Lets talk sformato! A what, you might ask? A sformato – a light, savory Italian custard-y treat. Think ‘flan’ with an Italian accent.

I first tasted one of these little beauties in the hills of Tuscany. It really was one of those – ‘OMG, what in the world is this delicious flavor-infused treat on my plate?’ We seriously need more sformati in our lives. The word literally translates to ‘unmolded’.

Continue reading A Tasty Spinach Sformato Recipe with Parmesan Sauce at Our Italian Table.

Artichokes. Fava beans. Asparagus. Peas. Ramps. Spring’s glorious bounty is finally here after a long winter of turnips, potatoes, rutabagas and butternut squash. Don’t get me wrong – I love my root vegetables in the dead of winter but one can only consume so many rutabagas, right? Thankfully, my root vegetable fatigue is now a distant memory.

Just the sight of the beautiful delicate spring green produce brings tears to my eyes.

Continue reading Vignarola: A Celebration of Spring at Our Italian Table.

The cooks of Emilia-Romagna love to stuff things from their pillowy pastas to their greens-stuffed tortas.  In this simple recipe, onions become the backdrop for a sausage and parmigiano stuffing.  It is a great example of how simple fresh ingredients can easily be transformed and united into a dish that warms the soul. The onions are from the farmers at our local market and the sausage from our local butcher – and the freshness shines through.  

Continue reading Stuffed! Cipolle Ripieni (Onions Stuffed with Sausage and Parmigiano) at Our Italian Table.

Things have been a bit hectic in my world over the past few weeks – house filled with wonderful guests from near and far, a bit too much business travel and lots of prep for an upcoming trip to Africa.  When things are this busy, I sorely miss the quiet nights in the kitchen and the simple act of sitting down to write my blog.  But this weekend, I find myself with a quiet afternoon filled with gentle rain showers, baskets of fresh eggplants and tomatoes just picked from the garden and – woohoo!- my new toy, a sparkly Vitamix blender!!

Continue reading The Eggplant Meets The New Vitamix! The Result: Cheesy Eggplant Mousse at Our Italian Table.