Bright moments, baked in tradition

Whether you're looking for trusty weeknight dinners or planning the perfect holiday menu, you'll find recipes here that celebrate Italian-American flavors with a fresh, approachable twist. Discover time-tested classics and new family favorites, all with detailed recipe steps to set you up for success.

Weeknight Dinner Recipes

Need a new idea?

Italian-American Flavors

Olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella...how can you go wrong? These easy, flavorful recipes have earned their places as family favorites.

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Eyes On: Fall Recipes

The blog author holding a cup of coffee.

hey how ya doin!

I'm Alyssa.

Love Italian American flavors, sneakily lightened-up recipes, and fun seasonal fare? You're in the right place. I'm a detail-loving home cook who's been sharing low-fuss food and drink recipes here since 2013 (no agita, promise!). From my shiny and bright kitchen to yours.

More about Alyssa

An empty can of pumpkin puree with a small spatula in it.

Spotlight on:

18 Canned Pumpkin Recipes to Make This Fall

Organized by the amount of pumpkin puree needed so you can efficiently use up a can, these are my favorite sweet + savory pumpkin recipes I cook from each fall. It's still a million degrees where I live but I have that creamy pumpkin pasta on my menu for next week - couldn't wait!

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Reader Favorites

A steak sandwich on a plate with a salad.

★★★★★

The Best Leftover Steak Sandwich

"I made this the other night with leftover flank steak. All I can say is Wow! This was better than any steak sandwich I’ve ever had." - Cathy

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Cooked eggplant stacks in a baking dish topped with fresh basil.

★★★★★

Baked Eggplant Stacks

"I followed this recipe to the letter and it was so delicious! I loved not having to fry the eggplant. Nothing I would change at all. Definitely will make this again and again." - Donna

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