Appetizers & Small Tasty Dishes

Chickpea and Clam Soup (Zuppa di Ceci e Vongole)

This week I finally came home after traveling for most of the summer. And as usual, my first craving was for the delectable “vongole” (clams) that are locally-caught in the Gulf of Naples, and celebrated all over the world. It was cold and raining outside, so I decided to warm up with “una bella zuppa di ceci e vongole” —a quick and easy preparation that pares chickpeas with the clams for a simply delightful soup, which is so wholesome and comforting that it hits-the-spot and satisfies my cravings every time.

Chickpea and Clam Soup

That morning I came upon this brand-new bakery in town that specialises in all sorts of breads, typical of the area —an exciting happening for sure. I bought a crusty loaf of rustic bread, which cut into slices is another key ingredient for rendering the best results in this preparation. Gobbling up bowl after bowl, there’s nothing more satisfying than soaking up the delicious broth with good crusty slices of rustic bread. Yum!

Chickpea and Clam Soup (Zuppa di Ceci e Vongole)

Chickpea and Clam Soup

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Fried Sage Leaves (Salvia Fritta)

Fried Sage Leaves (Salvia Fritta) are my son’s favorite new snack. Who knew that lockdown was capable of providing such a pleasant surprise? One late-evening about a month ago he was a bit cranky because we were running low on…

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Ember Roasted Artichokes, Neapolitan Style

THESE EMBER ROASTED ARTICHOKES are one of the great pleasures of the spring season in the Campania region.  They are a signature dish of Pasquetta (little Easter), the Italian holiday that is celebrated on the Monday following Easter Sunday, which…

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Marinated Fresh Anchovies

Marinated fresh anchovies are always a special part of the traditional cold seafood antipasto spreads served in coastal restaurants throughout the Campania region. Yet, especially in the spring and summer months when the fish are locally caught in abundance off…

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