Monthly Archives: August 2011

Greens!

Posted on August 30, 2011 by

No-one could cook up a pot of greens like Stefano’s grandma, or Nonnetta, as she was known to us. Rapini, sometimes called broccoli rabe, or cime di rapa in italian, were her specialty.  They were mildly bitter and perfectly seasoned … Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes and Wine Pairings, Vegetables and Salads | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Pomodorini ripieni di tonno

Posted on August 26, 2011 by

Friday could not have come soon enough! With one child at camp and the other staying with grandparents this week, one would think we’d have had ample time to prepare homemade dinners.  But instead, it was a taxing and thankfully … Continue reading →

Posted in Appetizers, Recipes and Wine Pairings | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Pesche al vino bianco

Posted on August 20, 2011 by

The peaches this summer have been spectacular! The abundance and superior flavor of this season’s harvest means that we will be enjoying peaches in white wine, or pesche al vino bianco, as August comes to an end. Peaches in wine … Continue reading →

Posted in Desserts and Baked Goods, Recipes and Wine Pairings | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Penne alla Vodka

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

Every once in a while we spike the tomato sauce. You should try it sometime.  What is better draped over pasta perfectly al dente  than a tangy, velvety vodka sauce?   Our friends and family tell us that no vodka sauce … Continue reading →

Posted in Pasta, Rice and Grains, Recipes and Wine Pairings | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Rabbit with white wine and rosemary

Posted on August 14, 2011 by

A 19th century recipe for rabbit stew is widely (but questionably) reported to have begun with the phrase, “First, catch a hare.” As practical that that advice may sound, we opt for farm-raised rabbit.  Rabbit can be found at specialty … Continue reading →

Posted in Meat, Fish and Legumes, Recipes and Wine Pairings | 5 Comments

Pappardelle con ricotta e fiori di zucca

Posted on August 11, 2011 by

We’re back to writing about zucchini blossoms.  They are just so pretty, fragrant and delicious that we couldn’t stop with just one summer dish, especially when we ran across this recipe for Pappardelle with Ricotta, Zucchini Blossoms and Basil Oil … Continue reading →

Posted in Pasta, Rice and Grains, Recipes and Wine Pairings | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

How to Drive on the Amalfi Coast, and what to see along the way

Posted on August 7, 2011 by

It happened again.  At a party last weekend, we found ourselves enthusiastically in conversation with friends who are planning a trip to Italy in October and who want ideas about places to visit. The Amalfi Coast or costiera amalfitana, is … Continue reading →

Posted in When You Visit Italy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Pizzette rustiche, the perfect party food

Posted on August 2, 2011 by

It’s the season of parties – graduation parties, children’s parties, block parties, and, as Stefano reminds me, his upcoming birthday party.  It’s not until September, but we are already planning for it since he is turning 40 and, he says, … Continue reading →

Posted in Appetizers, Pizza and Bread, Recipes and Wine Pairings | Tagged , , | 4 Comments