looking for a dessert idea for the holidays? how about tiramisu with pears, a wine syrup and lots of spices for a delightful seasonal treat? Of all the recipes which I have painstakingly collected in my cookbook, this is has been a favorite this year at Alla Madonna del Piatto cooking classes, that’s why… Continue reading PEAR-AMISU
This is a very rustic and ancient recipe from my hometown Perugia. Not too sweet, egg-free, gluten-free, robust, Brustengolo makes for a substantial snack full of healthy goodness. It’s basically a baked polenta enriched with dried fruits and nuts and flavored with the classic Umbrian combination of anise, fennel and orange. You can cook the… Continue reading brustengolo, an ancient Umbrian olive oil and polenta fruitcake
As you probably know Italians have a long tradition of eating vegan food. You didn’t know it? Well, think about it: spaghetti with aglio, olio and peperoncino is vegan. Minestrone is also vegan. Eating fruit at the end of a meal instead of a dessert is the norm here. And, in addition we have a variety… Continue reading garbanzo bean farinata with caramelized onions and rosemary
Now it’s time to start writing about food again. This is one of those recipe I make during cooking classes when we want to explore how to transform simple ingredients into a sumptuous meal. Admittedly truffle is not “simple” but you might still have a jar from your holidays in Umbria or Tuscany. If not, omit and the results will be delightful nevertheless.
Do you already make spinach pie? If you don’t, you must hurry as this is the simplest one-dish dinner you can make besides a plate of pasta. I learned the original Serbian recipe from my artist friend Natasa Karanovic when we were living the bohemian life in the country of windmills and houseboats. Ah, the… Continue reading hot-water pastry spinach pie
I know it might seem a bit odd to publish a pickle recipe at a time of the year when everyone else is busy with cookies and panettone. But – thanks to generous friends – I have been so pumpkin and squash-rich recently, that I had to develop new ideas. After making squash soup, pumpkin… Continue reading how to make pickled squash and other holiday edible gifts
I clearly remember the first time I have seen someone cooking pumpkin, it was in 1979. I was with my family visiting friends during a summer holiday on the magnificent Lipari island, off the coast of Sicily. A teenager girl, only a little older than myself, was frying those brilliant orange slices in olive oil. We… Continue reading creamy pumpkin lasagna
