Sometimes the simplest things are the best. And today we are featuring peaches in red wine, a dessert that takes practically no effort to make. The fruit is softened a bit with a mixture of sugar and lemon, then bathed in red wine. That’s really all there is to it. However simple … Read More
Macedonia di frutta (Italian Fruit Salad)
Macedonia di frutta, or Italian fruit salad, is one of the most typical of summer desserts in Italy, often served with some lemon sorbet. But a macedonia can be made any time of year, with almost any combination of fruits in season. Ingredients Fresh fruit in season, trimmed, peeled and cut … Read More
Zabaione (Zabaglione)
Zabaione, spelled Zabaglione by some Italians and all English speakers, is a classic sweet that you don’t encounter much any more on restaurant menus, let alone on home tables. That’s a shame, because it’s truly delicious and supremely versatile, equally suited to serve on its own as a sweet ending to an … Read More
Torta di mele (Apple Torte)
Torta di mele a homely version of an apple torte that could hardly be easier. And believe me, if a non-baker like myself can make this with no trouble at all, you will, too. You just make a simple batter in your trusty mixer, fold in apple slices, pour everything … Read More
Frullato di frutta (Italian Fruit Smoothie)
This one is so simple you might wonder why I am even posting about it. It’s what some of my fellow bloggers might call a ‘non-recipe’. And yet, the frullato is so essential to the Italian summertime food culture that it would be malpractice not to mention it. And besides, it’s … Read More
Ciliegie su ghiaccio (Cherries on Ice)
A quick note on a fine and fun way to enjoy cherries and lots of other summer fruits—su ghiaccio or ‘cherries on ice‘. Fill a bowl a third or half full of ice, place your fruit—however much you’re having—over the ice and add water to come, say, halfway up the fruit. … Read More
Ananas alla sambuca (Pineapple Laced with Sambuca)
Here’s a really quick note on a combination that may surprise you but was simply meant to be: ananas alla sambuca, or pineapple and the Italian anise liquor called sambuca. Sprinkle a few drops of sambuca over freshly sliced pineapple, just enough to exalt the flavor of the fruit without drawing … Read More
Crostata di mele (Italian Apple Tart)
As regular readers of this blog will know, I am not much of a baker. Nor do I have much of a sweet tooth. But, for some reason, I felt inspired the other day to make a baked dessert for some dinner guests. Foolish, perhaps, to start my baking career … Read More
