From Libellula's Kitchen & Land — recipes from italy

Located in the northwest corner of Italy, and isolated from most of Europe by the Alps, is the region of Piedmont. For centuries, residents of the hills of Piedmont would journey into the woods each autumn to gather hazelnuts, which flourish here due to the ideal climate and topography of the region. They would then dry and roast the nuts, using them as a key part of their diet all year round. Torta di Nocciole, like many old-school Italian recipes, is based on “cucina povera,” a concept that we often feature in Libellula dishes. “Cucina Povera” is Italy’s “poor cooking”...

It was the summer of 1487. Lucrezia Borgia was about to get married. For the third time. You see, her dearest father,  Pope Alexander VI and mother (who happened to be one of his favorite mistresses), had decided that they would marry their daughter as many times as they could to advance their political standing.  As soon as one husband didn’t quite give them as many political or financial benefits as they had hoped, they moved onto a new conquest for their daughter. And they weren’t too subtle about it either. Her father ordered the execution of her first husband....

Bruschetta is synonymous with summer in Italy; a time when friends gather, the days are long, the air is hot, and the food is light, easy to make, and even easier to share. Bruschetta was served as a popular aperitivo in Tuscany in the 15th century. However, bruschetta's origins date all the way back to ancient Rome. Olive farmers would taste the quality of their freshly pressed oil with a slice of crunchy bread - delizioso! In modern-day Tuscany, bruschetta is typically made by rubbing bread with garlic and then topping it with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and lots of...

Extra virgin olive oil biscotti originated from the areas in Italy where butter was less available. Before refrigeration, the northern Alps of Italy (where herding communities lived) were some of the only regions that had access to fresh butter. For the rest of Italy, the staple kitchen ingredient of olive oil created an equally delicious, yet lighter and crispier, biscuit.  The Classico works wonderfully in this recipe. Its subtle floral notes and undertones of apple and artichoke enhance the biscuit without overpowering it, allowing for the biscotti’s sweet flavor to prevail.  We recommend dipping your biscotti in a cup of...