Ask Chef Walter: How to make Pastiera – Walter Potenza

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Friends: If you’ve ever been lucky enough to experience Italy during Easter, you’ll know just how magical—and delicious—it is. The country comes alive with an incredible variety of seasonal cakes and pastries, each one sweeter than the last. What I love most is how every region has its…

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Ask Chef Walter: Importance of fats in diets – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Fats are not the enemy but an essential component of a healthy diet. They provide energy, support brain health, regulate hormones, and play a role in heart health. Friends: As a chef with years of experience, I want to share some personal notions about treating fats in my diet.…

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Ask Chef Walter: How to make Zeppole – Chef Walter Potenza

{Images are proprietary courtesy of Scialo Bakery, Federal Hill, Providence} HOW TO MAKE ZEPPOLE  Friends: The Feast of Saint Joseph, held on March 19th yearly, is very near and dear to Italian culture and tradition. “La Festa di San Giuseppe” honors Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary and adoptive father of Jesus, as patron saint of…

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Ask Chef Walter: Stressful dinner decisions – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer How to manage work stress, and family meals, without losing your mind. Friends: Ginette L, from the lovely Sapulpa, OK., had a question about dinner decisions and the stress associated with the idea of constantly having an idea. Being an adult can be challenging. With deadlines, meetings, and the…

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Ask Chef Walter: Is frozen food good? – Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer How to make the most out of frozen foods while saving money, time and effort.  Friends: Pauline Z. from Ocean Ridge, Florida, recently asked me about the use of frozen food—whether it’s safe, how it affects quality, and if it compromises taste. Freezing is one of the best preservation methods,…

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The Super Bowl Feast – Chef Walter Potenza

SuperBowl teams

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer. Photos courtesy Chef Potenza A taste of America, from sea to shining sea. So grab a plate, get comfy, and dig into the deliciousness of America this Super Bowl Sunday! Friends: The Super Bowl is a championship American football game, but to many, it is a cultural phenomenon that assembles…

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Ask Chef Walter: Churros in Madrid, Chef Walter Potenza

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with sugar, or thick chocolate, churros are more than just a snack—they are a cultural symbol of Spain’s rich culinary history, connecting the past with the present. Friends: My passion for soccer and food racing simultaneously took me to Madrid, Spain. While my reason for…

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Ask Chef Walter: Pinoli Biscotti – Chef Walter Potenza

Two trays of cookies are on a counter.

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Friends: One of the most popular cookies to make for the holidays is Biscotti ai Pinoli, or pignoli cookies. They originate from the deep-seated Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisines, more precisely from Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. These regions pride themselves on a long tradition of sweets made with…

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Ask Chef Walter: His Majesty, the San Marzano Tomato – Chef Walter Potenza

Steaming tomato soup in rustic pot.

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer HIS MAJESTY THE SAN MARZANO TOMATO Thanks to its history, connection with the territory, and extraordinary qualities, San Marzano continues to be loved and appreciated worldwide, representing the excellence of Italian cuisine. Friends: The San Marzano tomato stands out in the culinary world with its unique and unparalleled sweet…

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