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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.

How to Make Semifreddo to Stay Refreshed This Summer

Our contributor continues her refreshing summer dessert series with an original semifreddo recipe that requires no special equipment.

A Torta Caprese Riff Perfect for Spring Gatherings

Our contributor kicks off a spring dessert series with a riff on a classic Torta Caprese that features white chocolate and citrus.

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.

Orange and Pomegranate Non-Alcoholic Spritz

As part of her series on what to eat and drink as winter turns to spring, Chiara Montalto Giannini recommends this spritz, made in honor of her grandfather.

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