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Chiara Montalto Giannini

By training, Chiara Montalto Giannini is an actress and a writer, but she has been cooking since before she can remember. As an actress and a writer, her solo play, A Brooklyn Love Story – based on the decade she spent living in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn with her grandfather – was produced Off Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York and at Theatre 68 in Los Angeles, where it was directed by Ronnie Marmo. Currently, she is the Director of the Writers Guild Initiative, a non-profit affiliated with the WGAE that shares the tools of writing and creative expression with different communities. She’s also a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and the Dramatists Guild. At Appetito, Chiara will share recipes from her childhood and those she has learned through her extensive pursuit of Italian food both here and abroad.

Italian Cooking Tips and Tricks to Get through a Rough Pregnancy

Appetito's very pregnant contributor shares some tips on how to get through the final months with the help of Italian cooking.

Caponata with Artichokes is a Twist on the Classic Sicilian Dish

Replacing the celery with artichokes is a nice variation to the classic Sicilian sweet & sour dish of Caponata.

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore Meatballs

Nostalgia for classic Italian American cooking inspired this boneless version of Chicken Cacciatore that is simple and healthy.

How to Make Tortoni, an Italian American Dessert Classic

Follow this recipe for the classic Italian American dessert of Tortoni and transport yourself back to the red sauce joint of childhood.

February 11, 2025

Add Nutella Brioche to Your Holiday Table

A simple, delicious brioche enhanced by creamy Nutella is a great way to bake your way into the holiday season.

December 23, 2024

Crostata di Nutella, a Delicious Italian Tart

Our contributor continues her tribute to Nutella series with a simple and delicious crostata filled with Italy's heavenly hazelnut spread.

November 7, 2024

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, a Heavenly Italian Dessert

A cake that combines Italian hazelnuts and melted dark chocolate for a memorable dessert experience.

October 21, 2024

What Products to Bring Home From Your Next Trip to Italy

Our contributor shares some secrets to bargain shopping for an array of products in an off the-beaten-path way in Italy.