Derived from the French word gateau, this savory dish of Naples is typically served as a side to any meal.
Parigina Napoletana
The History This snack dates back to early-1800s, when Naples and Campania region were home to the Borbone royals of the Reign of the Two Sicilies. King Ferdinando IV and Queen Maria Carolina d’Asburgo-Lorena were beloved by the people. The…
An Unexpected Ravioli Dish
A blend of flavors found at a hidden treasure located off the main corso in Benevento.
Frittata di Spaghetti
One slice of this satisfying spaghetti frittata reminds me of my childhood. My mother, who learned this from her mother (my grandmother), would make it on occasion. Frittata di Spaghetti (or Frittata di Maccheroni) is a specialty from Naples and…
Mystery, Myth, and Murder
STORY REVEAL! Many have been asking and it’s finally time to give an idea of what my forthcoming book THE TASTE OF DATURA is about.
Book Three: Title Reveal
Datura stramonium, also known as jimson weed, is a poisonous plant that belongs to the deadly nightshade family.
Third Book Update
Hooray! The first draft of my third fiction novel is complete…
Pass the Tomatoes
Passata di pomodoro is best described as tomato puree made by boiling tomatoes then passing them through a strainer that separates the skin from the pulp. The result is a thick, red liquid that is the base for tomato sauce….
Après-ski with Il Bombardino
Skiers out there, this drink is for you. Il Bombardino is an eggnog-like concoction from the Italian Alps.
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe
My exploration of Rome’s typical pasta dishes starts with the seemingly simple, yet incredibly delicious Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe. This traditional dish uses three simple ingredients Tonnarelli pasta (also known as spaghetti alla chitarra), grated cacio, and freshly ground black…
Aperitivo: La Bicicletta
Picture it: Italy. Small local bar. Late afternoon. Old men playing cards, discussing politics, and arguing over who-knows-what, all while sipping a ruby red Bicicletta. I won’t be going to Italy this summer, so I’ve been enjoying my aperitivo time…
Lessons in Roman Cooking
[From 2011 Rome Archives] – I was invited to take a cooking lesson at Trust.Ever.Tastes – located in the building in which i was living at the time. The small company is dedicated to teaching real Italian home cooking. The name Trust.Ever.Tastes…