Recent Posts

Warm Squid Salad with Kale and Chickpeas

Warm Squid Salad with Kale and Chickpeas

This warm squid salad is a great meal any time of the year but especially in the summer when you do not want to spend lot if time in front of a hot stovetop!  This is a classic Venetian recipe where everything is cooked in 

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED. IT FIRST APPEARED ON ITALIAN KITCHEN CONFESSION ON JULY 21st 2020. Italian Focaccia with its soft interior and a crisp and salty exterior. ..Focaccia Bread with some large and small bubbles inside. It’s a real treat. It’s a great snack 

Crostata di Marmellata

Crostata di Marmellata

Crostata di Marmellata ( Jam filled tart)  is a traditional Italian dessert made with shortbread dough ( pasta frolla) and usually filled with  any jam or preserves of your preference.  Crostata is characterized by a lattice top, arranged in a crisscross pattern. When you think of 

Homemade Orecchiette

Homemade Orecchiette

`It is not a secret that making homemade pasta from scratch is one of my passion. There is just something about it and homemade orecchiette is just so exciting to make and to taste afterwards! These little wonders are born to hold the sauce and 

Wild Ramp Pesto

Wild Ramp Pesto

Looking for a way to add some zing to your meals? Look no further than this wild ramp pesto recipe. This bright green condiment is the perfect accompaniment to everything from pasta to grilled meats, and it’s packed with flavor that’ll have you coming back 

Italian Pistachios Cardamom Biscotti with Orange Zest

Italian Pistachios Cardamom Biscotti with Orange Zest

Italian Pistachios Biscotti with Cardamon and Orange Zest are a spiced twist on the classic Italian Almond biscotti aka cantucci. I have to confess that the inspiration on this variation came from many years spent leaving in the Middle East, where I learned about different 

Italian Lentil Soup with Prosciutto

Italian Lentil Soup with Prosciutto

A warm, hearty and comforting Italian lentil soup bursting with flavors. This traditional lentil soup is easy to make and is perfect for colder days. I grew up eating lot of lentils and definitely this soup has been a staple. Still today I make it 

Spelt Tagliatelle Pasta with Kale & Mushroom

Spelt Tagliatelle Pasta with Kale & Mushroom

Spelt Tagliatelle with Kale and Mushroom is a hearty pasta, a bit more rough since I played with different flours to obtain a more rustic pasta texture. Spelt pasta and in general all whole wheat and whole grains pasta have a less smoother texture compared 

Roasted Beetroot Pumpkin and Lentil Salad

Roasted Beetroot Pumpkin and Lentil Salad

Roasted Beetroot, Pumpkin and Lentil Salad makes a flavorful root vegetable salad that is a meal by itself. This salad has a nutritious mix of ingredients and a flavorsome combination of textures and flavours, so make it right now to take advantage of the seasonal 

What to cook in February

What to cook in February

Although February is the shortest month of the year, it is packed with holidays and events. Valentine’s Day, Superbowl Sunday and Mardi gras all revolve around food, so figuring out what to cook in February can be a challenge if you want to celebrate it 

Colorful Orange, Fennel & Beet Salad

Colorful Orange, Fennel & Beet Salad

Winter. It makes me think of the freezing temperatures, grey skies, and mountains covered with snow. But while everything seems to be asleep, nature offers us an incredible array of fresh vegetables and fruits. The colorful orange, fennel and beet salad celebrates winter fruits and brings 

What to cook in January

What to cook in January

January is the strangest month of the year for me. While it marks the start of a new year and the need to clear my mind and drive what matters in my life, I also feel I need to take it slow since everything around 

Gemelli Pasta with Leek and Mushroom

Gemelli Pasta with Leek and Mushroom

This deeply satisfying Gemelli pasta with leek and mushroom is an ideal recipe for the colder months. Seasonal vegetables such as Leeks and mushrooms are caramelized and stick to the pot until they are deglazed with dry vermouth to break all those delicious bits that 

Classic Italian Minestrone Soup

Classic Italian Minestrone Soup

Classic Italian Minestrone Soup is a traditional soup that every family in Italy makes differently, but the common ingredients are different vegetables, beans and sometimes pasta. This is the recipe you need when you want a comforting meal that will leave you nourished and satisfied. Minestrone 

Classic Italian Lentils

Classic Italian Lentils

This classic Italian lentils recipe is the traditional meal we eat in Italy on 31st December after the stroke of midnight. I have to confess that I grew up eating lentils quite often during the winter, but on 31st December in the morning my parents 

Italian Calamarata Pasta (calamari & tomato sauce)

Italian Calamarata Pasta (calamari & tomato sauce)

Italian Calamarata Pasta is a classic Neapolitan-style pasta featuring succulent calamari bathed in a light tomato sauce. The thick ringed Calamarata pasta takes its name after its shape resembling calamari rings. This specific shape – often paired with calamari or squid – catches the sauce 

Creamy Roasted Beet Pasta

Creamy Roasted Beet Pasta

This pasta with creamy roasted beetroot sauce is a great vegetarian dish that makes use of seasonal beets and it is great for all the beet lover out there! The result is a hearty pink sauce pasta that is delicious if you like more slightly 

Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro)

Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro)

For me, this is the best and most authentic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro). I have to confess that this is the first recipe ever I learned to cook at a young age and over the years I have not changing it that much. 

Italian Classic Almond Biscotti recipe (Cantucci)

Italian Classic Almond Biscotti recipe (Cantucci)

This post appeared first in October 2020 on Italian Kitchen Confession and this is the updated version. Classic Almond biscotti are the most traditional biscotti recipe that is famous not only in Italy but all over the world. I have to confess that these recipe 

What to cook in September?

What to cook in September?

This post has been updated. It first appeared on Italian Kitchen Confessions in September 2021. September is already here and I wonder where the summer has gone? It has flew away so fast, leaving space to a crisp fresh morning air that today made me 

Classic Chicken Cacciatore

Classic Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish with a hearty sauce that is comforting and succulent. The rich sauce that as you cook, will fill your kitchen with the cozy smell of fresh herbs, garlic and tomato. The result is a luscious and nourishing meal. 

Farro Stuffed Tomatoes

Farro Stuffed Tomatoes

Farro stuffed tomatoes is a delicious recipe to make right now. Got tomatoes? I am sure you have plenty: in your garden, at the farmers market or at the local grocery store. So what are you waiting for? Go and grab some and make this 

Roasted Peppers, Mozzarella and Anchovies Bruschetta

Roasted Peppers, Mozzarella and Anchovies Bruschetta

Roasted Peppers, Mozzarella and Anchovies Bruschetta: a flavor combination that seems odd to many but that will surprise by how extraordinary it is. The saltiness of the anchovies contrasts the buttery mozzarella and the smoky taste of roasted peppers. If you are looking for a 

Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

This Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad is a triumph of flavor and its beautiful color that will be a hit on your summer table! This is the season when so many fresh summer vegetable are in our grocery store, farmer’s market or your garden . The 

What to cook in August

What to cook in August

I have to confess that summer is not my favorite season! I prefer spring and fall, as are the middle season when the air is fresher and the nature is changing. Spring brings all the flowers and greenery around us and the fall colors the 

Zucchini Salad Recipe

Zucchini Salad Recipe

This zucchini salad recipe is a fresh and tangy summer dish! It is made using raw zucchini that are in season and is ready in minutes! I have to confess that I am obsessed with zucchini as they are very versatile and I usually prepare 

Pesto Lasagna Roll ups

Pesto Lasagna Roll ups

Pesto lasagna roll ups made with pesto, mozzarella cheese and zucchini and topped with bechamel sauce, more pesto and parmesan cheese. You are going to love this mouthwatering twist on the classic lasagna! I have to confess that I usually make lasagna for the holiday, 

Classic Italian Tomato Bruschetta

Classic Italian Tomato Bruschetta

Classic Italian Tomato Bruschetta (Bruschetta al Pomodoro) is one of the most popular appetizers which stands for Italian food at its best: good quality ingredients and a few simple steps are the secret for this classic recipe which is a symbol of Italian appetizer. Bruschetta 

Zucchini with Raisins and Pine Nuts

Zucchini with Raisins and Pine Nuts

Zucchini with Raisins and Pine Nuts. A reminiscence of my years growing up in Italy when in the summer zucchini was the vegetable mostly cooked in an endless number of ways. Zucchini with Raisins and Pine Nuts. A reminiscence of our Sicilian trip back in 

What to cook in July

What to cook in July

July brings brighter and longer days, I love watching the sun going down between the tall skyscrapers of the city. The grass of the park in front of our balcony is greener than ever and the farmer’s market across the corner brings all the best 

Italian Zucchini Fritters

Italian Zucchini Fritters

Italian Zucchini Fritters – or frittelle di zucchine as I call them in Italian – is one of the best way to use up the harvest of the season. This is the perfect recipe to make this time of the year when you might have 

What to cook in June

What to cook in June

June has passed by so quickly that I almost forgot to wrote my seasonal post “what to cook in June”! Let me tell you that this months brought lots of celebrations in my life: 1 year in NYC, our renovation finally ended, we received our 

What to cook in May

What to cook in May

This May brings a warmer and sunnier weather and brings as well some big changes, as we moved into our new apartment and we are finishing some renovations. Despite the challenge of a kitchen not yet fully finished, I decided to share my usual seasonal 

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

Pistachio Crusted Salmon. An effortless dinner that seems fancy but requires only a few pantry ingredients. The crunchiness of the pistachio crust is complimented by the flaky salmon meat and the combination of mustard, lemon zest and honey will leave everyone satisfied. I must confess 

What to cook in March

What to cook in March

March is the month of renewal and rebirth. The days are getting longer, the air is still cool, but it is pleasant to feel it on the skin. The light changes and becomes brighter. Flowers are blooming and the first spring produce is making its 

Leek Fritters with Sumac Yogurt Sauce

Leek Fritters with Sumac Yogurt Sauce

Leek Fritters with Sumac Yogurt Sauce is one of the best winter recipe that will make anyone LOVE leeks. I paired this fritters with a Sumac yogurt sauce, zingy and creamy that pairs perfectly with the leek fritters and brings a Middle East touch to 

Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies

Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies

Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies: The easiest and cutest treats you need right now! Simple ingredients and a touch of pink natural food color is all what you need to surprise your loved one on Valentine Day with these pink heart cookies. I must confess that 

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Fennel and Orange

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Fennel and Orange

Orange and fennel chicken thighs is a classic winter family recipe. I must confess that my mom was making this in batches so that we could eat it for the next couple of days. Both my parents were working, but so lunch and dinner have 

Blood orange ricotta cake

Blood orange ricotta cake

Do you love citrus fruit? Do you love blood oranges? If your answer is YES, you cannot miss this elegant upside-down cake. This Italian blood orange ricotta cake is moist, fluffy and I promise you EASY! It’s the perfect showstopper for your next gatherings. I 

Cauliflower Anchovies Pasta

Cauliflower Anchovies Pasta

Cauliflower Anchovies Pasta is a delicious Sicilian inspired recipe, with a savory taste given by the anchovies. This simple recipe hits the spot not only for its delicious flavor and interesting texture, but also because it is an easy pantry staple dish ready in 30 

Easy Creamy Jerusalem Artichoke Soup

Easy Creamy Jerusalem Artichoke Soup

This creamy Jerusalem artichoke soup recipe is a true delicacy. It can be prepared in an hour or less and you only need a few ingredients to make this vegetable shine. The consistency of this soup is creamy and thick thanks to the cannellini beans. 

Authentic Cacio e Pepe

Authentic Cacio e Pepe

Cacio Pepe is a Roman pasta dish that literally means cheese and pepper and consists of 3 simple ingredients: Pasta, Pecorino cheese and black pepper. The secret of an authentic Cacio e Pepe is the creamy sauce that comes from combining the best quality Pecorino Romano 

Smoked Salmon Fennel Mandarin Salad

Smoked Salmon Fennel Mandarin Salad

Smoked Salmon Fennel Mandarin Salad is a gorgeous combination of fresh and seasonal ingredients that will brighten your table this winter season. This classic holiday salad bursts the salmon smokiness, the mandarin tanginess, the fennel anise flavor and the greens peppery punch. You will love 

What to cook in December

What to cook in December

When I think of December, Christmas immediately comes to mind and with it all the delicious cookies and sweets that are typical of this time of year. I recently moved to the US and in this month more and more doors opened to discover amazing 

Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutella. A jar of creamy hazelnut spread that will make you smile. Nutella. A treat that kids will always love. Nutella. A guilty pleasure that adults will never say no to. Nutella. The Italian magic that conquered the world. Nutella. As an ingredient in this 

Winter Red Cabbage Apple Slaw

Winter Red Cabbage Apple Slaw

This red cabbage salad with apple, radish and onion is the ultimate light and refreshing side dish perfect for a fall meal. This red cabbage apple slaw boasts a satisfying crunch and an irresistible sweet, tart and tangy flavor thanks to the mix of veggies 

Traditional Pumpkin Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Traditional Pumpkin Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED AND IT APPEARED FIRST ON ITALIAN KITCHEN CONFESSION ON 11/12/2020. These traditional Pumpkin Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta are a great vegetarian recipe, with the pumpkin as the main protagonist for this fall dish. It is a stunning recipe 

WHAT TO COOK IN NOVEMBER

WHAT TO COOK IN NOVEMBER

In November, the weather turns crisp, the leaves turn yellow, red, and orange, and the festive season is in the air, culminating with Thanksgiving weekend. While many of us are busy preparing and testing recipes for one of the most beloved celebrations of the year, 

Easy Italian Pear Cake (Torta di Pere)

Easy Italian Pear Cake (Torta di Pere)

Italian Pear Cake. A moist and soft perfect cake, ideal to end a meal, for breakfast or whenever you need something sweet. This recipe is simple and, like all Italian recipes, is made with just a few simple and genuine ingredients! Desserts in Italy are 

Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Saltimbocca. A dish of appetizing and tasty simplicity. Chicken Saltimbocca  is one the most traditional dish part of the Italian gastronomic heritage and definitely one you cannot miss. Cooked Roman style, with crudo ham and sage is a delicious dinner idea, quick to prepare 

Wasabi Pesto Spaghetti with Seared Tuna

Wasabi Pesto Spaghetti with Seared Tuna

SPONSORED POST BY CULINARY JO CHEF Wasabi Pesto Spaghetti with Seared Tuna is a fusion twist on a classic Italian recipe like pesto is reinterpreted using Japanese ingredients. The tuna is seared with a butane torch, so that it is only slightly cooked outside and 

Gorgonzola Pear Walnut Spaghetti

Gorgonzola Pear Walnut Spaghetti

This Pear Gorgonzola Walnut Spaghetti combines the perfect fall flavors with the sweetness of pear, the sharpness of Gorgonzola, and the crunchiness of walnut for a comforting classic Italian recipe.The creaminess of this pasta and the combination of perfectly balanced flavors make it ideal for 

Roasted grapes and goat cheese bruschetta

Roasted grapes and goat cheese bruschetta

Roasted grapes and goat cheese bruschetta is the perfect appetizer for fall.  These crostini are made with roasted grapes flavored with balsamic vinegar, EVOO, and thyme, topping a slice of ciabatta bread spreaded with creamy goat cheese. It’s delicious and so easy to prepare that 

What to cook in October

What to cook in October

October is the month of color change. Nature turns from green to orange, yellow, and burgundy, and some delicious treasures show up at the farmer’s market. So what can you cook in October? I recommend trying the first mushrooms, squash and butternuts, and the various 

Authentic Italian Amatriciana Sauce

Authentic Italian Amatriciana Sauce

Amatriciana Sauce or “Sugo all’ Amatriciana” is a classic Italian recipe that will conquer your taste buds. In one bite you’ll taste the punch of red pepper flakes, the depth of flavor of guanciale, sauteed with white wine, the richness of a velvety tomato sauce, 

Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto

Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto

Turn a humble root vegetable like the carrot into a glorious dish with this flavorful roasted carrots recipe, which is an ode to no food waste! If you visit a farmer’s market, you’ll find that there are many bouquets of rainbow carrots, I must confess 

Carrot Top Pesto

Carrot Top Pesto

If you get a fresh bunch of carrots, do not throw the top part away, use it to make a delicious carrot pesto! This pesto is a bit earthy and tastes a bit like carrots, the addition of parmesan and nuts gives it a creamy 

Tomato and Olive Focaccia

Tomato and Olive Focaccia

Focaccia. A bread that is crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside, that is what we call focaccia. When the weather starts to get crisp and cool, you feel like turning on the oven and baking. Focaccia, that’s what you should 

End of Summer Farro Salad

End of Summer Farro Salad

An end-of-summer farro salad is a perfect meal to celebrate the transition to fall. I have to confess that this time of year is very special to me, as I can relate to the change of seasons. We have lived in a hot and humid 

One-Pot Sausage Broccoli Pasta

One-Pot Sausage Broccoli Pasta

RECIPE DEVELOPED FOR SWEESE BRAND WHO GIFTED ITALIAN KITCHEN CONFESSIONS WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL BOWLS! This one-pot Sausage Broccoli Pasta is the easiest and most amazing pasta you can make right now. And it’s comfort food at its best. Pasta, Broccoli and Sausage is a filling 

Mussels Spaghetti with Spicy Cherry Tomatoes

Mussels Spaghetti with Spicy Cherry Tomatoes

Mussels Spaghetti with Spicy Cherry Tomatoes is one of those recipes that is quick to prepare and requires just a few ingredients. But just because it’s quick and easy does not mean it lacks flavor, on the contrary, it’s a delicious meal that your family 

Trofie al Pesto

Trofie al Pesto

One of my passions is making homemade pasta and trofie is one of those shapes that I have learned over the years! Trofie al pesto is a classic, traditional dish from Liguria, and basil pesto is a perfect fit for this shape, as the rustic 

Traditional Italian Tiramisu Recipe

Traditional Italian Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert in which layers of ladyfingers soaked in coffee alternate with layers of whipped fluffy mascarpone-eggs custard. It is then topped with unsweetened cocoa powder. The simple recipe is made the same way my grandmother made it, and I have 

Caramelized Tomato, Eggplant and Provolone Panini

Caramelized Tomato, Eggplant and Provolone Panini

RECIPE DEVELOPED FOR MUTTI POMODORO USA This Panini is a bite of joy that will fill your mouth with a burst of flavors and texture. It is the ultimate panini to make this summer. In one bite you will taste the crunchy bread, the sweet 

Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino (Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive oil and Chili Spaghetti) is a bold and flavorsome traditional Italian dish. Originating in Campania, this iconic pasta is the classic example of cucina povera, making the most of simple ingredients. Often considered the classic midnight spaghetti it 

Panzanella Salad Recipe

Panzanella Salad Recipe

Panzanella salad is one of those recipes that really tastes like summer, and it’s best in the pick of the season when the tomatoes are juicy, the basil is abundant, and the onions and cucumbers are ripe.Panzanella is a classic Italian chopped salad of bread, 

Pan-Fried Breaded Chicken Breast (Italian)

Pan-Fried Breaded Chicken Breast (Italian)

Pan-fried breaded chicken breast is an easy and delicious recipe, that reveals a crispy exterior and juicy and tender meat. It is one of these meals that will make everyone ask for more and if you serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a 

Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette

Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette

This Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette is a classic Italian recipe and it doesn’t get more Italian than mixing a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and zesty lemon juice. This recipe is the easiest way to make homemade dressing and it’s so simple and fresh 

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Italian Stuffed Peppers

When summer comes for me there is nothing better than Italian Stuffed Peppers! This recipe makes a great family lunch or dinner. This is dish is a wholesome recipe made with lean beef, brown rice, and bursting with classic Italian flavors such as fresh herbs, 

Cherry Mozzarella Salad (Juliet Salad)

Cherry Mozzarella Salad (Juliet Salad)

Cherry Mozzarella Salad is a very seasonal recipe from the town of Marostica, in the Veneto region. Plump cherries are combined with sweet carrots, some greens, and creamy buffalo mozzarella for a dish that screams summer. Bite after bite, you’ll taste the fresh greens, sweet 

Baked Mussel Recipe

Baked Mussel Recipe

Baked Mussels is a no-fuss appetizer that you can enjoy all summer long ! This recipe has some French influence, as I lived in Paris for more than a year. I must confess that I started to appreciate mussels again in France, as for many 

White Bean Crostini

White Bean Crostini

White Bean Crostini are a classic appetizer from the Veneto region, particularly Venice. This appetizer is quick to prepare and I find the contrast between the crunchy bread, the creamy bean puree and the “meatiness” of the whole beans on top very interesting. Usually, this 

Risi e Bisi (Rice and Peas)

Risi e Bisi (Rice and Peas)

Risi e Bisi – which means rice and peas in the dialect spoken in Veneto – is a regional recipe that is something between a risotto and a soup. I must confess that this recipe is also very close to my heart because I grew 

Bright Spring Salad Recipe

Bright Spring Salad Recipe

I have to confess, as the weather gets warmer, there’s nothing I love more than eating bright spring salads. This recipe – packed with veggies – represents what I mean when I talk about seasonal produce. And this bowl of green deliciousness packs a punch: 

Pasta with Homemade Pesto

Pasta with Homemade Pesto

Why you will love this recipe -It is a 30 minutes meal! So it is perfect for those busy nights when you still want to bring a homecooked meal to YOUR table. -It is a great vegetarian pasta dish, the addition of green beans and 

Orata al Forno (Baked Sea Bream with Potatoes)

Orata al Forno (Baked Sea Bream with Potatoes)

Orata al Forno or Baked Seabream with potatoes is one of the most traditional dishes you can find in any Italian fish restaurant along the Italian coastline. Think of the smell of the sea, the gentle breeze and the beautiful sunset and imagine eating a 

Pavlova with Cherry and Amarena

Pavlova with Cherry and Amarena

Pavlova is the dessert of my heart. A simple meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit is one of the most decadent  desserts for me. Pavlova has been the dessert for many important celebrations in my life and I decided to make Pavlova with 

Beet Ravioli Filled with Goat Cheese and Ricotta

Beet Ravioli Filled with Goat Cheese and Ricotta

Eggs. Flour. Beetroot. A pinch of passion and love. These are the ingredients for this colorful and pleasing homemade beet ravioli, filled with goat cheese and ricotta and covered in a browned butter sauce with thyme. Like flowers on a plate, this is a great 

Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta

Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta

It’s May. And that means the beginning of the strawberry season! May also means Mother’s Day and with warmer weather comes more opportunities to get together outside. So what better way to celebrate than by serving a simple but delicious Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta? The sweet 

Shrimp Scampi Pasta (Italian Style)

Shrimp Scampi Pasta (Italian Style)

I must confess that the first time I heard of Shrimp Scampi was when I met Rob. After a long conversation about whether or not to add cream and parmesan, I finally made this pasta Italian style and he agreed that it was delicious, fresh 

Asparagus Pasta with Ricotta Pea Pesto

Asparagus Pasta with Ricotta Pea Pesto

This recipe is a variation of the Ricotta Asparagus Pea Pasta. The idea came from the guess of my IG followers who initially thought I had made an Asparagus Pasta with Ricotta Pea Pesto. So here I am with the recipe! The pesto is made 

Pesto Salad with Shrimp and Farro

Pesto Salad with Shrimp and Farro

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED AND WAS FIRST PUBLISHED ON JUNE, 20 2020. What’s better than a refreshing, healthy salad when the weather starts to get warmer? My Pesto Salad with Shrimp and Farro is a healthy, Italian-inspired dish that is balanced and full of 

Easy Roasted Asparagus

Easy Roasted Asparagus

When spring arrives, there’s nothing better than fresh asparagus as a side dish for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Roasted Asparagus is an easy and quick side dish that I love to make during the spring season. Asparagus is often used in Italian 

Authentic Italian Pasta Carbonara

Authentic Italian Pasta Carbonara

Authentic Italian Pasta Carbonara. The smell of sizzling bacon, the golden egg yolks creamy sauce combined with Pecorino romano that coat the spaghetti, all topped with freshly crushed black pepper are the ingredient of one of the most traditional Italian dishes! This recipe is perfectly 

What to cook this Easter

What to cook this Easter

Spring is here and with it the most joyful holiday: Easter. Easter has always meant rebirth to me, not only because of its symbolic meaning, but also because of nature blooming the most delicious vegetables, ready to be transformed into a succulent meal. Easter has 

Torta Pasqualina (Savory Italian Easter Pie)

Torta Pasqualina (Savory Italian Easter Pie)

Torta Pasqualina is a typical cake baked at Easter in Liguria, in northwestern Italy. This savory Italian Easter pie consists of a crunchy crust with a filling of Swiss chard, thyme, eggs, ricotta and parmesan cheese. Once baked and sliced, it will reveal the eggs 

Sauteed Artichokes, a Quick and Easy Recipe

Sauteed Artichokes, a Quick and Easy Recipe

Sautéed Artichokes are the perfect spring side dish: quick, easy, and with a delicious flavor that makes them ideal for a holiday meal or spring feast. In this recipe, I used the artichoke hearts and their long stems, and it’s another example of a simple 

Pan-Roasted Veal with Garlic and Rosemary

Pan-Roasted Veal with Garlic and Rosemary

A pan-roasted veal is an excellent option if you’re looking for something gorgeous for a special family dinner or holiday feast. The roast makes a great Sunday dinner or, with Easter just around the corner, a holiday meal. This tender and delicious dish will delight 

Artichoke Salad: a bright side dish

Artichoke Salad: a bright side dish

Artichoke salad is my favorite spring recipe and is always on the menu when I visit my parents in the spring. Artichoke salad is an authentic Italian recipe made with shaved raw artichokes, shaved parmesan, walnuts and a lemon dressing. The texture of this salad 

Ricotta Asparagus Pea Pasta

Ricotta Asparagus Pea Pasta

Welcome spring with this delicate Ricotta Asparagus Pea Pasta. Creamy ricotta and parmesan, vibrant spring greens and tangy lemon zest coat every bite of this bow-tie pasta. This recipe is the perfect and uncomplicated weeknight dish to bring to the table and enjoy the warmer 

Sarde in Saor (Sweet and Sour Sardines)

Sarde in Saor (Sweet and Sour Sardines)

Sweet and sour sardines – or as we say in Venice Sarde in Saor – is a must-try recipe for a true Venetian culinary experience! I must confess that I fell in love with this dish during our long weekend there in 2016. Even though 

Creamy Artichokes Risotto

Creamy Artichokes Risotto

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED AND FIRST APPEARED ON ITALIAN KITCHEN CONFESSIONS ON MAY 13TH, 2020. Creamy Artichokes Risotto is one of those dishes that reminds me of an Italian Sunday lunch where we celebrate the delicacies the season has to offer. When Rob first visited 

How to Clean Artichokes

How to Clean Artichokes

I won’t deny that cleaning artichokes takes time and patience. It also depends on the quality of the artichokes, smaller ones are easier and softer to clean, while larger ones are quite demanding as they have harder and pointed leaves. Other than that, the method 

Polpette al Sugo (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce) with Polenta

Polpette al Sugo (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce) with Polenta

Polpette al Sugo with polenta is one of the most traditional Italian dishes.This recipe is the ultimate comfort food for those cold nights when you want to bring a great dish to YOUR table. A meal that tastes home, that brings out the love and 

Easy Smoked Salmon Mascarpone Linguine

Easy Smoked Salmon Mascarpone Linguine

Smoked Salmon Mascarpone Linguine is a luxurious pasta, a delight for the senses and an elegant dish that seems demanding to prepare, but is actually ready in less than 30 minutes! I love the result, as the smoky notes of the salmon give a special 

Penne all’ Arrabbiata (Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce)

Penne all’ Arrabbiata (Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce)

Penne all’Arrabbiata is a classic, quick and easy Italian pasta dish. Although this recipe originated in the Lazio region, near Rome,  it is popular throughout Italy. I must confess that it was one of my favorite pasta dishes when I was a student, as it 

Easy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Easy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

I’ve always associated winter with cabbage, not only because it’s in season, but also because of its versatility in many recipes: from side dishes to pasta to main courses. And so today I’m sharing a very simple cabbage recipe, which is savoy cabbage rolls stuffed 

Pasta e Lenticchie with Cauliflower

Pasta e Lenticchie with Cauliflower

Pasta e Lenticchie (Pasta with Lentils) is an authentic Italian recipe similar in its method of preparation to Pasta e Fagioli. My interpretation includes the addition of Roasted Cauliflower and a garlicky lemon dressing for a dish that is rooted in the Italian tradition yet 

Agnolotti del Plin, the best Valentine’s Recipe

Agnolotti del Plin, the best Valentine’s Recipe

Agnolotti del Plin are a traditional dish from Piedmont and one of those recipes that have been passed down through generations in my family. My father’s grandfather was from Piedmont and he was the one who passed the recipe on to my parental grandmother, who 

Nutella Cookies Easy Recipe

Nutella Cookies Easy Recipe

Nutella brings back many memories. Nutella as a treat: spread on a piece of crusty bread when I was a kid. Nutella as comfort food: with a spoon, straight from the jar, when I lived in Paris and sometimes longed for home. Nutella as a 

Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta with Beans)

Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta with Beans)

Pasta e Fagioli, which means in Italian Pasta and beans, is a traditional recipe from the Veneto region, where it is called Pasta e Fazioi in the local dialect.There are other regional variations, one of the most popular being the Neapolitan version, called Pasta Fazool. 

Pasta with Sardines (Pasta con le Sarde): a Sicilian recipe

Pasta with Sardines (Pasta con le Sarde): a Sicilian recipe

Pasta with Sardines, which in Italian is “pasta con le sarde”, is a classic Mediterranean dish. The recipe brings together quintessential Sicilian flavors with distinct Arabic ingredients. In one bite, you will taste the saltiness of the sardines, the sweetness of the raisins, the spiciness 

Roasted Cauliflower with Asiago Cheese

Roasted Cauliflower with Asiago Cheese

  If you were to ask me my favorite way to cook veggies, I would probably say roasted. While I love veggies in almost every variation, there is something about roasting that I love. It is a simple preparation and the outcome still captures the 

Easy Vegan Pesto Pasta with Arugula & Mint

Easy Vegan Pesto Pasta with Arugula & Mint

This post has been updated and first appeared on Italian Kitchen Confessions on September 8th, 2020.   By now you know that I have a thing for fresh produce and for pesto. Pesto is a great sauce throughout the entire year. This recipe calls for 

Quick and Easy Cabbage Soup

Quick and Easy Cabbage Soup

Who didn’t indulge a bit extra during these holidays? Well, I’m with you. I thoroughly enjoyed the food, the wine, and the cookies, but now it is time to reboot my system with simple and clean food. This cabbage soup recipe will be a great 

Homemade Christmas Cream for Panettone

Homemade Christmas Cream for Panettone

Homemade Christmas Cream is an essential part of the holiday season for my family and is served with the traditional Christmas cake – Panettone. This recipe is one of the specialties of my Grandma Giuliana, my dad’s mother. She was a fantastic cook and many 

The best classic lasagna

The best classic lasagna

Christmas just isn’t Christmas for me without Lasagna! Lasagna is one of the main dishes that my family prepares every year either for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This recipe is a sort of “magic magnet” of the holiday season as it brings the entire 

How to make Lasagna

How to make Lasagna

Lasagna is probably the oldest form of pasta in Italy. But what exactly is Lasagna? It is both a kind of wide flat sheet noodle pasta, as well as a traditional Italian dish made of lasagna pasta layered with different fillings that vary by region. 

Pomegranate Aperol Spritz: the Best Holiday Cocktail

Pomegranate Aperol Spritz: the Best Holiday Cocktail

  The 2020 festive season might be different for all of us, but either in person or over zoom, celebrate the joy of the holidays with your loved ones while sipping a Pomegranate Aperol Spritz. The tangy pomegranate is combined with the bitter flavor of 

Santa Lucia Shortbread Cookies: A holiday treat from Veneto

Santa Lucia Shortbread Cookies: A holiday treat from Veneto

Santa Lucia shortbread cookies are a traditional holiday treat from the Veneto region, usually prepared for the Feast of Santa Lucia on December 13th. These buttery and fragrant cookies are relatively easy to make, and while you cozy up and bake them, a decadent smell 

Olive Ascolane (Italian Stuffed Olives)

Olive Ascolane (Italian Stuffed Olives)

Olive Ascolane are small golden gems, filled with meat, breaded and deep-fried. All the flavors are perfectly balanced in this traditional appetizer that requires patience in preparation and and precision in the frying process. The saltiness and acidity of the olives is counterbalanced by the 

Gnocchi: my grandma’s recipe

Gnocchi: my grandma’s recipe

Italian Potato Gnocchi. A bowl of pillowy, soft and downy potato dumplings that we Italians call gnocchi. To me, gnocchi is comfort food at its best. And it is a throwback to my childhood, when my grandmother would make gnocchi every Thursday. I would savor 

How to make the perfect Italian Antipasto Platter

How to make the perfect Italian Antipasto Platter

I have to  confess that making an Italian Antipasto Platter always makes me happy because it usually marks some type of celebration, even sometimes a small one.  For many years, an Italian Antipasto Platter marked the beginning of our weekend, when Rob would arrive home from 

Italian Prosciutto Dip, an easy  appetizer

Italian Prosciutto Dip, an easy appetizer

This Italian prosciutto dip is a rich and delicious recipe that requires only 5 ingredients, a blender and a bowl. Just let it sit in the fridge and in 2 hours it will be ready to serve as an appetizer, accompanied by bruschetta, crackers or 

Chicken Meatballs with Mushrooms

Chicken Meatballs with Mushrooms

Meatballs are the classic Italian meat dish, and these chicken meatballs with mushrooms keep up with the promise for a quick, easy and delicious Italian meal, suitable for the fall season. I must confess that this recipe has been adapted from one of my “clean 

Apple Galette with Cinnamon

Apple Galette with Cinnamon

I must confess that this Apple Galette with Cinnamon is inspired by the memory of my 18 months in Paris, where I have been exposed to the French cuisine in its whole richness and regional variations, thanks to few weekend trips I took. And while 

Nourishing Fall Salad with Kale Carrots & Apple

Nourishing Fall Salad with Kale Carrots & Apple

One of the advantages of being in Italy is the fresh availability of seasonal organic vegetables, ideal for preparing a nourishing fall salad. I grew up in a family that embraces the classic Mediterranean diet, a variety of fresh and seasonal food, cereal, and grains. 

How to make Potato Gateau (Potato Pie) with a Venetian twist

How to make Potato Gateau (Potato Pie) with a Venetian twist

My mom and I decided to cook and bake something together. We went for a hearty dish, the Potato Gateau. The recipe is of Neapolitan origins and we imprinted our Venetian twist in replacing a few ingredients. This dish is rich, tasty, and has a 

Loison, where exquisite authentic Venetian sweets were born

Loison, where exquisite authentic Venetian sweets were born

In the Veneto region, there are many family-run businesses producing artisanal products that are at the heart of the ‘made in Italy’. Among those, the food industry in the area is quite big and diverse. Loison embodies the perfect synergy between traditional pastry and sweets 

Edy’s Rabbit Stew with Polenta

Edy’s Rabbit Stew with Polenta

I am sure not all of you are usually eating gamey meat, but this is a delicious recipe where the spiced meat’s delicate flavor is spread on top of polenta with its rich sauce. My mother Edy is the Queen of Rabbit Stew with Polenta, 

How to Make Quick and Easy Spaghetti with Clams

How to Make Quick and Easy Spaghetti with Clams

Spaghetti with Clams is one of those dishes that reminds me of a great Italian lunch in the open-air drinking some good wine and being surrounded by a great company. I must confess I learned the secrets from my dad, who, in the past, made 

The Best Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

The Best Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Soft and fluffy inside, crispy and golden outside this oven-roasted potatoes recipe will be your alley as they easily go with any meal! I must confess that this is a family recipe that I have stolen from my dad. He is usually preparing roasted potatoes 

The Authentic Italian Negroni Sbagliato

The Authentic Italian Negroni Sbagliato

What is better than a Negroni Sbagliato to end the first weekend of fall? While I am sure that everyone is familiar with the Negroni, some of you have probably never heard of the Negroni Sbagliato. I will give you a hint. Sbagliato is an 

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Fall has officially arrived and with it a treasure of colorful vegetables that are just waiting to be roasted, pickled, and transformed in cozy soup, hearty pasta, colorful salad, or tasty side dishes. And butternut squash is the fall vegetables I was longing to have back 

Fig Tartlets with Ricotta & Honey: Welcome Fall!

Fig Tartlets with Ricotta & Honey: Welcome Fall!

When the other day I was grocery shopping, I could not resist buying that box of plump and luscious figs. And all of a sudden, I had a throwback of my childhood, when in September, I was eating one of these small fig tartlets that 

How to make the best Italian ragu’?

How to make the best Italian ragu’?

  Ragu’ is a classic Italian meat sauce that is rich, hearty, and mouthwatering. When paired with pasta you will have a flavorsome meal for your entire family. A classic Italian ragu’ is a meal that screams love and caring. It is a meal meant 

How to make Italian Frittata

How to make Italian Frittata

The reasons we choose a certain food over another are sometimes just the taste, other times the current trend, and most of the time the memories we associate with that food. Frittata is that for me. A simple, humble frittata is usually the last meal 

The Italian Little Green Salad

The Italian Little Green Salad

One of the staples that was never missing from the table in my childhood was a simple green salad. With pasta or meat or fish, there was always room for a side dish adapted to the produce of the season. I must confess that at 

Gorgonzola, Pear & Chicken Salad With Hazelnut and Balsamic Glaze

Gorgonzola, Pear & Chicken Salad With Hazelnut and Balsamic Glaze

– This salad is gluten-free and serves as a main dish. – The different textures make it very interesting. – It is full of nutrients and packed with proteins. – The balsamic glaze is a great touch to complement the flavors. Gorgonzola, Pear & Chicken 

Quick and Savory Pesto Panini

Quick and Savory Pesto Panini

Pesto Panini Recipe Ingredients Ciabatta: This type of bread was invented in Italy in 1982 in the area of Verona, in Veneto. Its ingredients are wheat flour, water, salt, yeast and olive oil. And while it finds its origin in the desire to compete with 

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Capers & Crispy Breadcrumbs

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Capers & Crispy Breadcrumbs

The origin of this dish Why you will love Cherry Tomato Pasta with Capers & Crispy Breadcrumbs? -You will use mostly pantry ingredients. -It is quick and easy to make. -This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free. How to make Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crispy 

Peach & Nectarine Jam (low sugar)

Peach & Nectarine Jam (low sugar)

  Peach Nectarine Jam ingredients How to make Peach & Nectarine Jam (Low Sugar) Variations  This jam is great for vegetarians, vegans, and a gluten-free diet. In addition is also suitable for those on a low calories diet. If you would like to add a different touch to your jam, 

Crispy Chicken Parmesan (Chicken Parmigiana)

Crispy Chicken Parmesan (Chicken Parmigiana)

Where does Chicken Parmesan come from? Why you will love Crispy Chicken Parmesan How to make Crispy Chicken parmesan Preparing the chicken: Breading the chicken: Frying the chicken: Topping the chicken: Baking it: You can now serve it and most important….EAT IT! Variations and Substitutions 

Authentic Italian Homemade Tomato Sauce

Authentic Italian Homemade Tomato Sauce

What is the difference between tomato sauce vs marinara sauce vs Sunday sauce Which tomatoes to use to make the best tomato sauce How to make tomato sauce Now you have two options: – Proceed by chopping the tomatoes by hand, this my preferred method 

Italian Focaccia Panini in 3 Delicious Ways

Italian Focaccia Panini in 3 Delicious Ways

  What is an Italian Panini? Cold cuts: Cheese: Vegetables: How to prepare Italian Focaccia Panini in 3 Delicious Ways #1 Rosemary Focaccia Panini with Mortadella #2 Rosemary Focaccia bread with Bresaola, Mozzarella and Arugula #3 Rosemary Focaccia Panini with Ricotta & Grilled Apricot Italian 

Bellini Cocktail Recipe

Bellini Cocktail Recipe

Where does the Bellini cocktail come from? Bellini cocktail recipe ingredients How to make a Bellini Bellini Cocktail variations  

Zucchini and Yellow Squash Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Tuna

Zucchini and Yellow Squash Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Tuna

Yellow Squash Zucchini Whole wheat spaghetti Tuna Herbs Lemon How to prepare Zucchini & Yellow Squash Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Tuna Italian cooking tips for dry pasta As a reminder, here my tips to cook pasta in the same way we, Italians, do! • Always 

Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata

Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata

Where does Caprese Salad come from? Ingredients for the best Caprese Salad with Burrata and Heirloom Tomatoes To make the best Caprese Salad, you will need only 5 ingredients only. My recommendation is to choose high-quality crisp ingredients. Heirloom Tomatoes Burrata Basil Choose bright green, 

Farmer’s Eggs with Sumac and Za’atar

Farmer’s Eggs with Sumac and Za’atar

Farmer’s Eggs with Sumac and Za’atar recipe ingredients Eggs Tomato sauce Sumac Za’atar How to make Farmer’s Eggs with Sumac and Za’atar Take it out of the oven, and add a slice of toasted cereal bread in each pot. Farmer’s Eggs with Sumac and Za’atar 

Traditional Eggplant Parmesan (Parmigiana di Melanzane)

Traditional Eggplant Parmesan (Parmigiana di Melanzane)

Why you’ll love the Eggplant Parmesan Traditional Eggplant Parmigiana ingredients Tomatoes: Mozzarella & Parmesan Basil How to prepare eggplants for Eggplant Parmesan Let’s proceed by order: 1. Cutting and removing the water: 2. Cooking the eggplants: 3. Resting the eggplant: How to make Traditional Italian 

A trip to Sicily: Part 4

A trip to Sicily: Part 4

Scopello & Segesta Palermo Cefalu and Caccamo  

The Best Veal Piccata Recipe

The Best Veal Piccata Recipe

Veal Piccata is an elegant and scrumptious dish, which takes only a few simple ingredients to make. In Italy Piccata refers to the method of preparation of the meat, which is usually sliced, dredged in flour, sauteed and served in sauce. The culinary tradition in 

Red Pepper Pesto Macaroni

Red Pepper Pesto Macaroni

Red Pepper Pesto Macaroni is a savory and fresh recipe to add to your summer rotation. This red pesto is a bit different from the Sicilian one, as it is made with red peppers and red chili pepper, whole the Sicilian one uses fresh tomatoes 

A trip to Sicily: Part 3

A trip to Sicily: Part 3

Marsala Erice San Vito Lo Capo    

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma

MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR YOU CLASSIC ITALIAN TOMATO BRUSCHETTA ITALIAN ZUCCHINI FRITTERS CHERRY TOMATO PASTA WITH CAPERS & CRISPY BREADCRUMBS TRADITIONAL EGGPLANT PARMESAN (PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANE) END OF SUMMER FARRO SALAD Pasta alla Norma substitutions Which wine to pair with Pasta alla Norma  

Italian Recipes to Celebrate the 4th of July

Italian Recipes to Celebrate the 4th of July

Appetizers Sides Drinks Dessert Happy 4th of July!  

Grilled Melon Pasta Salad with Crudo Ham & Gorgonzola

Grilled Melon Pasta Salad with Crudo Ham & Gorgonzola

Grilled Melon Pasta Salad with Crudo & Gorgonzola recipe ingredients: Prosciutto Crudo: Gorgonzola Cantaloupe (a/k/a Sweet Melon or Rock Melon) Pasta How to make Grilled Melon Pasta Salad with Crudo & Gorgonzola Grilled Melon Pasta Salad with Crudo & Gorgonzola substitution and variations Which wine 

Passion Fruit Spritz

Passion Fruit Spritz

How to make Passion Fruit Spritz

Kale Cannellini Salad with Arugula Mint Pesto

Kale Cannellini Salad with Arugula Mint Pesto

Kale Cannellini Salad with Arugula Mint Pesto recipe ingredients How to make the Kale Cannellini Salad with Arugula Mint Pesto Kale Cannellini Salad with Arugula Mint Pesto variations and substitutions

Mini Cherry Tiramisu Pots

Mini Cherry Tiramisu Pots

  Italian Cherries between territory and traditions What is Tiramisu How to make Mini Cherry Tiramisu Pots Mini Cherry Tiramisu Pots variations and substitutions  

Sicilian-Style Tuna (Tonno Agghiotta)

Sicilian-Style Tuna (Tonno Agghiotta)

Tuna in the Italian tradition Sicilian-Style Tuna (Tonno Agghiotta) recipe ingredients How to make Sicilian-Style Tuna (Tonno Agghiotta) Which wine to pair with Sicilian-Style Tuna (Tonno Agghiotta) Sicilian-Style Tuna (Tonno Agghiotta) pairs well with white wines that will complement the strong taste of the ingredients, 

A trip to Sicily: Part 2

A trip to Sicily: Part 2

  Noto, Modica and Ragusa Valle dei Templi  

Spicy Pasta with Roasted Bell Peppers & Bacon

Spicy Pasta with Roasted Bell Peppers & Bacon

MORE DELICIOUS PEPPER RECIPES AND MORE FOR YOU Italian Stuffed Peppers Red Pepper Pesto Pasta Eggplant Parmigiana Authentic Italian Amatriciana Sauce Penne all’Arrabbiata VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS SPICY PASTA WITH ROASTED BELL PEPPERS & BACON For a vegetarian version: simply remove the bacon – it is still 

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam (low sugar)

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam (low sugar)

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE – It is a simple low sugar strawberry rhubarb jam recipe that is filled with flavors. – This low sugar jam is great for breakfast or as a snack on toast for your kids. – This recipe is amde without pectin. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam 

A Trip to Sicily: Part 1

A Trip to Sicily: Part 1

Taormina Mt. Etna Syracuse

Sicilian Arancini (Rice Balls)

Sicilian Arancini (Rice Balls)

Have you ever had arancini? The best part about them is when you break through the crispy shell, which reveals a creamy risotto and a heart filled with gooey cheese. But what are arancini? Arancini are delicious, crispy fried, Sicilian rice balls. They are one