Brown haired woman wearing a red shirt with chin resting on hand.

Ciao! I’m Marcellina!

Ciao! I’m Marcella Cantatore, owner of Marcellina in Cucina and the second child of Italian immigrants, Anna and Enzo.

I want to share with you the recipes I learned in our Italian kitchen with my family. Many of my Italian recipes are handed down through the generations.

Being raised in a traditional Italian migrant family, Italian was my first language. Our meals were very different from my school friends and we grew and produced almost everything we ate.

My mother, a girl from Calabria, was a fantastic cook of the cucina povera (poor cooking) and could always produce delicious meals with whatever she had. Our family life was wonderful!

Then when I was nine, my dear mum passed away suddenly. It was then that I realized dad (who was from the heart of Italian cooking, Emilia Romagna) was incredible in the kitchen as well. My parents ignited and fuelled that first passion for cooking and baking without even realizing it. For more about me, my life, and this blog, click this link.

As seen in:
Brown haired woman wearing a red shirt with chin resting on hand.

Our Team

Marcella is the voice, author, and creator behind Marcellina in Cucina.

Sharni, Marcella’s daughter, is the Social Media Manager at Marcellina in Cucina and writes all the content on Instagram and Facebook. You’ll find her answering questions and managing our social media. When not traveling around Italy, Sharni also writes blog content.


Italian Recipes At Marcellina In Cucina

Here at Marcellina in Cucina, you’ll find lots of good Italian recipes for everyday dinners and desserts. I reveal the tips and tricks of Italian cooking that I learned from my family.

It’s all here and more. You can browse everything using the recipe index.

Plus, at Marcellina in Cucina, baking recipes abound. I learned to bake after my mum passed away (that’s one thing dad didn’t do very well) and I have been baking ever since. So, if baking is your thing, go to my baking recipes here or here to discover the wonderful world of baking.

Most of all, the recipes I share are all tested in my small home kitchen and work every time. If it’s not working for you, contact me…we will figure it out together.

Close up of Spaghetti alla Nerano piled up on a white plate garnish with fried zucchini and extra cheese.

What Won’t You Find Here

You won’t find recipes dedicated to the latest fads with difficult to find ingredients. Because of this most of my recipes use simple ingredients which, of course is the basis of good Italian cooking.

Occasionally, you find a recipe that might be challenging for those of you who want the challenge

Measurements

You will find that most of the recipe here are not fiddly and fussy with measurements, even the baking recipes. If you have a set of scales, use those. If not, use cup measurements. Be sure to follow my tips below for measuring flour. Measure flour by scooping into a cup then levelling off with the blade of a knife. I have checked and rechecked the weight of one cup of flour weighed using this method and it is consistently between 125 grams and 130 grams.

I have been careful to specify only teaspoons if the quantity is important. The size of eggs can make a big difference to some recipes. I like to use eggs that weigh at least 2 oz (58 grams) that is 24 ounces (700 grams) per dozen eggs.

Chocolate pudding in a teacups with a heaped spoonful of pudding resting on the top of the cup.

COPYRIGHT

Close up of this Italian dessert in a cup.

All of the content on this website is copyrighted. If you wish to use any of my content elsewhere you must obtain permission from me first, then you must credit me, and link back to my website directly. You also must not remove my watermark from my photos without my permission. Don’t copy and paste my recipes or photos elsewhere, instead provide a link back to the recipe post on my website.

WANT MORE?

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You can get more by clicking here to regularly receive my newsletter with the latest Italian recipes, tips, and secrets.

Being an Italian is in my blood but YOU can cook and eat like an Italian too and share in the joy of good food. I’d love to hear from you so drop a line, comment, or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Baci