Perfect Gift for Foodie Fathers!

Still racking your brains trying to decide what to give dad this Sunday?

No worries, we’ve got you covered: Breaking Bread in L’Aquila Aprons are back in black this Father’s Day.

BBapron

These classic black aprons feature a double pocket and an adjustable neck strap. Let’s get cooking with dad! Machine washable, 22” X 30” poly cotton.
The perfect gift for all cooking lovers. It’s never too late for a little Father’s Day Gift giving!

In the spirit of giving, a portion of the net profits will be donated to the earthquake restorations of L’Aquila.

Get the apron (and a copy of Breaking Bread in L’Aquila!) here!

White Chocolate Biscotti Soldiers

cookie soldiers

White Chocolate Biscotti Soldiers ready to be eaten!

Just dipped my cranberry-pistachio biscotti with an armour coat of white chocolate! The cookie war begins!

a presto,

maria !

Conchiglioni/Shells with Sausage!

pasta w meat II

I made a hearty tomatoe sauce with small chunks of pork sausage and meat. Conchiglioni are great for stuffing and baking but I decided to serve with my hearty sauce. It was delicous – ask my interns! We had a brain storm session over lunch (of course)!

Use your favorite pasta but beware of the capellini with this sauce. Capellini (similar to angel hair pasta) and a very thin pasta requires a very light/thin sauce. I made the mistake a few years ago when I ran out of spaghetti and thought I can substitute ….well, it turned out to be another episode of “I Love Lucy”. Remind me one day when I have time ……

a presto,

Maria

CHCH TV 11 Segment on Friday, April 22nd

Wanted to share my table at my CHCH TV Segment in Hamilton. Co-Anchor with Lesley Stewart sharing some Holiday tips.

Leslie and Maria

a presto,

Maria

Easter Amaretti, Biscotti, and Pizzelle!

Strike a biscotti pose….Here’s a festive version of my amaretti, biscotti and pizzele. What do you think? The recipes are in my book Breaking Bread in L’Aquila.

amaretti, biscotti and pizzelle

Step aside, amaretti showing off with pastel almond confetti (sugar coated almonds). Sulmona (in the province of L’Aquila) is the city that these famous hard candies are produced. I added the confetti when I removed the amaretti from the oven.

amaretti

I shaped the pizzelle with festive Easter designs: butterflies, eggs and baby lambs. When you remove the hot pizzelle from the press, stamp the cookies right away before they get hard. A great way to be creative during the Holiday! I drizzled powder sugar and sugar crystals.

pizelle designs

White chocolate dip for the biscotti and sprinkles of mint green sugar crystals! I made the biscotti bite size minis!

You can see me on CHCH TV 11 on Friday, April 22nd @ 8:20am. for my segment “What’s cooking in your Easter Basket”.

a presto,

Maria