Every New Year’s Day, our family comes together for a meal that’s as meaningful as it is delicious—lentils and cotechino. This beloved Italian tradition, lovingly prepared by Bonnie, is more than just our first meal of the year; it’s a heartfelt wish for prosperity and abundance. In Italy, lentils symbolize coins and financial luck, a custom that dates back to ancient Rome. Paired with savory cotechino sausage, this dish is a flavorful way to celebrate new beginnings and honor our roots. Join us as we share the story, history, and joy behind this time-honored meal.

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas in our household, and at the center of it all are Nonna’s ricotta cookies. These pillowy-soft Italian treats have been a beloved family tradition for generations—simple to make, impossible to resist, and always the first sign that the holiday season has truly arrived. From the scent of cinnamon and orange in the air to the laughter shared in the kitchen, these cookies capture the magic of togetherness and the taste of cherished memories. Discover the story behind our favorite Christmas cookie and join our tradition—your holiday table will thank you!

Kick off your holiday season with a Brooklyn-Italian twist! Discover the story behind our family’s Godfather BLT—a savory sandwich crafted with homemade lard bread, crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil pesto. Inspired by a beloved Brooklyn tradition and perfected in our kitchen, this recipe brings together Italian-American flavors, family history, and the joy of sharing good food. Ready to join the tradition? Watch our video and get the full recipe on EatSundaySupper.com!

As a third-generation Italian American, Mark grew up in the Italian section of Bristol, Connecticut, where Sunday supper meant a big pot of sauce, meatballs, and sausage from Martino’s. Today, he’s turned those memories into a new hands-on tradition with his own family: making their own mild Italian sausage with fennel. From John picking the biggest lemon leaves in the yard to grill sausage patties, to packing links for the freezer, it’s less about the recipe and more about passing down a piece of where he came from.

Pumpkin spice is everywhere these days, but this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Oatmeal Streusel is the goodkind of pumpkin spice. This is a simple, quick fall cake our family makes on repeat, built from a recipe Mark has used as a professional pastry chef for over 30 years—even in Ritz-Carlton kitchens. It’s an easy, versatile batter you can bake as loaves, cupcakes, or a sheet cake, and the oatmeal streusel on top adds the perfect crunchy, cozy finish. This is the pumpkin cake we get “voluntold” to bring to school events every year, and it’s the one we’ll keep baking all season long.

In our family, we put our own twist on tradition—swapping anchovies for rich, savory sardines and adding the best Italian tuna we can find. What started as “tuna fish pasta with red sauce” on a single mom’s budget has become one of our most cherished comfort foods. Simple, briny, and bursting with Mediterranean attitude, this pasta proves that the best meals are born from a little creativity and a lot of heart.

There’s nothing quite like making pasta by hand, especially when it’s cavatelli—a family favorite in our house since John was two. This week, we brought together homemade cavatelli, a cozy lamb ragu, and golden chanterelle mushrooms for a dish that’s as comforting as it is memorable. Cooking with my son, using herbs from our garden, and sharing these traditions is what Eat Sunday Supper is all about. Dive in and discover why this simple Pugliese pasta is at the heart of so many of our best family moments.

Apple strudel is more than just a dessert—it’s a story that stretches across centuries and connects generations. My own journey with strudel began 30 years ago in pastry school, where I learned the magic of transforming a simple dough into something delicate and impressive. This year, with apples from our backyard tree, I got to share that tradition with my family, teaching my son John the art (and caution) of peeling apples and stretching dough by hand. Whether you stick to the classic apple, walnut, and rum-soaked raisin filling or get creative with what you have, apple strudel is all about togetherness, tradition, and a little bit of kitchen magic.

Experience the warmth of southern Italian cooking with our Osso Buco recipe—tender veal shanks braised in tomatoes and white wine, inspired by family tradition. In this post, I share step-by-step instructions, personal stories (including my son’s first taste of bone marrow!), and tips for serving this cozy dish over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. Perfect for fall or any time you crave comfort food with a side of family memories.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping Italian dessert that’s naturally gluten-free, look no further than Torta Caprese al Cioccolato. This decadent flourless chocolate cake has been a family favorite in our house—especially since John’s Grammy can’t have gluten! With simple ingredients and a rich history from the beautiful island of Capri, this cake is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re new to Italian baking or just searching for a dessert everyone can enjoy, Torta Caprese al Cioccolato is sure to become a staple at your table.

Focaccia Barese isn’t just a recipe—it’s an adventure through Puglia, family stories, and the search for the perfect bite. From Frank’s childhood memories to discovering the secret of boiled potato in the dough, our journey took us from legendary bakeries to lively family pranzos and even a focacceria where opening hours depended entirely on “when the dough is ready.” Join us as we share our favorite focaccia recipe, perfected over years and countless Sunday suppers.

Contemporary Neapolitan pizza—blasphemy or brilliant evolution? Join us on a journey from Naples to your own kitchen as we explore the biga method, classic traditions, and the irresistible rise of Panuozzo. Discover the flavors, techniques, and family stories behind Italy’s most iconic pie.