lia
Every summer, when peaches are at their juiciest, my kitchen transforms into a little bakery filled with the sweet scent of fresh fruit and vanilla. This recipe for Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes is one that holds a special place in my heart—and my family’s cookbook. My grandmother taught me the joy of blending ripe summer … Learn more
There are certain summer recipes that instantly transport me back to sun-soaked afternoons in my grandmother’s garden, surrounded by laughter, sweet treats, and the vibrant scent of fresh berries. Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries were a signature at every family picnic—an irresistible combination of tangy cream cheese, delicate vanilla, and perfectly ripe strawberries. I still remember helping … Learn more
Introduction: Sweet Memories of Summer in Every Slice Growing up in my Italian-American family, summer meant baskets of blueberries and lemons in the kitchen, sun streaming through open windows, and the comforting aroma of cake baking in the oven. My grandmother, Rosa, was the heart of our summer gatherings, and she believed that nothing celebrated … Learn more
If there’s one dessert that takes me straight back to my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen, it’s Carrot Cake Bars. I remember summer afternoons spent grating sweet, fresh carrots from her little garden, sneaking bites of raw batter while she pretended not to notice. She had a gift for turning simple ingredients into something magical, and these … Learn more
Introduction: From My Nonna’s Table to Your Backyard Growing up in a bustling Italian-American family, summer always meant long evenings filled with laughter, stories, and vibrant, colorful food. One of my favorite memories is helping my grandmother, my nonna, prepare hearty Mediterranean-inspired dishes that somehow blended our family’s Italian roots with flavors from all around … Learn more
This Mediterranean Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowl recipe is my modern twist on her summer classics. Inspired by American summer cookouts and the bright, healthy flavors of the Mediterranean coast, this bowl is everything I love: light, zesty, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a family picnic or a quick meal for a sunny afternoon, … Learn more
There’s something magical about summer and pasta. The sun on your face, fresh herbs from the garden, and the sizzle of garlic in olive oil—these moments always take me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. Though she was Italian, living in New York added a playful American twist to our family recipes. In this spirit, … Learn more
Easter at our house always meant laughter, pastel colors, and a dessert table that looked straight out of a storybook. My grandmother, with her Italian roots and endless creativity, would delight us kids with something magical every spring—a dirt cake that wasn’t just delicious but fun to make and decorate. This Easter Dirt Cake Casserole … Learn more
There’s something magical about summer in America. The long sunny days, family gatherings, and that sweet smell of freshly baked cake wafting from the kitchen—these are memories that last a lifetime. One of my most cherished traditions comes from my grandmother, who would bake a whimsical Bunny Cake every summer for our big family picnic. … Learn more
Introduction: A Family Favorite, Summer-Ready When the summer heat rolls in, my kitchen transforms. I look for recipes that are creamy, delicious, and easy enough to enjoy with friends and family out on the patio. This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is inspired by my American grandmother, who always believed comfort food shouldn’t be reserved for … Learn more