Our family has never been big turkey fans, especially me. Too many bad memories of my mom’s dry, tasteless bird on the big day. Don’t get me wrong – my mom was an absolutely awesome cook. But let’s just say that turkey was never her forte (along with meatloaf – but that is a story for another day.) Not unlike many other Italian homes, homemade pasta was her gig and the star of the T’day line up. 

Continue reading An Italian Thanksgiving: Rolled Turkey Breast with Frittata at Our Italian Table.

There is something deeply satisfying to me about the changing of the seasons. Perhaps it is the shedding of the old and familiar season; perhaps the awakening of new colors, new aromas and the magnificent light. For me, the cooler weather ushers in autumn’s treasures that re-awaken the senses – chestnuts, mushrooms, kale, pears, pomegranates, oh my! The colors in the market deepen; the flavors explode once again after the final heat of summer.

Continue reading Flavors of Fall: Chestnut and Pear Ravioli with Saged Brown-Butter 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.

Thanksgiving 2009 is here and the family arrives on Thursday! I love this time of year – the excitement of seeing friends and family, the absolutely ‘pazzo’ (crazy) pace of the world and the sheer enjoyment of cooking with and for people you love.  My holiday menus began as a bit of a joke a few years back. I had purchased a new dining room table and although it is rather formal, the chairs are so deep that when I sit at the table, my feet dangle from the chair – which makes me feel like a kid again.

Continue reading An Italian Thanksgiving 2009 at Our Italian Table.

Una Festa del Ringraziamento 2008

My Menu for Thanksgiving 2008

Pomegranate-Ginger Prosecco Cocktail

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Roast Pumpkin with Cheese Fondue

Crostini with Homemade Ricotta and Blood Orange Marmalade

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Chestnut Ravioli in a Sage Browned Butter Sauce

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Standing Rib Roast with Spinach-Porcini Stuffing and Horseradish Cream

Mashed Squash and Potatoes with Amaretti

Balsamic-Braised Cipolline Onions with Pomegranate

Cauliflower and Brussel Sprout Gratin, Pignoli Breadcrumb Topping

Thinly Sliced Beets with Blood Oranges and Watercress

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Celery Apple Granita

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Dolci di Ringraziamento

Continue reading Una Festa del Ringraziamento 2008 (Thanksgiving 2008) at Our Italian Table.