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Archives for November 2017

Holiday Dolce Italian Style

November 27, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 1 Comment

Anginetti-con-espresso
Lemon-Biscotti
Sesame-Crocante
Biscotti-out-of-the-oven
Biscotti-di-Fichi
Brutti-Ma-Buoni-and-Moscato
Anise-Biscotti,-such-an-elegant-little-cookie
lemon-scented-bombolini
Pistachio-Cookies,-a-delicate-bite

December at Casa Barbarito meant it was time to start baking in mass quantity.  La Momma’s repertoire was limited to Anginetti and Pizelles which took over every surface of her apartment.  Tray upon tray of cookies were prepared to distribute in the days leading up to Christmas, every member of the family had a list of friends and business associates that expected cookies from Rose.  Needless to say, she was the most popular resident at 63 Hill Street at this time of year.

Holiday cookie baking is a tradition with many cultures, each with their own special recipes passed down through the generations.  A collection of some of my favorite biscotti and sweets are included in this post to make a bit of sense out of your cookie planning.  Approaching the baking season is always easier when you make a list of your favorite cookies, gather ingredients and get to it.

A sweet December to all of my readers and please contact me with any specific questions during the month ahead.

Anginetti

Anise Biscotti

Pistachio Cookies

Brutti ma Buoni

Lavender & Chocolate Biscotti

Fig Biscotti

Olive Oil Biscotti Scented with Lemon & Rosemary

Sesame Croccante

Pistachio Croccante

Sfratti

Bomboloni

Struffoli

 

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Filed Under: December Holidays, Desserts to Dream Of

Thanksgiving Italian Style

November 13, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 22 Comments

 

Radicchio,-Celery,-Apple-Salad
farroconzucca
Torta-con-la-Zucca-serving
Creamless-Mulshroom-Soup-topped-with-fresh-chives
Pasta-con-la-zucca-fillingf-the-ravioli
Wild-Mushrooms-in-Parchment-sliced
Biscotti-di-Fichi
Trattoria-Pears-top--view
cavatappi

Our Thanksgiving, whether it be on the East or West Coast has had an Italian twist ever since I can remember.  Growing up there was always the traditional antipasto platter and trays of lasagna before the turkey.  The dinner ended with the typical pumpkin pie, but a box of pastry from Paterson Pastry Shop was mandatory.

Menu planning can often be daunting during these hectic weeks, so get out the paper & pencil and sketch out your Thanksgiving Day meal.  Why not give your holiday an Italian twist by including some of the recipes from La Bella Sorella listed below.  There is something for everyone at your table; dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian – you name it!

Wishing all of my readers a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends and good health.

Thanksgiving Appetizers & Prosecco

Bruschetta with Butternut Squash

Ravioli with Sweet Squash

Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash

Mushrooms Roasted in Parchment

Sweet & Sour Butternut Squash

Creamless Mushroom Soup

Cavatappi with Butternut Squash

Radicchio, Walnut & Apple Salad with Parmigiano

Quince Preserves

Butternut Squash Jam

Fig Biscotti 

Olive Oil Biscotti Scented with Rosemary & Lemon

Pears Trattoria Style

Pumpkin Cake with Rosemary

Apple & Olive Oil Cake

Treviso Pumpkin Cake

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Filed Under: Thanksgiving

Treviso Pumpkin Cake – Torta di Zucca di Treviso

November 6, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 5 Comments

Treviso Pumpkin Cake or Torta di Zucca di Treviso | labellasorella.com

My passion for the history and traditions of the Italian Jewish community is continually reflected in the dishes I am drawn to.  Some time ago La Mamma gifted me Cucina Ebraica – Flavors of the Italian Jewish Kitchen, by the one and only Joyce Goldstein.  The book is a compilation of well researched history, traditions and recipes of the Jewish community in Italy; a treasure trove of information.  Over the years I had referred to Cucina Ebraica often when planning holiday meals, a favorite recipe has been her pumpkin cake from the Veneto which I have adapted and call Treviso Pumpkin Cake…. 

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Filed Under: Desserts to Dream Of, Thanksgiving

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After years of teaching regional Italian cooking classes, planning Italian adventures, and sharing my travel tips about Italy, starting a blog about Italian food, travels and lifestyle was a just natural next step. Learn More…

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