Buon Appetito!

We’ve found ourselves dreaming of traveling to Italy lately, possibly because it’s off limits right now to most of us. While we can’t exactly hop the next flight to the Amalfi coast, we can bring some of our favorite Italian flavors into our own kitchens.

Italian food is all the good things: bursting with flavor, comforting, romantic and begging to be shared at a table with people you love. The Italian culture and cuisine are deliciously intertwined; preparing food at home and gathering with loved ones to enjoy it is a daily practice.

This culture of gathering and enjoying good food with one’s community has been shown to contribute to longevity and overall well-being. That’s reason enough for us to dig into a giant bowl of pasta. No one does comfort food quite like the Italians, but before you go putting yourself into a “carb coma,” take note: There are ways to get your Italian comfort food fix at home without all the guilt.

Insalata Tricolore

Servings: 4–6

Use a vegetable peeler to get thin shavings off a hunk of Parmesan; we recommend using Parmigiano-Reggiano. Dress the salad just before serving to keep the lettuces from wilting.

• 6 cups arugula
• 2 heads endive, cut into half-moons
• 1 head radicchio, cut into thin wedges
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly shaved Parmesan

In a large bowl, combine the arugula, endive and radicchio.

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard and honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan on top just before serving.