Silvia’s Italian Favorites
Focaccia al formaggio
“This delicious dish can be eaten at any time during the day: lunch on the beach or as an appetizer at night. The best kind can be found in Liguria, a region in Northwest Italy. This bomb.com item is made with crescenza cheese which melts into your mouth the second you bite into the irresistible layer of flatbread. The gooey cheese in the focaccia is what makes it so special.”
Baci di Dama
“Italians don’t like to overcomplicate their meals which is why the desserts are always so irresistible. This less known dessert to Americans can be found in most Italian households in the colder seasons. Baci di dama are made with two melt-in-your-mouth hazelnut cookies held together with rich dark chocolate. The two halves of the cookies resemble two lips that come together for a kiss, hence the name, Baci di Dama, meaning ‘lady's kisses”’
Aastha’s Thoughts
Being a close friend of Silvia’s, I’ve been able to experience some authentic Italian meals at her house. My favorite part of meals with her family is that I always feel so welcome and at home when I’m sitting with them at the table. I’m a huge fan of the onion focaccia her dad makes. While I’ve never tried Baci di Dama, I understand and appreciate the simple yes deliciousness of Italian cuisine. While the dishes I’ve eaten in her home are not the most complicated, the flavor her family adds makes the dishes truly unique. I hope to one day travel to Italy with her to experience its authentic food and culture.