And suddenly – boom – we have all become full-time home cooks, forced to figure out what the heck to make for dinner for ourselves and our families almost every single night. Some friends are making epic meals, others using up those pantry staples. For me, the kitchen has always been my refuge at the end of a long day. I feel truly grateful to continue doing what I love while recognizing that many are not able to during these times.

Continue reading Comforting Tuscan Ribollita at Our Italian Table.

There is nothing like the beautiful City of Light to put you in the Christmas spirit! I had a quick business trip this week to Paris and between the lights of the Eiffel Tower and the Christmas lights of the Champs-Élysées, I found myself belting out Christmas tunes all the way home. The city is such a magnificent canvas on which to paint Christmas. Somehow in the fog of my education, I neglected to learn or remember that Paris was named the City of Light because it was a beacon for ideas and education during the Age of Enlightenment.

Continue reading Fennel, France and Flights at Our Italian Table.

Ahhh, the elusive cavolo nero! This mysterious green is an essential ingredient for authentic ribollita – a Tuscan soup made with tomatoes, beans, kale and bread.  Since first tasting this classic soup on a chilly winter day in Tuscany, I have been on a search for this hardy, healthful green in America.  With kale’s recent rise in popularity in American cooking, I was wonderfully surprised to find a huge fresh bucket full of cavolo nero at our local farmer’s market; its dark green and purple wrinkly leaves almost smiling at me as if to say ‘Here I am!!

Continue reading The Elusive Cavolo Nero (Black Kale): Black Kale, Sweet Potato and Cheddar Gratin at Our Italian Table.