breakfast

Panettone Bread Pudding

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  Just the mere thought of panettone, the slightly sweet, Milanese Christmas bread, conjures up the aromas of citrus, vanilla and candied fruit. This holiday bread is traditionally made using…

Olive Oil Granola

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  Granola is simply toasted oatmeal but, with additional ingredients to give it more personality. Using rolled oats (not instant) as the foundation, you can make it as basic or…

Oven-Fried Zucchini

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  We eat a ton of vegetables in this house. Most of the time these vegetables are roasted, grilled, sauteed, marinated and eaten raw but, every now and then, they…

Griddle Cakes

  The only thing Italian about this recipe is the story that goes with it. My son, Joe, and I were in Brindisi, Italy, on a volunteer-working-vacation. This was our…

Caramelized Leek Fritatta

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  Frittata is the Italian word for omelet. I often use the words frittata and omelet interchangeably but, technically they are different. A frittata is flat with the ingredients mixed…

Brussels Sprouts Bruschetta

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  Anyone who knows me well, will tell you that this is a favorite breakfast of mine. Once a week, I roast a pound or two of these little cruciferous…

Raspberry Ricotta Tart

  If you need another reason to make the fresh raspberry preserves, this is it. There are many times I need to come up with a last-minute dish for guests…

Cappuccino on a stick

  A frozen version of my favorite coffee drink is nothing more than accidental genius. Accidental is the operative word here. I was making several batches of flavored ice cubes…

Roasted Potato & Fennel Frittata

  Last night’s dinner was a simple rosemary-roasted chicken with vegetables. Having spent much of the morning gardening, this first meal of the day needed to be quick and easy.…

Melone e Mozzarella

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  Tuscan melons are a type of cantaloupe … the best type! Originating in Italy, this fruit with the sweet aroma, will seduce your senses, the moment you slice into…

Fresh Ricotta & Strawberry Bruschetta

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  Another batch of homemade ricotta, a basket of fresh-picked strawberries and the taste of summer is just a bite away! My mid-morning pick-me-up, all I need is a cappuccino and…

Pecan Pie French Toast

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  Mother’s Day Brunch, held in the historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans, live jazz and amazing food was a delectable triple treat. The Bourbon Orleans, my favorite hotel in the…

Carbonara for One

  Pasta alla Carbonara is a simple dish consisting basically of pasta, bacon, cheese and raw eggs. Some recipes (not the original) add cream. The original Roman version is quite…

Sweet Potato & Andouille Hash

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  Hash became notably popular during and after World War II, due to the rationing of fresh meat and for many, it came in a can (Hormel corned beef hash).…

Mozzarella Biscuits

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  Crispy on the outside with a soft crumb inside, these not quite savory, not quite sweet, biscuits are the perfect bite. Particularly tasty with soups and a nice alternative…
Ricotta al Caffe

Ricotta al Caffe

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  Every Sicilian I have ever met has a sweet tooth, we love our dolce (dessert), especially those with sweetened ricotta! Sicily’s iconic cannoli with its crisp pastry shell, creamy…

Frittata con Zucchini

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  A ridiculously quick and easy way to get a perfect frittata (Italian omelet) for one. It seems I always have leftover roasted or grilled veggies of some kind in…

Mini Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes

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  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,…