La Bella Vita Cucina - delicious | beautiful | Italian

Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping

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 and just knew that I had to make it again with apples now that we're in full swing of autumn. A crostata is basically the same thing as a French galette. A galette is a rustic tart with hand-folded ...

For me, the color green is probably the most beautiful color on earth! And Fresh Green Haricots Verts with Roasted Vegetables highlights a vivid, yet deep hue of green so beautiful when plated next to any entree! Actually, they just may steal the visual show! When I lived in Arizona, someone once said to me in reference to the colors of the Southwestern landscape, "you're either a green person or a brown person", which at that time I realized that I'm definitely a 'green' ...

How To Roast and Freeze Red Peppers

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…

Classic Fresh Bellini from Venice, Italy

When peaches are in season, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a Bellini. Especially a classic fresh Bellini from Venice, Italy! A Bellini is a delightful and super easy Italian cocktail in which a fresh peach purée and prosecco celebrate a sweet and delicious marriage! When in Venice, most hotels will give you a refreshing…

Superb Moist Lemon Zucchini Bread

It’s time for bushels and bushels of fresh zucchini harvested from the garden. For a light and lemony treat, this Lemon Zucchini Bread is where to start using that prolific veggie! My family just LOVES this recipe! It’s one of our favorite recipes that we make over and over again. Not too sweet, it’s incredibly…

Copycat Carrabba’s Tagliarini Picchi Pacchiu, Linguine Toscana

Love garlic? Then you’ll love this recipe, Tagliarini Picchi Pacchiu! It’s LOADED with garlic and tomatoes! I’m not talking about just tiny hints of garlic, but hefty chunks and slices of garlic! But not so much that it is overpowering. This pasta recipe is garlic-perfection in a sauce of summer’s freshly-ripened tomatoes, basil, and olive…