What is a Spritz? This popular apéritif found in Italy and popular in the Spring and Summer because of its refreshing taste. It is low in alcohol, aromatic with citrus, and slightly bitter. It is easy to make and perfect for …
Passing Italian Citizenship by Descent: A Gift for Our Children
Italian citizenship by descent or dual citizenship, is a gift to pass along to further generations. In 2015 I applied for citizenship with Italy through the process called Jus Sanguinis (through blood) and Ilene through Jus Matrimonii (through marriage). This …
Cooking Pasta: Know the 10 Commandments
Cooking Pasta So for tonight’s dinner, you’re cooking pasta. Brava. You should think ahead because it’s not just about boiling some water and throwing some dried pasta into it. There is so much more to it than that. Here are …
The Historical Regatta, Venice
The Historical Regatta is the main event in the annual “Voga alla Veneta” rowing calendar. This unique sport (which only takes place in Venice once a year- has been practiced in the Venetian lagoon for thousands of years. Most noteworthy… …
La Befana: Italian Tradition in January
In Italian Christmas folklore, La Befana (pronounced [beˈfana]) is represented by an old woman riding a broomstick through the air. She delivers various sweets and candy to good children on Epiphany Eve. But if you were bad – watch out… you …
Ilene’s New York Cheesecake
The key to this New York cheesecake is the water bath. If you don’t have a sizeable lasagna-type pan, you can purchase an inexpensive metal one from the grocery store. This is a family favorite and featured in our book, …
Dried vs Fresh Pasta | Which is Better?
Most of us growing up in “non-Italian” families grew up with dried pasta. For me, it was every Friday night with fish sticks. How funny that is still a vivid memory of my childhood. Now, I can’t say the same …
The Love & Pursuit of the Italian Language
The Italian Language This post is about the Italian language, including suggestions and ideas for understanding and speaking it. When we first visited Italy back in 2010, it was then and there I fell in love with the musical sound …
Gelato | Warning: Not All Are The Same
Gelato | Warning: Not All Are The Same There are hundreds of places for gelato in Italy. Literally, hundreds. But are all places the same for that yummy cold stuff? Gelato is an English term for ice cream made in …
Italian Olive Oil – What You Should Know
Italian Olive Oil Today’s post is all about Italian olive oil. In thinking about posts you might like, I have written about kinds of pasta, sauces, and wines, and for some reason – olive oil popped into my head. I …
Guest, Marilyn Ricci- My Path to Life in Italy
Through social media, Gary and I have met and befriended (I hope she thinks so too), ex-pat Marilyn Ricci. Consequently – we’d like you to meet her too. We almost had the chance to personally meet when we were in …
Some of the Greatest Italian Tenors
Italian Tenors My love of opera, not necessarily Italian tenors, started at an incredibly young age. My grandfather (Pop) would play his 78rpm records (vinyl discs played on a Victrola) and I would sit with him and listen, especially to …