There’s a quote by Fabrizio Carmagna which says “Il poeta ama giocare con l’invisibile: prende l’aria intorno a una farfalla e costruisce il sorriso di un bambino.” This translates in English as “The poet loves to play with the invisible; he takes the air around a butterfly and constructs the smile of a baby.” As a cook, when I think of butterflies...

Zeppole and Sfingi di San Giuseppe are among our most beloved Italian culinary rituals. In addition to the highly anticipated sweet treats, however, Calabrians choose to celebrate with Lagane (or laganelle), a type of homemade pasta often paired with beans. Dating back to 4th century BCE Magna Graecia, this type of pasta can still be found in moder...

In Italy, Carnevale runs until February 23 this year while the entire month is dedicated to Heart Health in the US. I’m celebrating with a dish that will transport your taste buds to the sparkling Adriatic Sea while promoting a heart-healthy Italian diet, so I’m sharing my favorite Insalata di Mare recipe from Italian Recipes for Dummies. Seafood...

October 28 2022 Reception at Villa Firenze in Washington, DC

Dear friends, first of all: happy Italian Heritage Month! I am writing this editorial excited by the fact that after three very long years, in a few days I will finally be back in the US. I will be in Washington DC for events, meeting and presentations, If you will be able to be in Washington DC on October 29 at 10.30 AM at the NIAF Gala Forum, or...

It’s no coincidence that National Pizza Month falls in October, a month that the US celebrates Italian-American Heritage. The ritual of pizza-making (along with pasta and sauce making) is much more important than a means to satisfy hunger — it’s a link to our past and a patrimony to pass down to future generations.  When we bake, we also lose our w...

August is for holidays and time spent with family and friends - not the time for lengthy recipes and long cooking times. When you’re looking for a tasty dish that can be made in less than 20 minutes and is elegant enough to serve for company, turn to one of my favorite pasta creations of all time. Each time I prepare it, it calls to mind the quote...

Ciao from Rome!   Dear friends, during our first gala last June 20, we announced two partnerships. The one with the Transatlantic Investment Committee (TIC) is particularly dear to us: this is an excellent project that will concretely improve economic and financial relations between Italy and the United States. A few days ago we attended the first...

The second in-person program for 2022 at Casa Italiana on May 15 was a successful and fun event.  About 80 AMHS members and guests enjoyed a lively panel discussion on why Italian cuisine is not only delicious but nutritious and healthy too. The event was organized by AMHS, with the Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center Inc. and the Casa Italiana Lang...

This interview is a collective one. Or maybe not. We’ll talk with a chef, a television star, a food historian, a culinary anthropologist and a Mediterranean Diet advocate. All in one person, a wonderful Italian American woman. Amy Riolo has such a beautiful and contagious smile, in a time when contagious is not a word we use lightly. Luckily for us...