Learn how to make a creamy, silky bechamel sauce without butter. This version is rich in texture and perfect for classic comfort dishes when you’re out of butter. Bechamel is one of the fundamental sauces in cooking. It serves as the base for many dishes—pasta bakes, pies, gratins and more—and knowing how to make it … Read more

This time of year calls for a warming bowl of soup, and this Tuscan minestrone is ideal for chilly evenings. Loaded with seasonal vegetables, cannellini beans and rice, it’s a great way to use up leftover produce. Wrap yourself in a blanket, grab a slice of crusty bread and enjoy a comforting, wholesome meal. To … Read more

La Caponata is a classic Sicilian dish of fried eggplant tossed in an agrodolce (sweet-and-sour) sauce with briny olives, capers, celery, onions and tomatoes. Rich and deeply flavored, it works beautifully as an appetizer on crostini or as a bright side for meat or fish. Quick recipe snapshot Traditional Sicilian recipe highlighting summer produce. Improves … Read more

Crostini Three Ways – Stracchino with spinach, garlic with cannellini beans, and prosciutto with Pecorino and truffle honey. These three simple crostini make perfect party bites. Crostini are an Italian appetizer of grilled or toasted bread—often ciabatta—topped with meats, cheeses, or vegetables. They’re an easy, elegant way to start an evening alongside a glass of … Read more

Watermelon basil salad with mint, creamy goat’s cheese and balsamic glaze. A quick summer salad that’s light, refreshing and ready in under 10 minutes. Summer and watermelon go together perfectly. A bite of ripe watermelon is like drinking sweet, cooling fruit juice — ideal for hot days. This salad balances juicy watermelon with tangy creamy … Read more

This creamy ’Nduja pasta sauce is made from cherry tomatoes, dry white wine, spicy ’Nduja salami and a splash of cream. It’s rich, comforting and quick to prepare—perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the sauce. ’Nduja is a soft, spreadable, spicy salami from Calabria. It … Read more

Learn how to make a light, bubbly and delicious Puccini Cocktail. This Venetian cocktail is ideal for brunch, celebrations or any relaxed gathering. It’s incredibly simple—just two ingredients—and delivers fresh citrus brightness with sparkling Prosecco. The Puccini cocktail takes its name from the famed Italian composer Giacomo Puccini and was created in Harry’s Bar, Venice. … Read more

The easiest Pasta Fagioli Soup (pasta e fagioli) made with sautéed vegetables, borlotti beans, tomatoes and small pasta. This Italian soup is hearty, comforting and full of flavour. Serve with crusty bread and a glass of wine. Pasta Fagioli, or pasta e fagioli, is the kind of dish you want to curl up on the … Read more

Crispy rosemary and garlic chicken thighs baked with spicy Calabrian ’nduja and finished with a bright gremolata of parsley, lemon zest and garlic. This simple, flavour-packed dish is perfect with roast potatoes or grilled vegetables. ’Nduja is an intensely flavoured, spreadable Calabrian salami that adds a smoky, spicy hit to many dishes. I often use … Read more