These traditional almond cookies are light, simplistic and in just about every Tuscan pantry. Makes about 40 cookies Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on a large baking sheet and toast for a bout 12 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Place cooled almonds in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Combine with sugar, flour and salt and mix well. In a separate bowl beat eggs whites and almond…

There’s nothing better than relaxing in the Tuscan countryside with a glass of red wine. While we do love Italian cities, there’s a certain charm that comes with Tuscany that you can’t find anywhere else. And what’s a trip to Italy without tasting gelato too? Sadly, we can’t always be living it up in Italy. But we can make a red wine gelato to bring the flavors of Italy home with us. Where Does Red Wine Gelato Originate? This red…

It’s hard to imagine improving upon the simple appeal of a Tuscan tomato, but there is a way. Stuff it with cheese and breadcrumbs and bake to perfection. Serves 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice the tops off of each tomato. Scoop out the pulp and add to a mixing bowl. Combine the pulp, parsley, basil, breadcrumbs, cheese, oil, salt and pepper and mix well. Place the tomatoes inside a baking…

Tuscan kale is much sweeter in flavor then its bitter curly cousin making it the perfect accompaniment in soups, pasta dishes, or all on its own. Serves 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Add kale to a large pot of salted boiling water and cook for about 4 minutes until wilted and tender. Drain well and set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium and add pancetta. Cook until brown. Add oil and garlic and cook until…

Salt cod is cooked with tomato is pure Tuscan love. While it takes some time to soak the fish, the end result is worth it. Serves 6-8 Prep time: 2 days Cook time: 30 minutes Place baccala in a large bowl and cover with water. Cover and refrigerate, changing the water twice a day for up to three days. Refrigerate until ready to use. Drain and break up into two-inch pieces. In a large, deep skillet heat olive oil over…

Probably one of the region’s most notorious dishes. Some recipes add sausage, but the cannellini beans are always the star of this understated soup. Serves 4-6 Prep time: 1 hour (plus soaking time for beans) Cook time: 20 minutes Drain soaked beans and place in a large stock pot. Cover with water and add ham hocks. Bring to a boil and simmer until beans are soft, about 1 hour. Drain and set aside. Shred meat off ham hocks and set…

With only a few ingredients, it’s hard to believe the amount of flavor in each bite of this chickpea cake. It’s great on its own, or dipped in a simple marinara sauce. Serves 8-10 Prep time: 10 minutes (plus time for resting) Cook time: 30 minutes Place the flour in a large mixing bowl and slowly add in the water, mixing well so there are no lumps. Mix in the salt. Cover with plastic and allow to rest at room…

Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Creamy, salty and the perfect way to begin this rustic meal. Serves 8-10 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot, anchovies and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent. Mash anchovies with a fork to incorporate. Add chicken livers and sauté until brown, about 5 minutes. Add wine and cook until the liquid evaporates. Add stock and simmer until the livers…