profile

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

Turn the oven on šŸŒ”ļø Sweet & Savory Baked Recipes

Hey Reader! It's technically not Fall yet, but the weather looks like it (at least here). So I spent the last week baking all sort of sweet and savory goods, from bread, to pasta bakes, to muffins and tarts (more recipes will come in the next weeks). Easy Italian Spelt Bread (with Instant Yeast) This Easy Italian Spelt Bread is a light, rustic loaf with a rich flavor and great texture, made using spelt flour and instant yeast so it comes together faster. Baking it in a Dutch oven gives you a...

Hey Reader! As the evenings grow cooler, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, homemade pasta. These cozy Italian recipes are perfect for slow, soul-soothing nights in. From rich, simmered sauces to cheesy baked classics, these dishes bring the heart of Italy straight to your table. Creamy Baked Veggie Ziti If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting pasta bake that’s both satisfying and full of hidden vegetables, this Creamy Baked Veggie Ziti is the recipe for you. Perfectly...

Hey Reader! I know, lemons are a winter fruit, but their bright and fresh flavor always scream summer to me. And with the season ending, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Lemon recipes! Risotto al Limone (Creamy Lemon Risotto) Bright, fresh, and wonderfully creamy, this Creamy Lemon Risotto is a perfect balance of comfort food and elegance. The tangy citrus flavor from fresh lemon juice and zest cuts through the richness of the Parmesan and butter, creating a dish that’s light yet...

Hey Reader! I know, we can call this the summer of seafood, but I just can't stop! From a 15 minute peppered mussels recipe, to a quick 10 minute pasta with bottarga. These classic Italian seafood recipes are super easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes. Which one will you pick? Spaghetti alla Bottarga (Pasta with Bottarga) If you want to try an authentic taste of coastal Italy, this Pasta with Bottarga recipe is for you. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this dish is elegant,...

Hey Reader! One of the reasons I love Summer, is for the abundance of seasonal fruits and veggies. Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, bell peppers, but also peaches, melon, and so much more! Here are some of my favorite classic Italian recipes using delicious summer produce so you can make the best of the season! 15 Easy Zucchini Pasta Recipes Zucchini and pasta are a match made in summer heaven. Whether you’re harvesting a garden full of zucchini or just looking for light, flavorful meals that...

Hey Reader! As we came back home from our vacation in Italy to visit our families, all I wanted to cook and eat was SEAFOOD. The Italian coast is full of delicious seafood and many traditional recipes. One that I loved this summer was Stuffed Mussels in Marinara sauce (Cozze Ripiene). I loved it so much I immediately cooked it as soon as we came back home. Italian Stuffed Mussels Marinara (Cozze Ripiene) These Italian Stuffed Mussels Marinara, or Cozze Ripiene, are an Italian...

Hey Reader! If you're dealing with a heat wave, you know turning on the stove feels like torture, and turning on the oven is absolutely a no deal! So what to do? Here are some of my favorite no-cook recipes for you to keep cool and satisfied. 25 Quick & Easy Cold Appetizers (no-cook) Whether you’re planning a summer party, hosting last-minute guests, or just avoiding the oven, these quick & easy cold appetizers are a lifesaver. No cooking, no stress—just fresh, delicious bites that are ready...

Hey Reader! Looking for appetizers that wow without all the work? Whether you're hosting a summer gathering, planning a picnic, or just want to skip the oven, we've got you covered. These easy cold appetizers are fresh, flavorful, and come together in minutes—no heat required! From bite-sized snacks to elegant platters, these crowd-pleasers will keep your prep time low and your compliments high. Let’s chill and get started! Quick & Easy Cold Appetizers (no-cook) Whether you’re planning a...

Hey Reader! As the temperatures climb, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in a hot kitchen. This chilled tortellini pasta salad that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. This dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a no-fuss dinner on the patio. Light, flavorful, and made to be served cold—this is summer comfort food at its finest. Scroll down for more summer dinner recipes ideas! Tortellini Pasta Salad with Red Pesto This Tortellini Pasta Salad with Red Pesto is the...

Hey Reader! Looking for a simple yet impressive dessert for Father’s Day? This Chocolate Budino (Italian-style chocolate pudding) is rich, velvety, and unbelievably easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a luxurious treat that feels like it came from a fancy restaurant—but made with love in your own kitchen. Whether you serve it in little jars or on a plate with fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream, it’s the perfect way to spoil Dad (and yourself!) this...