Making the move from a city with an abundance of Italian food to a place that does not can be rather discouraging. Even the pizza that is advertised as Italian has the southern barbeque blend that definitely did not originate in Sicily. On occasion, a few of the neighborhoods or a church group will have an Italian festival and offer some of the Italian delicacies that we grew up on. You can spot the ones that are homemade [More]

Homemade Panna Cotta
Preparation time 5 minutes, cook time 10 minutes, and ready in about 4 ½ hours

Ingredients:
– 1/3 cup whole milk
– 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
– 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla
– Toppings of your choice, like fruit or chocolate

Directions:
1. Combine milk and gelatin in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Combine heavy cream and sugar, and set over low-medium heat.
3. Bring to a boil, occasionally stirring, as the cream will quickly rise to the top of [More]

Every great chef, cook or baker knows the success of a dish depends not just upon the skill and experience of the chef, but also upon using the highest quality ingredients. Canned, frozen or highly-processed ingredients simply never taste as good as fresh produce and foods, and the quality of any meal or dish can be improved by always shopping for fresh and often locally-produced ingredients for desserts.

Local farmer’s markets are a great way to not only [More]

Spumoni is a delicious treat!

Almond, Chocolate and Pistachio Spumoni!
6 cups whole milk
8 large egg yolks
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
2/3 cup whole blanched almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted shelled pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped

Bring your milk to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cornstarch, sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring it into the milk once it is all combined.

Bring the mixture to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for two [More]