Makes 1 1/4 pounds dough
Polenta Cake with Grappa, Berries, and Minted Mascarpone
Makes 6 servings This cake is dense and not too sweet, almost like a sweet cornbread. I like to use coarse polenta so that it also has an interesting texture, but if you have to use regular cornmeal, that works as well.
Polenta Gnocchi with Truffled Cheese Fondue
Makes 6 servings Unlike potato gnocchi, these dumplings are a bit more dense and toothsome, though still nice and light. The truffled cheese sauce is decadent and rich, making it perfect for a special occasion.
Polenta with Sausage Sauce
Serves 4 Dried mushrooms are great for adding richness and savoriness, but they can be a little pricey. As an alternative, look for bulk mushroom powder (you’ll just need a pinch) or you can omit them altogether. For a dairy-free version of the polenta, use olive oil instead of butter […]
Polenta With Sopressata & Vinegar Sauce
Serves 6 Polenta Chef’s Note: Sopressata is usually much larger in diameter than a regular salami, so one slice per person is usually enough, but if you are using any other type of good-quality soft salami, you may have to increase the number of slices for each serving.
Porchetta
Makes 6 to 8 servings Traditional porchetta can be made several different ways. This simplified preparation calls for a boneless pork loin cut into quarters, surrounded by Italian sausage with sautéed onions and fennel added, and wrapped in a butterflied pork belly. The whole thing is then tied and slowly […]
Pork Braised in Milk
Makes 6 servings Substitute any color onion for the shallots, if needed (you’ll want about 1/3 cup finely chopped) or chicken broth in place of the beef broth. The herbs are a welcome addition, but you can still make this dish if you don’t have any on hand.
Potato Gnocchi
Makes 1 1/2 lb dough Cooking and drying your potatoes properly, and mixing in just the right amount of flour, is the key to success. While you are just learning to make these dumplings, we strongly suggest that you prepare a couple of test gnocchi first so that yours won’t […]
Potato Gnocchi with Asparagus, Rabbit, and Liver
Makes 6 servings This recipe has many steps and ingredients, but the techniques are simple and worth the finished dish! Be sure to read the recipe all the way through to plan your time, since you will need the broth to make the ragú.
Potato Gnocchi with Taleggio
Pressure Cooker Osso Buco
Makes 4 servings Osso buco used to be an all-day recipe, saved for the most special of occasions. While we still think it’s a special dish to serve for a holiday or dinner party, preparing it in an electric pressure cooker makes it quick and easy. If you don’t have […]
Pure and Simple: Italian Passata
When it comes to Italian cooking, few ingredients are as humble yet essential as passata. Unlike the more familiar cans of diced or whole tomatoes, passata is a smooth, sieved tomato purée that embodies the pure, sun-ripened flavor of peak-season tomatoes. In Italy, jars of homemade passata are pantry gold, […]