Festa di San Silvestro, named after Pope Sylvester I, is how in Italy we refer to New Year's Eve. Did you know that were the ancient Romans that in 153 B.C. moved the start of the year from the Spring equinox to January 1? In Italy, traditionally the Veglione di Capodanno (New Year's Party) lasts …
Continue reading My New Year’s Eve: Friends, Lentils, Cotechino, Tombola, and “Something” Red!
I am back after a few days of break. I am sure you all had a delightful Holiday weekend just like mine. My fall (off the only ONE step outside my front door!) on Friday evening, the failure of the garbage disposal and dishwasher on Saturday and the delay of the gift my husband had …
Continue reading La Ricetta Della Calamarata . . . Calamarata Recipe
It is time to break the news: there is not such thing as the "Feast of the seven fish" in Italy! When I moved from Italy to Frederick, MD in 1991, I could not find espresso, cappuccino, fresh mozzarella or prosciutto. However, I could buy "Italian" garlic bread and "Italian" salsa Alfredo, both of which …
Yesterday was December 21, the shortest day of the year. That means brighter days are ahead and Christmas is only 4 days away. Time to start My holiday desserts and to share two of My favorite Christmas recipes . You probably all know about the Panettone from Milano and the Pandoro from Verona, both delicious …
Continue reading Struffoli and Mostaccioli My favorite Christmas desserts
The word presepe comes from Latin “praesaepe” and means mangiatoia (manger). The Italian tradition of the presepe originates with St. Francis of Assisi, who in 1223, in Greggio (Umbria), for the first time represented the Nativity with a live scene. The first sculptural representation of the Italian Nativity scene is from the late '200, when it only included eight figures, Madonna, Giuseppe, Bambino …
Continue reading Il Presepe Napoletano – The Neapolitan Crèche
Sharing MY Italy 