• Recipes,  Something Savory

    Roman Stracciatella Soup

    Considered a “peasant food” in Italy, Stracciatella soup has been around for ages and originates from Rome. Stracciatella is simply an Italian version of egg drop soup. In this recipe, I made a few small modifications from the traditional recipes, including adding escarole and orzo to make it a full, albeit light, meal. It’s simple, comforting, and supremely simple to make. Enjoy!

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Chocolate Chip Banana Bites

    If you are looking for the perfect home-baked, bite-sized, sweet snack, you are in luck with these adorable Chocolate Chip Banana Bites. This is actually a Weight Watchers recipe that I tweaked and modified just a bit. Made in mini muffin pans, these banana bites are low in fat since they do not contain any oil or butter. The mashed ripe bananas provide moistness and bind the muffins together along with vanilla yogurt and oats for texture. The addition of mini chocolate chips makes you really feel like you are indulging, but without the guilt. Enjoy! 

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Happy Easter!

    Wishing all a very Happy Easter!  I just baked this traditional Italian Easter pie and had to share. With layers of flaky, buttery phyllo surrounding a creamy ricotta center, flavored with fresh orange zest, vanilla and pine nuts.

    Check out the recipe for this delicious pie here, courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis.

  • Recipes,  Something Savory

    Boneless Chicken Mole

    A Mexican favorite, mole sauce is an explosion of vibrant flavors and textures. I have always found the addition of chocolate into this savory recipe fascinating so I had to try it out? I wanted to keep the ingredients as traditional as possible, but use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep the fat and calories down. There are many different variations on mole, but I decided to do one based on chipotle peppers and adobo sauce because I love the smoky flavor. After sauteing and simmering all of the ingredients, the last step is the addition of dark chocolate – pure delight for a baker like myself! The chocolate thickens the sauce beautifully and is the perfect contrast to the savory peppers and onions. In the end, the sauce doesn’t taste chocolately at all because the flavors mend together beautifully. It turned out to be authentic Mexican feast full of flavor and spiciness – I hope you enjoy!