profile

Elena Davis - CucinaByElena šŸ‹

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.

Subscribe to get all my latest posts

fresh tomato basil pasta

šŸ…Got Ripe Tomatoes? Make This!...

Ciao Reader! There’s nothing more satisfying—or simple—than this Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta made with just-picked tomatoes, good olive oil, and fragrant basil. It’s the kind of meal we make almost daily here in Italy during the summer: no cooking the sauce, no fuss—just vibrant ingredients and pure flavor. This is my go-to when tomatoes are at their peak. Toss it with al dente pasta and serve it with a hunk of crusty bread. Trust me, you’ll taste summer in every bite. From my Sardinian...
READ POST
Nduja ricotta toast

šŸ”„NEW RECIPE: I made this 10 min no cook appetizer for my Italian family and everyone raved about it!...

Hi Reader! I made this Whipped Ricotta and ā€˜Nduja Toast for my Italian family as a little appetizer before dinner—and let’s just say, there wasn’t a single slice left on the plate. The creamy ricotta paired with the spicy, smoky ā€˜nduja spread on warm, crusty bread? Pure heaven. It’s simple, bold, and bursting with southern Italian flavor. Serve it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of herbs—you’ll be amazed how fast it disappears. Leave a comment at the bottom of the recipe when you try...
READ POST
meal plan for summer

ā˜€ļø 6/29/25 Weekly Meal Plan: Hello from Sardegna! šŸ‡®šŸ‡¹ + Your Summer Meal Plan & 4th of July Favorites šŸŽ†

Ciao Reader! Hugs from the sun-drenched shores of Sardegna! ā˜€ļø We’re soaking up every bit of Mediterranean summer—beach days, fresh markets, and long family meals under the fig trees. I’m sending a little of that sunshine your way with this week’s meal plan—featuring recipes perfect for hot days and warm nights. Additionally, here are some favorite 4th of July recipes that will shine at any backyard celebration šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡øšŸŽ‰Made with Amore, šŸ’™Elena. ✨Let’s start with a recipe that you loved this week......
READ POST
ground chicken burgers

NEW RECIPE: šŸ”„Italian Flavor Meets Backyard Favorite...

Hi Reader! This isn’t your average backyard burger. These Italian-style ground chicken burgers (no bread crumbs!) are juicy, flavorful, and layered with lemon garlic aioli, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs that make every bite taste like summer in Italy. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear—trust me, you’ll want these on repeat all season long. Buon appetito from Sardegna! ā˜€ļøšŸ”šŸ§„ ā­ļøGET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen) to yours, I wish you and your family a wonderful week! If you made a...
READ POST
Caprese Pasta Salad

šŸ˜‹I made this to eat on the beach in Italy today and I know you're going to love it... ā˜€ļø

Hi Reader! Writing to you from the sun-soaked shores of Sardegna, where tomatoes taste like candy and basil grows wild in the garden. This Caprese Pasta Salad is everything I crave on a hot Mediterranean summer day—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and perfectly al dente pasta tossed in a simple vinaigrette. It’s easy, refreshing, and bursting with Italian summer flavor. Mangia and enjoy wherever you are! ā˜€ļøšŸ…šŸ‡®šŸ‡¹ ā­ļøGET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen) to yours, I wish you and...
READ POST

ā˜€ļø 6/22/25 Weekly Meal Plan: I’m writing to you from Italy šŸ‡®šŸ‡¹ + Your Summer Meal Plan šŸŒž

Ciao Reader! Happy Sunday! Ciao from Sardegna! šŸ‡®šŸ‡¹ We’ve officially landed and settled into our home for the summer, right on the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean, where I was born and spent every summer of my life. It feels amazing to be surrounded by family, sea breezes, and the familiar smells of fresh seafood, ripe tomatoes, and wild herbs from the garden. Stay tuned for new summer recipes and behind-the-scenes peeks of our life here—I'll be sharing lots of stories on Instagram, so don’t...
READ POST
Lemon Posset

šŸ˜‹A Spoonful of Summer: A Creamy No Bake Dessert That is Pure Magic- literally šŸ‹āœØ...

Hi Reader! Light, luscious, and bursting with lemon, this 4-ingredient Lemon Posset is a longtime favorite in our cucina. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. Silky, tangy, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a quiet moment with a spoon. Made with Amore, ElenašŸ’™ . ā­ļøGET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen) to yours, I wish you and your family a wonderful week! If you made a recipe and LOVED IT, please leave a ā­ļørating and review. It helps my small...
READ POST
penne pomodoro recipe

New Recipe: šŸ… The Pasta That Tastes Like My Childhood...

Hi Reader! This is the pasta I grew up eating in Italy—Penne al Pomodoro, made with a simple tomato sauce that simmered while we played and waited for lunch on a hot summer day. It’s nostalgic and full of love. Now I make it for my own kids, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Ready in 20 minutes. Pairs well with my famous chicken cutlets! Made with Amore, ElenašŸ’™ . ā­ļøGET THE RECIPE ⭐ From my cucina (kitchen) to yours, I wish you and your family a wonderful week! If you made a recipe and...
READ POST
weekly meal plan- this is the homemade meatball recipe.

ā˜€ļø 6/15/25 Weekly Meal Plan: You’re the Best Part of This Cucina—Let’s Cook TogetheršŸ½!...

Ciao Reader! Happy Sunday! One of the greatest joys of my week is reading your heartfelt comments on the blog. Knowing that you're cooking these recipes in your kitchens, sharing them with your loved ones, means the world to me. Whether it’s a simple weeknight pasta or a special Sunday meal, your stories remind me why I started this journey. If you’ve recently made a recipe and haven’t left a comment or a star rating, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. Your feedback not only brings a smile...
READ POST