I’ve lived in San Diego for almost 30 years and never knew the history of Little Italy - what a great story! Although what a shame that building the 5 reduced the size of Little Italy. I’m adding Assenti’s Pasta to my restaurant list.
Hi Ruth, I’ve been saving this newsletter as a little treat but I had to run off into the kitchen to make some peanut butter toast in the middle of reading it because it made me so hungry. Just as well I didn’t have any Nutella on hand or I would have been forced to put that on my toast. I love it but don’t keep it in the house (too addictive).
My other favourite spread is spekulatias (like the biscuits but spreadable). It’s absolutely fabulous but you can’t stop eating it.
That’s so funny that you had to run off and make peanut butter toast! I get it – reading food blogs always makes me hungry, especially when there are sweets involved. Nutella shouldn’t be allowed in my house. There’s still a little bit of it left from my crostada, and it really is perfect on toast, but I need to throw it out now to save myself! Of course, now that you brought up Spekulatias, I’m wondering if I can get my hands on some of that…
I'm ashamed to say I have had an unopen jar of Nutella in the cupboard for going on 2 years now. Meant to make a layered cake with it and never got around to it. So thanks to you, I'm dusting it off....and we had Pasta alla Norma for dinner last night! Everyone in the house thanks yoiu
No shame should be attached to that! I can't tell you the number of unopened jars in my cupboard--things I buy on impulse that somehow get pushed around on the shelf, end up in the back and then are rediscovered under a layer of dust years later. Nutella might just be one of those things that survives unharmed (which might not be a positive, except that it continues to taste really good despite not containing the healthiest ingredients!😏). So glad you made the Pasta alla Norma and it was a hit! Just thinking about it makes me want to make some more!🍝
Hi Ruth, thanks so much for the kind mention! Do you know, I think Nutella is one of the few crostata variations I haven't yet made. I like the idea of adding cream and butter to make it more like a ganache. Will give it a go! Also, I'm happy to learn about another Little Italy. I fantasize about taking myself on a tour of all the Little Italys across the US (or what remains of them). Thanks for another fun read.
Thanks so much, Domenica, and thanks also for the re-stack! I actually checked your website in search of a Nutella crostata and in the process discovered all the other varieties you’d made. I’m going to pick one to attempt to bring to a friend’s house this weekend—just can’t make up my mind which one!🤗
Thanks! Visiting San Diego next, next weekend and hope to check out Pappaleco! My partner lived in SD for a few years and we have visited often and Little Italy is always a fav! San Francisco's North Beach/Little Italy is also a fav! So much delicious, freshly made pastas have been enjoyed. Hope to one day visit a Little Italy on the east coast. (or actual Italy one day!) I've only had nutella a few times----gasp! I enjoy hazelnut cream quite a bit in the those Kinder Buenos though-omg so good!
We’re huge fans of San Francisco’s North Beach, though this neighborhood—and the whole city—have faced some mega challenges since 2020. I think you might enjoy Pappalecco. I forgot to mention the excellent gelato there too. We are heading back there as soon as we can too! Maybe see you, Sarah!🤗
Your Pasta Alla Norma and Nutella crostata look amazing, Ruth! I grew up near Schenectady in upstate NY and they have a Little Italy, In June At. Anthony's church organizes a Festa where volunteers prepare all the homemade food served during the street festival. It is adjacent to Union College, and student volunteers help with the set-up. The Italian community is reduced in size but still has a noticeable presence. I'm going to pick up some eggplant today! Thank you!
I bet there are many other Little Italys I know nothing about. Several generations later, they’re probably somewhat diluted, but luckily still cling to some traditions—especially the food! The Schenectady Festa sounds like a lot of fun!
I’d love to know how your Pasta alla Norma turns out if you make it. It’s definitely something I’m going to try again. Thanks so much for your comment, Vicki!
What a gorgeous crostata you made! I’m nuts about Nutella, straight from the jar or in baked goods. Not sure I have the skills to make this crostata, but the Nutella Rice Krispies treats I debuted earlier this summer were a major hit at a potluck supper.
How have I missed Little Italy all these years?? It’s now on my field trip list.
I love the idea of Nutella Rice Krispies! Here in Australia we have a children’s party treat called Chocolate Crackles (made with copha and cocoa) but a Nutella version sounds delicious.
Yum! Nutella Rice Krispie treats sound like just the thing for a potluck supper! I noticed a Nutella pop tart recipe too!We never knew about SD’s Little Italy either and now can’t wait to go again. It’s amazing what you can find right in your own backyard! Thanks, Amie!🥰
I love crostata and these look 👀 divine, Ruth. I’m very hungry after reading your post and got a kick out of Nutella’s predecessor for “intelligent housewives!”
I’ve lived in San Diego for almost 30 years and never knew the history of Little Italy - what a great story! Although what a shame that building the 5 reduced the size of Little Italy. I’m adding Assenti’s Pasta to my restaurant list.
Hi Ruth, I’ve been saving this newsletter as a little treat but I had to run off into the kitchen to make some peanut butter toast in the middle of reading it because it made me so hungry. Just as well I didn’t have any Nutella on hand or I would have been forced to put that on my toast. I love it but don’t keep it in the house (too addictive).
My other favourite spread is spekulatias (like the biscuits but spreadable). It’s absolutely fabulous but you can’t stop eating it.
That’s so funny that you had to run off and make peanut butter toast! I get it – reading food blogs always makes me hungry, especially when there are sweets involved. Nutella shouldn’t be allowed in my house. There’s still a little bit of it left from my crostada, and it really is perfect on toast, but I need to throw it out now to save myself! Of course, now that you brought up Spekulatias, I’m wondering if I can get my hands on some of that…
I'm ashamed to say I have had an unopen jar of Nutella in the cupboard for going on 2 years now. Meant to make a layered cake with it and never got around to it. So thanks to you, I'm dusting it off....and we had Pasta alla Norma for dinner last night! Everyone in the house thanks yoiu
No shame should be attached to that! I can't tell you the number of unopened jars in my cupboard--things I buy on impulse that somehow get pushed around on the shelf, end up in the back and then are rediscovered under a layer of dust years later. Nutella might just be one of those things that survives unharmed (which might not be a positive, except that it continues to taste really good despite not containing the healthiest ingredients!😏). So glad you made the Pasta alla Norma and it was a hit! Just thinking about it makes me want to make some more!🍝
I love the rustic simplicity of a crostata but I've never thought to make one with Nutella. I shall have to fix that!
Thanks, Julia! I hope you like the result!🤗
Hi Ruth, thanks so much for the kind mention! Do you know, I think Nutella is one of the few crostata variations I haven't yet made. I like the idea of adding cream and butter to make it more like a ganache. Will give it a go! Also, I'm happy to learn about another Little Italy. I fantasize about taking myself on a tour of all the Little Italys across the US (or what remains of them). Thanks for another fun read.
Taking a tour across all the little Italys in the US is a genius idea for a book, Domenica! 😍
I agree!
Thanks so much, Domenica, and thanks also for the re-stack! I actually checked your website in search of a Nutella crostata and in the process discovered all the other varieties you’d made. I’m going to pick one to attempt to bring to a friend’s house this weekend—just can’t make up my mind which one!🤗
There are also several in my substack archives, just to complicate matters 😂
Ah, but that’s just the kind of complication I like!😆
This Nutella crostata is a real classic! I can’t think of a grocery store here where you couldn’t pick one up. Yours is gorgeous! Well done!
Oh, thanks, Lolly! Can’t wait to return to Italy for more Nutella crostata—and everything else!
Thanks! Visiting San Diego next, next weekend and hope to check out Pappaleco! My partner lived in SD for a few years and we have visited often and Little Italy is always a fav! San Francisco's North Beach/Little Italy is also a fav! So much delicious, freshly made pastas have been enjoyed. Hope to one day visit a Little Italy on the east coast. (or actual Italy one day!) I've only had nutella a few times----gasp! I enjoy hazelnut cream quite a bit in the those Kinder Buenos though-omg so good!
We’re huge fans of San Francisco’s North Beach, though this neighborhood—and the whole city—have faced some mega challenges since 2020. I think you might enjoy Pappalecco. I forgot to mention the excellent gelato there too. We are heading back there as soon as we can too! Maybe see you, Sarah!🤗
Your Pasta Alla Norma and Nutella crostata look amazing, Ruth! I grew up near Schenectady in upstate NY and they have a Little Italy, In June At. Anthony's church organizes a Festa where volunteers prepare all the homemade food served during the street festival. It is adjacent to Union College, and student volunteers help with the set-up. The Italian community is reduced in size but still has a noticeable presence. I'm going to pick up some eggplant today! Thank you!
I bet there are many other Little Italys I know nothing about. Several generations later, they’re probably somewhat diluted, but luckily still cling to some traditions—especially the food! The Schenectady Festa sounds like a lot of fun!
I’d love to know how your Pasta alla Norma turns out if you make it. It’s definitely something I’m going to try again. Thanks so much for your comment, Vicki!
What a gorgeous crostata you made! I’m nuts about Nutella, straight from the jar or in baked goods. Not sure I have the skills to make this crostata, but the Nutella Rice Krispies treats I debuted earlier this summer were a major hit at a potluck supper.
How have I missed Little Italy all these years?? It’s now on my field trip list.
I love the idea of Nutella Rice Krispies! Here in Australia we have a children’s party treat called Chocolate Crackles (made with copha and cocoa) but a Nutella version sounds delicious.
Oh, Chocolate Crackles sound interesting, but what is copha?
Yum! Nutella Rice Krispie treats sound like just the thing for a potluck supper! I noticed a Nutella pop tart recipe too!We never knew about SD’s Little Italy either and now can’t wait to go again. It’s amazing what you can find right in your own backyard! Thanks, Amie!🥰
I love crostata and these look 👀 divine, Ruth. I’m very hungry after reading your post and got a kick out of Nutella’s predecessor for “intelligent housewives!”
Thanks, Jolene! Those old ads are always a fun time capsule—as you know so welll!🤗 I’m jazzed to make more crostata—this was my first.
Love Nutella!
Yum, yum, yum. I love that you got inspired to make and bake. Me, I got inspired to go back to Little Italy!
Me too!
Omg your crostata looks incredibly beautiful. Like a pie! My mouth is watering and I just woke up. It'll be on my mind all day now
Thanks, Melanie! This version is like fudge in a tart, especially if you chill it!
Let's get together soon