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!
Are You Using the Right Zucchini Flowers? Male vs. Female Explained for Perfect Frying
Buona domenica a tutti, As summer begins, it’s the perfect time to embrace the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to one of the classic Mediterranean specialties: Fried Zucchini Flowers (Frittelle di Fiori di Zucca). These delicate blossoms are transformed into a golden, crispy delight, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish for warm summer gatherings. The recipe is simple, yet the key lies in achieving the ideal balance of texture and flavor,...
How Italians Transformed Scarcity into Culinary Genius
Buona domenica, Today, I'd like to introduce you to a recipe that was born as a clever solution during times of scarcity but has become a beloved dish celebrated for its flavor and ingenuity: Italian Eggplant Meatballs (Polpette di Melanzane). This dish is a classic example of cucina povera—a resourceful way of cooking where eggplants were used to replace expensive meat. Over time, the recipe became so popular that it was even served at grand aristocratic parties. Flavored with fresh basil,...
The Roman Street Food That Gave McDonald’s a Run for Its Money
Buona Domenica a tutti, Street food in Italy has existed for centuries, tracing its roots back to the Roman Empire and thriving long before McDonald's was even imagined. McDonald’s opened its doors in Piazza di Spagna in 1986, when Porchetta Romana, not the Big Mac, was the street food that brought Romans together. Our Vespa gatherings often revolved around kiosks selling this savory, slow-roasted pork dish. Porchetta, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and fennel seeds, was sliced thin and...
Fail-Proof Vegetarian Eggplant Milanese (Even Kids Will Love It)
Hello Italian Food Lovers, Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s not only delicious but also rooted in the traditions of Italian cuisine: Eggplant Milanese. This vegetarian twist on the classic veal Milanese has its origins in cucina povera, the cooking of Italy’s lower class, where meat was often too expensive. Eggplants, with their soft, chunky, and meaty texture, became an ingenious substitute. The recipe was so good that it soon found its way onto the tables of Italy’s wealthiest...
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...
Get authentic recipes, cooking videos, and exclusive Italian cuisine tips straight to your inbox, and exclusive insights to dispel common misconceptions about Italian cooking!