recipes – Hidden Treasures of Italy

Il Ragu di Natale

Joanne Spigonardo December 9, 2025 If there is a snow storm before Christmas and you are stuck inside for the day, you should consider making the classic Italian Christmas Ragu. It is all about slow cooking and a meal that will be memorable and remain a part of your family traditions. It is an artContinue reading “Il Ragu di Natale”

The Big Cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano

Joanne Natale Spigonardo June 30, 2025 It’s not parmesan it’s Parmigiano, the authentic king of cheeses from Parma Italy. The heritage of Parmigiano Reggiano is a centuries old crafted cheese. It is an artform in itself. The unique taste is best savored on its own with a fine glass of dry red wine. Yes, thereContinue reading “The Big Cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano”

Pane di Pasqua – Easter Bread

Joanne Natale Spigonardo April 12, 2025 One of my fondest memories are the days leading up to Easter, when my Mother, Sister, and I would spend endless hours preparing the Easter ricotta pies, la pizza ripiena with sopressatta and basket cheese, and of course the wonderful Easter bread. The Easter bread would be in allContinue reading “Pane di Pasqua – Easter Bread”

Pizzelle – An Italian Holiday Tradition

Joanne Natale Spigonardo December 22, 2024 Most Italian families make the wonderful treat of pizzelle during the Holiday Season. Everyone has their own version either handed down through family recipes or from an improvisation of recipes from various sources. It’s all about the flavorings with some recipes calling for anise extract while others call forContinue reading “Pizzelle – An Italian Holiday Tradition”

The Sweet Life – Chocolates of Italy

Joanne Natale Spigonardo November 18, 2024 As we embark on the holiday season, I’m thinking of all the wonderful chocolates I’ve experienced from Italy. My favorites are well known, for example confections from Venchi, Perugina, and Ferrero, while others are not, for example Baratti & Milano and Caffarel. Italy is known for its sweet life,Continue reading “The Sweet Life – Chocolates of Italy”