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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.

Roasted Fennel With Breadcrumbs

Roasted fennel becomes a savory, caramelized side dish in this recipe that pairs the flavorful, bulbous vegetable with breadcrumbs and cheese.

Escarole Salad With Endive and Radicchio 

A favorite leafy green from cooked preparations, escarole, takes center stage in this refreshingly crunchy salad that co-stars endive and radicchio.

The Winter Vegetable Series Part 2, Radicchio Risotto

Our contributor continues her series on Winter Vegetables with a comforting risotto made with her beloved radicchio.

The Winter Vegetable Series, Part 1: Peperonata

Our contributor kicks off a Winter Vegetable series with a sauteed pepper dish that works in so many ways.

How to Make a Prosecco Cake

Our contributor continues her series on the "Era of Coffee and Cake" with her signature cake glazed in Prosecco.

January 10, 2024

Make This Fig Crostata for the Holidays

Our contributor shares her version of a family dessert recipe that is great for the holidays or anytime this winter.

December 18, 2023

Aunt Phyllis’ Italian Citrus Cake

Our contributor continues her series on the "Era of Coffee and Cake" with a signature cake of her beloved Aunt Phyllis.

December 13, 2023

Pumpkin Mascarpone Cake

Our contributor shares a cake recipe featuring pumpkin mousse that is perfect for last minute entertaining this fall or any planned event.

November 28, 2023

How to Make Fresh Tomato Sauce with Zucchini Flowers

In Fun with Zucchini Flowers, Part 3, a simple tomato sauce meets a secret ingredient.