Tag Archives: italian

June 12, 2012 · 3:50 am

Farfelle With Sausage, Peas, Tomatoes and Cream


As a child, I grew up spending my Saturdays and Sundays playing soccer. And, believe me, after spending so many years becoming acquainted with mud, dirt, sweat and camaraderie, I have really come to enjoy and love the sport.

Euro 2012 started this past weekend and, as a result, I found a perfect opportunity to watch a few games. Although soccer is popular in the States, it is much more popular in Europe. It is nice to see a change of pace and see how utterly ecstatic and passionate the European fans are and how much they truly love their teams. At the weekend’s end, I am lucky to say that I had watched two games, Germany vs. Portugal and Spain vs. Italy, both of which were great games!

However, after watching Italy play, I became quite hungry and thought of Italian food (naturally). Plus, I had just purchased a basil plant so I wanted to welcome the first opportunity to use some fresh basil in an Italian dish. So, after a little bout of searching, I found a perfect recipe: Farfelle With Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream.

Step 1: Chop Onion and Garlic;
Saute Italian Sausage;
Add Onions and Garlic 

Step 2: Add Pureed Tomatoes
and Touch of Cream; Add Peas 

Step 3: Boil Pasta, Drain; Add Sauce
to Pasta; Toss Extra Basil on Top; Eat! 

After a jam-packed weekend, I was not too utterly inspired to make something uber complex or intricate. As a result, I was very pleased with this recipe because it was simple, yet flavorful and did not feel “heavy” despite the use of a little cream. Plus, the addition of some peas (to add some color and sneak a vegetable serving in) and a sprinkle of Parmesan made this into a delicious meal!

Cheers!

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March 11, 2012 · 2:12 pm

Roasted Sweet Potato, Rosemary and Garlic Lasagna

Calk me crazy – but even though multiple layers of meat and gooey cheese in lasagna sounds completely appealing and a recipe that undoubtedly will fulfill my taste buds, I was craving something more and different this past weekend. Don’t get me wrong, I love an original lasagna; however, I need variety and the ability to try new options in my life.

As a result, I ditched the usual meat and cheese combo and choose to feature a starch that packs plenty of vitamins instead – Roasted Sweet Potato, Rosemary and Garlic Lasagna (the original recipe calls for squash but I substituted sweet potatoes instead).

Step 1: Peel Sweet Potato, Chop and Roast

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Add Flour and Butter

Step 3: Add Milk to Mixture and Let Thicken


Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes to Mixture;
Layer Noodles then Potatoes
and then Cheese; Repeat


Step 5: Bake and Eat!

Even though this isn’t a traditional lasagna, I liked the variety of the savory and sweet favors that this surprisingly hearty meal provides. A must try recipe and one that is great if you do not eat meat!

Cheers!

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December 26, 2011 · 2:01 am

Tomato Crostini


Sometimes, it is just nice and convenient to be able to throw a quick appetizer together for a dinner party or get-together. This recipe was no different. Considering this recipe uses only five ingredients (not including salt & pepper) and creates one of my favorite ingredients (sun dried tomatoes minus the sun), I became absolutely smitten.

I made these as an appetizer this past Christmas for my family. My brother, who is quite a picky eater, does not usually appreciate my cooking and choices; however, this time, he actually really liked this appetizer. So, for your next get-together, make sure to make these (even the most picky eater will like them!): Crostini With Thyme-Roasted Tomatoes.

Step 1: Cut Tomatoes in Half Lengthwise

Step 2: Place Tomatoes on Pan With
Olive Oil, Thyme, Salt and Pepper; Roast

Step 3: Slice Bread and Bake in Oven

Step 4: Place Roasted Tomatoes
on Top of Bread and Eat!

If in a bind, this is perfect for a last-minute recipe since it uses normal household items. Plus, it results in a simple, yet delicious result!

Cheers!

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August 7, 2011 · 3:19 pm

Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Garlic Bread Crumbs

“It tastes so good, it must be bad.” This thought kept reverberating through my mind while both making this dish (no judgments — I had to sample!) and during consumption. Sometimes, I just get the itch to make comfort food and this past Saturday was no different.

The idea to make macaroni and cheese dawned on me when I happened to peruse down the aisles of the grocery store and spotted one of my childhood favorites in a box: Macaroni & Cheese. Although some of the boxed kinds of Macaroni & Cheese are too die for, I decided to forgo the powdered cheese and unknown-mysterious-overly-processed-can’t pronounce ingredient combination in order to try the “real deal”. However, in making this decision, I knew I would be consuming exorbitant amounts of butter, cream, milk, and cheese in order to delight my taste buds. But, every now and then, I truly believe these types of good (but, oh-so-bad) foods are just absolutely necessary. My final response? Dig in!

Macaroni & Cheese With Garlic Bread Crumbs.

Step 1: Grate Cheeses; Chop Garlic


Step 2: Melt Butter; Whisk Flour &
Mustard; Pour in Cream & Milk




Step 3: Add Sauce to Noodles and Cheese


Step 4: Melt Butter; Add to Olive Oil,
Bread Crumbs and Chopped Garlic


Step 5: Add Bread Crumbs to the Top
of Macaroni; Bake and Enjoy!

“It tastes so good, it must be bad.” Wait, I have a correction: “It tastes so good, it must be bad – but, I’m going to enjoy it anyway!”

The moral of the story: indulge every now and then — it’s a good thing!

Cheers!

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July 27, 2011 · 7:03 am

Fresh Lemon Pasta


If you haven’t noticed already, I’m literally all about “ease, ease, ease” and “few ingredients, few ingredients, few ingredients”. Rarely a time exists where I cave and use a recipe that requires over 12 seperate ingredients. That being said, this Tuesday was no different. A friend from college came over to visit my roommate and I. I decided to make a simple dinner and one that would require few ingredients (of course!!).

I had already picked up a lemon at the store a few days prior and decided I wanted to incorporate it somehow. Since I already had pasta on hand, I figured I’d try to figure out some type of pasta-lemon duo. After some glancing around the cupboard, I decided to make Fresh Lemon Pasta as a nice, summery dish.

Step 1: Smash Garlic and Chop Finely


Step 2: Grate Parmesan; Juice and Zest Lemon


Step 3: Combine Zest, Juice, and Olive Oil


Step 4: Combine Cheese, Cooked Noodles, Sauteed
Garlic, and Olive Oil/Lemon Sauce Together; Enjoy!

Although it almost seems too simple, my tastebuds were not disappointed and my wallet was sure happy with me too. As cheesy as that sounds, it is completely true! Anyway, the key to this recipe’s success is lots of garlic (lots!) and playing around with the lemon-to-olive oil ratio in order to make a sauce that includes enough lemon, but doesn’t make your mouth pucker in a sour grin. Next time, I’d like to add chicken or perhaps olives and tomatoes. Until then…

Cheers!

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July 3, 2011 · 4:33 am

Glorified Cheese Pizza


During one of my last few visits to the store, I happened to pick up a copy of Real Simple. The cover held the infamous “3 Ingredient” featured recipes. I was instantly intrigued. If you haven’t noticed already, I really enjoy making simple recipes and ones that require few ingredients. Therefore, I was extremely drawn towards this issue.

One of my favorite recipes that I saw was for a “flat-bread-esque pizza”. Since I already had puff pastry leftover from making a Rhubarb Tart (as seen here), I knew that this would be the perfect recipe. Plus, whenever has melted cheese and tons of carbohydrates not resulted in a pleasantly awesome situation? Unless something goes drastically wrong, I’d say pretty close to never!

So, I decided to make this recipe. Even though I cheated (I used more than the 3 ingredients as listed in the recipe), I would make this again and again. Real Simple has it right — 3 ingredients (plus a few more minor ones) always wins!

Step 1: Thaw Pastry Dough and Roll Out


Step 2: Cut Tomatoes


Step 3: Layer Cheese and Tomatoes Onto
Puff Pastry; Add Olive Oil, Salt/Pepper, and Spices 


Step 4: Bake and Enjoy!


I absolutely loved this recipe. Although this definitely resulted in just another glorified version of a cheese pizza, it definitely tasted better than a frozen pizza or one from the local joint down the street. The flakiness of the crust just can’t be beat and the authentic gooey-ness was perfection. I’m smitten.

Cheers!

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May 1, 2011 · 9:05 pm

Spaghetti & Sicilian Meatballs

For most last minute or large gatherings, spaghetti is often the menu item of choice. Naturally, it depends on which way you decide to make it — but, it is extremely easy (especially if not making the sauce from scratch!). Personally, I love spaghetti. It’s extremely simple, requires few ingredients, and serves as a perfect comfort food. But, lately, I’ve been becoming bored of my usual rotation of spaghetti for evening dinners. I’ve tried adding chicken or other types of vegetables to help alleviate my taste bud boredom. Unfortunately, those additions did not result in any success.

It wasn’t until I was surfing through Netflix that I saw the movie Lady and the Tramp pop up. Whenever I think of that movie, I always revert to the scene where the two dogs eat eat spaghetti and meatballs together. Instantly, this movie provided the perfect inspiration in order to spice up my boring pasta dinners. So, it was decided: Spaghetti and Sicilian Meatballs it is!

Step 1: Chop Garlic, Onions, Basil
Currants, and Toasted Pine Nuts

Step 2: Let Bread Crumbs and
Milk Sit for Five Minutes

[I accidentally threw the onions on top for this step... oops!]

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients With
Wet Ingredients; Add Meat Mixture

Step 4: Form Meat Balls
(Key: Make Sure Hands are Wet); Bake

Step 5: Add Meatballs to Sauce
and Spaghetti and Enjoy! 

Prior to this meal, I had never made meatballs from scratch. It was surprisingly simple and easy. Let’s just say I’m glad that I happened to stumble upon Lady and the Tramp or else I would have made another simple pasta dish.

Cheers!

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February 4, 2011 · 12:29 am

Homemade Lasagna

I just spoke via Skype with a friend who I haven’t been able to speak to in months. Currently, she is living in Seoul, South Korea and teaching English to kindergartners. Although it’s been a vast adjustment, she has enjoyed all of the challenges, scenery, and culture. She is a very brave young woman and I’m proud of her for pursuing that opportunity!

I especially enjoyed hearing about her travels and new experiences. Since I love food and trying new things, I undoubtedly felt compelled to inquire about South Korean cuisine. Basically, mixtures of rice, noodles, vegetables, and various meats comprise most meals in combination with plenty of spicy flavors and seasonings.

However, although she is having a blast sampling Korean cuisine and other fare from her travels, my friend does miss traditional meals from home as well as classic Southern dishes. That being said, I decided to make one of her favorite dishes and dedicate this post to her (this may seem cruel – but, we talked about it on Skype and she though it would serve as a great reminder of home!). Since I don’t have a deep fryer, I thought that some type of pasta dish would be best. Instantly, the thought of lasagna came to mind. So, after replenishing ingredients at the store, I made a delicious Mushroom and Sausage Lasagna.

Step 1: Saute Onions, Chopped
Mushrooms; Add Sausage and Garlic

Step 2: Layer Noodles, Tomato Sauce,
Cheese, and Sausage Mixture (Alternating)


[Use Flat No-Bake Noodles -- They are
easier to use and taste better!]

Step 3: Bake, Slice, and Enjoy!

[The flat no-bake noodles don't look as aesthetically pleasing.
Despite the appearance, the flavors mixed together wonderfully.]

Lasagna can be a great meal when done right. Often times, an overabundance or shortage exists of one of the items and in turn creates a taste bud rollercoaster. For example, I have had lasagnas in the past where the amount of ricotta cheese was too prevalent or lasagnas which contained a sparse serving of meat/vegetables and seasonings.

The key to a great lasagna is setting up the best ratio of noodle to sauce to cheese to meat/vegetables. This can be found by happening to stumble upon a great recipe or through trial and error. In my case, I was lucky and happened to find a great recipe on the first try!

Cheers!

P.S. To my friend in South Korea — I miss you dearly and I hope this reminds you of home. In fact, I’ll make it upon your return!

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February 1, 2011 · 1:30 am

When the Moon Hits Your Eye Like a Big Pizza Pie, That’s Amore!

“That’s Amore” by Dean Martin started playing on a television show the other night. I think that my subconscious engulfed the words “Pizza Pie” because a few days later, I felt the urge to make a pizza when I woke up on Sunday morning. I’m not sure if this song is where my innate desire originated from, however, I’m glad that it did because it gave me the chance to prepare a fantastic dinner!

The decision to make pizza was definitely prime. I didn’t have to visit the store because I could combine ingredients I already had at home. Plus, I also happened to have a packet of active dry yeast in the cupboard, so I could be entirely authentic and make the pizza dough from scratch! After much pondering, I decided to make a simple Three Cheese and Tomato Pizza.

Pizza Dough

Step 1: Mix Active Dry Yeast With Warm
Water and Olive Oil; Let Sit for 10 Minutes


Step 2: Combine Yeast Mixture
With Flour and Salt


Step 3: Gather Dough into a Ball; Put In Bowl
and Let Sit Under a Cloth for 2 Hours (To Let Rise)

Three Cheese and Tomato Pizza 

Step 1: Cut Tomatoes; Mince Garlic
and Add to Two Tablespoons of Olive Oil


Step 2: Roll Out Pizza Dough


Step 3: Place Garlic Oil on Dough, Put
Cheese and Tomatoes on Top, Bake!

[Nifty Pizza Cutting Scissors!]

I should have baked the pizza a few minutes longer (to brown the edges), but at least I learned a lesson for next time. All in all, the pizza tasted great and I think I can still hear that Dean Martin song playing in my head…

Cheers!

 

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January 15, 2011 · 10:12 pm

Chicken Piccata

Every now and then, I immensely miss the days when I studied abroad in Italy. Nothing compares to the authenticity of fresh lemons or gooey mozzarella or creamy pesto. In order to help transport me back to these blissful days, I decided to make a classic dish: Chicken Piccata.

After research for recipes, I happened to learn a few facts about this esteemed dish:

  1. Piccata means to “sauté or slice with lemon, butter, and herbs”
  2. Capers are actually unripened flower buds of Capparis spinosa (a prickly plant found in the Mediterranean and various parts of Asia)
  3. This dish is most commonly made with veal in parts of Italy

Eat this dish family style and slice additional lemon slices to create a nice aroma!

Step 1: Season Chicken, Dunk
In Flour, Shake Off Excess Flour

Step 2: Heat in Oil for 2 Minutes; Rotate;
Add Chicken Broth, Wine, and Capers

 


Step 3: Serve With Rice,
Vegetables, or Pasta and Enjoy!

 This was a flavorful dish, but definitely not for those who don’t like a strong presence of lemon flavoring. I’d make this again, but I’d add more spices to the flour mixture just to take some of the credit away from the lemon!

Cheers!

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