The Italian Diva

When you think of Sicily, do you hear the theme from The Godfather playing in your head? Thanks to Hollywood, this island has a reputation for being more dangerous than a porcupine in a balloon factory. But fear not, the days of Dons and Mafiosos are as outdated as dial-up internet! Back when Sicilians first made their grand entrance to the USA in the late 1800s, only about 56% could actually read the menu. As they set up camp in Boston and New York City, they decided to pass down some good...

As a kid, this Italian Diva fondly remembers "Pasta Night" being the twice-a-week highlight—every Sunday and Wednesday, like clockwork. Holidays? Ha! Whether it was Christmas, New Year's, or even Groundhog Day, if it was a pasta night, the pasta parade marched on! Nothing else stood a chance against our carb-filled devotion. My Sicilian dad was the pasta police, enforcing the law of the noodle. Meanwhile, my mom tried to sneak in some American flair with Thanksgiving turkey and the like, but...

FACT: 70% of olive oils in supermarkets are as fake as a three-dollar bill. Uncover which ones are worth your hard-earned cash. Many historians think olive oil made its grand debut in the Mediterranean basin or the Middle East. Picture it as an Italian opera star, and just like many of us, it’s probably chilling in your pantry. Olive oil is the Beyoncé of ingredients—ideal for tomato sauces, salad dressings, marinades, bread dipping, and more. But did you know it’s been a cultural superstar...