Pastina with Egg and Cheese is the definition of comfort food. In fact, some people even refer to it as "Italian Penicillin." It's a soft food, but it's not boring. The egg gives it protein, the parmesan gives it real flavor, and a little butter gives it its silky smooth texture. It's very similar to...
Appetizers
Vodka Pizza
Pizza with Vodka Sauce is becoming insanely popular at many pizzerias here in New York City. So many people, myself included, just love the creaminess of vodka sauce. It's less acidic and even a little sweeter than regular tomato sauce. So it makes perfect sense to put it on pizza. The best vodka pizza in...
Shrimp Mango Avocado Salad
This Grilled Shrimp Mango and Avocado Salad is absolutely delightful- it's flavorful, crunchy, spicy, and so refreshing. Plus there's very little cooking involved, perfect for spring and summer meals. You can make the shrimp on an outdoor barbecue or use an indoor stove top griddle. Then just assemble all the fresh ingredients and enjoy! Serve...
Eggplant Milanese; Italian-Style Fried Aubergine
Eggplant Milanese, Eggplant Cutlets, Aubergine Milanese, or simply fried eggplant is an Italian staple. In fact, it's arguably the most perfect way to eat eggplant... Delightfully tasty and crispy on the outside and perfectly tender and juicy on the inside, Eggplant Milanese is an absolute treat. And it's actually quite easy to make. This Eggplant...
Deep Fried Calzones A.K.A. Panzerotti
This recipe for Panzerotti, or mini deep fried calzones, stems from my great grandmother's recipe. Like many Italian-Americans, she used to make them every year on Christmas Eve to accompany the feast of 7 fishes. Since she passed away, my grandmother, my sister, and I have continued to make a lot of the things she...
Calabrian Chili Wings
These Calabrian Chili Wings are sweet and spicy baked chicken wings that are just ridiculously flavorful. I prepare them in the morning, let them rest in the fridge all day, and bake them when I get home. Warning: These wings are addictive! Their sweet and spicy flavor profile combined with their sticky texture is a...
Calabrian Chili Marinated Butter Beans
Calabrian Chili Marinated Butter Beans are just one way to use this delicious spicy Italian condiment in everyday cooking. They're so simple, but so delicious. Serve these spicy butter beans as part of a cheese and charcuterie board, atop a fish filet, or as a protein-filled salad topping. What are Calabrian Chili Marinated Butter Beans?...
Grilled Nectarine Caprese Salad
This Grilled Nectarine Caprese Salad is so fresh and tasty. It may not be traditional, but its wildly delicious.
Ditalini Pasta Salad
This Ditalini Pasta Salad is speckled with green peas and fresh mozzarella for a texturally and visually perfect dish.
Lemon Ricotta Pizza with Calabrian Chili Oil
This Lemon Ricotta Pizza, which is a sheet pan pizza, may be the crunchiest and most flavorful pizza to ever come out of your oven. Cool flavors of lemon and ricotta counteract the heat of Calabrian chili peppers to create the perfect bite.