breakfast

Lavender Scones

After visiting Capay Lavender Farm, I knew the first thing I was going to make with lavender was going to be scones. It was a bit of a no-brainer as…
New Orleans Beignets

New Orleans Beignets

  The Crescent City is known for many “sweet” things, such as, King Cakes, a brioche-type pastry, which is a huge part of Mardi-Gras traditions, Sfinci, creamy ricotta-filled puffs of…
Ricotta Omelet with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette

Ricotta Omelet with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette

  Frittata is the Italian word for omelette. I often use the words frittata and omelette interchangeably but, technically they are different. A frittata is flat with the ingredients (usually)…
Fresh Tomato & Cheese Tart

Fresh Tomato & Cheese Tart

  This savory summertime tart is a terrific choice to utilize the season’s bounty of fresh flavorful tomatoes. The flaky buttery crust compliments the luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling.…

Granita alla Fragola

  History tells us flavored ices date back to ancient China, but the first frozen dessert in Italy actually came from Sicily. Arabs brought an icy treat of frozen water,…
Ricotta “Cake Mix” Cake

Ricotta “Cake Mix” Cake

  Over the years, I have made various types of cakes with ricotta (even pancakes), such as, almond ricotta cake, blueberry breakfast cake and lemon ricotta cheesecake. This cake is…
Potato & Onion Frittata

Potato & Onion Frittata

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  Growing up, I remember my mother making a frittata of potatoes and onions. It was never served for breakfast or a fancy brunch, rather it was our evening meal.…
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…
Handmade Cappuccino

Handmade Cappuccino

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  In Italy, coffee is more than a beverage, it’s an important part of every day life, a social phenomenon, a religious experience and one more reason Italy is suffering…
Rustic Ricotta Biscuits

Rustic Ricotta Biscuits

  Ricotta is not actually a cheese, rather it is a byproduct of the cheese-making process. The creamy curds of  ricotta are rich in protein, are an excellent source of…
Sicilian Sunrise

Sicilian Sunrise

  A colorful libation to begin a delicious day! Brunch is my favorite way to entertain. It can be casual or elegant, yet the atmosphere is always festive, friendly and…
Almond Ricotta Cake

Almond Ricotta Cake

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  Much of the baking my grandmother did (usually biscotti) included almonds in some way. The almond tree was brought to Sicily by the ancient Greeks, who considered it to…
Italian Apple Cake

Italian Apple Cake

  Like my toasted almond breakfast cake, olive oil zucchini bread and mascarpone souffle, this is another fitting addition to your morning meal. Made with apples and cinnamon, golden raisins…
Ricotta Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Ricotta Blueberry Breakfast Cake

  Sometimes I’ll make scones and occasionally I’ll whip up a batch of muffins or biscuits but, as a rule, if I want to serve something sweet in the morning, especially…
Almond and Pear Torta

Almond & Pear Torta

  This is one of those cakes that doesn’t require a special occasion. Quite the opposite, as it is a favorite everyday kind of cake. The slightly sweet batter isn’t…
Orange & Mascarpone Biscuits

Orange Mascarpone Biscuits

  These quick and easy-to-prepare biscuits will add a special touch to your everyday breakfast. And, if you’re having overnight guests for the holidays, it’s nice to have something fresh…