February 2025

The golden mimosa blossom holds great significance in Italy. It symbolizes spring and is tied to the Festa dellla Donna (International Women’s Day) and Festa della Mamma (Mother’s Day), two special occasions that honor women. The classic Italian Mimosa Cake was created to serve on these holidays. It consists of a round sponge cake filled with pastry cream. Cubes of cake cover its surface so that it resembles a stem of mimosa flowers. Here we have adapted the traditional recipe to make a refreshing mimosa tiramisù, spiked with lemon zest and limoncello.While this dessert has three components, it is easy to master. The base is a simpleRead More →

Macaroni and cheese has a sensuous Italian doppelganger that shows up on menus in every Italian restaurant around the world. Introducing cacio e pepe, a creamy cheese and pasta dish that leaves dinner guests swooning. “Cacio” is what Italians in southern and central Italy call cheese. In other parts of Italy, cheese is also called formaggio.Such basic ingredients—pasta, pecorino cheese, pepper and water. But the magic lies in the subtle alchemy. Don’t underestimate the power of the pasta water. A cup of this starchy elixir will make all the difference in blending your pasta and cheese into this classic dish. And don’t be afraid to be generousRead More →

Uova alla Fiorentina is a favorite of Tuscans and cucina-italian-loving cooks everywhere. The dish consists of a flowing cream sauce over gently poached eggs nestled on a bed of spinach. The flavor of Parmesan cheese cream sauce and the tart greens blend with soft-cooked eggs. Think fondue in a ramekin. Served with delicate toast points or hearty country bread makes it a light meal.Uova alla Fiorentina has three components— besciamella or cream sauce, cooked spinach, and poached egg. To simplify the process of serving the dish, make the cream sauce and prepare the spinach ahead. Then reheat them just before serving.  The cream sauce keeps for up to 48 hoursRead More →