Cucina Ciccu

This is a delightful main dish and looks impressive both while cooking and being served. It’s great during the spring or summer months as it is grilled outdoors. The citrus marinade keeps it light and refreshing.

Learn how to make a tasty, hearty appetizer with steamed mussels and clams. You can make this spicier by increasing the red pepper. If you have leftovers, remove the fish from the shells and save the sauce for seafood pasta!

I really enjoy this salad because of its unique combination of flavors that you wouldn’t typically expect to work well together. The tangy citrus flavors wonderfully complement the onions and cilantro. Make it early in the day to save time.

Panzanella uses fresh bread and combines it with the peas, pea pods and asparagus to make a hearty salad. The vegies are cooked slightly so they are crisp. Serve the parmesan on the side for a vegan dish!

Fruit parfaits are delightfully refreshing in the spring and summer months. This vanilla-lime cream is perfect for the tangy and citrus flavors of the fruit. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free, so no special substitutions are needed!

An easy appetizer, perfect for the summer months when fresh melon is easily obtained from your local farmers market. Use honey dew and/or cantaloupe and good quality prosciutto for this refreshing appetizer. Salty meat and sweet melon is key!

Lovely spring/summer pasta that is easily modified. Add or omit shellfish as you wish. You can also serve the Parmesan on the side to make if dairy-free.

It’s hard to go anywhere in Europe without seeing these advertised! Learn how to make this refreshing summer drink at home with an amazingly simple ingredient list. You can make individual drinks or a pitcher full for all your guests!

The classic Italian caprese salad is an excellent way to start out a great Italian dinner! Use fresh tomatoes from your garden or the farmers market and extra virgin olive oil to bring out the flavors. It works well for a party made up of appetizers only too!