We like to think of Memorie di Angelina as more of an online cookbook than a blog, a resource you can use really use as a reference as you would any other cookbook. This index will allow you to quick scan all the recipes on the site. Each index page represents a category of recipes, listed in alphabetical order by main ingredient. The pages follow the structure of a traditional Italian meal:
Antipasti: Literally meaning ‘before the meal’, these are small dishes that form the first course of a formal Italian meal. This type of dish is sometimes translated as hors d’oeuvre or appetizer, but antipasti are eaten at the table and, when included, are (despite the name) considered an integral part of the meal. Antipasti are usually reserved for special occasions, although many can double as primi, secondi contorni or snacks.
Primi piatti: Pasta, rice, soup, gnocchi and other farinaceous dishes that are the usual first course in a full Italian meal. This category is divided into sub-categories according to type, starting, of course, with the ne plus ultra of Italian cuisine, pasta.
Secondi piatti: The dishes that make up the second course of a full Italian meal, and can feature meat, fish or (less usually) vegetables. In English, we might be tempted to call this the ‘main’ course of the meal, but that concept does not apply in Italian food culture. The primo and secondo have equal standing in an Italian meal that includes both. This category is also divided into sub-categories according to the main ingredient, starting with beef.
Contorni and Salads: Vegetable side dishes and salads, usually served to accompany the secondo, salads are sometimes served as a separate course.
Desserts: You won’t find too many dessert recipes on this blog yet. Dessert, in our house, more often than not, is a piece or two of fresh fruit. But some of the more common home-style desserts are featured here, as well as some of my favorite frozen desserts.
Below these main categories, you will find pages for miscellaneous items that don’t fit well within any particular course (including sauces, baked goods, beverages and snack foods) as well as non-Italian dishes. As these categories grow, they may need to be sub-divided.
Some of the categories begin with one or more ‘master’ recipes that explain basic techniques that you will use in countless other recipes. The pasta sub-category, for example, begins with “Fresh Egg Pasta, How to Make”. These recipes (and a few others of particular importance) are in bold type. After the master recipes, you will find an alphabetical list of all the other recipes in that category or sub-category. You may notice recipes appearing more than once in the index, because a number of recipes (especially the vegetables) can do double or even triple duty. For example, insalata caprese is typically an antipasto, but it can also make for a light vegetarian secondo, so it is listed twice.
The names of recipes are listed in the original Italian, followed by a short English translation, sometimes a literal translation or, where that would only confuse things, a short description. The Italian name is hyperlinked, so that clicking on the name of a recipe will open up the recipe post.
So, gentle Reader, you are cordially invited to dig in, look around, and perhaps discover some dishes that you may have missed. Hope you enjoy the visit!
21 Comments on “Index”
Hi,
I’m Mark, as Anglo-Saxon as it gets which probably explains my love for the Italy, food, style, art, culture and Calcio! There is a saying that suggests that every Englishman secretely wishes they were Italian! Love this website and the authenticity of and background to the recipes. And, as people are more and more concerned about the cost of living and sustainability, I firmly believe that a real appreciation and understanding of Italian food provides many joyful and delicious ways to save money and avoid over consumption.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Mark! I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments. Simple home cooking is one of the best ways to save money. And live better.
I came across your blog for the first time this weekend. I spent much of the weekend devouring the 10 years of blogs I had missed. Your recipes are simple and unpretentious as Italian cooking should be. The stories, however, are infectious. I relived my childhood while reading your recipe, Il Ragù della Domenica. It perfectly describes the menu and atmosphere of Sunday lunch 50 plus years ago.
We lived in a tiny semi-detached house in what was then Toronto’s Little Italy. Every Sunday, gathered around the table, were some 15 or more people including my parents, six siblings, aunt, uncle, cousins and other paesani who feasted on mamma Giuseppina’s cooking. Mom passed this year at 100 years of age and I miss her. I made this dish this past Sunday in my mother’s honour. I imagine my mom, your Nonna Angelina, and several other Italian matriarchs in heaven in their house-dresses and aprons cooking up a storm.
Thank you for bringing a smile to my face and joy to my heart; as you do for so many others.
Salute e Buona Pasqua
John Andriano
John, I was delighted to read you comment. And so glad you’re enjoying the site! I love your image of all those Italian matriarchs cooking together, it’ll stay with me. I think many of us who grew up in that atmosphere will cherish the memories. Hope you had a great Easter! –Frank
Hi from Belfast NI Frank, was convinced my mum who was from Naples had made up the lasagna she use to make as nobody else made it with mini meatballs etc!! I came across your blog and found it does exist, comes from Pozzuoli!! Have told my kids and friends about your blog as it’s brilliant with many familiar recipes my nonna would have cooked! Love it Frank, keep it going please! Miriam
Indeed, she didn’t make it up. Funny, I thought the same thing about my grandmother’s “honey balls” until I saw them in a pastry shop window in Sorrento one year… Thanks so much for your kind comment, and for spreading the word about the blog. Much appreciated!
Hi, this is the absolute best blog and my go to source for all italian recipes. Thanks for what you do!
And thank you, Rich, for your kind words! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the blog.
After just spending a week in Nerano on the Amalfi Coast for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, I found your site looking for a speghetti alla Nerano recipe. After spending some time on your site reviewing other recipes, I would like to thank you for all the authentic recipes you have shared. I shared many of them with my family and became a subscriber! Prego!
Hi new to the website, I am from the UK, I love your blog some great recipes, photos and information. I have only visited Portofino + Florence briefly I would to see more of Italy as I love your country, the great food and the people thank you for sharing your great recipes. best Wishes BevS
So glad to hear from you, Beverley. And delighted to hear you’re enjoying the site!
Hello, I fell upon this site while looking for escarole recipes, as I have a bumper crop growing in my garden this year. I was enchanted by the site. It reminds me of the four years that I spent living in the Pelham Parkway area of the Bronx, near Arthur Avenue, the “Italian section” of the Bronx. Especially memorable are the ricotta recipes and those made with greens. Thank you for this site. I signed up for the newsletter and will be back often.
Thanks for stopping by, Michelle! And thanks so much for your readership. As you may have noticed, Angelina was from the Arthur Avenue section. Small world!
Frank,
This website is very interesting! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing it with me.
Georgy
Holy mackerel! That woman holding the baby looks like my grandmother! Her name was Adelina and wore her hair exactly the same way. I think she also had the same dress and
exactly the same apron. WOW!!!
I never see recipes from Calabria – do you have or know of any. Thank you so much.
Theresa, it’s true it’s hard to find Calabrian recipes online, at least in English. I have been meaning to feature some here but haven’t had the opportunity as of yet. They’ll be coming though! In the meanwhile, have you come across scordo.com? The author is from a Calabrian family and features his regional dishes from time to time. Definitely worth trying out!
Love your site Frank & i know your low on recipes from Calabria but that’s where my parents are from so i’ll be sending you a few more once in a while. Ciao for now!
That’s be great, Francesco. Thanks!
Ciao, I am kirti from Pune,India. I am your huge fan, I found your blog when I was in Italy for 4 years , I did not know Italian but wanted to serch the recipes of what I had eaten in the restaurant and then I found your blog. your recipes are awsome, thanks a lot and lots of love,
Well thank *you*, Kirti, for your readership and kind words! So glad that you are enjoying and using the site.