Tina's Table is an Italian Cuisine & Travel Blog in Bologna Italy

Are you a fan of pizzelles? Those typically sweet waffle cookies, traditionally flavored with anise or other flavors such as lemon? Did you know that they can be savory as well? Today I’m going to share with you a very simple and adaptable recipe for savory pizzelles. I will provide a base recipe with four different flavor variations. You can serve these with cured meats, olives, cheeses and any other salty nibble that captures your fancy. Spritz o’clock just got more interesting! Please read on to hear about these traditional cookies from Abruzzo, with a savory twist. I will also…

It’s early fall, that wonderful time of year when summer produce is still scrumptious and autumn goodies are just coming into season. Therefore, it’s a perfect time to try this hearty Italian Zucchini Soup with Cannellini Beans, Potato, & Ditalini, all infused with fresh tomato & basil. You get the best of both worlds, fresh, flavorful zucchini and tomatoes, and the warming comfort of a nice bowl of soup as the weather cools down.

Summer is upon us and that means that tomato season is starting! Finally, we are starting to see real, juicy, sweet, succulent tomatoes… Yippee! If you love pasta with tomato and want a recipe that highlights fresh, ripe summer tomatoes, then read on about Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato, Potato & Basil. This lovely dish with barely cooked tomatoes, perfumed with fresh basil, and deliciously creamy from the potato is a winner. It’s light, economical, and absolutely delicious. It’s also a little bit out of the norm.

I’ve been living in Bologna for 5 years now. It’s truly been a dream come true for me to spend this much time in Italy and to explore its food and culture. However, after about 3 years into our time here, I started missing other ethnic flavors. I lived in NYC for 15 years. Therefore, I got used to eating food from all over the world. Eating internationally can be tough here, as dining establishments tend to be predominantly Bolognese. Often, restaurants serving ethnic foods aren’t very good. So, in the last couple of years, I have been upping my…

If you have traveled to Italy or other parts of Europe, you may have come across guinea fowl or guinea hen (faraona in Italian). I first encountered it in Italy and found it to be utterly delicious. Although it’s not very common in the USA, it’s something that I think many people would adore if they tried it. If you like chicken but are looking for something a little different, that’s leaner and that has even more flavor, consider trying it. Searching for an Italian guinea fowl recipe? This simple and satisfying recipe could be just what you’re looking for.

Pasta e Patate con la Provola is a Neapolitan classic, straight out of la cucina povera, or poor man’s cooking. I do not feel poor however when I eat it, I feel damned lucky! It is a hearty, scrumptious, and comforting dish normally served in winter. Nonetheless, it is freezing in Bologna right now which gave me the perfect excuse to make it today! Yippee for silver linings. I didn’t make it this winter so am mighty satisfied to have squeezed it in before it truly gets too hot to make it. If it’s cold wherever you are, this recipe might…

If you follow me at all on Instagram, you know that I adore artichokes. I love cooking them, eating them, and I can’t stop taking pictures of them. I really can’t! If you are similarly afflicted, this recipe for Artichoke Crostini with Parsley & Mint will be a winner. Toasted baguette slices are topped with a lovely, chunky puree of fresh artichokes that are delicately braised with garlic, then seasoned with parsley and mint. To finish, you top them with shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to add richness, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. They make a lovely starter to…

In America, we have a tendency to eat savory breakfasts. At least that was always my go-to. You know, eggs and bacon, omelets, egg and cheese on a roll… (Pardon me as I drool…) In Italy however, they seem to like a sweet breakfast. Toast with jam, biscotti, chocolate-filled pastries, donuts filled with pastry cream, or this Ciambella allo Yogurt agli Agrumi. A ciambella is a ring cake, similar to a bundt cake, and you see them all over Italy in a variety of flavors. Like a bundt cake, they are incredibly homey and easy to make. This Ciambella allo…

Let’s take a culinary journey to my Calabrian roots. Today, I’m sharing a little known dish called Spaghetti alla Corte d’Assise. If you enjoy exploring Italian regional cuisine and like spicy food, you’re going to love this recipe. Spaghetti alla Corte d’Assise is a delicious and fiery primo with simple ingredients – extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh chilies, tomato, parsley, and of course, spaghetti. It’s easy to make, super yummy, and satisfying. Read on to hear more about this Calabrian pasta dish!