Parmigiana di melanzane (Eggplant Parmesan) by Frank Fariello

Being a lover of good food, I find it almost impossible to answer the question 'what's your favorite dish?' But if I had to, my answer would probably be eggplant parmesan--parmigiana di melanzane--the way Angelina used to make it. This is a simple dish to make, but it involves several steps. Allow yourself a good two hours to…

Sfincione – Palermo Style Bread Pizza by Gone

The sfincione is a Sicilian pizza. The base is soft and thicker than the one used for a regular pizza and is covered with a mixture of tomatoes, anchovies, cheese, olive oil and sometimes breadcrumbs.

Zucchine a scapece by Frank Fariello

There are four quintessential Italian summer vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and zucchini. Of these, zucchini seems to get the least respect, perhaps because zucchini plants are so prolific that the surfeit soon becomes a problem. New zucchini can literally sprout from one day to another, and the production—especially around…

Carciofi alla romana (Roman-style Artichokes) by Frank Fariello

Dear readers: I am back from my travels, at my blogging post just in time for the first day of Spring. Artichokes are back in season! And is there any vegetable more typical of Roman cooking, perhaps of all Italian cuisine, than the artichoke? What better way to get back to work, then, than this dish, one of the most typically Roman…

Zeppole by Frank Fariello

Zeppole are so easy to make—after all, they are basically just fried pizza dough balls—it is almost embarrassing to post about it, but since it was one of my favorite snack foods that Angelina made, it deserves pride of place on this blog. And, in any event, who doesn't like fried dough?

Mozzarella in carrozza by Frank Fariello

What could be more primordially satisfying than the combination of bread and cheese? Well, frying them together makes them even more satisfying. And if you add a bit of anchovy to the mix well, you're in heaven! Mozzarella in carrozza, literally "mozzarella cheese in a carriage", is one of the rustic glories of Neapolitan cuisine.…

Calamari, Scallops and Lemon Fritto Misto by Joyce Leung

This is a delicious, easy to prepare Italian antipasto. Make sure you serve it hot. Close your eyes and imagine you are in a small Italian restaurant near the beach in southern Italy. This is better than 98% of the calamari you'll ever order in a US restaurant - guaranteed. Yum!

Parmigiana di melanzane (Eggplant Parmesan) by Frank Fariello

Being a lover of good food, I find it almost impossible to answer the question 'what's your favorite dish?' But if I had to, my answer would probably be eggplant parmesan--parmigiana di melanzane--the way Angelina used to make it. This is a simple dish to make, but it involves several steps. Allow yourself a good two hours to…

Italian Marinated Mushrooms With Pecan Smoked Garlic by Bob Vincent

These mushrooms and garlic make a great addition to an antipasti platter or as an additon to a salad. Add cubes of cheese, olives, roasted red peppers, sliced banana peppers, salami and a glass of wine to make for a perfect first course. Serve at room temperature as the flavors will be best then. Don't throw out the mushroom…

Caprese Salad by Jennifer Bass

Braised Fennel with White Wine by La Tavola Marche (farm, inn & cooking school)

Fennel is a versatile vegetable that is often looked over for being too tough. Braising is a great way to soften this hearty root vegetable known to aid in digestion. The acidity & fruitiness of the wine compliments the aniseed flavored fennel and with a good drizzle of olive oil it finishes this dish perfectly. Serve with meat!

Antipasto Platter by Rosemarie

One of my all-time favorites in the appetizer/starter category has got to be a well prepared antipasto platter. It is a montage of flavors, textures and colors all on a single plate. Come see for yourself . . .

Grilled Stuffed Calamaretti-Involtini di Calamaretti con Mozzarela e Basilica by Patricia Turo

Calamaretti are so simple but whenever I make them for a grill party, they are the hit of the meal.

Insalata di riso (Summer Rice Salad) by Frank Fariello

Mid-August, when the temperatures climb to tropical heights, is a time when the enthusiasm of even the most avid cook can begin to wane. Italians often turn to easily prepared dishes that need minimal or no actually cooking. Salads are an obvious choice, and rice salads are a favorite. Not only are they delicious, but they are easy to…

Caprese by Pasquale Frola

This is a tipical appetizer from the island of Capri Italy very fresh and very testy and amazingly easy. In this preparation the basil leaves need to be left whole will be your guest or your self to break them in the plate so the aroma of the bail will be as fresh as it is!!