POPULARITY
Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter! In this episode of That Was Delicious, Brooke sits down with cookbook author, recipe developer, and television host Laurel Evans. Born and raised in Texas, Laurel moved to Milan over 20 years ago and has since built a fascinating career bridging American and Italian cuisine. From her early days of culture shock and learning the language to becoming a well-known voice in Italian food media, Laurel shares her journey, insights on Italian food culture, and what it's like raising a family in Italy. She also discusses her cookbooks, including Liguria: The Cookbook, her experience on CNN's Searching for Italy, and her upcoming Liguria retreats in 2025. If you love food, travel, and cultural deep dives, this episode is a must-listen! Key Takeaways [07:17] Laurel's Journey to Italy Originally from Texas, she moved to Milan in 2004 after meeting her now-husband, Emilio. The transition was challenging, especially navigating Italian bureaucracy and mastering the language. [12:05] Italian Bureaucracy & Cultural Differences Italy's bureaucracy can be frustrating, with conflicting information and unclear processes. The Italian mentality of l'arte di arrangiarsi (“the art of getting by”) explains the country's flexible, often chaotic approach to rules and regulations. [23:23] Italian Food Culture vs. American Food Culture Laurel initially felt pressure to cook only Italian food but later embraced her American culinary roots. She introduced American classics like brownies and burgers to Italian friends, sparking curiosity about American cuisine. [25:00] Writing Cookbooks & Breaking into Italian Food Media Laurel's first book, Buon Appetito America, introduced Italians to American home cooking. Despite imposter syndrome, she went on to publish multiple cookbooks, culminating in Liguria: The Cookbook. [34:10] Why Liguria's Cuisine is Underrated People visit Liguria for the scenery (Cinque Terre, Portofino) but overlook its incredible food. Dishes like pesto, focaccia, and seafood-based dishes are must-tries in the region. [39:50] Being Featured on Searching for Italy Laurel was part of the Liguria episode of Stanley Tucci's CNN series. The production team was highly invested in authenticity, showcasing the region's food in a genuine way. [43:31] Raising Kids in Italy vs. the U.S. The biggest difference is city vs. rural life—Laurel grew up on a ranch, but her kids are raised in urban Milan. Italy's family-oriented culture and sense of safety make it a great place to raise children. [46:42] Advice for American Tourists in Italy Travel deeper—don't try to see everything in one trip. Spend more time in fewer places and engage with locals for a richer experience. Notable Quotes (02:29) “Italy and Texas actually have a lot in common—deep-rooted traditions, pride in where you're from, and a strong connection to food and family.” (23:15) “When I first moved to Italy, I was terrified people would judge my cooking and think, ‘Of course, the American overcooked the pasta!'” (12:05) “Italian bureaucracy is like a puzzle with missing pieces—you just have to keep pushing until it works.” (39:50) “When I was featured on Searching for Italy, I loved that they truly cared about getting it right, not just making a TV show.” Resources Get a copy of Laurel's cookbook, Liguria Visit Laurel's Website for books, recipes, and retreats: www.laurelevans.com Follow Laurel on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram
The company that's aiming to make private chefs available for a wider audience, plus award winning food writer and author Laurel Evans on the rich culinary tradition of Italy's northwestern region of Liguria.
What I love to see in a cookbook are stories that give context and history to the recipes, great photographs that help tell the recipe stories, and recipes that are clear and simple and easy to follow. Liguria is a cookbook that ticks all these boxes. I've been cooking my way through the Liguria cookbook and would have to concur with author Laurel Evans that lots of the recipes are my favorites! I love her recipes for Stuffed Lettuce, Meat Ravioli with Tócco Sauce, Fried Pumpkin Ravioli, Liguria style stuffed squid and of course Ligurian Focaccia. Head to the Flavor of Italy website for this episode's bog post and show notes with lots of photographs, recipes and links.
There is nothing like the very first bite of fresh focaccia (and then the next. Liguria and in particular Genova claim fame to making Italy's very best focaccia. Join Erica and foodwriter Laurel Evans as we talk about this unforgettable (and simple) street food. Guest: Laurel Evans Ciao Bella podcasts Instagram: @ericafirpo Twitter: @moscerina
Laurel Evans is a Milan-based cookbook author, television personality, cooking teacher and American food enthusiast. The seventh-generation Texan fell in love with an Italian photographer who brought her to Milan in 2004. In 2009 she published her first cookbook and launched an award-winning blog, Un’Americana in Cucina. She has since published three additional books about American cuisine, and is currently the food editor for the Italian edition of Food&Wine magazine. She also consults with Blacket BBQ for digital communication, recipe creation and quality control. Emilio Scoti is a photographer and director from Milan, Italy. He lived three years in Texas in the early 2000's, where he met his wife and fell in love with the Hill Country forever. After moving back to Milan, he worked as a travel photographer and became increasingly involved with food photography and film directing. Currently working also as photographer and communication consultant for Blacket BBQ restaurant brand. He loves to spread the word about BBQ culture all over Italy. Mauro "Max" Chiefari: @texicanabbq_ Laurel Evans: @laurelevans Emilio Scoti: @emilioscoti
Scarica il programma
Laurel Evans torna dopo il successo di American Bakery e ci regala tante nuove e originali ricette per rendere più sfiziosi i già ghiotti muffin. Una delle specialità più amate della pasticceria americana finalmente e facilmente realizzabile da tutti. In questo filmato l'autrice spiega passo dopo passo e cucina dal vivo una delle sue strepitose ricette! I libri di Laurel Evans sono pubblicati in Italia da Gribaudo. Per altre info: http://www.feltrinellieditore.it/opera/opera/insolito-muffin/
Podcast della puntata del 22/11/2013. Si parla di thanksgiving day
Podcast della puntata del 22/11/2013. Si parla di thanksgiving day