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….
Brutti ma Buoni have enchanted me since I was a child. Lovely mounds of meringue surrounding broken pieces of properly toasted hazelnuts – could there be anything better than that?… 
