Italian Christmas Cookies: Buon Natale! December 13, 2014 2 Comments Christmas in Italy In Italy, the focus of Christmas is on family and feasting. The recipes are traditional—everyone looks forward to enjoying the dishes that their families have made for generations. The real magic happens in the way everyone—Mama, Papa, aunts, children, siblings, cousins, etc.—joins together to share in the traditions. Perhaps we’re biased, but we’ve always felt the most special part of Christmas dinner is when the cookies, Vin Santo and coffee come out. … Read More about Italian Christmas Cookies: Buon Natale!
The Gluten-Free Italian Table: Summer Delights August 1, 2014 1 Comment Chef Fernanda's Summer Farm-to-Table Delights I’m a mostly gluten-free Italian who loves to share great food with the people I love. I first got interested in a gluten-free diet when a friend of the family told us that she was gluten-intolerant. Out of curiosity, I tried a cutting out gluten and noticed that I generally felt better. That made me a true believer. I’m willing to give up wheat, but I’m not willing to give up on great taste. It’s my palate that guides me when making our … Read More about The Gluten-Free Italian Table: Summer Delights
Celebrate Easter with Naturally Dyed Eggs and an Italian Picnic April 3, 2014 Leave a Comment Easter (Pasqua in Italian) is one of the biggest holidays in Italy. It is a time to celebrate spring, sweetness and light. After weeks of Lent, when many Italians abstain from meat and dessert, Easter Sunday arrives in a burst of color and flavor. The day is spent eating, drinking and enjoying the arrival of spring with family. Italians also take Monday off for Pasquetta (“Little Easter”) which is a day for picnics with friends and more celebration. To help you celebrate, we have put together … Read More about Celebrate Easter with Naturally Dyed Eggs and an Italian Picnic
Carnevale recipe: crostoli con ricotta February 25, 2014 Leave a Comment Carnevale is Italy's version of Mardi Gras, the big blow-out before the restrictions of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday. It's a winter festival celebrated throughout the country with parades, music, masks, masquerade and (of course) special cookies. Easter is a bigger deal in Italy than Christmas. Likewise, Carnevale beats New Year's in terms of festivities. Venice, Viareggio on the Tuscany Coast and Cento in Emilia Romagna host the most extravagant and famous Carnevale festivals. But even our … Read More about Carnevale recipe: crostoli con ricotta
How to make a Romantic Valentine’s Day, Italian Style February 7, 2014 Leave a Comment Italy has a rich tradition of love and romance. We gave the world Romeo and Juliette. Dante and Beatrice. Paolo and Francesca. At Cookies con Amore, we are Italian! We are romantics! We bake desserts from and for the heart! And so, from time to time, we’re asked how Italians celebrate Valentine’s Day. The truth is that the holiday isn’t celebrated as much in Italy as America. But in our years in California, we have grown to love this holiday and can’t think of a better way to celebrate than … Read More about How to make a Romantic Valentine’s Day, Italian Style