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Elena Davis - CucinaByElena 🍋

Ciao! Here you'll find simple & delicious recipes for everyone. Born in Italy and raised on sensational foods- I'm sharing my tips and tricks for all your favorite Italian recipes plus other favorites. Join thousands of readers and get my weekly emails with the latest recipes.

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eggplant stacks

🍆From My Oven to Yours: Simple Baked Eggplant Happiness (AKA 'lazy & healthy eggplant parm')...

Ciao Reader! Eggplant is one of those ingredients that instantly reminds me of Italy - it was always on our family table this time of year. This version is layered with creamy ricotta, a sprinkle of Italian herbs, and just a drizzle of olive oil. They come out golden, tender, and unbelievably comforting—without any fuss or frying. Perfect for a light weeknight dinner or as a cozy side. You'll also love my traditional eggplant parm. Made with Amore, Elena💙. I'd love a comment and star rating✨...
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Stuffed Peppers

🫑♥️My Nonna’s Special Stuffed Peppers- now yours...

Ciao Reader! These stuffed peppers instantly bring me back to my childhood kitchen. My nonna made them often- bright peppers filled generously with rice, meat, and simple Italian flavors that tasted like pure comfort. I remember the smell filling the house as they baked, and the excitement of gathering at the table to enjoy them together. Straight from my nonna’s cucina to yours, I know you'll love them. Made with Amore, Elena💙. ⭐️GET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen) to yours, I wish you...
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🥖 8/31/25 Weekly Meal Plan: Simple Recipes for a Long Weekend (sending early this week!)...

Ciao Reader! I know many of you are heading into a long weekend with Labor Day, so I’m sending this week’s meal plan a little early. For me, these holiday weekends are less about big to-dos and more about slowing down, sharing simple food, and making memories. This plan is filled with recipes that are easy to prepare, perfect for gatherings, and full of the bright flavors we still get to enjoy at the end of summer. Whether you’re grilling outside, cooking for family, or just savoring a quiet...
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🇮🇹The Cacio e Pepe Secret That Makes It Silky in 20 Minutes (plus our family recipe)...

Ciao Reader! Every time I make this Cacio e Pepe the Roman way, it reminds me why it’s the authentic comfort pasta of Italy. Just quality pasta, freshly grated pecorino and Parmigiano, toasted black pepper, and a splash of pasta water (the secret weapon), and suddenly you have a luxuriously creamy, soulful sauce with no cream in sight. I can’t wait for you to try it - leave a comment on the recipe when you do! ⭐️ Made with Amore, Elena💙. ⭐️GET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen) to yours, I...
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oatmeal banana bars

⭐️NEW: 🍌From Ripe Bananas to the Perfect Snack In No Time...

Ciao Reader! If you have ripe bananas on the counter, make these Banana Oatmeal Bars. They’re quick to stir together in just one bowl and bake into the perfect anytime bite: breakfast, snack, or even a light sweet treat. Soft, hearty, and naturally sweetened with banana, they’re a wholesome little recipe I love keeping on hand for my family all week long. Made with Amore, 💙 Elena. ⭐️GET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen) to yours, I wish you and your family a wonderful week! If you made a...
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bowl of pasta in a bowl with homemade sauce

☀️ 8/24/25 Weekly Meal Plan: Holding On To The Last Taste of Summer (colorful and delicious recipes inside)...

Ciao Reader! As I sit at my kitchen table, I can’t believe how quickly August has flown by. Part of me wants to hold onto these long summer evenings forever, the fresh tomatoes, zucchini, corn, peaches, and basil that seem endless. This week, I’m sharing recipes that let us enjoy those last bright flavors before the season changes. I hope they bring you a little piece of summer at your own table, too. Let me know what you try by leaving a ⭐️comment on the recipe blog post💙, Elena. ✨Let’s...
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Corn Dip

⭐️Hot Out Of The Cucina (Kitchen): The Dip Everyone Will Ask For The Recipe🌽🔥...

Ciao Reader! I made this creamy jalapeño corn dip recently, and let me tell you... it disappeared fast! Sweet corn, a little kick of heat, and plenty of cheesy goodness come together in one irresistible bite. It’s easy to make ahead, perfect for game days, barbecues, or late nights with friends. Trust me, this is the dish that will have everyone gathered around the table asking for the recipe. Let me know when you try it. Made with Amore, 💙 Elena. ⭐️GET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen)...
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freezer breakfast sandwiches

⭐️NEW: Quick, Healthy, and Oh So Good: your go-to morning and snack solution (meal prep friendly!)...

Ciao Reader! These Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches are my answer to busy days: wholesome, satisfying, portable, and made ahead so you can grab one (or two) without slowing down your morning routine. They make a great snack for kids/teens before sports and activities. Packed with eggs, melty cheese, and veggies, they're here to rescue your sanity and hangry friends and family ;). Made with Amore, 💙 Elena. ⭐️GET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen) to yours, I wish you and your family a wonderful...
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Weekly Meal Plan

☀️ 8/17/25 Weekly Meal Plan: Back to Routine, Back to the Table

Ciao Reader! As summer winds down and back-to-school season begins, I’m finding comfort in the rhythm of family dinners. Even as schedules get busy, gathering around the table keeps us grounded. This week’s meal plan is filled with simple, flavorful recipes that make weeknights easier while still feeling special—just the kind of cooking that keeps everyone happy (and well fed) during this transition time. Let’s cook together and make this new season feel a little cozier, one meal at a time....
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