an italian cook around the world
The Mozzarella in Carrozza one of the simplest and tastiest Italian snacks; worldwide popular, and with an interesting and smart history. Originally, the idea behind the Mozzarella in Carrozza has been prompted from the needs to reuse stale bead and old mozzarella. Nowadays, this appetizer is made with white bread slices, and mozzarella, and optionally other toppings like anchovies or ham. Here the recipe and the history!
Pasta alla Norma is a classic pasta originating from the Sicilian city of Catania. A recipe simple in ingredients, eggplants, tomatoes, basil, garlic and Ricotta Salata, but so tasty and rich in history. The eggplants are deep fried, then tossed into a fresh tomato sauce along with the pasta and cheese. Here the recipe and legend of Pasta alla Norma!
Arrabbiata sauce is one of the most popular Italian recipes, in Italy as well as abroad. The dish is very simple and tasty, but I can bet the Ada Boni version is little know also at the majority of Italians. As the traditional Arrabbiata pasta is vegan, this historical version of Arrabbiata is for meat lovers. Diced prosciutto and tomato sauce match tastefully with the fresh taste of raw chili peppers. Abundant Pecorino cheese complete this Arrabbiata: a must to try!
This baked tomatoes gratin recipe is a classic Italian delish, and a fun way to feed your kids with healthy ingredients! By now, this dish is typical in all the Italian regions but mainly traditional in Southern Italy. The filling may vary depending on the local cuisines and family traditions: today, I prepared an Apulian variation of baked tomatoes, but as usual, follow your taste and make your own stuffing!
The Sfincione recipe is one of the most popular and traditional Sicilian pizzas. This thick flatbread seasoned with a tasty tomato sauce, preserved anchovies, and Sicilian cheese is a street food delicacy easy to find in the Palermitan markets: a must-to-try with a very ancient history. Here the traditional recipe!
Saganaki cheese is a typical Greek appetizer served alone or paired with stir-fried vegetables. The cheese is floured, then pan-fried and served hot and partially melted: easy and tasty!
Piedmontese beef steak tartare is the most classic Italian tartare, originally from Piedmont. As opposed to the delicious French tartare, the Italian tradition wants the meat seasoned just with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper: this is to taste the original flavor of the beef. Piedmontese beef steak is a perfect appetizer for a holiday dinner, but also a light lunch. The very important thing is to choose a prime quality cut of meat!
I love preparing this buttercup squash “pumpkin” puree for my family and friends for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or New Year’s eve! The mild sweetness of the squash is perfectly balanced by the taste of the blue cheese. I particularly like using Gorgonzola, but any semi-soft blue cheese fits good: the only critical thing is the cheese have to easy to melt along with the milk.
Fried spinach and cheese croquettes is a delicious variation of the Gnudi traditional recipe. These tasty balls, breaded and deep-fried sound like a fantastic Idea for a party or game day, paired with a good beer and your preferred sauces!
Stuffed zucchini boats is a delicious and merry recipe, perfect as appetizer or entrée! They can be stuffed with various filling either vegetarian or with meat or fish: today I decided to fill my zucchini a tasty pork ragù combined with mashed potatoes and Pecorino Romano cheese!
