The Menu: The Love Goddess’ Cooking School
Holly, our fearless culinary guide, is on a journey of self-discovery, and she’s bringing her students (and us) along for the ride. Along the way, each recipe becomes a part of a bigger story about healing, hope, and finding your place. Curious why cooking for others feels so meaningful? Check out this HuffPost article about the benefits of cooking for others. Now, in honor of Camilla’s Italian roots, get ready to roll up your sleeves, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy a night filled with good food and even better stories. Mangia!
Drink
Join the party and soak in the irresistible aroma of Italian comfort cooking. Pour a bold red, a crisp white, or something bubbly to match the mood and the meal. Here’s to Camilla, Holly, good stories, and a night full of flavor and fun. Cheers!
Appetizer
During Sarah’s wedding catering tasting, Holly serves up bruschetta and antipasti, simple, classic, and full of flavor. Try this bruschetta recipe from Vincenzo’s Plate and pair it with an antipasti platter stacked with cheeses, preserved vegetables, and cured meats. Need ideas? Find some inspiration at Food Republic.
Soup
In one cooking class, Holly and her students make Italian wedding soup (minestra maritata), a dish where all the flavors come together like a happy marriage. Try this cozy version from Once Upon a Chef, filled with mini meatballs, tender veggies, and pasta in a rich, savory broth. Grab a spoon and enjoy every bite.
Main
The book is full of mouth-watering main courses. Think chicken alla milanese, osso buco with risotto, ravioli with spinach and three cheeses, and linguini in clam sauce. I went with tagliatelle bolognese, a dish that captures the slow, soulful cooking Italian grandmas like Camilla are known for. Channel your inner nonna with this cozy version from Andy Baraghani and let the sauce simmer until the flavors are rich and deep.
Dessert
One night, Holly and Mia bond over love, life, and a shared craving for something sweet as they whip up tiramisu together. End your meal the same way with Lidia Bastianich’s quick tiramisu cups, a no-cook dessert that’s creamy, satisfying, and ready in minutes. It’s the perfect finish.
We hope you enjoyed this Italian-inspired culinary journey. It’s a celebration of cooking, connection, and the kind of love that shows up when you least expect it. Like the characters in the story, may you find your own recipe for a life filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of sharing good food with good people.
