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Summer is here and, with it, an abundance of fresh fruit. Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and fruit stands are all brimming with the season’s finest offerings, from cherries and berries to plums and peaches. I’m always tempted into buying entire flats of fruit, only to get them home and wonder how I will consume several pounds of peaches that are all likely to ripen at the exact same moment. Turning these summer fruits into jams and jellies is the most common way to preserve them, but this summer, I’ve turned to pickling instead.  Hear the word “pickle,” and you may think of cucumbers, asparagus, or onions, but fruit is just as delicious dunked in brine—and, dare I say, even more versatile. Think of the savory Japanese pickled plums known as u...

November 22, 2005. I leapt off the school bus and opened the front door of my childhood home in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, to see my older sister standing next to our family boom box, having recently returned from a trip to FYE. “Ellie, you have to hear this one song,” she said as I giddily ran over to her. The song queued up was “Vicinity of Obscenity,” the ninth track of System of a Down’s fifth studio album, Hypnotize. It’s a collage for the ears that merges smooth funk, Zappa-esque silliness, and loud, grating riffs that my mom calls “headache music.” I was in love. The endless refrain—“Banana banana banana banana terracotta, banana terracotta terracotta pie, BANANA BANANA BANANA BANANA TERRACOTTA, BANANA TERRACOTTA TERRACOTTA PIE”—blared...

Pici, A Classic Tuscan Pasta While we were in Tuscany on vacation, we enjoyed pici at several restaurants. We even took a cooking class at Podere Il Casale, a farm located on the hilltop of the renowned Sienese countryside, where we made our own pici pasta and then enjoyed it with a simple tomato sauce we also learned how to prepare. What is pici pasta? Pici pasta, also known as "pici senesi," is a traditional Italian variety from the picturesque region of Tuscany. With its origins dating back centuries, pici has become a beloved staple in Tuscan cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide for its rustic charm and unique texture. Pici pasta has gained recognition outside of Italy, appearing on menus in various international restaurants. Its artisanal nature and rustic c...

Italian American Dishes Not Served in Italy I am a huge fan of Italian food. And because I live in the United States, I also enjoy Italian American food because that's what's most available to us unless we make it ourselves. I wanted to know the history of Italian American cuisine, how it originated, and if I would find them on my next visit to Italy. I'm guessing you already know the answer. History The history of Italian American cuisine is closely intertwined with the waves of Italian immigration to the United States, which began in the late 19th century and continued into the early 20th century. Italians came to the United States seeking better economic opportunities and escaping poverty, political turmoil, and overpopulation in their home country. When Italian immig...

Chicken Published: July 2, 2023   |   Updated: July 2, 2023   |   17 Comments .tasty-recipes-quick-links { text-align:center; } .tasty-recipes-quick-links a { padding: 0.5rem; } This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details. .tasty-recipes-quick-links { text-align:center; } .tasty-recipes-quick-links a { padding: 0.5rem; } Creamy lemon chicken piccata is a delicious 30-minute meal with lightly breaded chicken breasts smothered in a garlic and caper cream sauce. This quick and easy chicken goes great over a bed of pasta, egg noodles, or rice for a simple but flavorful weeknight dinner. Today we’re making some creamy lemon chicken piccata with flattened chicken breasts dredged in flour, pan-fried until golden brown and cris...

Celebrating the 4th of July with Great Food The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a significant holiday in the United States commemorating the country's declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Beyond its historical and patriotic significance, the 4th of July has also become synonymous with culinary traditions that reflect America’s diversity and regional flavors. From barbecues and picnics to festive desserts, the culinary history of the 4th of July is rich and vibrant, offering a taste of American culture and heritage. 4th of July Barbecue The barbecue is one of the most iconic culinary traditions associated with the 4th of July. Grilling and barbecuing have long been a part of American cuisine, with roots that trace back to indigenous cooking ...

How to Grill Salmon to Perfection This 4th of July, you may be thinking of grilling burgers and hot dogs or chicken and steaks, but let's not forget some healthy fish, namely grilled salmon. Salmon is a great fish to grill because it can take the heat. Let's take a deeper dive into grilled salmon. What are the pros and cons of grilling salmon?  Grilling salmon is a popular cooking method that can result in a delicious and healthy meal. However, like any cooking method, grilling salmon has pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages: Pros: Flavor: Grilling salmon can add a smoky, charred flavor to the fish that is difficult to achieve with other cooking methods. Health benefits: Grilling salmon is a healthy cooking method, as it allows the f...