Beef Ragout This is an old Italian dish called a peposo because it calls for lots of pepper. If you double the recipe, double the cooking time - 24 hours instead of 12. 2 1/2 pounds lean stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes 12 whole cloves garlic, ...

Biscotti 1 cup granulated sugar 3 eggs 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon aniseeds, lightly crushed 1 teaspoon orange extract 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 cup whole unblanched almonds Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. ...

Biscuit Tortoni 1/2 cup crushed toasted almonds 1/2 cup crushed macaroons 2 cups heavy cream, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons dark rum 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 4 maraschino cherries, halved Reserve 2 tablespoons crushed toasted ...

Bistecche dei Poveri (Poor Man's Steaks) In Sicily bistecche like these are served as an antipasto, a contorno, or, when a charcoal fire is going, as one of many dishes in a mixed grill. 3 medium eggplants (about 2 pounds) Salt 1/2 cup olive oil 2 ...

Braised Veal Shanks, Milan Style (Osso Buco) Serve with a sprinkling of Gremolada. 4 pounds veal or beef shanks 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium carrot, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 clove ...

Bruschetta Also called "Fettunta," this is one of the best Italian snacks.  1 large round crusty loaf white bread, sliced thickly Cloves of garlic, peeled Extra-virgin olive oil Toast slices of bread. If you can do this over an open ...

Caldo Verde (Cabbage Soup) Many soups of Italy, like this one, are served at the table with a jug of olive oil. The cabbage must be very finely sliced because it is barely cooked. 1 pound potatoes 1 pound green cabbage, finely sliced Water 2 ...

Calzone Pizza Dough 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella 4 ounces salami, cut into thin strips 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1/4 cup minced fresh basil 2 Italian plum tomatoes, chopped Freshly ground pepper 1 egg, slightly beaten  Prepare Pizza ...

Cannelloni Special Seasoning 1 1/4 teaspoons granulated garlic 1 1/4 teaspoons salt 1 1/4 teaspoons white pepper 1 1/4 teaspoons dried basil Mix together. Filling 2 pounds lean ground beef 3/4 cup yellow onion, chopped 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 ...

Cannelloni Tomato Sauce 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup finely chopped onion 4 cups canned tomatoes, coarsely     chopped (reserve liquid) 6 tablespoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons dried basil 2 teaspoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt ...