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Cooking my Dreams | Easy Italian and Tuscan Recipes

Hi, I'm Jess! Born and raised in Siena, Tuscany, I've been immersed in the rich traditions of Italian cuisine my entire life. Through my food blog, I hope to share a slice of Tuscan warmth and the genuine flavors that have been a part of my journey since childhood.

Featured Post

New cookbook alert! Italian Christmas magic inside 🎅

Hey Reader! I’m so excited to finally share this with you — my brand-new Italian Christmas Recipes Cookbook is officially live! 🎉 Inside you’ll find 44 traditional and authentic recipes to craft the perfect festive menu — from cozy appetizers and mains (with choice of vegetarian, seafood, and meat) to show-stopping desserts, festive drinks, and even edible gifts. Each recipe carries a touch of Tuscany (but not only) and the memories of Christmas spent around my family’s table. ❤️ To make your...

Hey Reader! As soon as the weather gets cold, soups become an instant comfort food in my house, and I love to try different variations and flavors. Plus, they're a great make ahead meal: make a big batch by doubling the recipe, and freeze in portions for those days when you're too tired to cook! This Spicy & Smoky Pumpkin Gnocchi Soup is creamy, comforting, full of flavor and goodness! Spicy & Smoky Pumpkin Gnocchi Soup Creamy, comforting, and full of cozy fall flavor, this Spicy & Smoky...

Premium Subscription Newsletter - Week 46 Soups for the Soul 🍲 Soups are not only warming and comforting, but also healing for the soul. Whenever you feel down, tired, or just not in the mood, there's nothing better than a steaming hot bowl of soup. Do you agree? This Week’s Recipes (ad-free, fully written) Spicy & Smoky Pumpkin Gnocchi SoupCreamy, comforting, and full of cozy fall flavor, this Spicy & Smoky Pumpkin Gnocchi Soup is a bowl of pure warmth. Soft gnocchi simmer in a velvety...

Hey Reader! Nutella is a staple in every Italian (and non-Italian, let's be honest) household. Growing up, a slice of sourdough bread with Nutella on top was the most delicious treat you could get. But Nutella is more than a spread, it can be used to make so many desserts, from cakes, to cookies, to mousse. This is my latest recipe, a delicious and super-easy Nutella Puff Pastry Swirl. These pastries are perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just as a delicious afternoon treat for both...

Hey Reader! If with the colder days you're craving more cozy comfort food meals as I do, this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach will be perfect to satisfy the cravings and feed the entire family. Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Creamy, cozy, and full of flavor, this Butternut Squash Pasta with Italian Sausage and Spinach is the perfect fall comfort meal. The rich butternut squash sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, while savory sausage and fresh spinach add...

Premium Subscription Newsletter - Week 44 All about Pumpkins 🎃 Pumpkins are not only a great fall and Halloween decoration for your porch. They're also one of the most delicious fall ingredients. My absolute favorites are the Kabocha squash, the Hokkaido pumpkin, and of course Butternut Squash. This Week’s Recipes (ad-free, fully written) Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and SpinachCreamy, cozy, and full of flavor, this Butternut Squash Pasta with Italian Sausage and Spinach is the perfect...

Hey Reader! It sounds like a joke but it's not. I actually have fun looking for this dish on Italian restaurants menus when I travel. It's the easiest way to find out if the restaurant is REALLY Italian or not. (Spoiler, most times it's not). If you want to play too, look for Penne all'Arrabbiata. 9 times out of 10, you'll find it mispelled, with only one R, or one B, or two Ts. That means, whoever wrote the menu is NOT Italian. :) Apart from the tricky spelling, this is one of the easiest...

Premium Subscription Newsletter - Week 43 Tomato Season never ends! Fresh tomatoes may not be in season anymore, but good quality canned tomatoes are just as delicious and there are tons of Italian recipes you can make! This Week’s Recipes (ad-free, fully written) Penne all'Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Sauce)Penne all’Arrabbiata is a fiery, flavorful Roman pasta dish. The name “arrabbiata” literally means “angry” in Italian, referring to the spicy kick of chili that gives the sauce its bold...

Hey Reader! I know, I know, some of you may disagree. But as much as I enjoy Pumpkin Spice, as an Italian, I've never really experienced it growing up. To me, the real official Fall flavor is... Apple Cinnamon. There. I said it! When the first apple cake would appear on our table, you knew it was officially Fall. So if you agree, here is my family's favorite recipe: Easy Italian Apple Cake A soft and easy apple cake which is part of the Italian tradition. Every grandma bakes an apple cake in...

Premium Subscription Newsletter - Week 41 Apple should be the official Fall flavor! Pumpkin Spice who? Nothing scream cozy Fall vibes like Apple Cinnamon. Do you agree? From apple cakes, to baked apples and even a cozy apple tea. Give me all the Apple recipes! This Week’s Recipes (ad-free, fully written) Easy Italian Apple CakeA soft and easy apple cake which is part of the Italian tradition. Every grandma bakes an apple cake in fall! A warm slice of apple cake is the perfect breakfast or...