In anticipation of La Nipote Due’s (Number Two Niece’s) arrival I have been leafing through all of her favorite recipes to help me select the maximum number of dishes that can be crammed into three days; of course restaurant meals will be sandwiched into the weekend as well. It’s so gratifying to cook for La Nipote Due, she savors every mouthful and is so appreciative. I always try to send her favorite baked goodies via the mail, especially for birthdays, holidays and the much coveted CTT summer camp care package. The weekend visit will be an opportunity to prepare a dolce that would not survive priority mail service. I had the perfect idea!…
Archives for February 2015
Minestra con Polpettine – Soup with Tiny Meatballs
I have a confession to make, as a child I thought canned soups were the ultimate. Not all soups mind you, there were a few favorites and Progresso Chickarina was definitely at the top of the list. Chickarina soup, with those tasty tiny meatballs was so different than any homemade soup I was accustomed to. I mean tiny meatballs in chicken broth with diced carrots, celery and pasta pearls – come on, it had to be good. Although prepared foods were certainly the rage in many households at the time, my Mom never relied on them. For some reason Progresso products were viewed as being acceptable; it wasn’t difficult to understand that the name, Progresso was an Italian name representing something familiar….
Linguini con Spada – Linguini with Swordfish
I am often asked what my favorite place to visit in all of Italy is; such a difficult question to answer in that Italy’s lore is ubiquitous – laying within the bustling cities, the hilltop villages, and rustic countryside. It’s diversity is echoed though the people, food and culture of each province. Undoubtedly, some of these extraordinary spots tug at my heart strings more than others, Tropea is surely one of these places….
Insalata di Finocchio, Arancia Rossa e Cipolla – Fennel, Blood Orange and Onion Salad
This is definitely one of my go to salads each winter once my blood oranges are ready to be harvested. The salad typical of Sicily, makes for an dramatic presentation and it couldn’t be easier to compose….
