I roast unsalted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) on a regular basis, and I always have dried fruits in my pantry. I add them to oatmeal, biscotti, snacks and desserts. More…
Vanilla has a recognizable, pleasant aroma and scent and is understandably the world’s most popular flavor. Last February I had the opportunity to visit a family-owned vanilla farm in Hilo,…
Papassini are traditional Sardinian spice cookies and without a doubt, the best spice cookie I have ever eaten! The combination of citrus, raisins and spices, produces a depth of…
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…
As I pick the remaining lemons, within arms reach through the French doors in the kitchen, I’m careful not to disturb the countless, fragrant new buds and blossoms carrying…
Frangelico is an Italian liqueur (sweetened spirits) made with hazelnuts. The pronounced but, delicate hazelnut flavor, has hints of vanilla and dark chocolate, adding a depth of flavor to…
Have you ever wondered why many chocolate dessert recipes have coffee in the list of ingredients? The addition of coffee, or in this case espresso, intensifies the chocolate flavor.…
For many of us, family traditions are a big deal and most of them are centered around special foods, particularly during the holidays. The Christmas season is filled with…
Amaretti, are Italian cookies made with almonds. Although I have made these cookies with almonds, pistachios are the traditional nuts used by Sicilians. My grandmother always bought the nuts in…
These little pumpkin (zucca in Italian) cookies are about the size of a tablespoon. You simply mix the ingredients together to form a dough, chill in the refrigerator for…
I don’t know about you but, when the weather gets cooler, I have an urge to fill the kitchen with the intoxicating aromas of soul satisfying soups and stews…
This rich, buttery, coconut cookie recipe was inspired by a family wedding that took place in Kauai this past February. Just as toasting nuts brings out their flavor, the…
Perugina, the renowned Italian confectionery icon, is Italy’s most beloved chocolate maker. On Valentine’s Day in 1922, Luisa Spagnoli, the co-founder, created their signature candy. Baci, meaning kisses in…
Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what holidays are made of. I can’t imagine holiday baking without the aromatic fragrances that our favorite spices provide. Spices are derived…
A few dried figs with a handful of nuts are a favorite afternoon snack of mine. The natural sugar of the fruit gives me quick energy while the healthy…
Throughout the Middle Ages, the pistachios eaten by Sicilians came from eastern Sicily, where they are still grown, particularly around Mount Etna and in the Bronte area. They are…
I rarely order biscotti in a restaurant as I am usually disappointed. If one happens to find its way to my table, it is only because the biscotto (singular)…
In Sicily, these flour-less, macaroon-like morsels are known as cassettine. Requiring only a few ingredients, they are quick to put together and just in time for Saint Joseph’s Day (March…
Also, called Florentines, (they originally came from Florence, Italy) these cookies are a Tuscan Christmas classic. Because they contain no flour, they are really more confection-like than cookie. They…