In Italian-American homes, Easter isn’t complete without Pizza Gaina—also known as Pizza Rustica or Easter Pie. Always made on Good Friday and packed with the best meats and cheeses, this savory pie is a cherished tradition in my family. This version is the way my mom makes it, though both of my grandmothers had their own takes, proving that every family adds their own flavor to this holiday staple. The quality of your ingredients truly makes or breaks the dish. If you grew up with Pizza Gaina on your Easter table, I’d love to hear how your family made it—share your memories in the comments!
Tucked inside my grandmother Mimi’s handwritten recipe box was this fall favorite: a moist cake made with freshly picked apples. It’s simple, nostalgic, and perfect with a cup of coffee. I’m so happy to share this beloved family recipe with you.
This tender, flavorful zucchini bread was tucked away in my grandmother’s handwritten recipe box—a simple, comforting recipe that’s stood the test of time. It’s the perfect companion to a bowl of soup or a great savory appetizer for any gathering. Made with garden-fresh zucchini and a touch of love, this is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to every season.
This savory sausage bread—made with pizza dough and packed with flavor—has been a go-to for outdoor picnics, beach days, and potluck parties for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we’d serve it alongside soups at gatherings, and now I bake it for concerts, casual lunches, and anytime I need a guaranteed hit. Easy to slice and serve by hand, it’s the kind of nostalgic, no-fuss food that brings people together.
Layered with rich meat sauce, gooey mozzarella, and plenty of comforting flavor, this hearty lasagna is my go-to dish for winter potlucks and big gatherings. It’s a classic Italian-American favorite—filling, nostalgic, and always a hit. Whether you're feeding a crowd or bringing a show-stopping main to a party, this lasagna brings warmth and joy to every table.
This rich, dreamy chocolate cake was a birthday staple in our family—one of those effortless masterpieces my grandmother would whip up like second nature. Even after long days at her corporate job and a full home-cooked dinner on the stove, she’d find time to bake this cake with love. It’s simple, decadent, and deeply tied to the warmth and care she poured into every meal. Now, I’m honored to share this beloved recipe with you.
This Chicken Milanese is inspired by a classic dish from a beloved Italian restaurant in Connecticut—thinly pounded, golden chicken cutlets simmered in a white wine butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and spicy long hot peppers. It’s bold, comforting, and brings that perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and spicy to your dinner table. A must-try for fans of elevated Italian comfort food.
This Chicken Parmigiana is the ultimate Italian-American comfort dish—crispy, golden chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara and melty mozzarella, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a recipe I made for a friend, but it’s perfect for a cozy date night or an intimate dinner party at home. Simple, satisfying, and always made with love.
Bruschetta is the ultimate Italian appetizer—simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and good crusty bread, it’s a dish that captures the essence of Italian cooking. Serve it with a ball of fresh mozzarella and you’ve got a light, satisfying meal. You’ve probably eaten it… but are you saying it right? Let’s set the record straight and make this classic the right way.
These pumpkin brownies are the perfect treat when you’re craving something chocolatey with a touch of fall flavor. Rich, fudgy, and swirled with pumpkin and cream cheese, they’re a deliciously different dessert to bake during the autumn season—perfect for cozy gatherings, bake sales, or just because. If you're looking to shake up your usual fall baking routine, this is the recipe to try.
This comforting muffin recipe came straight from my grandmother’s handwritten recipe box—made extra special with the flavors of fall. I first baked these apple walnut brown butter muffins with freshly picked apples and toasted walnuts, adding nutty, golden brown butter for depth and richness. They’re perfect for crisp mornings, cozy coffee breaks, or sharing a little homemade love.
When I want to impress without the fuss, I turn to this homemade spaghetti recipe using my KitchenAid mixer. It’s the perfect balance of ease and elegance—fresh pasta made with simple ingredients and rolled into perfect strands that cook up beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or planning a special meal, this is my foolproof way to bring a little Italian magic to the table.
This squash and apple bake is my go-to side dish every Easter, perfectly complementing my famous roasted rack of lamb. Once my grandmother’s cherished Thanksgiving recipe, I adapted it to create a flavorful pairing that’s now a beloved tradition at my holiday table. Sweet, savory, and comforting, it’s the ideal dish to elevate your festive meal.
Making pie crust from scratch doesn’t have to be tricky! This foolproof recipe comes with a secret tip just for you that guarantees a flaky, buttery crust every time. Whether you’re baking fruit pies, savory quiches, or holiday favorites, this crust will make every pie feel truly homemade—and impress your guests with ease.
Looking for the perfect appetizer to bring to your next party? This shrimp and avocado recipe is fresh, flavorful, and guaranteed to be the first dish to vanish from the table. Creamy avocado meets tender, seasoned shrimp in a combo that everyone will rave about—and soon, it’ll be your go-to crowd-pleaser too!
Wholesome, hearty, and made with love—this lentil soup is the kind of meal that brings you right back to your Nonna’s kitchen just like I grew up having in my grandmother Mimi’s kitchen accompanied by an Italian sandwich. With simple ingredients and slow-simmered flavor, it’s the perfect dish for cold winter days, especially when served with a crusty sandwich on the side. Whether you're craving comfort or tradition, this recipe delivers both in every spoonful.
In Italian-American homes, Easter isn’t complete without Pizza Gaina—also known as Pizza Rustica or Easter Pie. Always made on Good Friday and packed with the best meats and cheeses, this savory pie is a cherished tradition in my family. This version is the way my mom makes it, though both of my grandmothers had their own takes, proving that every family adds their own flavor to this holiday staple. The quality of your ingredients truly makes or breaks the dish. If you grew up with Pizza Gaina on your Easter table, I’d love to hear how your family made it—share your memories in the comments!