Learn how to garden vegetables and herbs from the pros! Your kitchen will be teaming with fresh produce all summer long - yes - even if you live in an apartment. Watch the episode now!
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Watch how to make fig preserves from Chef Justin Caldwell of Essex Junction in Bloomfield NJ! Serve them on homemade crostini with burrata cheese!
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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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This is what we call "an oldie but a goodie." This recipe came to me from a high school friend's mom. While spending an afternoon at her house backing high school, her mom made this for us for lunch - I love it so much, I made my mom call for the recipe! I've been using it consistently in my dinner rotation ever since!
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While the weather may not be cooperating - it IS Spring! And the very beginnings of beautiful veggies are coming to the market. This risotto is a great way to start bringing some freshness back into your cooking after winter. Topped with a poached egg, it's a great meal! Enjoy!
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This week we teamed up with Hip New Jersey to check out a Jamaican restaurant in Montclair NJ! Chef Kwame Williams shows me (and you!) how to make a delicious, vegan, curried cauliflower!
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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!
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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.
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One of my mother's best friend's is of Irish heritage - and it turns out she has the best recipe EVER for Irish Soda Bread. Better yet, she was willing to share it with us. We don't do St. Patrick's Day very big in my house, but I'll make this bread and we'll eat it for breakfast just about every day. It's delicious. Not too sweet, not too dry, just perfect. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do!
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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.
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Eating my veggies can be a challenge for me at times - but when they're coated with olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes, and tossed with perfect pasta...I'm in! I hope you enjoy this dish as much as my husband and I do!
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I have so many friends who head out to fast food spots - particularly during Lent - to grab a fried fish sandwich. But what's really IN those? Try your hand at making your own and you won't be disappointed! Check out my recipe for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. The fillets will even last overnight in the fridge and can be warmed in the oven the next day.
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Food can be one of the most powerful things we put in our bodies. Many cultures have beliefs on foods that are aphrodisiacs. But is there any science behind that? Find out here!
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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!
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A friend of mine from high school shared a photo of this recipe years ago on Facebook. It was so creative I had to have it! I've made a few adjustments since then but either way you do it, it's delicious and warming. Enjoy!
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As we wrap up January I'm still trying to keep my food on the lighter side and this dish does just that while fulfilling my want for something sweet! Deliciously ripe bears get baked with nutrient packed walnuts, sweet honey and cinnamon; and are then nestled on top of fragrant vanilla scented Greek yogurt for extra protein. This dish can serve as breakfast, brunch OR dessert!
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I used to love when my Mom made her chicken marsala for dinner. Now it's a favorite for my husband and me. This dish is easy enough to pull off on a weeknight but delicious enough to feel like a special meal. I hope it becomes one for you and your family!
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This quick and easy dish is a great, light meal, any time of day! You can add in whatever veggies you like. I used spinach and tomato here.
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Italian traditions for New Year's Day involve things like eating lentils and pork (for abundance) to wearing red underwear (for love!)! I've got the pork covered here - but the red underwear is up to you! I hope you enjoy this soup with your loved ones and start this new year with abundance in your kitchen and all who join you there! Happy 2016 Cucina lovers!
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My Aunt Linda always brings these pretty, sweet cookies to our Christmas Eve celebration (and others throughout the year!). They're delicious, and look so cute with their rainbow colored sprinkles! The cookie itself ins't too sweet because of the amazing, liquor flavored icing on top. These are a family favorite for us, and I hope they become one for you too!
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