Polenta concia

Frankpolenta, primi piatti, Val d'Aosta41 Comments

Polenta concia

It’s that time of year again—the dead of winter, a time when one longs for warming, comforting dishes. In other words, it’s polenta time! And even if this winter has been surprisingly mild around here, I couldn’t let the season go by without at least one polenta recipe. Especially one … Read More

Funghi gratinati (Gratinéed Mushrooms)

Frankcontorno24 Comments

Funghi gratinati (Gratinéed Mushrooms)

Mushroom lovers will love this dish. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy their unadulterated woodsy flavor than this simple, light gratin which Italians call funghi gratinati. It’s a quick and easy dish, almost a “non recipe”: You just place mushrooms on a baking dish, sprinkle them with … Read More

Peperoni ripieni di pasta

FrankCampania, pasta, primi piatti24 Comments

Peperoni ripieni di pasta

As we approach the end of summer and autumn produce begins to appear in our markets, it’s easy to forget that, for a few more days at least, it’s still summer. Indeed, even as pumpkins and pears and such make their appearances, summer produce like peppers and tomatoes are still … Read More

Peperoni imbottiti alla napoletana

Frankantipasti, Campania, summer30 Comments

Peperoni imbottiti alla napoletana

Although they’re available year round, peppers are indubitably at their best during their traditional summer season. Italian cookery has embraced this New World import with a passion only exceeded perhaps by the tomato. It includes an almost infinite number of recipes for the pepper: fried, pickled, gratinéed, or paired with … Read More

Insalata pantesca

Frankcontorno, Sicilia, summer30 Comments

Insalata pantesca

When temperatures reach astronomical highs as they have done lately, I often turn to salads for sustenance. To me, they’re the ideal hot weather food. Not only do you general serve them chilled or at room temperature, but they’re generally quickly thrown together and don’t involve turning on an oven … Read More

Tiramisù alle fragole (Strawberry Tiramisu)

Frankdessert, Spring, summer33 Comments

Tiramisù alle fragole (Strawberry Tiramisu)

Tiramisù is one of those desserts everybody’s tried, and it seems just about everyone loves. But did you know that there are seasonal riffs on the classic recipe? Tiramisù alle fragole, or Strawberry Tiramisù, makes that iconic springtime fruit the star of your dessert. The technique is just like the … Read More