Special Occasion Menus (Festa)

Ossi di Morti Biscotti

Ossi di Morti Biscotti

  In the Roman Catholic Church, All Soul’s Day, which was established by Pope Boniface IV,  specifically commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and have reached…
Asparagus Tart

Asparagus Tart

  Asparagus is my favorite spring vegetable! When tossed with ravioli it becomes a lovely light lunch and combined with lemony chickpeas creates a perfect picnic salad. If I’m in…
Cuccidati Kisses

Cuccidati Kisses

  So, you’ve made dozens and dozens of Sicilian Christmas cookies and have just a bit of fig filling left. What do you do? As I see it, you have…

Jacob’s Lentil Soup

  Referring to the lentil soup his brother was cooking, Esau said to Jacob, “Let me gulp down some of that red stuff, I am famished.” (Gen. 25:30) This biblical…

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

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  Lemon ricotta pancakes have a fluffy, luscious creaminess and are an excellent alternative to your every-day pancakes. This elegant replacement to the morning meal will turn an ordinary breakfast…

Auguri per San Valentino!

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  Italy has a long and rich history of famous loves and lovers. Giacomo Casanova, the famous Venetian womanizer and Rudolf Valentino, the Italian sex symbol, are two that immediately…

Pasta con le Sarde

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  Of all the delicious dishes (dolci excluded) I have enjoyed in Sicily, my most memorable meal is Pasta con le Sarde. My mother and I were vacationing in Italy.…

Almond Paste vs Marzipan

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  In Italy, the terms almond paste, and marzipan are used interchangeably. In the United States, however, almond paste and marzipan are not the same thing. It is important to…

Feast of San Giuseppe (March 19th)

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  Saint Joseph, (San Giuseppe) was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely his divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s wife. The…

Buona Pasqua!

    Cari Amici, A few of my favorite dessert recipes for this special holiday include; Easter Bunny Cake, Crostata di Ricotta, Spring Cupcakes, Pignoli and of course anything with Cannoli…

Mardi Gras (Carnevale)

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  Carnevale is celebrated in many places around the world and in cities throughout Italy, with Venice being the most well known. The coming of the wisemen bearing gifts to…