La Buona Tavola

To the east of Rome lies Abruzzo, one of the hidden gems among the patchwork that is Italy.  A sparsely populated land of stunning natural beauty and ancient customs, the motto of Abruzzo is Forte e gentile, a strong land …

August is tomato time.  Each year in early Spring I always plant more than we’ll ever eat.  But I can’t resist names like Cuore di Bue, Costoluto Fiorentino, Principe Borghese and more.  I fill my orto with tiny seedlings that …

The holidays are behind us, and gone too are the big feasts.  But you still have to eat.  If you are like me, and you want a quick meal, perhaps after a long day at work, for an impromptu get …

Just in time for Christmas giving and enjoyment is Southern Italian Desserts by Rosetta Costantino. With seventy-five classic desserts worthy of sumptuous holiday feasts, to snacks for surprise guests, and cookies for Christmas giving, Ms. Costantino, a native of Calabria, …

Italian cuisine is well known for superb vegetable cookery.  Stuffed vegetables, found across Italy, and known as verdure farcite, are a particular favorite.  This versatile method starts with large or small vegetables that serve as a vessel to hold a …

Save your energy for visiting with your guests with this simple brunch menu.  Instead of the usual Bloody Mary, serve your guests a Bloody Monty.  This drink, based on Amaro Montenegro, is ideal for brunch.  Nibble on Crostini with Gorgonzola …

Summer is on the wane, and the tomatoes are finished.  That means out with salsa checca and in with all manner of cooked sauces for weeknight pasta dishes.  With just a little advance work, this one comes together right on …

It’s Italy’s answer to peanut butter.  Nutella.  And who doesn’t love it?  In 2007 two writers, Sara Rosso of Ms. Adventures in Italy (www.msadventuresinitaly.com) and Michelle Fabio of Bleeding Espresso (www.bleedingespresso.com) decided that Nutella deserved special recognition, its own special …

October is Italian heritage month, and how better to celebrate at La Buona Tavola than with the heritage grain, Farro.     Favored by the ancients, the Roman Legions conquered the world on their daily ration.  Also known as emmer, …

Italian food is much more than pasta and red sauce, and with The Glorious Vegetables of Italy food writer Domenica Marchetti introduces the reader to the genius that is the Italian way with vegetables.    One of today’s leading proponents …