This week, we get some seasonal Italian inspiration and delicious Italian sweets. First, we sit down with chef and cookbook author Hillary Sterling to talk about some of her signature dishes, how her obsession with Italian cooking began, and what it takes to get an exquisite dish on the table. Famous for her Creamy Parmigiano-Braised Beans, Hillary Sterling is the chef of Ci Siamo in New York City and author of Ammazza! Culinary Adventures from New York to Italy and Back Again.

Then, we are on to Italian sweets with award-winning writer Domenica Marchetti. Domenica has written a book that is kind of a cookie travelogue! She joins us to talk Italian cookies, from North to South, everything from soft macaroons to crunchy amaretti, ready for dunking. Domenica is the author of Italian Cookies, Authentic Recipes and Sweet Stories from Every Region, and she left us with her recipe for Amaretti from Sardinia.

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Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 8, 2026 (originally aired)

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