste buds to the sparkling Adriatic Sea while promoting a heart-healthy Italian diet, so I’m sharing my favorite Insalata di Mare recipe from Italian Recipes for Dummies. Seafood...

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In Italy, soups can be a light, elegant way to open an evening meal or large banquet. January is National Soup Month, and the perfect time to curl up with a cozy bowl of warming Italian broth. This month I’m sharing a recipe that’s lesser known outside of Italy, but perfect to enjoy while dreaming of a weekend in an elegant Italian ski chalet!  Man...

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