For these ciccheti the slice of polenta doubles as a cracker, much the way slabs of it replace bread in the mountains of the Alto Adige. The sausage, luganega, is a spicy specialty of Belluna, in the mountains. In Venice proper a piece of grilled sardine, a grilled shrimp, or […]
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Pizzelle
Pizzelle are biscuits traditionally from Molise and Abruzzo. Pizzelle 3 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tbsp vanilla extract 1/4 pound unsalted butter, melted and cooled 250 gr flour 1 tsp baking powder In an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar. Add vanilla extract and melted butter. On […]
Venetian Arugula Salad with Parmesan Cheese and Walnut-Olive Dressing
Francesco devised this salad – One of the most popular salads we serve at Remi – as a medley of flavors. The bitterness of the arugula is contrasted by the slightly salty dressing and the nutty cheese. The shallots, if they are added, provide a classically Venetian balance of sweetness. […]
Venetian Watercress, Fava Bean, and Pecorino Salad
What makes a chef? It might be the meticulous care with which an expert like Francesco automatically attends to certain tasks in a manner that few home cooks routinely match. Before he uses watercress for a salad, he takes the time to pick off the leaves like a florist so […]
Trenette with swordfish sauce
Summer is time of “sagre” in Italy, because what’s better than traditional food enjoyed in a balmy evening, immersed in a friendly atmosphere? What you may not think about is the whole lot of work that lies behind these events: months of planning, days and days of cleaning, both before […]
Venetian Baked Peaches
The aroma of fruits in Venice is often as compelling as their lush taste. “The fragrance of ripe peaches is enhanced by baking them with a filling of amaretti,” Francesco says. Baked Peaches 14 amaretti cookies 2 tbsp (40 ml) amaretto liqueur 3 tbsp (50 g) soft unsalted butter 4 […]
Italian lakes: a relaxing holiday stop
Lakes have always attracted a lot of tourists, perhaps because of their mysterious atmosphere or simply because they are always situated in relaxing areas, far from chaos and pollution, which allow people to plunge in pure nature. Whatever the reason might be, in Italy lakes are a highly-rated destination to spend […]
Garlic in the Garden
Things your Grandma never told you about Garlic, but should have The principles in creating a good garden are an inviting entry, something to focus on and a continuity of form. My Italian grandmother spent most of her days tending a garden that supplied all of these elements, and yet […]
Sicilian Eggplant Caponata
This recipe for is for the Sicilian appetizer Eggplant Caponata, also known in some areas as “Garbliadena”. This recipe comes from my grandmother and like many Italian grandmothers it is done from memory. Measurements are virtually non-existant so you can adjust the ingredients to your personal taste. Sicilian Eggplant Caponata […]
Venetian Eggs Tortino
This is the simplest of self-indulgent egg dishes. The recipe is given for one person. Make several tortini and serve them at room temperature for a picnic. A lower-fat version can be made by using one whole egg and two egg whites instead of three whole eggs. Eggs Tortino 4 […]