Posts tagged holiday
Cotechino con Lenticchie

Mamma D joins us in the Cucina as we kick off 2019 with this classic Italian New Year's dish! Watch how to make cotechino con lenticchie! Lentils are a tradition in Italy for the New Year because their shape looks like coins, representing wealth and abundance for the new year! Happy New Year! Salute!

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Best Gifts For The Home Cook

My 5 recommendations for holiday gift ideas for the home cook in your life! These are all staples in the Cucina and I think every home cook should have 'em!

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Pizza Grana (Wheat Pie)

Learn 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!

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Stout Brownies

Beer + 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!

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Lasagna Bolognese

I'm getting you ready for Christmas with another great holiday dinner dish! Lasagna Bolognese is a classic for Christmas Day in Italy and here in the States! Make this easy recipe ahead of time and stash it in the freezer for a simple first course OR any time winter meal! 

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Bolognese Sauce

Pasta Bolognese is one of those hearty, perfect for cold weather meals. In Italy, any sauce with meat is called a "ragu" but Bolognese is distinguished by being based on mirepoix instead of tomato. Use this recipe for a delicious dinner or add it to your Holiday menu!

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Charred Brussels Sprouts

Check out this awesome recipe for these small and mighty greens! Charred brussel sprouts, tossed with pecans, dried cranberries and goat cheese in a maple balsamic vinaigrette! This is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish OR anytime you want to get in those greens!

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Pasta Alla Griccia

Learn how to make this classic Roman dish! With only three ingredients it's the perfect weeknight meal. Al dente pasta, bathed in pork drippings and cheese - really what more could you want!? A crack of fresh black pepper and dinner is ready!

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Mushroom Ravioli in Browned Butter Sage Sauce

I really can't think of more quintessential Fall dish than this one. Earthy mushrooms mixed with fresh ricotta and parmesan cheeses, filling fresh pasta. Topped off in what is quite possibly the easiest sauce you will ever make! 

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Apple Galette

Watch 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! 

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Baklava

Learn 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!

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Grammy's Ricotta Cheesecake

Learn 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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Struffoli

Put down that mushy stuff from the store! Learn how to make real, Italian struffoli, just like grandma! My Mom is my extra special guest this week as we show you the easiest way to make the dough, form the struffoli, fry 'em up and finish them off! Join me in the Cucina!

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Frutti di Mare

The Feast of Seven Fishes is almost here! aka Christmas Eve! And for many Italian Americans this is an easy way to get 4-5 fish into dinner! Plus it's a super easy, and healthy holiday feast for anyone! Learn how Cara prepares her tomato sauce, then cook your favorite shellfish in it and serve it over cappellini! Buon Appetito! Buona Natale!

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Thanksgiving Stuffing

There's Thanksgiving, and then there's Italian Thanksgiving! Of course I have to add sweet sausage and red wine to the stuffing! Here's my recipe for a favorite holiday side dish!

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