“Cooking is like LOVE. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all” (Harriet Van Horne, Vogue Magazine, Oct. 15 , 1956).
Hi, my name is Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn. I am Italian, born, raised and living in Como (Lake Como, Italy) on the shores of the beautiful lake which bears the same name (Lake Como). I studied Pharmacy at the University of Milan and received a Master in Medical and Pharmaceutical research in Brussels. I published several papers in International scientific journals. I lived abroad for nearly a decade, first in London, Brussels, then in Innsbruck. Cooking has always been my passion. When I was a little girl I loved to cook, spending hours in the kitchen with my mother, making a mess but learning delicious traditional Italian recipes, using authentic, seasonal, fresh ingredients and preparing everything from scratch. Today, I am still that same little girl playing in the kitchen; I like to experiment with different tastes and textures, tingeing from the Italian culinary culture to create my own personal recipes. However, I try to remain faithful to the authentic Italian traditions, flavors, and ingredients. In Italy we say that “A tavola non si invecchia” (one does not grow old at the table); the pleasure of good food, wine, and company is such that the passage of time is suspended.
For me food is not only nourishing but also comforting, loving, fun, pleasurable, stimulating and well-being.
Cooking, eating healthy food and staying active have always been my life-long passion and – indeed – way of life. My food is simple, tasty and nutritious. You can find my personal selections of daily and healthy recipes in my favorite recipes.
I hope this blog will give you a flavor of the true and healthy Italian lifestyle, through traditional cooking, “an experience for all your senses”. The stories, the food, the photographs, all reflect the way I live here in Italy, as an Italian. I personally do the shopping and the cooking of the recipes, as well as the scientific, culinary and cultural research. Even all the pictures are “homemade” in my dining room, since it’s the best spot for natural light.
If you would like to read these recipes (as well as some of my other favorites) in Italian, click on UnaDonna and on JunGlam (Just in Glamour) online magazines that I write for. My recipes can also be found at Honest Cooking, Alimentari Magazine and WetheItalians, a bi-lingual window on the Italo-American world and in Food&Wine magazine. I collaborate with several Lifestyle Magazine such as Lake Como Tourism. I am a member of Cultural Frame of Food, Italian Food and Nutrition Association.
I collaborate with Lusso e Gusto, a delicious gastronomic journey to Northern Italy and with La Provincia newspaper, Tess magazine, Enjoy magazine and Lake Como Tourism.
I am very happy to be the Culinary Ambassador for the exclusive Salamander Hotels&Resorts (USA). I have the previlege to know personally the CEO, Sheila Johnson, with whom I share the same health philosophy, based on good food and physical activity.
I had the honor to be selected by Viking Cruises to be part of a video filmed by the American White Rain Films, to promote my beautiful lake – Lake Como and recently I was interviewed.
I collaborate with LarioMania, an inclusive development project to promote local economies and healthy eating. Good Food, Good Mood in support of the enviroment.
I was the President of the Como International Club from June 2022 until September 2024. The CIC is a club that welcomes women of all nationalities in Como, Italy and the surrounding areas. The CIC aims to promote international friendships through social events and an array of cultural activities in and around Lake Como.
I have a you tube channel where I published some videos I have done. In addition you can check my last interview for Join The Ambitious.
In 2015 , I published in Italy and Denmark, Love is Eating, a book about Italian culinary culture.
In 2018 I published in USA and Demark The Mamma Mia! Diet. The Mamma Mia! Diet is more than just a meal plan—it’s a complete lifestyle guide. Based on an improved version of the classic Mediterranean diet, the Mamma Mia! Diet provides you with modernized versions of healthy Italian dishes to help you lose weight while still feeling full and satisfied.
In 2020 I have published in Denmark and hopelly in Italy and UK- Honestly Healthy: Salads and Smoothies for Every Day Meals – a complete and “tasty” guide on eating seasonal, healthy and tasty produce. In 2021 I have published in Denmark Aperitivo, The Italian Happy Hour, a book that describes the tradion of Italian aperitivo, paring tasty homemade food with a proper drink.
You can check a complete list of my book at the my books page!
Last, but not least, for both lovers of Italian food and the merely curious, I offer fun and informal lessons about Italian cuisine and culture. I teach in English or Italian, using both metric and imperial measurements. If you are interested, or someone you know is, please contact me directly (see cooking classes).
I also organize Italian style private and corporate events including weddings at Lake Como: creative ideas, location, logistics, catering, entertainment, flowers, budget control, coordination and final supervision. Just to mention some previous international corporate clients: Sheila Johnson, Bear PM, Shell Petrol, Adobe UK, Kjell Ringdal N, Como International Club, Compass CH and Silhouette Group Inc. Last but not least next year I will organize an unique and luxury retreat at Lake Como based on the Mediterranean diet. Check my post Lake Como Luxury Retreat.
TO SUBSCRIBE : Please press the follow button on the right bottom corner of any page. Contact me without hesitating if you require any kind of help.
All images and recipes are original work and are protected by international copyright laws. Copying of any of the content on this blog is plagiarism and is illegal.
Ciao Paola and Giovanna,
Wow! I love your new blog. The fact that you two lovely sisters are doing this together makes it even more special. I am looking forward to following you blog, and, of course, sharing it with friend. Buona fortuna with your new venture.
Carol
Ciao Carol, Thank you very much for your nice comment.
When did this first was written
Hi Gloria, what do you mean? Paola
CIAO PAOLA AND GIOVANNA
what a nice idea !!
I hope I will find the time to cook according to your recipes !!
Hugs and kisses,
Rhea
Thanks Rhea! You have to find time to come for a visit and try the recipes here.
Congratulations. and In bocca al lupo
Thanks Julietta! Hopefully I will have a chance to cook for you next time you come to Lake Como!
Just reading the recipes make me hungry … off to the kitchen I go for some happy cooking! Great food creations from two passionate women. I am living in Germany, but nothing beats the sensual ingredients of Italian cooking …. I look forward to spoiling the important people in my life with your wonderful recipes.
Buon appetito!
Elizabeth
Thanks Elisabeth for your touching comment. It will be my pleasure to cook for such a special and enthusiastic fan as you are next time you come to Como!
Congratulations! I will give a try to one of your receipts and let you know!
Thanks Isabel! I look forward to hearing from you! All the best
A sister act! I love it! Pamela Sheldon Johns originally introduced me to your very lovely blog. Paola, your recipes sound wonderful, and I particularly enjoy the historical background you offer. And to Giovi, your photography is most engaging and shows off the food to great advantage. Photographing food can be quite difficult. I congratulate you both on a job well done. I have added your blog to my “Sites I Like” list.
Thanks, Adri, for your very special comment! I really do appreciate it, knowing that it comes from you! I love to cook and to share my passion for it with my friends. I will add your blog to my blogroll, and I look forward to reading more of your recipes.
Complimenti, il vostro blog mi piace davvero molto!
Ottime ricette, “veste” piacevole, belle immagini…che altro? La vostra simpatia!!
Continuate così!
Grazie Anna, sempre carinissima! I love to cook ….e voglio trasmettere questa mia passione! Sono contenta che ti piaccia! Paola
Ciao ragazze! Grande idea e ben realizzata!! This evening I’ll try “Risotto di Zucca” and let you know… But I’m sure it’ll be delicious…
Anna
Ciao Anna! Thanks for your comment! I am glad you like my blog! Please try out the risotto and let me know. Best Paola
che bel blog Paola ! Riceverò i tuoi aggiornamenti così non perderò nessun post, a presto e grazie di essere passata da me! Chiara de ” La Voglia Matta “
Mi fa piacere che ti piaccia il mio blog! Devo comunque farti i complimenti per le tue ricette:) sicuramente proverò a preparare le patate ripiene per Thanksgiving! Paola
Paola,
just read your note about your new blog. what a great thing. It is very nicely done and the photos are bellissimo! would love to see you and Steve and the family during your visit to dayton.
Vincenzo
Thanks Vince. Look forward to seeing you in a few days. I will contact you as soon as we are in Dayton. Paola
Cara Paola,
oggi sono finalmente riuscito a visitare il tuo blog e l’ho davvero apprezzato. Belle le le foto, l’impostazione del sito e ovviamente le ricette. Brave!
Un caro saluto,
Alessandro e Suzan
Grazie Alessandro. I tuoi commenti sono molto graditi, specialmente da una persona come te che è italiana ma anche viaggia tanto e conosce diverse cucine! Auguri di Buon anno a tutti voi dall’Ohio. Paola
We absolutely love your style of cooking! Im afraid to try these gorgeous recipes as i’m sure they wont turn out as amazing as yours. However its a feast for our eyes! Suzy x
That’s very nice of you Suzy!!! Some of my recipes are pretty easy to make…you have only to try! I am certain you are a great cook! Next time I come to visit you we can cook together, that’s the deal. Paolax
Ciao Paola!
I just arrived here tempted by Adri’s Facebook post. I’ve been looking around and really like what I see. So many of my favorite recipes are here, it’s uncanny! I wish I had your and your sister’s talent for photography, they’re lovely and really bring out the innate beauty of the ingredients.
All in all, complimenti. I’ll be back regularly!
Frank
Ciao Frank,
Thank you very much for your nice comment and for following my blog. I am very pleased that you like my recipes. I love to cook for my family, for my friends and for everyone. A little bit of love and passion, because without these ingredients cooking would not exist. Every dish you prepare, even if for example pasta in bianco, you need to do it with LOVE. Thanks for you kind comment about the pictures. My sister was just involved at the beginning, but, since February all the pictures are taken in the “house”. I hope you will enjoy my future recipes as well. All the best, Paola
Ciao Paola, mi chiamo Tony e lavoro a Riyadh Saudi Arabia.
Ieri un caro collega di nome Steven ci ha deliziato facendoci assaggiare un tiramisù fatto da lui.Devo dire che era molto squisito, e faccio i miei complimenti alla teacher che gli ha insegnato a farlo così bene.
Ciao Tony. Ti ringrazio tanto per il tuo gentile commento. Quando gli ingredienti sono italiani doc e la teacher è pure italiana doc, il risultato non può essere che goloso anche se lo studente è made in USA 🙂 Alle prossime ricette! Paola
Hi Paola,
My friend Frank Fariello from Memorie di Angelina nominated your blog for the Cannolo Award. You absolutely deserve it, so… Congratulations! I’ve already added your name to the list of winners at: http://www.disgracesonthemenu.com/p/cannolo-award.html. Please check out the page also for more information on the award.
I’m very happy to have discovered your blog and I’m looking forward to exploring it! Congrats again!
Hi Paolo,
Thank you very much for including my blog in the Cannolo Award. I feel honored. Paola
Ciao Paola,
volevo farti complimenti per il blog! Bello, ben organizzato e sofisticato. Io lo apprezzo in modo particolare perché ogni tanto wordpress mi fa impazzire!! Le ricette, comunque, sembrano sfiziosissime! Mi riprometto di provarne qualcuna al più presto!
Silvia
Ciao Silvia,
grazie mille per il tuo gentile messaggio. Hai ragione non è sempre facile trovare il template più idoneo, infatti ora sto programmando un update al mio blog….vedrai 🙂 Comunque complimenti anche al tuo lavoro, le tue ricette sono autentiche e molto invitanti. A presto, Paola
If you do just one thing on a visit to Como, make sure you take a cookery class with Paola.
I was in Milan a couple of weeks ago, and on the last day I took the train to Como for one of her private cookery classes. I can honestly say that it was the highlight of my trip! We met at the main square in the town, where Paola treated us to an authentic Italian coffee before leading us on a tour around the farmers’ market to select fresh ingredients and meet the local food producers. We got to try so many meats, cheeses and vegetables I’d never even seen before, and the local strawberries were out of this world!
Back at Paola’s apartment (which is just a few minutes’ walk from the market), we helped to cook a delicious three-course lunch including Caprese Salad, fresh pasta, Saltimbocca alla Romana and Tiramisu, while Paola taught us all about the Italian way of life and the Mediterranean diet. Once we had finished cooking, we moved into the dining room to eat, and were joined by Paola’s husband and two children. What a wonderful family! They were so friendly, funny and full of stories to tell. It really felt like I’d been welcomed into the heart of a real Italian home, and I left with such a warm, fuzzy feeling that I haven’t stopped talking about it since!
Seriously… if you find yourself in Milan or the Lake Como area, spend a day with Paola. You really won’t regret it! I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
Dear Hyaden,
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I really enjoyed meeting you and cooking together. The visit at the market was interesting and enjoyable. The lady from the fruit and vegetable stand asked me about you when I went back the following week. Please next time you come to Como, let me you this time will not be my client but my guests. Look forward to seeing you in the future. Arrivederci presto. Paola
We spent Oct. 10 with Paola, and like Hayden, we had an amazing day at market and a cultural experience at Paola’s Home. The cooking and sharing a meal of spinach and salmon in puff pastry, pumpkin risotto, and tiramisu, hospitality, and instant fellowship. Thank-you Paola, for an unforgettable memory!
Thank you very much Karen for your kind comment. I also had such a wonderful time with you all. The lesson was so pleasent that the time passed by so quickly. The menu you selected was one of my favorite one. Big hug to you all. Paolaxx
I made your POLLO ALLA CACCIATORA over the weekend for my wife, my daughter, her husband and my son and it was fabulous.
But maybe even more wonderful was the way the house smelled.
I doubled the recipe and sauteed (8) thighs (four w skin and four with the skin removed) in two batches in olive oil. Enough oil rendered from
skin that I was able to pour about half of it out and still had enough leftover to saute the onion, garlic, celery and carrots.
Last I checked, there was a little leftover and I hope to bring that to work for lunch tomorrow.
Ma forse ancora più meraviglioso era il modo in cui la casa odorava.
Ho raddoppiato la ricetta e ho saltato (8) le cosce (quattro di pelle e quattro con la pelle rimossa) in due partite in olio d’oliva. Basta olio reso da
pelle che ero in grado di versare circa la metà di esso e aveva ancora abbastanza avanzi per soffriggere la cipolla, aglio, sedano e carote.
L’ultima volta che ho controllato, c’era un piccolo avanzo e spero di portarlo a lavorare domani a pranzo.
Hi Ken. Thanks so much for letting me know. I am very happy when people love my recipes because most of them belong to my family tradition. I like to make it for my family too. In winter we eat it with polenta. Happy cooking. Ciao Paola
Hello Paola! I just found your blog and I’m absolutely impressed by the quality of the recipes you have here, plus all the other things! Well done! I’m an Italian dad who has been living outside of Italy for almost 15 years now and I’ve recently decided to share all I know around Italian cuisine – especially from the South of Italy (not really from around Como!) – on my website italianfoodboss.com and my YouTube channel youtube.com/italianfoodboss .
I’d be grateful if you’d wish to have a look!
Ciao ciao and congratulations again on what you have managed to build in a few short years!
Thank you very much for stopping by and nice comment. I will check your site and youtube channel. Happy cooking,
Paola
Great Blog! I will surely try one of the Italian food recipes this weekend.
Thanks! Please let me know what you tried and how you liked it! Happy cooking! Paola
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further write
ups thank you once again.
Thanks!!! Ciao, Paola
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Thank you Lydia. Glad you like my blog and my work. I am happy to share my knowledge and passion with you and the others readers.
Happy cooking. Ciao Paola
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