If there's one thing I thought would be easier to get used to while living here, it would be the lack of conversation. In two months, I have only spoken to my husband of course, and my family a few times via Skype. Everything else is patchy Italian for survival. While I'm definitely not lacking...
Food
Whole Fish Baked in Salt Crust
This technique has been on my to-try list for ages. I wish I had a good reason for putting it off so long, but we're making up for lost time. We may or may not have enjoyed three fish prepared this way in the past week alone. It is incredibly easy to do, and in...
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...
Bolognese (Ragù alla Bolognese)
All meat sauces are not created equal. While there's nothing wrong with tossing some ground beef into your favorite tomato sauce, there happens to be a much better, more authentic way to prepare a meat sauce that will sort of take your breath away. Believe me-- this is coming from the person who likes ground...
Foodie Field Trip: Rialto Market
One of our favorite things to do when we visit other cities is to check out the markets. Vancouver's Granville Island Public Market, Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market, Los Angeles' The Original Farmer's Market, etc. We love them all. It will come as no surprise then that the Rialto Market was at the top of my...
Zeppole
Fried dough. It sounds so plain and mundane, but when you think about it--the possibilities are endless. Countless regions around the world have their own versions of fried dough that are part of their culinary heritage. Beignets in New Orleans. Churros in Mexico. Sufganiya are enjoyed in Israel and around the world in celebration of Hanukkah. Bomboloni...
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...
Risotto with Branzino
As you can imagine, the Branzino here in the Venice area are plentiful and fresher than fresh...and so much more affordable than in the United States! Branzino is definitely becoming more widely available, at least in Michigan, so if you happen to know of a place that carries really fresh whole branzino (sea bass), I...
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...