Zuccotto Cake for Festive Occasions

 Zuccotto Cake for Festive Occasions  Zuccotto, a Florentine cake, was presented for the first time at Caterina de Medici's court during a banquet held for distinguised Spanich visitants. It is believed that a famous Italian artist named this dessert, Elmo di Caterina (Caterina's helmet).  The cake shape resembled an infantry helmet of that time known as a Zuccotto. Given...

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Handmade Pici with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Burrata

Pici (Pinci) Pasta, Fresh Tomato Sauce, BurrataPici is a thick, hand rolled pasta, similar to fat spaghetti. It originated in the province of Siena in Tuscany.In the Montalcino area, it is called pinci. This is hearty pasta best served with a spicy tomato sauce or a rich meat sauce.Handmade Pici (Pinci) Pasta 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour1 small egg, lightly beaten 1/4...

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Kale Salad Cannellini and Lime Dressing

 Kale Salad Cannellini and Lime Dressing  1 bunch Organic curly kale, rinsed and dried 4-6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Zest of 1 lime2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juiceKosher salt and freshly cracked black pepperPinch red pepper flakes 1-2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 cup cooked cannellini beans1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheeseRemove the...

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Spaghetti al Vino Bianco e Arugula

Spaghetti al Vino Bianco e Arugula 1 pound dried spaghetti3 ounces minced pancetta  2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil                                                        ...

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Regina cookies (Sicilian Sesame Cookies)

Sesame cooking with fresh zest and juice of orangesSesame Cookies - Regina Cookies 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour1 tablespoon baking powder1 pinch salt2 sticks unsalted butter, softened at room temperature1 cup sugar2 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extractzest 2 orangesJuice of 1 – 1 ½ oranges2 cups raw sesame seedsPreheat oven to 350F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dry...

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Seffa – Festive Couscous

Festive couscous with dried fruit, nuts, and cinnamon3 cups fine or medium coarse couscous1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 teaspoon kosher saltFreshly ground black pepper3 cups boiling water2 teaspoons rosewater 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and warm¾ cup golden raisins½ cup dried apricots, pitted and sliced½ cup dates, pitted and sliced½ cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted2...

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