The sformato (a term literally meaning ‘unmolded’) is something like a savory flan or perhaps a soufflé without the puff. At its most basic, it is actually a rather simple dish, a mixture of puréed or finely diced vegetables with béchamel and eggs, baked or steamed in a mold until … Read More
Rillettes de porc (Pork Rillettes)
One of my favorite ways to while away a rainy Sunday afternoon is to browse through my old cookbooks. I have a fairly extensive collection, scattered in different places around the house, and there is nothing so pleasant than finding one of those old tomes that I had forgotten I … Read More
Panzanella (Tuscan Bread Salad)
Panzanella, a Tuscan bread salad, is a great way to use old bread and avoid cooking in hot weather at the same time. And it is so simple to make, too. Ingredients Day old bread (see Notes) Fresh, ripe tomatoes, chopped Red onion, peeled and sliced A few fresh basil … Read More
Parmigiana di melanzane (Eggplant Parmesan)
Being a lover of good food, I find it almost impossible to answer the question ‘what’s your favorite dish?’ But if I had to, my answer would probably be Eggplant Parmesan—parmigiana di melanzane in Italian—the way Angelina used to make it. This is a simple dish to make, but it … Read More
Insalata di riso con tonno (Italian Tuna Rice Salad)
Mid-August, when the temperatures climb to tropical heights, is a time when even the enthusiasm of even the most avid cook can begin to wane. Italians often turn to easily prepared dishes that need minimal or no actually cooking. Salads are an obvious choice, and rice salads are a favorite. … Read More
Pomodori ripieni di riso (Baked Tomatoes with Rice)
A staple of summer picnics and tavole calde, pomodori ripieni di riso, or Baked Tomatoes with Rice, make for a simple and relatively quick weekend dinner, a buffet item or a tasty summer antipasto. Here’s the recipe: Ingredients Serves 4-6 Optional: Directions Take as many tomatoes as you have dining companions, … Read More
Vitello tonnato (Tunnied Veal)
If I had to mention one dish in the Italian repertoire that epitomizes elegant summer eating, this might well be it: vitello tonnato, also called vitel tonnè in dialect, which means’ tunnied veal’ or simply veal in tuna sauce. More often than not, though, it is called by its Italian name … Read More
Baba Ghanoush
I love eggplant and I am always looking for new ways to prepare it. One of the simplest and yet most delicious in my book is Baba Ghanoush, a specialty of the Levant. If you’ve ever made hummus, then the recipe will sound very familiar. Ingredients 1-2 large eggplants 2 … Read More