Fall recipe

Leek gnudi or Gnudi di Porri are a twist on a popular Tuscan dish of humble origins. Gnudi are traditionally little dumplings of sheep’s milk ricotta cheese and spinach, chard, or other greens such as cavolo nero (dinosaur kale), mixed with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, fresh nutmeg, egg and often flour. In this version, I use leeks, an ingredient often used in Tuscan cuisine, instead of greens. Sauced with a butter and sage sauce, it’s a simple, delicious and lovely dish that’s quick to prepare.

Bagna Cauda from Piedmont is one of those iconic dishes that you come across repeatedly when you read about Italian cuisine. What it is, at its simplest, is a warm sauce of garlic and anchovies slowly cooked in extra virgin olive oil until soft and luscious, served in autumn with seasonal raw and cooked vegetables. It’s not just a dish but a communal event shared with friends and family. (Red wine flowing…) If you hear the recipe described – it doesn’t necessarily sound appealing or interesting at first. However, once you taste it and experience a proper Bagna Cauda, it …

To say that I like to eat and eat well is an understatement. I adore food from all over the world. Consequently, coming up with an absolute favorite dish is tough. However, Eggplant Parmigiana is way up there on my favorites list. If I could select my final meal, I’d definitely include a huge tray of it, just for me! Zucca alla Parmigiana or Butternut Squash Parmigiana is a fall/winter version of the dish. In my version, I use the same glorious flavors of a Neapolitan Melanzane alla Parmigiana, but switch out the summery eggplant with winter squash. It’s a …

I must admit that before my Aunt Rose served me her Italian Lentil Soup (Zuppa di Lenticchie) years ago, I’d never liked lentil soup. What I’d tasted previously was always boring and poorly prepared and I just thought that it was bland “health food”. This soup, however, is delicious, comforting, and satisfying. It’s exactly what I want to eat when the weather gets cool. I eat it all fall and winter long and never tire of it. It’s a family favorite.