LaBellaSorella

Italian food, travel & lifestyle

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Cafe Shakerato

July 17, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 6 Comments

Caffe Shakerato, perfect on a summer day | labellasorella.comCafe Shakerato surely evolved to satisfy those Italians who simply could not survive without their espresso, yet somehow the blistery summer days seemed to call for something a bit more refreshing.  Some years ago in Tropea,  Mia Sorella and I were deeply immersed in one of our favorite sibling bonding activities – shopping; we were madly searching for some locally produced ceramic tiles to incorporate into a project at home.  The shops had just rolled up their windows and it was sweltering; our stamina would surly be affected by the oppressive heat.  The astute shop owner of a tiny ceramic studio understood that these conditions would certainly affect our ability to supplement the local economy, so he discretely sent his young son off on a little errand.  Allora, after some minutes the boy appeared with two icy cold coffee drinks, and that was our introduction to Cafe Shakerato.

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Filed Under: Beverages with an Italian Twist, Living La Dolce Vita in California

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

July 10, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 9 Comments

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms | labellasorella.com

Zucchini blossoms were ever present in our home growing up, and believe me they weren’t considered chic or mainstream in those days.  Generally, Italian American families had a summer vegetable garden with tomatoes, zucchini and basil taking center stage.  Zucchini was a relatively easy vegetable to cultivate and the delicate flowers were picked early morning and reserved for frying later that day.  Depending on what was on hand or the particular mood of the cook they were sometimes stuffed beforehand…. 

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Antipasti & Wonderful Things to Nibble On

Summer Celebration Cake – Una Torta per Una Festa d’Estate

July 3, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 6 Comments

Let them eat Summer Celebration Cake | labellasorella.com

So, you need to prepare a notable cake for someone special – it’s summertime and to tell the truth who really feels like getting fussy?  Summer Celebration Cake is the answer to your prayers – a one pan almond chiffon cake, dressed with freshly whipped cream and ripe strawberries along with a garnish of caramelized almond slices.  Enter the room with Summer Celebration Cake majestically placed atop of your favorite cake plate and trust me you will become a superstar – if only for that moment…. 

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Filed Under: Desserts to Dream Of

Negroni Sbagliato – Incorrect Negroni

June 26, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 4 Comments

Prosecco Il Colle, always our choice for a Negroni Sbagliato | labellasorella.com

At Casa Levitt there is no official Negroni Week, although we love the fact that there is a special week dedicated to honoring this cocktail of perfection.  To be perfectly honest, Negronis in one form or another are a year round libation at our home.  The mere presence of one has me fantasizing about sitting in the piazza experiencing La Dolce Vita.  Negroni Sbagliato, you may ask…what is that about?  Well, sbagliato translates to “mistaken” in English which refers to the lore about how the drink came to be…. 

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Filed Under: Wine & Aperitivo Time

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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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Recent Posts

  • 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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  • Chickpea & Pumpkin Soup – Zuppa di Ceci & Zucca November 26, 2018
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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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