In past centuries, peasants used the vegetables cultivated in their fields and the animals raised on their farms to prepare their meals. Pollo alla cacciatora is one of these peasant recipes and seems to have originated in Tuscany. Typically for Sunday dinner, chicken, a readily-available animal, was used to prepare a fine and festive feast. …
Risotto allo Champagne (Champagne Risotto)
Are you ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve with an exceptional recipe? Risotto allo champagne is a classic first course, easy and quick to prepare, very elegant and tasty, perfect for an important occasion such as New Year’s Eve or a special romantic encounter. The simplicity of the ingredients is enhanced by the champagne aromas…
Brasato al Barolo con Polenta (Braised Beef in Barolo Wine with Polenta)
The name brasato derives from brace (BRA-chay), the hot coals over which the meat was traditionally cooked. Braised beef marinated in a fine Barolo wine is one of the most representative and classic dishes of the Piedmont region, a savory delight for a cozy dinner on cold nights. The Barolo’s intense flavor gives an extra…
Risotto ai Funghi Porcini (Cep Mushroom Risotto)
Risotto with porcini mushrooms is a delicious dish. The term rice refers to the seed of the Oryza sativa plant. The Chinese were already cultivating this plant 12,000 years ago! It spread slowly to North Africa and Europe. This cereal arrived in the North America, first in South Carolina around 1700, probably from Madagascar. In…
Spaghetti al Pesce Spada e Capperi (Spaghetti with Swordfish and Capers)
Pasta is a great ingredient for preparing quick and delicious meals and is a real treat to make for someone special. Spaghetti with swordfish, capers and cherry tomatoes is a tasty first course to enjoy before your non-pasta secondo (like we Italians eat it), or as a solitary main dish, fast and easy to prepare. My…
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…
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…