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Cooking my Dreams | Easy Italian and Tuscan Recipes

Jessica Montanelli

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.

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baked ziti in a baking dish
Featured Post

It's Cozy Pasta Nights from Now On🥘

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...

3 days ago • 1 min read
spoon digging into jar of overnight oats

Hey Reader! If dessert for breakfast sounds like your kind of morning, these tiramisu overnight oats are about to become a new favorite. Inspired by the classic Italian Tiramisù, they combine creamy oats with bold espresso, cocoa, and a rich yogurt layer that gives all the cozy tiramisu vibes without any complicated prep. They’re indulgent enough to feel like a treat, but packed with wholesome ingredients that make busy mornings a little easier (and a lot more delicious). Tiramisu Overnight...

9 days ago • 1 min read

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...

17 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader! Crema al Caffè is a classic Italian dessert you’ll find in cafés all across Italy—especially on warm afternoons when a refreshing coffee treat is just what you need. Light, velvety, and full of rich espresso flavor, this simple delight brings a taste of authentic Italian café culture right to your kitchen. Crema al Caffè (Italian Coffee Cream) Crema al Caffè is a light, airy Italian coffee dessert that you often find in cafés and gelaterie across Italy, especially during the...

24 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader! Looking for a quick, low-carb snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor? These Easy Zucchini Pizza Bites are about to become your new go-to appetizer. Packed with all the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza—without the heavy carbs—they’re perfect for a light lunch, party platters, or guilt-free snacking anytime. Easy Zucchini Pizza Bites These Easy Zucchini Pizza Bites are a fun, quick, and healthier way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in bite-sized form a no carbs. Thick slices of...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader! Pesto di Pistacchi (Pistachio Pesto) is a classic Sicilian sauce that's an alternative to classic Basil Pesto and it's delicious with pasta but also on sandwiches, pizza, and more! If you've never tried it, then this is your chance! Pesto di Pistacchi (Pistachio Pesto) Pesto di Pistacchi, or pistachio pesto, is a flavorful Italian sauce that comes from Sicily, where pistachios are widely used in both savory and sweet dishes. Made with pistachios, olive oil, Parmesan, and a touch...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader! If you're looking for the easiest side salad then this Italian Tomato and Onion Salad is it! Tomatoes grow abundand in Italy and they're so flavorful on their own they don't need a ton of other ingredients to make the perfect side salad. Thinly sliced onions, good quality olive oil, salt, garlic, basil, and a touch of vinegar for acidity is all you need! Italian Tomato and Onion Salad This Italian Tomato and Onion Salad is one of the simplest and most refreshing dishes you can...

about 2 months ago • 1 min read

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...

about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader! Pasta salads are a summer staple and this Marinated Artichoke Pasta Salad quickly became a family favorite! I love marinated artichokes and they pair perfectly with mozzarella, shaved Parmesan and cubed ham. This pasta salad comes together in minutes and you'll be making it on repeat! Marinated Artichoke Pasta Salad This Artichoke Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm days or quick meals. The pasta is tossed with marinated artichokes, cubed...

about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader! If you're craving a crunchy yet healthy snack or side dish, these easy Air-Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries are going to be perfect! They take no time to prep and are a perfect easy side dish for a summer weeknight dinner. Air-Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries These Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Coated in a light Parmesan crust and cooked in the air fryer, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries...

2 months ago • 1 min read