La Buona Tavola

It’s wintertime, and around my house that means long, slow meat braises. It’s my pleasure to share with you my family’s favorite cold weather meal, Brasato al Barolo. Fork-tender chuck roast braised in a full bottle of Barolo wine will …

The heart of the holiday season has passed, but there is still some celebrating to be done and special meals to be enjoyed.  By now we are all looking for lighter desserts, something out of the ordinary.  Try a wine …

When the editor of this newspaper invited me to contribute articles about food, I was pleased to accept. Here, I can feel liberated to write about my passions and prejudices knowing that I am among kin. My audience will, I …

Orecchiette, “little ears”, is a specialty pasta found in Puglia. Its name is derived from (yep, you guessed it) the fact that the shape resembles little ears: orecchio = ear + ette = little => orecchiette.   Orecchiette dough is made …

What’s the difference between a pizza made by a pizzaiolo and a frozen one? According to Coldiretti, if all the ingredients are made in Italy, the pizza is going to be as authentic as any other. Indeed, giant Italpizza and a …

This is a classic Neapolitan preparation for fish.  In years past fisherman’s wives roasted fish in the oven in paper bags.  Topped with a simple preparation of oregano, oil, salt and pepper, this was an every day dinner for many. …

Crostata al limone – Lemon Tart Gone are Winter desserts of apples and pears.  Spring is here.  Color rules the day and fresh flavors reign supreme.  The melons and berries of summer have not yet arrived, but this Lemon Crostata …

Liguria is a verdant strip of Italy that stretches along the Italian Riviera. Green herbs, fruit and nut trees, garlic, and vegetables grow in profusion, kissed by the briny air and protected from the bitter northern winds by the mountains …

The old adage is true, and truer still when brown butter is involved. Known as burro nocciola, after the hazelnuts it so resembles, this kitchen miracle will imbue your food with sweet, nutty flavor.   Burro nocciola is butter that …

Once upon a time you had to go to Italy for biscotti. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and today these iconic cookies can be found in neighborhood coffee shops and restaurants everywhere. But who wouldn’t agree that homemade is …