Strawberry Ice Cream
Today we’re diving into a timeless favorite—strawberry ice cream! Beloved by kids (and adults alike), this creamy, fruity delight captures the essence of summer with every spoonful.
Strawberry Ice Cream Read More »
Banana Lime Ice Cream
Today, let’s dive into this fabulous banana-lime ice cream—a creamy, tangy, and refreshing treat that’s perfect for summer (or anytime you need a tropical escape!). The sweetness of ripe bananas pairs magically with the bright zing of fresh lime, creating a flavor that’s both rich and invigorating. Imagine the smoothest, creamiest texture with just the right balance—luscious banana undertones, and a hint of lime to tie it all together. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter!
Banana Lime Ice Cream Read More »
Blackcurrant Ice Cream
Today, I’m going to show you how to make a luxurious blackcurrant ice cream—rich, velvety, and bursting with deep, tangy-sweet berry flavor. This decadent frozen treat is perfect scooped into crisp waffle cones, elegantly quenelled atop a plated dessert, or piled high in your next extravagant sundae creation. With a custard base infused with blackcurrant purée and a hint of citrus, this ice cream strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and vibrant freshness. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a showstopping dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Blackcurrant Ice Cream Read More »
Roasted Apricot Ice Cream
When it comes to ice cream, the possibilities are endless. This Roasted Apricot Ice Cream with a Hint of Rosemary is the perfect example of how creative your imagination can go. Velvety and rich, the caramelized sweetness of roasted apricots melds seamlessly with the subtle, pine-like aroma of fresh rosemary. Each spoonful is a balance of bright fruitiness and earthy sophistication, making it an elegant choice for high-end desserts. Drizzle it with honey, pair it with almond tuiles, or layer it into an exceptional sundae with crushed amaretti cookies and a whisper of whipped mascarpone. However you serve it, this ice cream transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary—one luxurious bite at a time.
Roasted Apricot Ice Cream Read More »
Fruit Sorbet
Sorbet is a light, refreshing frozen dessert made primarily from fruit purée, sugar, and water. Unlike ice cream, it contains no dairy, giving it a vibrant, fruit-forward flavor and a smooth, icy texture. Often served as a palate cleanser between courses or as a dairy-free treat, sorbet comes in a variety of flavors, from classic citrus like lemon and raspberry to more exotic options such as mango or passionfruit. Its simplicity and bright taste make it a popular choice for hot summer days or as a lighter alternative to richer desserts. In this step-by-step recipe, I’ll guide you in crafting the French sorbet of your dreams using an array of vibrant fruits. Whether you opt for professional-grade fruit purées or prepare your own from scratch, sunshine-filled flavor awaits.
Mint Stracciatella Gelato
The first bite was like stepping into an Italian summer—cool, creamy, and alive with the bright freshness of mint. The gelato melted luxuriously on the tongue, its sweetness perfectly balanced by the herbaceous sharpness of real peppermint leaves. Then came the surprise: delicate paper thin dark chocolate, scattered like shattered glass through the velvety base. Each sliver snapped between the teeth, releasing a bittersweet cocoa depth that played against the gelato’s icy sweetness.
Mint Stracciatella Gelato Read More »
Cassis Sorbet
There’s nothing quite like the bold, tangy-sweet burst of cassis (blackcurrant) on a sweltering summer day. Revered as one of the most fragrant and flavorful fruits, its deep, wine-like richness makes it the perfect star for an irresistibly refreshing sorbet. To craft this icy indulgence, you’ll need just three essentials: a perfectly balanced sorbet syrup (trust the pros for that ideal sugar-to-acid ratio), an intensely vibrant cassis purée, and, of course, an ice cream maker to churn it into silky, scoopable perfection.
Chocolate Gelato
There’s nothing quite like the rich, velvety smoothness of authentic chocolate gelato. Unlike traditional ice cream, gelato is made with an eggless base, resulting in a denser, silkier texture that melts luxuriously on the tongue. The secret lies in the perfect balance of high-quality cocoa, fresh whole milk, and just the right amount of sugar to enhance the deep chocolate flavor without overwhelming it. In this step-by-step recipe, I will guide you through each stage to ensure your homemade chocolate gelato is nothing short of perfection. Buon appetito!
Limoncello Sorbet
Beat the heat with this irresistibly refreshing Limoncello Sorbet—a zesty, sparkling delight straight from the Amalfi Coast! Made with a sorbet syrup base—bright lemons, and limoncello liquor—this vibrant dessert is the perfect balance of tart and sweet for hot days at the beach!
Peach Verbena Sorbet
Let’s dive into the sun-kissed world of sorbet with my latest creation: peach-verbena sorbet—the frozen dessert you’ll crave after a day at the beach. Bright, refreshing, and bursting with the essence of summer, this sorbet blends the sweetness of ripe white and yellow peaches with the delicate citrusy notes of verbena. The secret? A fragrant verbena-infused syrup that elevates the fruit’s natural flavors into something truly magical.
Best of all, you can prepare it ahead of time, so a scoop of this vibrant delight is always ready when you are. Smooth, icy, and irresistibly fruity, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day—or simply indulge in a taste of sunshine whenever the mood strikes.
Peach Verbena Sorbet Read More »
How To Make Fruit Puree
In this recipe, you will learn how to make vibrant, flavorful fruit puree—perfect for your sorbets, ice creams, coulis, and mousses. While professional-grade fruit purees are available for purchase, crafting your own allows you to highlight the freshest seasonal fruits at their peak.
How To Make Fruit Puree Read More »
Italian Gelato
At first glance, gelato and French ice cream (crème glacée) may seem similar, but they offer distinct textures, flavors, and culinary traditions. Gelato, Italy’s beloved frozen dessert, is churned slower and contains less butterfat (typically 4-9%) than French ice cream, resulting in a denser, silkier texture. It’s served slightly warmer, allowing its vibrant flavors—like pistachio, stracciatella, or fresh fruit—to shine.
French ice cream, on the other hand, is richer and creamier. This decadence comes from its custard base, which includes egg yolks, giving it a velvety smoothness. Classics like vanilla bean or chocolate are staples, often served in elegant quenelle or as part of sophisticated desserts.
While gelato emphasizes purity and intensity of flavor, French ice cream luxuriates in its indulgent, creamy mouthfeel. Which one wins? It all depends on whether you crave the bold freshness of gelato or the sumptuous richness de la glace Française. This gelato recipe is courtesy of Chef Mario Bacherini
How To Decorate Ice Cream Cones
There’s something undeniably magical about a decorated waffle cone—crispy, golden, and dressed up with all sorts of delightful toppings. In this How To recipe, I’ll show you how to take your plain cones to the next level with endless customization options. Think crushed toasted nuts, chocolate vermicelli, sprinkles, or even crushed cookies—the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!
The trick? Just like bartenders rim cocktail glasses with syrup and colored sugar for that sparkling crystal effect, we’ll dip the top edge of our waffle cones in melted chocolate, then roll them in your favorite toppings.
How To Decorate Ice Cream Cones Read More »
Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Sun-drenched and bursting with rustic charm, Spaghetti alla Nerano is a celebration of Campania’s simplest yet most sublime flavors. Born in the tiny fishing village of Nerano, this dish transforms humble ingredients—golden-fried zucchini, creamy Provolone del Monaco and Parmigiano-Reggiano, and al dente spaghetti—into a velvety, herb-kissed masterpiece. The magic lies in the emulsion of cheese and starchy pasta water, cloaking each strand in richness without a drop of cream.
In my version of Spaghetti alla Nerano, I take a fresher, lighter approach—ditching the classic fried zucchini rounds in favor of delicate blanched zucchini linguine, folded into the pasta at the last moment. The result? A brighter, more vibrant dish where the zucchini retains its crisp-tender bite, weaving through the spaghetti like ribbons of summer. The rest stays true to Nerano’s soul with a drizzle of basil oil at the end! Recipe inspired by Michelin star chef Frabrizio Mellino.
Spaghetti Alla Nerano Read More »
Pistachio Fraisier
This Pistachio Fraisier Cake is the elixir of elegance among all strawberry cakes—a masterpiece reborn. Inspired by the iconic green marzipan-covered fraisiers of 1980s France, this modern rendition elevates tradition with indulgent sophistication. Layers of delicate double pistachio joconde biscuit cradle a silky vanilla-pistachio mousseline cream, each bite infused with nutty richness and sweet Ciflorette fraise. At its heart lies a vibrant strawberry compote. A tribute to the past, reimagined for today—this cake is pure, pistachio-almond kissed poetry.
Pistachio Fraisier Read More »
Heart Vanilla-Almond Cake
This cake is built with layers of luxurious vanilla cream and delicate almond sponges that lay on a flaky sablé breton crust and praliné. The whole thing is then wrapped in marzipan. Each bite melts on the tongue—sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible. Whether for a romantic gesture, a celebration of love, or simply because you deserve it, this heart-shaped masterpiece is guaranteed to conquer hearts, one slice at a time. Will yours be the next to fall? 💖
Heart Vanilla-Almond Cake Read More »
Chicken Provencal
There’s something magical about a dish that brings everyone to the table, and this Chicken Provençal is just that—a fragrant, sun-kissed masterpiece that turns a simple meal into a gathering… and yet, braised or even finished in your wood-fired oven? OMG 😳
Tapenade
The sun-drenched hills of Provence seemed to infuse every ingredient with their golden warmth, but nothing captured the essence of the Mediterranean quite like tapenade. This bold, briny spread—a harmonious blend of olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil—was a testament to the rustic elegance of French cuisine. Served on crusty baguette slices or alongside roasted vegetables, tapenade was more than a condiment—it was a celebration of the land and sea, a taste of the south of France in every bite. Try mine with sun-dried tomatoes!
5 Tier Wedding Cake
It all starts with a base of flaky sablé breton crust that provide a perfect foundation for the layers to come. Over it, an hazelnut praliné spread that adds a rich and nutty flavor to every bite. As you delve deeper, you’ll discover the intricate layers of this cake, featuring delicate almond-sponge sheets (biscuit joconde) that add a light and fluffy texture to the overall experience. Between each layer, a velvety vanilla mousse awaits, offering a luxurious and creamy contrast to the subtle crunch of the praliné. But the beauty of this cake doesn’t stop there. The entire masterpiece is elegantly wrapped in marzipan creating a smooth and flawless finish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Decor au cornet adds a touch of artistry, while the final touch of roses brings a sense of romance and sophistication to this unforgettable creation. Creating a gâteau de mariage is an ambitious but rewarding project. Below is a step-by-step, photo-illustrated guide to help you craft a stunning and structurally sound tiered cake, from start to finish.
5 Tier Wedding Cake Read More »
Stuffed Round Zucchini with Bulgur And Tapenade
These perfectly cooked round zucchini are a summer delight—tender yet firm, stuffed with a vibrant bulgur-tapenade and a sweet, herbaceous bell pepper-tomato-basil mixture. Each bite delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavors, with the nutty chew of bulgur, the briny depth of olive tapenade, and the fresh brightness of roasted vegetables.
For an extra layer of richness, try caramelizing them in your pizza oven—the high heat intensifies the natural sweetness of the zucchini while giving the filling a deliciously smoky edge. Whether served as a stunning vegetarian entrée or a standout side dish, these stuffed zucchini are a celebration of summer’s bounty.
Stuffed Round Zucchini with Bulgur And Tapenade Read More »
Zucchini-Basil Gazpacho
This Zucchini Gazpacho is the easiest ever and so satisfying—the ideal summer amuse-bouche. Made with the extracted cooked zucchini pulp saved from my latest stuffed zucchini recipes, it’s a brilliant way to reduce waste while creating something fresh and delicious. All you need is a high-powered blender to whip it into a silky, chilled soup, finished with a vibrant drizzle of basil oil. Light, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant, it’s summer in a shot glass!
Zucchini-Basil Gazpacho Read More »
Filo Flower
Learn how to make these superb, easy, and ultra-crispy filo dough flowers—a stunning yet simple pastry that adds elegance to any dessert or entrees.
Stuffed Zucchini Thai Cod
This Stuffed Round Zucchini Thai Cod sounds like a vibrant and flavorful summer dish, blending delicate seafood with aromatic Thai-inspired spices and a crispy, elegant finish.
Stuffed Zucchini Thai Cod Read More »
