Italian food, travel & lifestyle
Sometimes a few kind words from an old friend can really validate the work you do. Several weeks ago while on the east coast this is exactly what happened to me. My friend, evidently an avid follower of La Bella Sorella, enthusiastically recalled many of the recipes I have been sharing for the past two years. Her only request – more fig dishes and this is how Cornish Hens with Figs came to fruition.
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My eternal search for the ultimate apple cake continued throughout the summer in preparation for a fall post. The criteria were specific: the cake had to be moist, uncomplicated, delicate yet distinct in flavor, ladened with apples and include olive oil. I am delighted to report that the search is over thanks to the remarkable Yotam Ottolenghi. Apple & Olive Oil Cake is the quintessential Italian style Torta di Mele, even your Nonna would approve.
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Isn’t it annoying this time of year when friends are moaning about the abundant zucchini crop and preparing zucchini bread as if it is the only dish worthy of this delicate squash? Of course if you wait until what was a tender young zucchini turns dramatically into a baseball bat sized lethal weapon overnight, the choices may be limited. Young zucchini freshly plucked in the early morning are the vegetable garden’s gift to the home chef. Zucchini Stuffed with Pesto is the perfect accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats & chicken. Summer entertaining should be effortless and boldly feature the flavors that abound – Zucchini Stuffed with Pesto is a shining example of that.
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Panzanella is a traditional salad of bread and tomatoes that can be found throughout Tuscany and parts of Central Italy each summer. Panzanella is a prime example of how the Italians waste nothing; day old bread and the bounty of garden tomatoes that late summer brings are transformed into a salad which in fact could serve as a meal. Panzanella with Tuna is a variation which includes Italian style chunks of tuna, adding not only a protein to the dish, but an additional flavor element.
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