Tomorrow, I begin my 2 week food cleanse – Italian food blogger style! (Look for healthful Italian recipes throughout the coming weeks!)  Half of Our Italian Table, the east coast half  :-), is foregoing some vices (vino, caffeine, grains, dairy) for a few weeks to give this little ‘ole body a break from the excesses of the holiday season and get revved up for the year ahead! I know you are probably thinking – ‘yea, good luck with that!’  (But seriously, join me if you can and send me your favorite recipes and we will post them!

Continue reading Artichoke Risotto with Fondue (Risotto ai Carciofi con Fonduta) at Our Italian Table.

Italians, like many cultures, have some fun and interesting traditions to ring in the New Year. One has been tradition in our family for as long as I can remember – lentils absolutely must be served for New Years, most often with sausages (but in a pinch, my mother just made lentil soup.) Lentils (or lenticchie in Italian) are believed to bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year due to their round shape, signifying money.

Continue reading New Year’s Eve: Get that Red Underwear Ready! (And A Sparkly Citrus, Beet and Fennel Salad) at Our Italian Table.

I first tried this spectacular recipe for Thanksgiving in 2008 when it first appeared in Gourmet magazine…the sight of an entire pumpkin being brought to the table, warm and slightly browned, is only topped by the taste of the yummy cheese, broth and cream that is scooped from within. I have since served this a few times at dinner parties and the pumpkin never ceases to delight and surprise my guests. This year, I used a smaller pumpkin (about 4 pounds) which proved to be the perfect size amongst the other antipasti being served. 

Continue reading Roast Pumpkin with Cheese Fondue at Our Italian Table.