Welcome to my world of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, culture, and living.
I create recipes, gourmet products, cookbooks, events, tv appearances, and culinary tours to share not only flavors and techniques, but also the people, rich traditions, and breathtaking places that inspired them.
I love teaching others how to use the world’s healthiest diet to live better and longer. After living and working all over the Mediterranean region, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the Mediterranean lifestyle can transform lives.
Follow me on a delectable journey that will help you lead your best life while enjoying yourself in the process!
![A Celebratory Recipe & 3 Ways to Honor World Book Day](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1713566585055-JCJM02FTU8D61VCWQXAO/BK13+-+Diabetes+Cookbook+For+Dummies.jpg)
A Celebratory Recipe & 3 Ways to Honor World Book Day
Anaīs Nin said that “we write to taste life twice.” For those of us who create cookbooks, however, we write to help others taste the best that life has to offer. In honor of World Book Day and the official launch date of my 17 th cookbook, the Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies on April 23, I’m suggesting 3 ways to celebrate!
![GLAZED CALABRIAN OLIVE OIL & LEMON EASTER TARALLI](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1711485637482-6M2NQHU654EQQCERG3ME/IMG_2278.jpg)
GLAZED CALABRIAN OLIVE OIL & LEMON EASTER TARALLI
Variations of this traditional Easter recipe exist throughout Calabria. In some areas, this dough mixture is the same one that is placed around eggs at Easter time.
My Top Recipe for National Italian Food Day
February 13 is National Italian Food Day, and this year I thought I’d share the Italian recipe from my top Italian post. It comes as no surprise, just a few days after we celebrated National Pizza Day, that the world’s most popular food would be at top place!
![Introducing My New Calabrian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1702676968981-GFPHFJ36WK2972V2H4GX/tenute.jpeg)
Introducing My New Calabrian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
“The day that Calabria was created God found 15,000 Km of green clay with purple reflections in his fist…the Lord promised himself that he would make a masterpiece and Calabria came out of his hands…..” ~ Leonida Repaci
![Savoring the Flavors of the Maghreb & Southern Italy</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1702159159043-508JMI5TR80RMO6LRXSU/9780781814362_FC.jpg)
Savoring the Flavors of the Maghreb & Southern Italy
Despite the fact that Italian food has earned top rank as both the world's and the United States' favorite cuisine, there are still many layers of regional flavors that remain unknown outside of their respective communities. Among these "culinary time capsules," as I like to call them, are the Italian flavors of North Africa. "Maghreb" is the Arabic word for "sunset" which was given as the Arabic name of the modern-day country of Morocco because it was the Western most country of the Arab world, from where the sun sets.
![Edible Love on National Italian Food Day](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1687705200573-0Q2R004N7B3U20LPM55O/IMG_0655.jpg)
Edible Love on National Italian Food Day
February 13 is National Italian Food Day in the United States, and I'm ready to celebrate my love for all things Italian on Fox 5 DC tomorrow! Since it's the day before Valentine's Day, I thought heart shaped Ravioli Capresi, a recipe unique to the romantic island of Capri, would be the perfect dish to demonstrate.
![Top 5 Fun and Creative Italian Solutions for Holiday Entertaining</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703692095558-5EFWHGRWAVS056WLIAEO/IMG_7811+%281%29.jpg)
Top 5 Fun and Creative Italian Solutions for Holiday Entertaining
We’re just a few nights away from the Winter Solstice and we could all use a little extra cheer on our tables. But since Christmas and New Year are just days away, there's no time to spare. Here are my top 5 fun, easy, and creative Italian solutions for holiday entertaining
![Top Ten Italian Women's Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter 2022 & How to Save $ on Them</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703692617178-D6E2VVBD9AK496Z8FTQQ/IMG_2853.jpg)
Top Ten Italian Women's Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter 2022 & How to Save $ on Them
Top Ten Italian Women's Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter 2022 & How to Save $ on Them
![Best 3 Italian Pasta Recipes and Top Tips for Pairing Them with Authentic Sauces</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703694873118-47XBTJRJTP7R59IW5KLP/FullSizeRender+-+2022-10-17T074339.737.jpg)
Best 3 Italian Pasta Recipes and Top Tips for Pairing Them with Authentic Sauces
Before we begin discussing pasta recipes, there are three important integral elements of the Italian kitchen that can't be overlooked. One of the top challenges in creating authentic Italian pasta recipes is choosing the proper pasta shape and the best sauce to compliment.
![Top 5 Best Italian Recipes for Summertime</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703698374487-QV3JAPRQ7Y62HSU17SKT/COVER+%281%29.jpg)
Top 5 Best Italian Recipes for Summertime
Summertime and outdoor gatherings go hand in hand, but many people are challenged when preparing warm-weather meals. Here are a few of my favorite Italian recipes from my newly released Italian Recipes for Dummies.
![In Vinitaly Veritas</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703709509644-WPXQRFR00UOL7NT54C7S/IMG_7206.jpg)
In Vinitaly Veritas
"Ci sono vini buoni, molto buoni o buonissimi, ma che col tempo puoi dimenticare, semplicemente perché ce ne sono tanti. Poi ci sono i vini indimenticabili, decisamente pochi, che popolano una ristretta lista personale che ciascuno di noi ha messo là perché colpito, forse, da una sfumatura organolettica inaspettata. E poi ci sono i vini emozionanti, difficilissimi da incontrare ma facilissimi da riconoscere…
![Calabria Bottled: Discovering the Wine of Champions</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703863522846-7R25JRNKBKYALCBEOR49/casabona-83.jpg)
Calabria Bottled: Discovering the Wine of Champions
A few years ago, my ancestral homeland of Calabria was named “Italy’s most delicious secret” by Traveler Magazine, and this year, for the first time, the Association of Italian Sommelier’s Guida Vitae 2022 named one our wines, Librandi’s Megonio IGP, “The Best Italian Wine” for 2022.
![Warm Up with Mediterranean Spice, Orange, and EVOO Infused Gingerbread</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703863970057-QKIU0Z11OKP2YC2GGN15/IMG_4527.jpg)
Warm Up with Mediterranean Spice, Orange, and EVOO Infused Gingerbread
Approximately 25,000 cups of tea are enjoyed per second around the globe. January is National Tea Month, and this recipe is the perfect partner for one of the world's favorite beverages. When temperatures drop to frigid levels, as they are right now in the Washington, DC area, I turn to spice-infused recipes, hot drinks, and lots of extra-virgin olive oil to soothe my psyche and warm my spirits, all while reaping extra anti-inflammatory benefits.
![My "30-Day Mediterranean Mediterranean Lifestyle Contest"</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703864402755-VE4YYHJ6LFRFD074NGDP/1+%2811%29.png)
My "30-Day Mediterranean Mediterranean Lifestyle Contest"
In order to help readers begin eating better and together this October, I am giving away four sets of Mediterranean Lifestyle For Dummies and the Amy Riolo Italian Primi Essentials Gift Box from Ditalia!
![Introducing My Two New Products & 6 Ways to Celebrate Italian Cuisine Week</a>](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1701375771576-XLK9ZI6VV4NQS1CS44B1/sel1.jpg)
Introducing My Two New Products & 6 Ways to Celebrate Italian Cuisine Week
Nov 16-21 is known as the World Week of Italian Cuisine, and it gives me great pleasure to celebrate this occasion with the introduction of two new Amy Riolo Selections products. In addition to my 100% Italian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil from the award-winning Trappeto di Caprafico, I will am now offering the following products. Use discount code "amyriolo" at checkout to receive 10% off these and ALL OTHER products on the DITALIA site.
If you believe - muffins, merigues and Jim Brickman’s music
Lately I've really been enjoying my Wednesday afternoon TasteTalkswithAmy Instagram live events. Those discussions are my chance to chat about all of the things that inspire me - food, wine, fashion, art, poetry, music, and travel with amazing people.
This last Wednesday having the legendary songwriter, pianist, and radio show host Jim Brickman as my guest was a dream come true for several reasons.
![Blueberry beyond breakfast](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1701375706253-S6HQPWJBN134AFJT6ZR8/blu1.jpg)
Blueberry beyond breakfast
It’s #NationalBlueberryMonth and many people are getting their fill of the delicious and nutrient-dense fruit in muffins and pancakes, but that’s just the beginning of show-stopping dishes that you can showcase this super fruit in. Blueberries are one of America’s favorite fruits – and this is the time of year to enjoy them. When berries are in season, our bodies need more of the specific nutrients that they boost.
![Mastering pizza fritta](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1703969551674-QB0WTKTA7OB5UW8DO49W/IMG_1507.jpg)
Mastering pizza fritta
The city of Napoli has offered the world many gastronomical triumphs that the term “Cucina Napoletana” refers not only to the city of Naples proper, but of the entire region of Campania itself. The UNESCO protected art of pizza-making is what Neapolitans are most known for, but truth be told, that’s just the tip of the culinary iceberg that this ancient metropolis has to offer.
Love at first bite: My Ode to Ravioli Capresi
April is National Poetry Month in the United States. Lately I've had more time on my hands to enjoy the work of my favorite poets, like Pablo Neruda. Just the other day I remembered how he referred to the island of Capri as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean" and without even leaving my kitchen, I was able to re-live all of its splendor.
![My Greek Easter - Menu and Memories](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/1701375801907-SSVNGWRAHUKA73SV1I55/Greek%2BEaster1.jpg)
My Greek Easter - Menu and Memories
As a young girl, attending the Easter Mass, festivals, and ceremonies at our town's Greek Orthodox Church was the highlight of my social calendar. At midnight during the Easter Mass, we always say “Christos Anesti ("Χριστός ἀνέστη!" - "Christ is Risen!" in Greek) to fellow attendees – and they always respond with: “Alithos Anesti” (Aληθώς ανέστη!) which means “truly he has risen.”
Then we would go home and eat sweet breads and pastries – and the next day, on Easter Sunday, we would have our feast.
Diabetes for Dummies
Co-written with fellow Mediterranean diet expert Dr. Simon Poole this title was the #1 New Release in Category on the day it was released.
In this updated and expanded version, it was our goal to give readers real hope to prevent, manage, and even reverse diabetes as well as avoiding complications. We used a holistic, person-centered approach to managing Type 1, Type 2, Pre- diabetes, diabetes in children, and during pregnancy as well. It includes everything you need to know about glucose levels, preventing complications, and new treatment options.
We shared updated nutritional guidelines and many easy lifestyle hacks to help readers on their wellness journey. The appendix includes my culinary-medicine philosophy and mouth-watering, complete meal options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You’ll learn to how to make the most out of a grocery shopping trip, how to stock a pantry, and how to eat both at home and out in order to keep your blood sugar in check and you living your best life.
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/644edce5eb88f470b5984a92/e6a8c0a6-f24f-403d-a6d7-45a2d0df770a/CI05.jpg)