SAFFRON RISOTTO Saffron Risotto (better known as Risotto Milanese) is a classic Italian dish born in Milano. The main ingredient is, you guessed it —precious saffron! This authentic Saffron Risotto incorporates all the ingredients that make this dish great: carnaroli rice, creamy butter, white wine, and of course, the star of the show: saffron. Follow …

HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC BECHAMEL SAUCE Bechamel sauce originated in France, but is incredibly important in Italian cooking. We use this versatile sauce in a number of dishes, including lasagna, crepes, and traditional pasta. Although many people the world over use ricotta cheese for these recipes, it’s not as common throughout Italy. Instead, béchamel sauce …

HOW TO MAKE POTATO GNOCCHI LIKE AN ITALIAN NONNA Potato gnocchi are a much loved pasta dish in my family, but no one makes them as good as my Nonna, the Gnocchi Queen! While pre-made gnocchi are easy to find at the supermarket, nothing comes close to my Nonna’s. They are the perfect texture – …

STRUFFOLI  Struffoli, also known as Honey Balls (and many other dialect names!) are the perfect sweet treat to serve at Christmas. This deep-fried, crunchy dessert originated in Southern Italy in regions like Campania, Calabria, and Puglia. The intriguing part about struffoli is that everyone has a unique recipe and often the secrets to getting them …

HOW TO BUY PANETTONE LIKE AN ITALIAN! There is nothing more anticipated by Italians during the holiday season than panettone. This traditional Italian dessert offered throughout Italy and in Italian communities around the world is a tall, dome-shaped cake that has been leavened with yeast and enriched with delicious fruit. It has a perfectly light …

NONNA FRESH EGG PASTA  Store-bought pasta can never replicate the taste and smell of fresh homemade pasta. Pasta made fresh is something that every Italian Nonna takes great pride in, especially mine. Growing up, I would watch in awe as my Nonna would make fresh egg pasta from scratch. The process is one that requires …

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Nonna’s pasta e fagioli is an authentic, comforting, classic Italian dish – perfect for chilly winter evenings! Her recipe has simple ingredients cooked to perfection, with the beans & pasta perfectly soft and absorbing all the delightful flavors of the sauce. Pasta e Fagioli is a form of Italian …

Traditional Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce – Made by Nonna! Spaghetti with tomato sauce is one of the most soul-warming, traditional Italian dishes. It is beloved around the world for its warm, inviting flavors and aromas. But no matter how good you think your recipe is, I promise it’s no match for my Nonna’s! Her generation …

Crema di Limoncello Limoncello di crema is a sweet version of the limoncello digestive prepared with milk! If you adore lemon desserts this one is for you. Best kept in the freezer it is easy to prepare and refreshing to drink either after your meal or to accompany dessert. My Nonna’s Limoncello recipe is one …

HOW TO MAKE ARROSTICINI LIKE A BUTCHER Arrosticini are a traditional skewer in the Southeastern Italian region of Abruzzo – and can be likened to a religion for those of us from there! Prepared from sheep, these spectacular skewers stand on their own without any extra spices or seasonings – especially when made correctly! This …