The Sicilians were first to lay their hands on the eggplant in Italy. They are called dangerous by their name mela- apple and inzana- unhealthy. Since they are a nightshade veggie just as tomatoes and potatoes are, and they have harmful side effects eaten raw. They don’t taste great raw anyways so why would you…

So I wonder why they named this island Sardinia. Although I am sure you can find sardines in this region, they don’t play a huge role in their cuisine as they do in Sicily. The food in this region is consistent throughout. Some of the other fish common to Sardinia are shellfish like clams (arsella…

I like the thought of eating spicy food, but I can only bear the heat so much. Thinking about pepperoncino brings me memories of Chinese dumplings dipped in chili oil. Nduja sausage is melted into candele pasta- a foot long pasta that’s slightly larger than ziti- and served without cheese. You will not find spicy…

There are so many ways to cook Polenta in Lombardia so it’s important I showcase at least one of- what I think- is super unique. It totally looks like a chicken nugget, but you will never find that in the cuisine here unless you go to McDonald’s (yes Italy has those too). The Fiapon Mantovano…

Wouldn’t it be a bit ironic if I hadn’t spent time in Puglia learning tradition from the ones who inhabit the land? I was fortunate amongst others to take the time and watch a home cook dwindle her hands through focaccia dough, clean bearded mussels, and chat up a storm in Italian which most of…

Everyone says you must eat like a Roman in Rome so that means Pork Jowl, and lots of pepper and parmesan. The trio of pastas you will find on every single menu in Rome are Amatriciana, Carbonara, and Cacio e Pepe. So of course the pasta freak that I am, had to try each one…

Italy has a hard time keeping savory food salty. With sweet boiled dumplings and plums stuffed inside potato dough, they are so on to something many outside Europe would be skeptical of trying. Torta di Latticini alla Lucana is “technically” a savory pie with ricotta, pecorino and saliccia but with the addition of sugar, I’m not sure…

After picking up my dear Christopher at the airport we spent the day in Polignamo a Mare catching fish. Not really, but we did eat some raw seafood, practically fresh off the boat! We ate at a place called Da Tuccino, best known for its incredible raw seafood. Some critters I have never before seen,…

It’s always bittersweet leaving something behind; family, friends, pets, the comfort of your home and cozy bed. It’s always that eerie feeling leaving behind an experience, or a larger part of a lifetime… like tomorrow when I depart from Ugento, Puglia. I don’t know what has happened to the time between January and present. It’s…

I recently found out that the origins of Panettone is Milan, Lombardy and so of course I had to find a way to either eat it or make it. I never liked Panettone growing up as we would always receive one or two for Christmas in a box stamped Bauducco or Ferrara. Unfortunately, these are…