La Buona Tavola

American readers who are familiar with my work may know that I have been immersed in the world of Italian gastronomy for over three decades, writing not only about the food and the land, but also about the faces — …

Autumn has finally arrived according to the calendar, but you would never know it from the 90-degree weather in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, stick-to-your-ribs fall food is starting make its way into my psyche. One of my favorite autumn foods is …

During my recent Culinary Tour in Sicily, in several restaurants we were served  Cannoli Scomposti, a Decontructed Cannoli.  Same old ingredients as a traditional Cannolo but served in a very creative way that make for a beautiful presentation and fun …

Italian food magazine Gambero Rosso released its 2016 review of pizzerias, awarding six new restaurants a level three rating. A total of 12 pizzerias received the top rating in Campania, the best-performing region, while Tuscany received six and Lazio had five. …

It is a hot summer night in Montesano, a little town we go to in the Salento, Puglia’s southern peninsula, and the nearest trattoria is booked. Our friend and host who owns a house here suggests trying another place off …

Sicilian Caponata, a delicious appetizer or side dish loved by all sicilians and now also loved by everyone around the world. Join Rossella and Nonna Angelina Purpura from Carini (Palermo, Sicily), Ingredients 2 Medium sized eggplant, 3 Stalks of celery chopped in …

At market in Massachusetts this fall there are a variety of apples on sale that I have never seen before including Golden Russets, Freedoms, Spitzen-bergs, and Red Stayman Winesaps. It was the same in the New York Hudson Valley last …

This recipe started with my Mama Rosa and now I make it too. A way to keep her memory alive. She is a Mother to 3 Sons and 1 Daughter… that’s me… and also a Nonna to 6 grandchildren and …

Nonna Says… the best Health Insurance is to eat healthy foods! That’s why we make Almond Ravioli… delicate cookies filled with Almond Paste! Ingredients: Filling: 1  1/2 Lb Almond paste, 3 Egg whites, 1 1/2 Cups Powdered sugar, 1/2 Cup Granulated sugar, 1/4 Cup Mini …

Stir, stir, without fear…. You have to continue with that blessed bastone (wooden paddle), at least a half hour after you think the polenta is done. And do you know why? Because this extra cooking, these additional rotations in the …