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Coeur de la Creme – Cuore della Crema

February 5, 2018 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 6 Comments

Coeur de la Creme - Cuore della Crema | labellasorella.comLove comes in all shapes in sizes and the older I get the more I cherish the many special relationships that I have been blessed with.  Friends are like the family you have the priveledge of selecting, and without our California family I do not know what we would have done for all of these years; each in their own a fundamental part of the fabric of our lives.

Homemade bitter orange preserves | labellasorella.com

A little more than a year ago, the circle widened as we came to know and love a very special young couple whom I will refer to as I Tesori.  It was clear from the start that this relationship would be something meaningful, something lasting.  Early on, I was able to meet La Mamma of Il Tesoro and quickly understood how this young man developed into the fine person he is…. 

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Filed Under: Desserts to Dream Of

Orange Scented Olive Oil Cake – Ciambella all’Arancia

January 15, 2018 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 25 Comments

Carefully following Rosetta’s instructions | labellasorella.com

Long before the Italian food and cooking craze spread to the south of Italy, Rosetta Costantino had delved into the culinary traditions of Calabria bringing the rich history back to many of us with roots originated from the toe of the boot.  Her two cookbooks, My Calabria and Southern Italian Desserts have been cherished by many family members and friends.  Naturally, I was delighted when a  dear friend and business associate with grandparents born in Cosenza asked me about inviting Rosetta to Enoteca La Storia  to present a program on Calabrian food…. 

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Filed Under: Desserts to Dream Of

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

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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  • Crostata di Ricotta & Viscioli – Ricotta & Sour Cherry Tart May 26, 2020
  • Almond Cookies with Cherry Preserves – Biscotti di Ceglie March 25, 2019
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