The Pan dei Morti (bread of the dead) are traditional Italian cookies prepared for the Day of Dead (Commemorazione dei Defunti) celebrated on November 2nd, the day following All Saint’s Day (Ognissanti). On these two holy days Italians honor the souls of deceased relatives and loved ones, and many believe that the spirits return to Earth…
Archives for October 2012
Melanzane alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan)
Eggplant, also known by its French name aubergine, is a vegetable long prized for its beauty as well its unique, pleasantly bitter taste and spongy texture. It originates from Asia, and the first one imported in America was round and with a yellowish-white color (like an egg!). The Italian name melanzana means “mela insana” (insanity-apple),…
Filetto Arrosto ai Porcini (Roast Filet with Porcini)
OCTOBER GROCERY SHOPPING: PUMPKIN AND MUSHROOMS Roast filet is an elegant main course for any special occasion. This cut of meat is extremely tender, and it goes exceptionally well with any side dish. The earthy flavor of Porcini mushrooms is an outstanding complement to the delicate taste of the filet. Autumn started a few weeks…
Lasagne al Pesto (Pesto Lasagna)
Lasagne, one of the most popular Italian dishes, has a long and interesting history. A popular tradition traces its origin to the ancient Greeks. In fact, the name “lasagna” is actually not Italian at all! It comes from the ancient Greek language, “laganon”, but over time, the term lasagne has come to refer to layers…
Tiramisù
A pick-me-up that really picks you up Tiramisù, arguably the most popular Italian creamy dessert, combines the flavor of mascarpone cheese, coffee and savoiardi cookies. The name literally means “pick me up”, metaphorically “make me happy”, and usually the diner’s expression when eating it betrays this emotion. The “pick me up” may refer to the caffeine in the…
Pane con Pancetta e Formaggio (Bacon and Cheese Bread)
This delicious bread, soft and tasty, and flavored with bacon and cheese, originates from the regions of Tuscany and Umbria in central Italy. The bread is simple and quick to prepare and is a suitable recipe to accompany a cocktail, a salad, or a picnic. PANE CON PANCETTA E FORMAGGIO (BACON AND CHEESE BREAD) Preparation time: 55 minutes …
Risotto con la Zucca (Winter Squash Risotto)
IT’S PUMPKIN SEASON! Fall has arrived, nature has changed its colors from green to yellow, red, brown and ochre, we have exchanged our summer wardrobes for the winter ones and changed the types of food on our tables. It’s pumpkin season! Winter squash or pumpkin is a very nice vegetable, suitable for preparing a variety…
Confettura di Fichi (Fig Jam)
… la delizia per eccellenza. Figs are an ancient fruit, first appearing in the earliest of historic accounts. They are the symbol of abundance and fertility, and they were even used as a sweetener before the advent of refined sugars. Figs are rich in calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and high in fiber. They are one…