Le Marche—the region of Italy on the Adriatic Coast east of Umbria—remains largely unknown to most Americans. Europeans and South Americans know about it and vacation there, but since a relatively small number of the millions of Italian immigrants that came to America around the turn of the century came from this region, it just doesn’t get as much attention or as many tourists from the United States. Also, it’s not so easy to get to from America if you’re flying into Rome or Milan.

Continue reading Le Marche: Polente con le vongole at Our Italian Table.

I have been watching the colors outside my kitchen window slowly turn to the earthy landscape of fall. I so love the rhythm of the seasons and the change it brings to the foods we prepare. My mind starts thinking about glorious soups, roasts, homemade pasta and all the wonderful memories these dishes conjur up of times spent with family and friends as the holidays approach. Although my Sicilian mother rarely prepared polenta, it has become a staple in my kitchen and turns up on my table in all its forms – from soft, creamy polenta to toasted slices spread with creamy butter. 

Continue reading Wild Mushroom Ragu over Creamy Fontina Polenta at Our Italian Table.

These simple yet delicious polenta cookies are my kind of cookie…..not too sweet with that simple taste of cornmeal.  I have made these 4 times since they first appeared in Gourmet this summer and made them again this evening to serve crumbled over brandy marinated grilled peaches with sweet vanilla ricotta (recipe later this week!)  I have served them on their own or alongside some homemade espresso sorbet….so many uses for these simple cookies.  Make a batch and enjoy with your favorite dessert, coffee or on their own….yummy.

Continue reading Simple, Delicious Polenta Cookies at Our Italian Table.