Leslie's Kitchen: Hearty Minestrone Soup
I like to prepare this over the weekend and then reheat it during the week when life gets crazy. The beans, potato, and Parmesan make this a hearty meatless meal. If you still feel like you need a little extra, serve with turkey or chicken sausage. Don’t forget the warm, crusty bread!
From Tuscany to Corfu: Traveling Through Books
Like music and film, reading books can transport us to beautiful destinations, whether real or imaginary, nostalgic moments or future desires. From memories and romance novels to historical fiction, reading is my favorite past-time to immerse myself in the richness of Mediterranean culture, landscape, and history whenever I long for a mental escape.How to make an Italian Aperitivo
The aperitivo is without a doubt, the happiest hour for Italians, it is the anticipation of an adventure, "La dolce vita" at its best.
The aperitivo is a ritual, a moment dedicated to friends, to lightheartedness, to chatting, it is undoubtedly the most iconic Italian moment.
New Year's Eve Mediterranean Style
As you prep for your New Year's parties and look forward to any traditions which you uphold on the final day of the year, why not have a look at how southern Europe celebrates theirs. Whatever your merriments may be perhaps, you’ll find be inspired to add a few more to your list!Leslie's Kitchen: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Leslie's Stuffed Acorn Squash is a winter winner: filled with a tasty combination of sausage, apple, and onion, all baked in a squash and finished with Parmesan. It's a straightforward, delicious meal for chilly nights.Lazio Uncovered: Five Must-See Spots Beyond Rome
Overlooked by neighboring regions like Tuscany and Umbria, Lazio is full of rich history, beautiful landscapes, ancient Roman ruins, stunning coastlines, and local cuisine, making it one of my favorite regions in Italy and one most certainly worth visiting. Although most visitors end up in Lazio while touring the capital...
Mediterranean Inspired Gift Guide
In the Mediterranean lands, many of the presents which are gifted to loved ones, are steeped in age-old tradition which values the gesture more than the object itself.Panettone vs. Pandoro
So why the debate between the two unique cakes? Can't we like them both? Of course, nothing is straightforward in Italy, and Italians love an opportunity for a little innocent debate! Those with a simpler palette tend to gravitate towards Pandoro, while nearly 50% of the Italian population selects Panettone as the ultimate holiday dessert hero. Contrary to popular tastes and preferences, I choose both!
Leslie's Kitchen: Traditional Split Pea Soup
"So what was her secret to delicious split pea soup? The hock! A meaty ham hock is key for delicious split pea soup.Serve it as a side dish or make it in to a full meal with a side salad and crusty sourdough bread with little bit of creamy butter."
Leslie's Kitchen: Roasted Fingerling Sweet Potatoes
If you want to try something different this year, give these these fingerling sweet potatoes a try. They are a different not the same consistency as a sweet potato fry. The Parmesan cheese on top is a must,
Leslie's Kitchen: Pot Roast With Buttery Whipped Potatoes
Looking for cozy family meal that you can start in the morning and have it ready for dinnertime? Try this tender, juicy pot roast with buttery whipped potatoes!
Colazione Italiana
Italian breakfast at the bar is a daily habit for many people in Italy and has become my favorite morning ritual. From the smells and chatter to the sound of porcelain espresso cups clinking together, the minute my alarm goes off, I am headed to my bar of choice to get my morning breakfast fix and soak in each second of my vita italiana.
Sundays in the Mediterranean
Everyone has their Sunday traditions. When the last day of the week rolls in, it is a chance to reset, recharge as well as relax before Monday returns us to the daily grind. Across the Mediterranean Sundays are seen as sacred not just for their religious tendency. They are grounded in ritual shared among family and friends. When looking into their habits as a whole, it seems that’s Spain, Italy and Greece are not at all dissimilar in their routines of this one day.
Leslie's Kitchen: Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash & Sage Soup
"This creamy roasted butternut squash soup with sage is one of my favorite fall/winter soups. I make it with bone broth to boost the nutritive value and then add fried sage leaves for a delicious and filling meal. Make sure you pick up some crusty bread and farm fresh butter to enjoy on the side!"Leslie's Kitchen: Sourdough Discard Rolls
The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and delicious food. This year, make your gatherings extra special with our Sourdough Discard Rolls by Leslie Carney 🍂 Don't let that sourdough discard go to waste – transform it into these soft, flavorful rolls that will take center stage on your holiday table.