Recipes

Polpette di Carne - Meatballs

A Venetian favorite, enjoyed by young and old alike.

The legend of this celebrated risotto tells of a 14th-century painter at work on the windows of the Duomo of Milan, using saffron to give them a special golden tone. By accident, some of the saffron fell into his plate of rice. He was hungry, he ate it. Years later, this risotto was served regularly at the court of the duke of Milan.

Serves 4

Pesto Avantaggiato (Linguine with Pesto, Beans, and Potatoes)

Ligurians call this variation pesto avvantaggiato—loosely translated as “pesto plus”—and it is by far the best method for serving pesto. The magic touch of this variation is cooking the green beans and potatoes in the same cooking water as the linguine or trenette. The result is quite amazing. The addition of these two vegetables makes a world of difference: The potatoes bind the whole thing together and absorb the sauce in an utterly scrumptious way; the beans add needed moisture, an extra green color, and crunchiness. This is food for the gods.

Serves 4-6

Artichoke Dip

This hot and bubbly dish is a super quick solution to your party food dilemma... Serve it hot with tortilla chips, pita wedges, or crackers and be sure to get a taste, because it doesn't last long at parties!

Serves 4

Fettuccine with Artichokes, Pancetta and Cream

Serves 4

Baked Gnocchi

Gnocchi is an authentic, rustic, hearty and warm traditional Italian dish. These light and airy potato dumplings glow gorgeous in this recipe accompanied with rich heavy cream and ricotta, spiked with prosciutto and fresh baby spinach.

Serves 6

Baked Orzo with Porcini, Peas and Cheese

Serves 4

Braised Chicken Puttanesca

Serves 6

Spaghetti with Sun Dried Tomatoes

The sweet and intense tomato flavor comes from the combination of the California sun dried tomatoes and the concentrated tomato paste. This dish takes minutes to prepare, your sauce is ready in the time that it takes the water to boil.

Serves 4-6

Gnocchi with Pesto and Cream

This is an easy, rich way to enjoy pesto... and kids are crazy about it.

Serves 4