Caponata

This traditional Sicilian dish is the perfect way to use up Summer's bounty of garden vegetables! Roasted eggplant, red peppers and tomatoes come together for a rich flavor that is perfect on crostini, sandwiches or even by itself! My grandmother used to make this for my Mom and her siblings as a summertime lunch when they were kids.

appetizer, lunch, recipes, vegan, vegetarian, snacks, gluten freeCara Di FalcoAugust 23, 2017cucina, cara's cucina, cara di falco, caponata, eggplant, sicilian, Italian, italian food, italian cooking, classic, dish, lunch, appetizer, tomato, pepper, roasted red pepper, summer, food, cook, cooking, recipe, recipes, how to, how to cook, how to make, snack, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free Comment

Pasta Al Pomodoro

Inspired by the book, Ten Years Later, I invited author Lisa Marie Latino to join me in the Cucina as we make Pasta Al Pomodoro! Just one of the many dishes mentioned in her debut novel. This quick and easy pasta dish can stand alone or be incorporated into the huge Italian meal described in Ten Years Later!

dinner, recipesCara Di FalcoMay 17, 2017cucina, cara di falco, cara's cucina, food, cook, cooking, pasta, tomato, al pomodoro, Lisa Marie Latino, author, Ten Years Later, Italian, italian food, italian cooking, dinner, easy, meal, recipe, family Comment

Fried Zucchini Flowers

Learn how to make this delicious Italian snack! Tender zucchini blossoms are lightly battered and fried for a perfect summer appetizer. Buon Appetito!

appetizer, recipes, snacksCara Di FalcoJune 24, 2016cucina, summer, seasonal, local, Jersey fresh, garden state, NJ, Italian, italian food, Italian cooking, food, cooking, zucchini, zucchini blossoms, zucchini flowers, recipe, appetizerComment

Fresh Pasta

Try your hand at making fresh pasta! You won't be sorry and you shouldn't be nervous! I'll show you step by step how to make delicious pasta right in your own home! Try it in your next pasta dish!

basics, recipesCara Di FalcoMay 12, 2016pasta, fresh pasta, dough, cooking, food, Italian, Italian food, italian cooking, cucina, homemade, handmade, most popular may Comment

Essex Junction's Fig Preserves & Burrata Crostini

Watch how to make fig preserves from Chef Justin Caldwell of Essex Junction in Bloomfield NJ! Serve them on homemade crostini with burrata cheese!

appetizer, recipesCara Di FalcoApril 29, 2016cucina, Essex Junction, Bloomfield, NJ, figs, preserves, jam, appetizer, Italian, cooking, food, recipe, cheeseComment

Grammy's Pizza Gain

My father's family hails from the region of Abruzzo in Italy - and we think there's some additional heritage in Naples. This dish comes from the South of Italy. In the States it is often called Pizza Gain, Pizza Gaina, or Pizza Rustica. Whatever you call it, my Grammy was known for hers! This is the recipe she used every year for Easter and the one that we still share. The meat & cheese pie is meant to be indulgent. A way to celebrate after the fasting of Lent. And I certainly hope you celebrate. Buona Pasqua! Buon Appetito!

baking, brunch, Holiday, recipesCara Di FalcoMarch 25, 2016Easter, Italian, italian food, italian cooking, food, cooking, pepperoni, pizza gain, pizza gaina, pizza rustica, pie, holiday, cucinaComment

Nonni's Spinach Torta

We always celebrate the arrival of Spring and especially Easter with this delicious Northern Italian dish, passed on to me from my great-grandmother. The green spinach is meant to represent the new life and new beginnings that spring offers all of us. We use this dish as a "primo piatto" or "first dish" during our Easter celebration but it's a great starter, side or main throughout this wonderful season.

baking, brunch, dinner, lunch, recipes, side, vegetarianCara Di FalcoMarch 17, 2016cucina, easter, holiday, holidays, spinach, spring, spring time, food, cooking, Italian, Italian cooking, italian food, vegetarian, brunch, sides, side dishes, lunch, dinner Comment

Seared Scallops over Lemon & Tarragon Risotto

So many people are afraid to cook fish, don't be. In this week's video you'll learn how to perfectly sear scallops and make a complimentary lemon, tarragon risotto. Citrusy tarragon adds the perfect flavor to creamy risotto making an ideal bed for the scallops.

dinner, lunch, recipesCara Di FalcoMarch 4, 2016cucina, scallops, seafood, fish, risotto, dinner, lunch, Italian, Italian food, food, cooking, italian cooking, recipes Comment

Super Bowl Party Food

I LOVE football - and while my Giants had a less than stellar season - I still plan on watching the Big Game this Sunday with family & friends! Check out all 3 recipes on my Grid Iron Grub menu - perfect for your Super Bowl party!