Sicilian Girl

Tweet Granita Siciliana is Sicily’s famous “icy” treat. It has a texture similar to an American snow-cone but that’s where the similarity ends. What a granita is NOT is crushed ice covered in an artificial syrup. A fruit-flavored granita is flavored with the actual fruit. The ingredients can be the same as those found in […]

Tweet Panna Cotta is simply a soft, sweet, silky-smooth, melt-in-your mouth Italian dessert. It’s similar to a custard (without the eggs) but with a creamier lighter texture. Panna Cotta means “cooked cream” in Italian and originated from northern Italy (Piedmont Region). This is the type of dessert that is perfect for dinner parties (can be […]

Tweet Sauteed veal with lemon is fast food … really! Thinly-sliced veal quickly sauteed (don’t even have to dredge it in flour) and a sauce that practically makes itself is my definition of fast food. You could substitute chicken in most recipes that call for veal, however, you would have to pound the chicken breasts […]

Tweet One of the easiest and quickest sauces you’ll ever make. I use it on ravioli and tortellini (so much better than anything you’ll find in a jar). It also turns fresh or frozen peas into a luscious creamed vegetable. Mascarpone is a staple in my house that I use for both sweet and savory […]

Tweet I grew up thinking pesto was basil and basil only. But I have tried many a restaurant’s version of pesto, (some tasty, others not so much) and have come up with a few versions myself. Pesto is basically a fresh uncooked pureed sauce. They can be quite versatile and are easy to make. A […]

Tweet This is another one of those recipes that travels well. Whether you’re off to the beach or an extended road trip, salads prepared without mayonnaise have a longer “cooler” life. Although it takes only minutes to make, it does need to marinate for several hours (for all the ingredients to get to know each […]

Tweet Sometimes I just want a little something sweet! Have you ever made a batch of pancakes on Sunday morning (or any morning) and had a little batter leftover? So, do you save the batter or throw it out? I rarely throw away food, so the next morning (with just enough batter to make a […]

Tweet Behind his (or her)  bright yellow jacket, awaits an assertive little fruit just bursting to be squeezed or zest (recipe ideas). Lemons are little powerhouses when it comes to bringing out the flavor of other foods. The first substantial cultivation of limone (lemons) in Europe began mid-15th century in Genoa, Italy. In 1493, on […]

Tweet When the weather begins to heat up, many of us reach for a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade to cool off. Italian limonata (lemonade) requires only a few simple ingredients of lemon juice, sugar, water and basil. I like the crisp clean taste that the basil brings to this summertime favorite. This recipe is […]

Tweet These sugared lemon slices are the perfect little garnish for that special dessert. I also like to use them for ice tea and Limonata providing an unexpected touch of “something extra”. You can use this method for oranges, limes and basically any type of citrus. Be certain to wash the fruit very well and […]