THESE EMBER ROASTED ARTICHOKES are one of the great pleasures of the spring season in the Campania region. They are a signature dish of Pasquetta (little Easter), the Italian holiday that is celebrated on the Monday following Easter Sunday, which…
Shortly after I arrived in Sorrento to attend cooking school back in 2007, I came upon Trattoria da Emilia on a leisurely stroll in the old fishing village of Marina Grande. Unbeknownst to me “Da Emilia’s” would soon become my go to place…
Marinated fresh anchovies are always a special part of the traditional cold seafood antipasto spreads served in coastal restaurants throughout the Campania region. Yet, especially in the spring and summer months when the fish are locally caught in abundance off…
This Spaghetti Omelette (La Frittata di Pasta), otherwise known as frittata di maccheroni, is a classic dish that came to be many years ago due to the resourceful, inventive nature of the Neapolitan peasant culture, who notoriously didn’t throw out and waste anything left…
Strolling through my garden is always exciting this time of year with the delicious myriad of summer’s finest vegetables growing so happily in the fertile lands. This morning when I came upon some eggplants and tomatoes that were at their…
In summer, fresh shell beans make their glorious appearance at the local farmer’s markets all over the Campania region. My favorite are the pretty, pink-and-cream mottled barlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, but other varieties, such as cannellini beans, are…
The Simple Joys of Springtime. And Italian countryside living. This morning at our neighborhood farmers’ market, I was thrilled to come upon large cases full of fresh, delicious edibles of all sorts. From artichokes to asparagus; to baby onions, broad beans,…
In summer, when zucchini thrives in the mineral rich lands all over the Campania region, their bright, colorful blossoms make a sunny appearance in many of the local specialty dishes. This tasty pasta dish, which combines the blossoms with sweet, succulent shrimp…
These Quick and Easy Veal Scallops, otherwise known as Scaloppine di Vitello alla Sorrentina, are a popular second course meat dish from the lovely coastal village of Sorrento, Italy, that are commonly prepared in traditional homes and restaurants all over…
Fresh egg pasta with sweet Italian sausage, roasted red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes is an immensely flavorsome pasta dish that is greatly appreciated in the Campania kitchen. At home in Massa Lubrense during the summer months I always find…