My great-grandmother only made this rich, chocolate and chestnut dessert once a year - for Christmas! It was usually served with a little corner cut off so she could taste it before she offered it to the rest of us! And while it's time consuming - the results are well worth it! Start by making a traditional chestnut puree, then add in chocolate and amaretti to create this mildly sweet but incredibly flavorful Holiday dessert! Mamma D is my very special guest this week as we get ready to celebrate Christmas in the Cucina! Buona Natale!
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Check out how easy it is to make panna cotta at home. This classic Italian dessert is perfect for Mother's Day (or any time!). I've dyed mine a pretty pink and flavored it with rose water to really have it compliment Mom (and a great Mother's Day brunch!)
Read MoreI'm gearing up for Christmas and sharing one of my FAVORITE cookie recipes with you! These snowball cookies (also called Mexican Wedding Cookies, among other names) are SUPER simple and SO delicious! This is a great recipe for to make with kids too! Who doesn't love rolling balls of dough and then tossing them in a big bowl of sugar!?
Read MoreThis elegant dessert has a secret - it’s SUPER easy to make! You can make it in advance OR do it right in front of your dinner guests if you’d like to be extra fancy!
Read MoreThis simple summer dessert keeps everything outside on the grill! These are VERY easy to make and make a great presentation for guests! Serve them up with something sweet and cool - like whipped cream, ice cream or even some whipped ricotta!
Read MoreThis is NOT what Americans know as tiramisu. It's not cake, and it's not purely whipped cream - hell it's not even cooked eggs! (you'll be fine) This is an amazing recipe that turns out delicious and is fun and easy to make! Just make sure you get the right cookies! (The Italians were really insistent on the Pavesini) Snag those at the link in the recipe.
Read MoreThese mildly sweet Italian biscuits pair perfectly with the classic Tuscan digestif, Vinsanto! Not only is the liquor IN the cookies, you dunk them in it as well! If vinsanto's not for you, you can always nosh on these mildly sweet little cookies for breakfast and dunk them in your coffee instead. Thanks again to Certosa di Pontignano for the recipe (and cooking class!)
Read MoreMom asked me to figure out how to make a version of this dessert that we had enjoyed together while out to lunch one day. This is what I came up with! Doubles as a great breakfast to be honest. Protein packed Greek yogurt is flavored with vanilla and rose, then topped with bright berry compote, crunchy pistachios and sweet sesame candy! It's the perfect dish for Mother's Day!
Read MoreWatch how to make my Grammy's cream puffs! The perfect dessert for this holiday weekend! Deliciously light and airy puffs, stuffed with traditional custard cream and topped with powdered sugar! The sweetest treat!
Read MoreLearn how to make this Italian tradition from Naples with Master Baker GianCarlo Pallazzone! He shares his family recipe (WITH secret ingredient!) and the history of the dish! It's all in this episode of Cara's Cucina!
Read MoreBeer + Brownies = It's how we celebrate St. Pat in the Cucina! This delicious recipe is a great way to incorporate Ireland's favorite export with their patron saint. Bake up a batch for your party!
Read MoreSuper easy, semi-homemade, and the PERFECT Valentine's Day gift! These mini trifles are a great way to share love with everyone special from the kiddos, to parents, to spouses and friends! Make a bunch and give them away, or do a build your own party at home! Happy Valentine's Day!
Read MoreThis crumb heavy cake is perfectly spiced to make anyone's "nice" list! Make it for guests, or give as a gift! Don't forget if you haven't already, subscribe on Youtube and you could WIN Food & Wine's Dessert book!
Read MoreThanksgiving dinner isn't complete without this incredible pumpkin cheesecake! Check out this decadent recipe that's easy to add into your holiday menu! Perfect for bringing as guest or making to impress!
Read MoreWatch how to make this super simple Fall dessert. Crisp apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar, layered into a pie crust that is simply folded up around the edges. Topped of with a sweet, salty, bourbon-y caramel sauce that'll knock your socks off!
Read MoreThis easy summer dessert is perfect in its imperfection. A great dish to make if you're short on time OR new to baking. Nothing here has to be too precise, and you don't have to work hard to make it look pretty. It's also a great dish to make with the kids cause they get to use their hands! I hope you all enjoy this delicious summer recipe!
Read MoreWatch how to make this classic dessert. Eaten in Australia & New Zealand around Christmas time (which is also summer for them!) the light, airy meringue nest is the perfect vessel for summer's sweet berries, and of course, a little fresh whipped cream!
Read MoreLearn how to make this traditional Greek dessert as we get ready for both Easter & Greek Easter! Flaky layers of fillo stuffed with nuts and honey make for a delicious treat! This recipe is one my Uncle has used and perfected - Enjoy!
Read MoreAiry puffs, filled with a ricotta based cream and topped with a cherry. The zeppole were created in Naples in 1840 to celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph; and are still a treasured tradition for both Italians and Italian-Americans.
Read MoreLearn how to make this creamy Italian classic. My grandmother's ricotta cheesecake is a holiday must have! Now I'm sharing her recipe with you! The easiest cheesecake you'll ever make, it only requires a few ingredients. Whip it up for your holiday party or any time!
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