First, Happy Valentine’s Day! In the U.S., this has become known as a romantic day for couples, with countless people going out to dinner and/or exchanging cards and gifts such as jewelry, chocolate, and flowers. The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to Saint...
As we move forward into a new year, I wanted to share one more holiday tradition with you. This one isn’t strictly Italian. It’s more Italian-American, and is not called the Feast of Seven Fishes in Italy. This is a meal that is traditionally consumed on Christmas...
The Epiphany feast, known as La Befana, is an important part of Christmas festivities in Italy. La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition for much longer than Babbo Natale (Santa Claus), probably dating as far back as the 13th century. La Befana...
There’s no Christmas like an Italian Christmas! Sure, I may be a little biased, but il Natale (Christmas) is an exciting occasion to cook some well-loved family recipes and dine with friends and family. I’m delighted to share some of our most cherished...
As I discussed in my last post, Italy is a magical place during the Christmas season. In addition to the Presepio (Nativity), no Italian Christmas celebration would be complete without the the Zampognari (bagpipers). The Zampognari play...
While California is my home, Italy will always have a special place in my heart. To an American, Italy carries an air of romance and old-world elegance. There is no time in Italy more magical than the holiday season, especially Christmas, Il Natale, due to...
I’m originally from Bologna, Italy, which is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Bologna is the largest city in Emilia-Romagna and the seventh largest city in Italy. It has a population of around one million people. It is a very old city that...