SugarLoveSpices

Quince Jam Tart (Crostata con Marmellata di Mele Cotogne)

Nicoletta January 22, 2020

Quince Jam Tart (Crostata con Marmellata di Mele Cotogne), a dairy-free short pastry made with vegetable oil, eggs, flour, lemon zest, cane sugar and a teaspoon of baking powder, meets a luscious homemade quince jam. Want to bring to the table a classic, evergreen Italian dessert? Why not make this easy and delightful Quince Jam Tart. Crostata in Italy is the perfect end to a meal and also good at breakfast, just sayin’…

Song of the day: Shiny Happy People – R.E.M.

Crostata is the quintessential Italian dessert. The simplest, most popular cake made with a shortcrust pastry and jam. It is a classic that, in pure Italian style, is ideal for dessert, breakfast, snack, or to accompany a tea. It is a dessert that you can prepare all year round, perfect on many occasions.

Gluten-free, Soups, Stews and Sandwiches, Vegan/Vegetarian

Barley Minestrone Medley, my Soup for the Soul

Loreto January 19, 2020

Barley Minestrone Medley, my Soup for the Soul, loaded with lots of great ingredients while simmered low and slow for a result that will soothe your soul. Furthermore, want a soup that has texture, incredible flavor, and a whole lotta love? Add in the fact it being scrumptious and healthy, consequently, then this is a soup for you! Warm up to an Italian classic today!

Song of the day: “Back to Life” by Soul 11 Soul.

Time to use up, not waste…………

Barley Minestrone Medley, my Soup for the Soul! Why let things in the fridge and pantry go to waste when you can cook up a soup that has lots of vitamins and minerals, flavor and texture, and looks delightful. This soup is inspired by memories of my life growing up and those cold winter days. The relief smelling the aroma of a good minestrone simmering away in our Italian kitchen. Today is your lucky day! We can make it together!

Breakfast and Brunch, Cakes, Pies & Tarts

Ciambella allo Yogurt (Easy Yogurt Cake)

Nicoletta January 15, 2020

Ciambella allo Yogurt (Easy Yogurt Cake), or otherwise called in Italy “Torta dei 7 vasetti“, is a simple, fast, and delicious cake made of yogurt (plain or flavored), and basic kitchen ingredients. You will use the yogurt container to measure your ingredients as follows: 1 container (vasetto) of yogurt (125 grams), 1 container of oil, 2 containers of sugar, and 3 containers of flour. That’s the ‘7 vasetti’ (7 containers). Plus 3 eggs and 1 sachet (packet) of baking powder. Now, how easy is that?

Song of the day: Spirito nel buio by Zucchero

Ciambella allo Yogurt, Easy Yogurt Cake, is the cake that I associate with my family in Italy. It is the type of cake my mother and I would make all the time to have at breakfast, as a quick snack, or even as our dessert at the end of a meal, accompanied by an espresso coffee. As far as popularity in my family, there is only one other sweet treat that can rival this cake, and that is our beloved Crostata.

Food, Life & Lifestyle, Travel

When in Rome, Roma Antica Tour

Loreto January 11, 2020

When in Rome, Roma Antica Tour: Planning on going to Rome for your next trip? Explore the details of ancient Roman politics, society, and empire, on a tour through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum with Context Travel. We highly recommend it.

Song of the day: “Rotolando Verso Sud” by Negrita.

[Disclaimer: We have been offered a “Roma Antica” tour by Context Travel however all opinions are our own]

When in Rome, Roma Antica Tour will take you to scenic spots to visually see the vastness and beauty of ancient Rome. The picture above is such a spot on top of the Palatine Hill overlooking the Roman Forum. Truly breathtaking and majestic.

Pasta, Pizza, Risotto, Vegan/Vegetarian

Saffron Risotto (Risotto allo Zafferano)

Nicoletta January 8, 2020

Saffron Risotto (Risotto allo Zafferano), a simple and easy recipe for a weeknight meal, or a light lunch. This classic risotto is a typical dish of Northern Italy, but now widespread in all Italian regions. The few ingredients enhance the aromatic qualities of saffron which also gives that beautiful golden color that makes this dish so unique.

Song of the day: “Gold” by Prince.

Risotto allo Zafferano, Saffron Risotto, a dish that graced our table many times when I was living at home with my parents. Quite fast, easy, and loved by everyone, made it a good option for my mom to serve it to the family. Since none of us is a meat lover, Saffron Risotto was always made with vegetable broth and never served alongside meat. You can choose to use either a vegetable or meat broth and serve it with your favorite protein.

Meat and Poultry, Pasta, Pizza, Risotto

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs

Loreto January 4, 2020

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs, our take on an Italian/American classic where East meets West in a most loving passionate embrace. However, we kick it up a notch with some great ingredients and homemade pasta. How does that sound for a dish for the New Year?

Song of the day: “A Handful of Soul” by Mario Biondi.

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs. Think tender delicate homemade spaghetti meets a rich sweet tomato sauce and to keep it even more interesting handmade amazingly seasoned tender packed with flavor meatballs!

Breakfast and Brunch, Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

Loreto December 23, 2019

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, a delicious play on a classic cinnamon roll made into a pancake. Boxing Day morning is a perfect time to lay out a brunch for family and these pancakes will surely be eaten up as soon as you place them on the table!

Song of the day: “This Christmas” by Ne-Yo.

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, a delectable treat for any brunch menu hosting light fluffy pancakes, a crisp rim, and a most flavorful cinnamon sugar swirl to elevate this recipe to no end! Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Appetizers and Snacks, Breads, Vegan/Vegetarian

How to Make Italian Focaccia Genovese

Nicoletta December 21, 2019

How to Make Italian Focaccia Genovese, traditional focaccia from Genova (Genoa), in the northwest of Italy, thin and oily, fragrant, salty, soft and crunchy. The peculiarity of the Focaccia Genovese is that before the last rise, it is covered in salamoia, a brine made of abundant water, salt, and olive oil. This emulsion gives the focaccia a golden color and makes it particularly tasty, as well as soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Focaccia Genovese is not too hard to make at home, but you will need a little time and care for the multiple rises. The result will be worth every minute, I assure you. This focaccia is simply irresistible!

Gluten-free, Soups, Stews and Sandwiches, Vegan/Vegetarian

Red Kuri Squash & Peanut Butter Soup

Loreto December 17, 2019

Red Kuri Squash & Peanut Butter Soup, a comforting bowl of exotic meets everyday peanut butter. As a result flavor……. flavor………………flavor!

Song of the day: “Winter Winds” by Mumford and Sons.

What to do with squash……………

Red Kuri Squash & Peanut Butter Soup, squash season is still in bloom and we have combined the richness of the Kuri squash with red curry, lemongrass, and peanut butter to give you an incredible feast of flavor and creamy texture that will have your tummy singing in praise. Don’t know what to do with your squash right now? Check out this recipe. Easy, and oh so good!