Heirloom Tomato, Basil and Goat Cheese Bruschetta

August 18, 2010.   Categories Appetizers, Italian, Light / Healthy, Vegetarian.

Heirloom Tomato, Basil and Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Heirloom Tomato, Basil and Goat Cheese Bruschetta This is one of my favorite things in the world.  When I start craving this during the peak of heirloom tomato season… I. must. make. it. now.  Although it’s not exactly a traditional method – I don’t care. There are a million variations of this including roasting tomatoes, adding garlic or a host of other ingredients.  But this is my favorite.  It is wonderful as a...

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Adopt an Olive Tree in Italy….

July 23, 2010.   Categories Italian, Kitchen Tools, Ramblings.

Adopt an Olive Tree in Italy….

Adopt an Olive Tree in Italy….  This is a brilliant idea that was shared via Amanda Hesser’s Food52 blog.  The Nudo cooperative of olive farmers in Italy has created a wonderful program.  Adopt one of their olive trees and you get to track it throughout the year and receive the olive oil extracted from that tree.  They have a many varieties of oils from different groves.  You select your tree and receive first cold-press oil...

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Homemade Meatballs

April 25, 2010.   Categories Comfort Food, Italian.

Homemade Meatballs

Homemade Meatballs  My husband Bill adores really good meatballs.  Spaghetti and meatballs…. meatball subs… just loves them.  He’s been asking me to make them for quite sometime and I’ve been putting them off. Why? Well, because there is something sacred to this guy about meatballs. The meatball sub for lunch is hollowed ground and he is the ultimate critic. I’ll admit it… I was intimidated by the...

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Chicken Marsala

March 24, 2009.   Categories Italian, Poultry, Sauces / Gravy.

Chicken Marsala

This is one of my husband’s favorite dishes. The tenderness of the chicken and sweet Marsala wine flavor is irresistible. This is an easy chicken marsala recipe but takes a little time. It’s worth it! Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 tablespoons of good quality extra-virgin olive oil 3 ounces pancetta, diced very small 8-10 ounces white button mushrooms (you can use crimini but I think...

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Old School Meat and Mushroom Lasagna

November 1, 2008.   Categories Comfort Food, Italian, Pasta.

Old School Meat and Mushroom Lasagna

This is the real deal… no eggplant, no tofu.. just old school meat and mushroom lasagna so hearty it’s hard to be hungry enough for seconds!  I vary the recipe each time depending on whether I want it more cheesy, meaty etc…. you can also increase the ricotta to give it more density. . . or increase the meat and cheese ingredients if you have a super deep pan and want more layers. Ingredients: 1 lb lasagna noodles Extra...

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