Thanksgiving is upon us, my friends, and I am thrilled. By far, it is my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving possesses all the characteristics of the perfect day. Tons of spectacular home-cooked food that brings back childhood memories. (Some food memories are better left in the past: Mincemeat cookies, I’m talking to you…) A big gathering of friends and...
Baking
American Apple Pie
While living in Italy, one must "do as the locals do" in a lot of ways. Embracing our surroundings was not only part of our goal while we were there, it was a matter of survival. If you didn't watch the people around you to see how they do things, you'll never figure out how...
All-Butter Pie Crust
Pie Crust is one of those things that can make or break a dessert. It can also turn the otherwise enjoyable act of baking a pie from scratch into a somewhat daunting experience. It seems that avid bakers tend to be quite loyal to their technique, especially when it comes to the butter vs. shortening ratio....
Nutella Tartlets with Banana
There's this rumor going around the Internet that there is a threat of a Nutella shortage looming...Well, I guess I owe you all an apology then. My Nutella comsumption has increased sevenfold since we arrived in Italy. Why? I'm not sure. It could be that it's so delicious, and the Italian version seems somehow creamier...
Homemade Focaccia
I love bakeries. I wish I could live in one. Seriously. The next best thing to living in a bakery is baking where you live, I suppose. Baking bread, especially Italian bread, can be tricky in a home oven. It's tough to get the temperature hot enough for it to turn out with the correct...
Baked Parmesan Polenta
Polenta is a staple in Italian cooking. I must admit though, I am late to the polenta party. I don't love creamy polenta served in a bowl. It reminds me too much of cream of wheat, and the texture is just not my favorite. That being said, I do love the flavor, which is where baked...
Radicchio Crepes (Crespelle al Radicchio)
Living in the Treviso, Italy area, we see radicchio everywhere. Radicchio di Treviso is purple and white, and is sort of the shape of romaine lettuce. Since it is such a local staple, I knew I had to give it a try and this recipe for Radicchio Crepes seemed like a logical place to start, given my affinity for...
Bussola Buranello Cookies
Bussola Buranello Cookies are a traditional cookie from the island of Burano in Venice, Italy. Burano is widely recognized for its brightly colored houses and its hand-crafted lace. It doesn't take long to figure out that they've got quite a good thing going with their Bussola cookies also. There seem to be a few different...
Peach Hand Pies
Breaking news! I got a bicycle! If you read my recent post about Settling In, you already know I was on mission to get my hands (and feet) on one. Hubby made it easy. He just showed up with one the other night. Now I just need to practice not bumping the bell when I...
Cherry Almond Coffee Cake
Coffee cake is so pretty that it doesn't seem overly un-dainty to eat several helpings of it in one sitting, right? This recipe for Cherry Almond Coffee Cake is my twist on the version that is made by my family's favorite local bakery. (I may or may not have one of theirs sitting in front of me...