Iran is the modern name for ancient Persia. The people of this culture call themselves "Persians". I can see how proud they are when they say they are "Persians", for ...
Monday, May 11, 2015
Peas, Grappa & Thyme
Peas with Grappa? You better believe it!
During the early summer months when I lived in Italy, bushels of pea pods would be delivered to our kitchen. We then went ...
Friday, April 24, 2015
Spaghetti Frittata
Do you ever throw out cooked, leftover spaghetti? While living in Italy, my grandmother (Nonna Annunziata) never threw out extra ingredients. To my amazement, she used the leftover spaghetti to ...
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Ricotta Cake
During Easter week, my family and I prepare a variety of celebratory foods. In my opinion, the best is always saved for last - the traditional ricotta cake.
Encased in pasta ...
Friday, March 13, 2015
Fish Veracruz Style
Prior to Easter, during a 40-day period of fasting known as Lent, believers prepare for Easter by praying, giving alms, atoning for their sins and self-denial. Lent lasts forty days, ...


Nancy DeLucia Real is an art historian and chef. She has led culinary courses at the Italian Cultural Institute, The Getty Center and The Getty Villa and is a former member of the Culinary Historians of Southern California. Nancy's gastronomy training took place in the heart of Italy under the tutelage of her grandmother. She has taught international cuisine at Williams Sonoma and Sur la Table Stores. Nancy's art history & culinary courses are ongoing at various institutions. She also teaches private cooking classes.