Your Guardian Chef: Laura Giunta Tobin
Get authentic recipes, cooking videos, and exclusive Italian cuisine tips straight to your inbox, and exclusive insights to dispel common misconceptions about Italian cooking!
From Shipwreck to Street Food: So Easy You NEED to Make It!
Buona domenica, Today I'm exploring the Italian chickpea pancake. You might know it by various names across the Mediterranean, such as Farinata in Liguria, Cecina in Tuscany, Pannella in Sicily, or Socca in the South of France, to name a few. This particular dish has a rather unique legend behind its origin; the story tells of an incident at sea involving Genoese sailors and their cargo. Its culinary history is quite interesting, and its journey across different coastal cultures, via historic...
What You Didn't Know About Squid Ink Pasta
Buona domenica, Did you know that while many call it squid ink pasta, the truth is quite different? The black ink used in this dish actually comes from cuttlefish, not squid. This intriguing distinction is just one of the many secrets behind the stunning dish known as Pasta al Nero di Seppia. In my latest video, I explore the flavors and preparation of this unique pasta, revealing how cuttlefish ink provides a rich, umami experience that is often mistaken for squid ink. Join me as I share the...
The Fascinating Transformation of Dining Etiquette
Hello everyone! As we celebrate Easter, I like to explore how dining traditions have evolved over the centuries, reflecting broader cultural shifts. Here are some highlights: Roman Banquets: Power and OpulenceIn ancient Rome, lavish banquets were bold displays of dominance and wealth, with extravagant spreads designed to impress and assert power. Medieval Feasts: From Power to DiplomacyBy the 13th century, banquets became more meaningful social events, fostering camaraderie and diplomacy....
50 Must-Try Italian Recipes to Make Your Easter Feast Unforgettable
Buona Domenica!Easter is next week and the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious food! If you’re looking to bring the flavors of Italy to your celebration, I’ve put together a list of traditional Italian recipes you can make this Easter. Here’s what’s on the menu: Italian Easter Recipes Collection 🥚 Savory Egg-Based Dishes🍖 Roasted Lamb🥬 Spring Vegetable Sides🥧 Sweet and Savory Tarts🍫 Chocolate DelightsThese dishes highlight the fresh, seasonal ingredients Italians love,...
4 Must-Try Pesto Recipes You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner 🌿
Buona domenica, Did you know that the word "pesto" comes from the Italian word pestare, which means "to pound" or "to crush"? While the classic Genovese basil pesto from Liguria is the most famous, Italy is home to many variations of this versatile sauce, each reflecting the ingredients and traditions of its region. From Sicily's vibrant pistachio pesto to Trapani's rich tomato-based pesto rosso, each recipe offers a unique way to enhance your dishes. This week, I’m sharing four unique pesto...
10 Surprising Pasta Facts You’ll Love + A Unique Recipe! 🍝
Buongiorno a tutti! Pasta is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a food with a rich and fascinating history that has evolved over centuries. Contrary to the popular myth that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy from China, historical evidence shows that pasta had already developed in Italy before his time. Here are 10 fascinating facts about pasta’s rich history that might surprise you: Pasta dates back to Ancient Rome, where a dish called "lagana" (ancestor of lasagna) was made by baking...
Italian Sunday Traditions and Winter Recipes You’ll Love 🍝🍎✨
Ciao amici!What a week it’s been over on social media! I wanted to share a quick recap in case you missed anything—this week’s theme was all about Italian traditions and seasonal recipes. 1. Italian Sunday Dinner: Myth vs Reality 🇮🇹Did you know that the real Italian Sunday tradition is all about "il pranzo della domenica"—a long, leisurely lunch, not dinner and Sunday sauce? It’s a feast that starts with a primo (pasta or risotto), followed by a secondo (a meat dish), contorni (sides), and of...
The perfect recipe for a Summer party
Dear Food Enthusiasts, This week, I'm thrilled to bring you a taste of Italian sunshine with my new recipe for Italian Pineapple Sorbet. This refreshing, light dessert is perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home. The Ultimate Italian Pineapple Sorbet This delightful sorbet is crafted from fresh pineapple, creating a vibrant and tropical flavor. A touch of prosecco adds an authentic Italian twist, while Italian meringue ensures a fluffy, airy texture that sets this sorbet apart from...
Sweeten Your Summer with Strawberry and White Chocolate Combination 🍓🍨
Dear Gelato Enthusiasts, This week, I’m delighted to share the delights of making Traditional Strawberry Gelato with White Chocolate at home. While some gelato recipes use cornstarch for simplicity, this recipe opts for Italian meringue, which, despite requiring more effort, significantly enhances the gelato's airy texture and overall quality. This gelato combines the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries with the rich, creamy indulgence of white chocolate, offering a perfect balance of...
Discover the True Art of Traditional Stracciatella Gelato 🍨
Dear Culinary Enthusiast, As the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a creamy, homemade Stracciatella Gelato, a milk ice cream, known as crema di latte, mixed with chocolate shards to add a delightful crunch. This Stracciatella recipe stands out because it’s made the traditional way with crema di latte and Italian meringue. This method ensures a creamy texture and rich flavor, using only natural ingredients, without any shortcuts. To help you make this delightful treat, I...
Get authentic recipes, cooking videos, and exclusive Italian cuisine tips straight to your inbox, and exclusive insights to dispel common misconceptions about Italian cooking!