When I taught in Bavaria in 2015, I loved trying traditional Bavarian dishes.  Pork Knuckle “Schweinshaxe” was the natives’ go-to dish! We don’t just eat Italian food in this family and you probably don’t either.  We love a delicious variety to enjoy just as most people do.  Since my husband is half German and we’re […] The post Outstanding Pork Knuckle “Schweinshaxe” for Bavarian German Octoberfest first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

These brownies are ultra-rich, dense and ever so chewy and fudgy. They’re generously covered with a thick layer of topped an AMAZING velvety-smooth chocolate ganache frosting. To make, you start with melting chocolate and butter that creates the such a wonderful texture and crumb. Bake in a 9″ square pan, and cool for up to 2 hours before the ganache. I’m sure this will be one of your new go-to recipes! The post Brownies with Chocolate Ganache Frosting first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

After the destruction by Hurricane Helene, I was reminded how comforting this classic Italian soup can be! Italian Pastina Soup is lovingly known as “Italian Penicillin Soup” is a delicious and delicate soup that’s near and dear to my heart and other Italians.   Pastina is the ultimate Italian comfort food that evokes childhood memories of […] The post Pastina Soup — Italian Childhood Memories first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

Learning how to make ravioli is not a very common activity for children in the USA. But making ravioli, tortellini, and any pasta was ingrained in me by watching my mother and my nonna in the kitchen. Now that I work full time, along with this blog and an Etsy shop, I only make ravioli […] The post Butternut Squash Ravioli in Brown Butter and Pancetta first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

If you like apple pies and tortas, then you are going to LOVE this Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping . . . an Italian take on pie (with a twist of German flair that I added for my German-Scottish husband)!  Last month I made a peach crostata with the last harvest of peaches […] The post Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

There are SO MANY amazing recipes for bundt cakes! The hardest part is to decide WHICH recipe to make! I’m always in the mood for anything that has a “praline” focus. And after reading the reviews for this Praline Pecan Bundt Cake in Southern Living magazine, I knew that this cake was THE ONE that […] The post Praline Pecan Bundt Cake first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

You know those recipes that you enjoy from others and you like them so much that you just have to ask for the recipes?  Well here’s a recipe that I did just that!  I guarantee that your family and guests, plus YOU will devour this crazy Cheesy Fiesta Corn Dip! I credit my wonderful neighbors who […] The post Cheesy Fiesta Corn Dip first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

It’s time for a bumper crop of peppers in your gardens, farmers’ markets, and food stores!   So if you want to preserve those garden-fresh peppers to enjoy all winter long, then I’m here to help you learn how to roast and freeze red peppers to use and enjoy later!  (or any color of pepper […] The post How To Roast and Freeze Red Peppers first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

  Nothing quenches our thirst in the dog days of summer like iced tea! And yet at the same time that we enjoy our beloved cold, sweet beverage, peaches are also in their prime! The photo is a bit on the dark side, but we’re in good fortune today with a cloudy sky ready to send […] The post Healthy Peach Green Ice Tea first appeared on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more

      Oh, the dog days of summer!   The heat is intense, sunsets never seem to arrive fast enough, ice cubes melt in our drinks faster than cooling off the drink itself, and dangling in cold water is one’s only escape.  So who wants to cook anything that requires heat?  It’s time to enjoy […] The post How To Make the BEST Panzanella appeared first on La Bella Vita Cucina ..read more