Posts in Holiday
Cardamom Spiced Crumb Cake

This 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!

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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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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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Red, White & Blue Potato Salad

We're celebrating the Red, White & Blue with this star spangled salad! Baby red, white and blue potatoes get roasted off with some fresh dill and rosemary. Then dressed in a light mixture of mustard, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs and olive oil! If heavy, milky potato salad is not your jam - this version definitely will be! The perfect side dish for ANY July 4th cook out or BBQ! Enjoy!

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Grilled Strip Steak with Chef Jesse Jones

Chef Jesse Jones is back in the Cucina for Father's Day and showing us how to grill up the perfect strip steak for Dad! You'll never grill steaks the same way again! 

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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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Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Airy 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.

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Pernil (Roast Pork Shoulder)

Need to feed a crowd on Game Day (or any day?) Learn this simple and delicious recipe for pernil, or roast pork shoulder. Cara shows you an easy, flavorful marinade and tells you how to get that skin perfectly crispy. Your group will love this dish served with easy sides like rice or potatoes! Yum!

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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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Aunt Karin's Passover Meatballs

You might have seen a recent comedy sketch about an Italian at a Passover seder...THAT comedian didn't enjoy his meal - but I've had a different experience. One of my best friends is Jewish and his aunt can cook! She shared this recipe with me. While it's always a part of her seder meal, I like to use them as a cocktail party appetizer! And, if you keep a Kosher kitchen, the recipe is kosher. Happy Holiday! 

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