Ropa Vieja is Spanish for "old clothes". This Cuban recipe's title describes shredded meat and colorful bell peppers which resemble tattered rags.
I learned how to make this recipe from Cuban ...
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Marzipan Easter Eggs
Marzipan has its origins in ancient Arabic countries, including Persia (modern-day Iran). It was introduced to Europe by medieval Arabs and Persians who had mastered the art of confectionary. Made ...
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Zucchine Parmigiana
When I lived in Italy, I watched my Nonna Annunziata create zucchine parmigiana when she didn't have any eggplant. Now, remember that zucchine are a watery vegetable and can taste ...
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Zaleti (Venetian Cookies)
Zaleti are named for their yellow color (zalo in Venetian dialect, giallo in Italian). These traditional cookies are made with corn and white flours, eggs, sugar, butter, raisins and lemon ...
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Fiery Fettuccine & Meatballs (with Tomato-Chipotle Sauce)
When I lived in the Campania region of Southern Italy, I was my Nonna Annunziata's sous-chef. I was in charge of making meatballs that would be added to the traditional ...


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.