Italian – Page 3 – Kristen's Recipes

Macaroni Grill Fonduta Gamberi

February 17, 2015 Kristen

2 Cups half−and−half
1 T. clam juice
2 T. dry white wine
3 T. butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 T. flour
4 Cups rough chopped spinach
1 Cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
8 large shrimp, peeled, cleaned and chopped
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (more to taste)
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 Cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, optional

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine half−and−half, clam juice and white wine. In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Add shallots and sauté until translucent. Add flour to butter mixture, stirring until flour is absorbed. Cook, stirring constantly, 2−3 minutes. Add heated half−and−half mixture all at once to the shallot mix, stirring constantly with a wire whip to remove any lumps. Add spinach, artichokes, shrimp, cayenne and black pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the mixture does not scorch. Remove mixture from heat, and stir in cheese, if desired. Pour dip into bowl and serve hot.

Carino’s Chicken Milano

January 7, 2015 Kristen

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 thin slices ham
1/2 cup shredded cheese- provolone or mozzarella
12 leaves fresh basil
2 T. olive oil
Salt and pepper

Prepare your chicken by making “pockets” for the filling: Holding chicken flat on your cutting board with palm of one hand, make an incision in thicker side of each breast with a paring knife. Carefully pivot the knife to create a deep pocket, keeping the other side of the chicken breast intact. If you do what I did and poke a hole in the bottom of the chicken, simply layer in your ham first so the cheese doesn’t ooze out. Fill the pocket with one slice of ham, about 2 tbs cheese, and 3 basil leaves. Fill each chicken breast and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, and cook until browned on both sides, 6 to 7 minutes per side. Cover skillet, and continue cooking until chicken is opaque throughout and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 160 degrees. about 5 minutes more. When your chicken is finished cooking, you will be left with a beautiful pan full of browned bits and lots of goodness. Feel free to add a 1/2 cup of chicken stock or white wine to that pan and let it bubble and reduce a bit and then spoon it over the chicken.

Provencal-Style Tomato and Mozzarella Loaf

December 16, 2014 Kristen

1 C. canned diced Tomatoes, drained
4 T. EVOO, divided
½ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Pepper
7oz. Mozzarella, cut into ½” cubes
4 oz. grated Swiss or Gruyere Cheese
8-10 Basil Leaves, chopped
3 large Eggs
1 C. Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
½ Warm Whole Milk

Preheat oven to 350. Mix tomatoes gently in a bowl with 1 T. oil, salt and pepper. Stir in cheeses and basil. Set aside. In separate bowl beat eggs and then add flour and baking powder. Add milk and remaining oil a little a time, mixing until smooth. Add tomato mixture to batter and mix well. Pour into an oiled and floured standard loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cook 10 minutes and then cut into slices.

Bagna Cauda

October 13, 2014 Kristen

Bagna cauda, a warm, buttery Italian sauce with anchovies and garlic, is a great and way to enjoy an assortment of fresh veggies & meat. Steak, chicken, and shrimp all work well with this sauce; use them in any combination. Serve as a quick after-work meal, or as an hors d’oeuvre at your next party. Notes: If you don’t have the right-size fondue pot, use another heavy small pan that will sit stably over the heat source.

About 1 pound cooked tender beef steak such as top sirloin; cooked boned, skinned chicken breast; and/or cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp (31 to 40 per lb.)

6 cups bite-size pieces zucchini, mushrooms, red bell peppers, fresh fennel, and/or drained canned artichoke hearts (choose 3 or 4)

1 baguette (8 oz.), thinly sliced

1/2 cup butter

1 cup olive oil

1/4 cup minced garlic

1 can (2 oz.) anchovies, drained and finely chopped

Cut steak and chicken across the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick and about 3 inches long. Arrange meat on a platter. Place vegetables and bread in baskets or dishes. In a 1- to 1 1/2-quart pan or metal fondue pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add oil, garlic, and anchovies; stir until mixture bubbles. Set pan over a candle or a medium-low alcohol or Canned Heat flame. Watch mixture and stir often so garlic doesn’t burn; adjust heat as needed. Use forks or long skewers to spear chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetables, and swirl through butter mixture to coat; leave in longer to heat slightly, if desired. Transfer food to individual plates or a slice of baguette to eat. Stir butter mixture occasionally with food on fork.

Zesty Vegetable Lasagna

October 8, 2014 Kristen

2 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

3 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 large egg

1 teaspoon (each) salt, pepper, crushed red pepper

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound Cremini mushrooms, roughly chopped

1 large onion, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick

2 (each) red and yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick strips

12 ounce fresh baby spinach

4 1/2 cup marinara sauce

1 pound no-boil lasagna noodles, such as Barilla

1 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick

Make the fillings: Combine the ricotta and Pecorino Romano cheeses, garlic, herbs, and egg with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and the crushed red pepper in a bowl and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, onions, and peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 4 more minutes. Add the spinach and remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss and cook until spinach is wilted and tender, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Assemble the lasagna: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour 1 1/2 cups sauce into a deep-dish lasagna pan. Layer 5 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the cooked vegetables and a third of the mozzarella. Layer with 5 more noodles and spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of sauce and add another layer of noodles. Add the remaining vegetables, another third of the mozzarella, and a layer of noodles. Spread on the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of sauce, and the last layer of noodles. Add the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake until bubbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes. Let the lasagna cool slightly before serving.

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake.

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Baked Ziti from Cook’s Illustrated

July 5, 2014 Kristen

1 lb 4% fat cottage cheese

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 oz. parmesan cheese, grated

Salt

1 lb ziti pasta

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

5 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 C. plus 2 T. fresh basil, chopped

1 tsp. sugar

Black pepper

3/4 tsp. cornstarch

1 C. heavy cream

8 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk cottage cheese, eggs and 1 C. Parmesan together in medium bowl; set aside. Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in large Dutch oven over high heat. Stir in 1 T. salt and pasta; cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta begins to soften but is not yet cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain pasta and leave in colander. Meanwhile, heat oil and garlic in 12 inch skillet over medium heat until garlic is fragrant but not brown. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and oregano; simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Off heat, stir in 1/2 C. basil and sugar, then season with salt and pepper. Stir cornstarch into heavy cream in small bowl, transfer mixture to Dutch oven set over medium heat. Bring to simmer and cook until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove pot from heat and add cottage cheese mixture, 1 C. tomato sauce and 3/4 C. mozzarella, then stir to combine. Add pasta and stir to coat. Transfer pasta mixture to 13 x 9 inch baking dish and spread remaining tomato sauce evenly over pasta. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 C. mozzarella and remaining 1/2 C. Parmesan over top. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to cook until cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown, about 30 minutes longer. Cool for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 3 T. basil and serve.

Cellentani with Fire Roasted Artichokes, Smoked Pancetta And Pecorino Toscano Cheese

June 16, 2014 Kristen

1 lb. Cellentani Pasta
1/3 cup Italian pancetta, smoked
½ T. Pine nuts
2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
1 cup White onions, chopped
2 cups Artichokes, fire-roasted
Salt to taste
Black pepper, freshly ground to taste
2 T. Ripe tomatoes on the vine, diced
1 cup Pecorino Toscano cheese, shredded
½ T. Fresh parsley, chopped

Sauté the pancetta until crispy; drain and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the pine nuts until slightly brown; set aside. Cook the cellentani according to package directions. Meanwhile, sweat the onions with half of the olive oil until translucent. Add the artichokes and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; add a small ladle of the pasta cooking water to the skillet. Drain the cellentani while it is slightly undercooked and add it to the vegetable mixture; sauté for 2 minutes, until the water is reduced and the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir in the parsley, cheese, tomatoes, and pine nuts. Drizzle with the remaining oil before serving.

Veal Scaloppini with Marsala Wine

May 29, 2014 Kristen

2 pounds veal scaloppini

½ cup all-purpose flour

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

4 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

¾ cup dry Marsala wine or sherry

Veal scaloppini should be cooked and served immediately. Reheating will toughen and dry the meat. Place scaloppini between 2 pieces of waxed paper and pound until thin. When pounding meat do not use a straight up-and-down movement. Use a sliding action so meat is stretched more than flattened. Place scaloppini on aluminum foil. Coat meat lightly with flour. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter with oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. When butter foams, add veal. Cook about 1 minute on each side. Veal should be light golden outside and pink inside. Remove veal from skillet. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and Marsala or sherry. Deglaze skillet by stirring to dissolve meat juices attached to bottom of skillet. When wine is reduced by half, return veal to skillet. Mix gently with sauce. Place meat on a warm platter. Spoon sauce over meat. Serve immediately.

Antipasto Salad Kabobs

May 24, 2014 Kristen

(2) 7 oz. containers fresh small mozzarella balls

(2) 4 oz. packages prosciutto

1/2 lb. genoa salami, sliced thin

(1) 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers

(1) 6 oz. can of black olives, or use the fresh cured olives from the olive bar at your grocery store

1 bag of leaf lettuce, any kind you like

Lay out all you ingredients on a cutting board. Alternate the ingredients onto the skewers on any pattern you like, adding lettuce leaves after every few ingredients. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or serve with dressing for dipping on the side.

Slow Cooker Italian Meat Loaf

May 22, 2014 Kristen

Olive oil in a spritzer bottle, or non-stick cooking spray

2 pounds extra lean ground sirloin (or bison)

2 large eggs

1 cup (about 1 medium size) zucchini, grated and excess liquid squeezed out

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish

4 cloves freshly minced garlic

3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 Tablespoon dried oregano

2 Tablespoons minced dry onion or onion powder

1/2 teaspoon sea or Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce

1/4 cup shredded or 2-3 slices mozzarella cheese

2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Line a large (6 quart or larger) slow cooker with folded strips of aluminum foil in a grid pattern. Spray the foil with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for cooking spray and the topping ingredients. Mixture WILL BE loose/wet. This is expected. Carefully transfer mixture into the slow cooker and form into an oblong shaped loaf, setting it on top of the aluminum foil strips. Place lid on top of slow cooker. Cook on high power for 3 hours or low power for 6 hours. 15 minutes before the end of the cook time, turn the heat off and unplug the slow cooker. Remove the lid and spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Place cheese on top of ketchup and replace the lid onto the slow cooker. Allow the meat loaf to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. To remove loaf from the slow cooker, remove lid, hold each end of the strips in each hand , and carefully lift. Transfer the loaf to serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Sun-Dried-Tomato Chicken Roll-Ups

April 15, 2014 Kristen

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
8 chicken breast cutlets (1 1/2 pounds)
1/2 pound deli-sliced provolone cheese
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400°. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease the foil. Place the beaten eggs and bread crumbs into separate shallow bowls. In another bowl, mix the ricotta and sundried tomatoes. Dip the chicken cutlets into the egg, then coat with the bread crumbs and place on a work surface. Place a slice of provolone and a heaping tablespoon of ricotta mixture on each cutlet. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. Place the chicken roll-ups side by side on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Bake until the chicken is golden and the cheese is bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Easy Spinach Lasagna

April 15, 2014 Kristen

3¼ cups ricotta cheese

1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese

20 oz. thawed chopped spinach, drained

4 ½ cups chunky vegetable pasta sauce (your choice)

1 box uncooked lasagna noodles

2 ½ cups grated Gouda or Swiss cheese (slices may be used)

⅛ tsp. salt

⅛ tsp. pepper

Prepare a 13 x 9 x 2 lasagna pan by spraying lightly with olive oil. Set the pan aside until ready to use. Gently blend the ricotta and parmesan cheeses together, adding salt and pepper. Now spread 1 cup of pasta sauce in the lasagna pan. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread 1¼ cups of ricotta mixture on top of noodles in a light layer. Add about ⅓ of the spinach mixture on top of the ricotta mixture in spoonfuls. Repeat the layers ending with 3 lasagna noodles and the remaining sauce. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using aluminum foil cover the lasagna and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated Gouda or Swiss cheese on top. (If using slices, lay slices on top of lasagna to cover). Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. Cheese should be golden brown.

Pasta e Fagioli with Sausage Dumplings

April 15, 2014 Kristen

2 tablespoons EVOO
4 thin slices pancetta, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 bay leaf
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
Salt and ground black pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained (I used garbanzo beans)
3/4 pound ground pork
1 egg
1/4 cup (a handful) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (a handful) grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cup ditalini-shaped pasta (I used small shells)
1 loaf crusty bread

Place a large saucepot over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the pancetta to the pan and cook until crispy, 3-4 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf and garlic to the pan with some salt and pepper, and cook until the veggies are tender, 5-6 minutes. Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook until aromatic and brick red in color, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken stock, water and beans to the pot, and bring the liquids up to a bubble. While the soup is heating up, combine the pork, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, fennel seeds, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix everything well with your hands to combine. When liquids are at a bubble, reduce the heat to medium and form the meat into 1-inch balls, dropping them into the soup as you go. Simmer the dumplings until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Turn the heat back up to medium-high, add the pasta and cook to al dente according to package directions. Serve the soup with some crusty bread alongside and more grated Parm at the table.

Savory Italian Palmiers

April 3, 2014 Kristen

1 Sheet Frozen Puff Pastry
9 Thin Slices Prosciutto, Salami, pastrami and/or capacola
2 cups Shredded Provolone
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 T. Dried Basil
2 T. Dried Oregano
1 tsp. Crushed Dried Red Pepper Flakes, or to taste
½ tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Black Pepper, or to taste
1 cup Finely Chopped Black (preferably Kalamata) Olives
1 Egg, beaten
½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Thaw pastry on counter for 15 minutes, then unfold and layer meat and cheese on top, making sure to cover pastry completely. Sprinkle garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and olives over the top evenly. Roll up two opposite sides of pastry until they meet in the middle. Cut into 1/8-inch slices and place on baking sheet, leaving space between them. Brush tops with beaten egg; sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake 6 minutes or until golden and puffy. Remove from baking sheet immediately and cool slightly on wire rack.

Baked Gnocchi with Sage and Cheese Sauce

February 25, 2014 Kristen

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into large pieces

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

–

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons flour

2 cups chicken stock (recipe) or vegetable stock (recipe), warmed

1 cup Fontina cheese, grated

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

6 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped

Small pinch fresh nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Fill a large saucepan with water. Add the potatoes and 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes until they are very soft. Drain and set run through a food mill, or ricer for nice smooth potato. Put the potatoes in the fridge until they are cool, this will help keep them fluffy. Prepare 2 sheet pans by dusting them with flour, set aside. On a clean work surface mix together the potato and the flour and knead for about 4-5 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth. Only add enough flour so the dough comes together and is not tacky. Cut the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll one 1 quarter of the dough into a 3/4 inch log. Cut the log into 3/4 inch pieces. Roll the pieces over a gnocchi board or the back of a fork to create ridges onto the floured sheet pan in a single layer. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Let the rolled gnocchi dry out for about 1 hour before cooking. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat to a gently boil, so you don’t break up the gnocchi. Add the gnocchi and boil for about 3 minutes, or until they rise to the top.

For the cheese sauce (while the gnocchi is cooking)

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and whisk until flour turns golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add the warm stock and continue to whisk until it thickens, about 3 minutes. Add the fontina and parmesan cheese and stir with a spoon until melted. Stir in the chopped sage. Stir in the cooked gnocchi and transfer to a casserole or baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Chicken in a Fresh Tomato and Eggplant Sauce with Spaghetti

February 3, 2014 Kristen

Coarse salt

1 lb. spaghetti

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 small, firm eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 1/3 lb. chicken tenders cut into small bite-size pieces

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, pressed

Coarse black pepper

1 t crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 C. dry white wine (I used Yellow Tail Chardonnay)

1 1/2 C. chicken broth

1 pint red grape tomatoes

1 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

1 C. grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it is boiling, salt the water and cook the pasta al dente. Heads up: you will need to reserve 1/2 C. of the pasta cooking water before draining. Preheat a large nonstick skillet (it needs to be VERY big!!) over medium-high heat with 3 T. of EVOO. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the skillet to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm; return the skillet to the stove. Add the remaining 2 T. of EVOO. Add the chicken and cook to lightly brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions and the garlic and return the eggplant to the skilet, season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Add the cherry tomatoes and the reserved pasta cooking water and cook until the tomatoes begin to burst. Add the parsley and the cooked pasta, toss to coat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce tightens up around the pasta. Turn the heat off and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat the spaghetti, then serve it up!

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Charred Tomato Soup with Pesto and Prosciutto Stromboli

January 29, 2014 Kristen

6 ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise

1 small red onion, cut into chunks

2 T. EVOO

slat and pepper

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

1 T flour or cornmeal

1/2 C. pesto

12 slices proscuitto di parma

4 slices provolone

2 T sesame seeds

2 t Italian seasoning

1 t crushed red pepper flakes

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 quart chicken stock or broth

1 C. heavy cream

20 fresh basil leaves, shredded or torn

Preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the plum tomato halves skin side down, with the onions on a rimmed cookie sheet. Drizzle EVOO on the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Broil for about 4 minutes, flip and continue to broil for 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes and onions are slightly charred. Lower the oven setting to 400 deg. F. Dust your hands and the dough lightly with flour or cornmeal and unroll the dough out onto a work surface. Stretch out the dough, gently spreading its rectangle shape. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces: working across the dough cut it in half and cut each half in half again. Cover each piece of dough with 2 T of pesto. Fold 3 slices of the prosciutto and 1 slice of the provolone to fit each pesto-covered piece of dough, then roll each piece on an angle from corner to corner, making a long roll that is thicker in the middle and thinner on each end. Brush the rolls with EVOO, then mix the sesame seeds, dried italian seasoning and 1/2 t red pepper flakes in a small C.. Sprinkle and pat the mixture onto the strombolies, place in the oven, and bake until evenly golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Place the tomatoes and onions in a blender or food processor, and puree until somewhat smooth. Preheat a soup pot over medium high heat, add the 2 T of EVOO, add the garlic and the remaining 1/2 t of red pepper flakes. sauté the garlic for a minute, then add the pureed veggies and the chicken stock. When the soup comes to a bubble, add the cream, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer the soup for 8 to 10 minutes. When ready to serve, turn off the soup and stir in the basil. Adjust the salt and pepper. Serve the soup alongside the pesto and prosciutto stromboli, dipping them into the soup as you eat them.

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Saucy, Italian “Drunken” Noodles with Spicy Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Caramelized Onions and Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, with Fresh Basil

January 29, 2014 Kristen

Olive oil
4 spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed
1 large onion, quartered and sliced thinly
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
1 orange bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
½ cup white wine (I used Chardonnay)
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned, divided use
8 ounces Pappardelle noodles, uncooked

Place a large, heavy-bottom pan or braising pot over medium-high heat; add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and once the oil is hot, crumble the spicy Italian sausage into the pan in small chunks (you want to keep the sausage fairly chunky), allowing it to brown in the oil for a few moments on each side; once the crumbled sausage is browned, remove it from the pan/pot with a slotted spoon and place into a small bowl to hold for a moment; next, add the sliced onion into the pan with the sausage drippings, and allow it to caramelize and become golden for roughly 5 minutes or so, stirring to keep it from burning (add a touch more olive oil, if necessary); once the onion starts to become golden, add the salt, Italian seasoning and cracked black pepper, and stir to combine, then add in the sliced bell peppers, and allow those to sauté with the onion for about 2 minutes until slightly tender and golden; next, add in the garlic, and once it becomes aromatic, add in the white wine and allow it to reduce for a few moments, until almost completely reduced; next, add in the diced tomatoes with their juice, and return the browned spicy Italian sausage back into the pan, and gently fold the mixture to combine; allow it to gently simmer for about 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors, then turn the heat off; to finish the sauce, drizzle in about 2-3 good tablespoons of the olive oil to create a silky, rich flavor, and add in the chopped parsley and about half of the julienned basil; stir, and keep warm while you prepare the noodles. Prepare the pappardelle noodles according to instructions on package; then, drain the noodles very well, and add them directly into the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and combine the pappardelle noodles with the sauce and all of the ingredients in it; check the seasoning to see if you need to add any additional salt or pepper. To serve, add equal portions of the “Drunken” noodles to bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of the remaining julienned basil; you can even top with shaved Parmesan, if desired, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Sopressata and Provolone Italian Pressed Sandwiches

January 26, 2014 Kristen

1 loaf of ciabatta bread
1/4 lb. very thinly sliced good-quality sopressata (hot or sweet depending on your taste)
1/3-1/2 lb. sliced provolone cheese
8 oz. roasted tomatoes, purchased (or use this recipe, minus the thyme)
About 3 T. pesto, purchased (or use this recipe, or your own)
1 large bunch, or 2 small bunches of basil, leaves torn from the stems

Slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally to make two large halves. On the top half, evenly spread the pesto in a very thin layer (don’t over saturate the bread). On the bottom half, first place the roasted tomatoes in a single layer, then top with a layer of sopressata. (Place the thin slices of meat on top of each other to form a thicker layer.) Top the sopressata with the sliced provolone, and then place a layer of basil leaves over the top of the cheese. Place the top slice of bread over the basil layer, and press down to bring all the layers flat. Continue pressing down, and wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped loaf in the fridge overnight (or for at least 3 hours), and put something heavy on top of the loaf to compress it. I used a cast iron skillet and placed a couple of soup cans on top of the skillet. The next day, unwrap the loaf and slice into large sandwiches or small squares, depending on your preference. Serve immediately, or keep chilled until needed.

Asparagus Frittata Casserole

November 26, 2013 Kristen

3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups 1% milk
1 tsp. salt
1 box (10 ounces) frozen Asparagus Spears, thawed
1/2 cup Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, shredded

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Beat eggs in mixing bowl. Add milk and salt; blend thoroughly. Pour mixture into 9 x 13 in. greased baking pan; add asparagus.
Top with grated cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until firm.

Maine Shrimp Risotto with Pancetta, Roasted Leeks and Garlic

November 24, 2013 Kristen

1 lb fresh Maine shrimp, cleaned (or other available small shrimp)

3 slices lemon

1 T dried dill

1-1/2 T salt

2 slices pancetta, trimmed, 1/4″ rough dice

2 C. arborio rice

4 C. red shrimp broth or other fish broth

1/2 C. dry white wine

1 head garlic, unpeeled

8 – 10″ leek, white or light green parts only

3 T butter

olive oil

1 oz Parmigiana Reggiano, shredded

2 tsp. fresh oregano, minced

Cut leek section in half crosswise and then cut one of the pieces in half again, vertically this time. Wash carefully, dry, and toss with some olive oil. Place in an ovenproof bowl or dish. Place the garlic head in the center of a piece of foil, drizzle with about 2 T. of olive oil and wrap the foil up around the head, crimping to seal. Roast the leeks and the garlic in a 350º oven about 45 minutes, tossing the leek leaves occasionally if you think of it. The leeks will be charred at the edges. Allow to cool. Chop the leeks roughly and set aside. Cut the garlic head in half through the middle of the cloves and use a knife or spatula to squeeze out the softened garlic. Discard the garlic shell and place the roasted garlic paste in a bowl and set aside. Rinse the shrimp. Place 6 C. of water in a saucepan and add 1-1/2 T. of salt, the dill and the lemon slices. Bring the water to a boil, add the shrimp and cook for 60 seconds. Drain in a colander or sieve and spray with cold water to stop cooking. Discard the lemon slices and reserve shrimp. Cut the other piece of leek in half vertically, rinse and then cut crosswise into 1/4″ half rounds. Place the broth and the wine in a saucepan on low heat. Place 1 T. of olive oil in your risotto pot over medium high heat. Add the pancetta and sauté, stirring, a few minutes until the edges start to crisp. Add the leek half-rounds and 1 T. butter and continue to sauté a few more minutes until the leeks start to soften. Add the rice and sauté another couple of minutes, stirring, until the rice turns milky white. Add 2 C. of the broth mixture and cook, stirring, at a low simmer. Add more liquid as it is absorbed (you may need to add some water to the liquid as you go). After about 15-20 minutes, taste the rice: it is done when it is just al dente without being chalky at the center. Add the shrimp (reserving a few for garnish), the chopped roasted leeks (reserve some for garnish) and the garlic. Stir gently until the risotto is done. Add another C. of broth, 2 T. of butter and the shredded cheese. Stir gently until the butter has melted. Serve immediately, spooning rice with a slotted spoon into a mound in the center of a shallow soup plate and then, with a regular spoon, dribble some of the liquid from the risotto pot in a moat around the mound. Sprinkle on some minced oregano and garnish with a few shrimp and pieces of the chopped leek.

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Stracciatella (Italian Egg Drop Soup)

November 18, 2013 Kristen

5 C. chicken stock or canned chicken broth

2 large eggs

3 T. freshly grated Parmesan, or to taste

1/4 C. minced fresh Italian parsley

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

In a large saucepan bring stock to a boil over moderate heat. In a bowl beat together the eggs, Parmesan and parsley. Reduce the heat to low and drizzle eggs into stock, gently stirring. Simmer, stirring, just until eggs are set. Season with salt and pepper.

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Pappa al Pomodori (Tuscan Tomato and Bread Soup)

November 2, 2013 Kristen

2-1/2 pounds plum tomatoes, cored and cut in half

1/2 C. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 pound leeks, white bulb only, finely diced

12 basil leaves, minced

3 C. hot chicken or vegetable broth

3/4 tsp. fine sea salt

Grinding black pepper

3 C. stale bread cut into 1-inch cubes

Puree tomatoes in a food processor until smooth. Pour mixture into a fine sieve placed over a large bowl. Strain juice by pressing down with a wooden spoon; discard seeds and skins. Set aside. Heat 1/4 C. of olive oil in a large soup pot, stir in leeks and half the basil and cook until leeks soften. Stir in tomato juice, broth, salt, and pepper and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cover pot and remove from heat. Heat remaining olive oil in a large sauté pan. Stir in remaining basil and bread cubes. Brown bread quickly over medium heat. Stir cubes into soup. Cover the pan and allow bread to absorb liquid. When ready to serve, slowly reheat the soup. Pass extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on top.

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Tube-Shaped Pasta with Wild Mushrooms

September 24, 2013 Kristen

4 T. olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

1 pound of assorted mushrooms (chanterelles, porcini, etc.), cut into large pieces

2 T. fino sherry

1 T. parsley, chopped

1/2 pound tube-shaped pasta (such as rigatoncini or penne)

1 1/2 ounces Parmigiano-reggiano, freshly grated

Salt and pepper

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Toss in about 3 T. of salt. Meanwhile, pour 1 T. of the oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the onions are translucent. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Pour another T. of olive oil to the now empty skillet, turn the heat to high, and then add the mushrooms. Season with salt. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Pour the sherry in to deglaze the skillet. Scrap the bottom with a wooden spoon, dislodging any browned bits. Cook for 2 minutes. Toss in the parsley, reduce the heat to medium-low. While the mushrooms are cooking, start the pasta. Cook according to package instructions, subtracting about a minute off the finished time. When ready, scoop out about a quarter C. of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and then immediately toss with the mushroom sauce. Add the water if it needs to be more substantial. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

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Pancetta, Onion and Tomato Soup with Portobello Mushroom Ravioli

September 15, 2013 Kristen

1 C. pancetta, finely diced (you can use bacon if you want, but make it good bacon)

1/2 medium onion, diced

5 cloves of garlic, smashed

1 small leek, diced

1/4 C. dry white wine

6 C. chicken broth

1 can whole peeled tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped

1 1/2 C. shitake mushrooms, sliced into 1/8” strips

1 package portobello mushroom ravioli (or any other ravioli that sounds good to you – lobster, pesto or spinach all work)

Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

1/4 C. shaved parmesan, to garnish

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the pancetta has started leaving brown bits on the bottom of the pot. Add the onion, garlic and leek and continue to cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the white wine to deglaze the pot – the acid in the wine will let the brown bits on the bottom become unstuck. Scrape them up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. Season to taste with salt and pepper. When you are about ready to serve, bring the soup to a boil and add the mushrooms. Cook for 1 minute, then add the ravioli and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes. To serve, ladle a generous serving of broth and a few ravioli into a bowl and top with a little parsley and parmesan cheese.

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Chicken Cacciatore and Rigatoni

September 9, 2013 Kristen

Salt

1⁄2 lb. rigatoni

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) (twice around the pan)

1 lb. chicken tenders, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch chunks

Freshly ground black pepper

1⁄4 lb. thick-cut pancetta, chopped

5 to 6 garlic cloves, chopped

1 tsp. crushed hot red pepper flakes

4 portobello mushroom caps, halved, then thinly sliced across

1⁄2 C. dry red wine

1 C. beef stock

1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes

A couple of handfuls fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to pass at table

Heat a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. When the water boils, season with salt and add the pasta. Cook to al dente, with a bite to it. Meanwhile, heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the EVOO and chicken, white and dark meat, and season it with salt and pepper. Let the chicken sit for 3 to 4 minutes, then turn it and brown the opposite side for 2 to 3 minutes, seasoning it after the flip as well. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and reserve. Add the pancetta to the pan and crisp it up, 2 or 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, stir for 30 seconds, then add the mushrooms and brown for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until deep brown and tender. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper after they’ve darkened. Deglaze the pan with the red wine and reduce it for 30 seconds, then stir in the stock and tomatoes. Bring the sauce up to a bubble and add the chicken back to the pan. Simmer the chicken for 5 minutes in the sauce to finish cooking through. Add the cooked pasta and parsley. Stir to combine and check seasoning. Serve with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

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Parmesan Crusted Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich

August 25, 2013 Kristen

2 slices ciabatta or French bread

1 tablespoon soft butter, for brushing the bread

2 slices mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons basil pesto

1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (I use my Microplane)

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Butter the outside of each slice of bread. Spread basil pesto on the inside of each slice of bread. Place the mozzarella cheese slices on top of one piece of bread. Top with the other slice of bread. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese on the outside of one side of the sandwich. Place the sandwich, cheese side down, on the hot pan. Grill for 2 minutes or until Parmesan cheese is crusted and golden brown. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese on the outside of the other side of the sandwich. Cook until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Lasagna-Spinach Spirals

August 23, 2013 Kristen

12 pieces lasagna, uncooked

1/2 T. Olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 10 oz. packages frozen chopped spinach, drained well

15 oz. lowfat ricotta cheese

1/2 C. freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 tsp. thyme

1 dash ground nutmeg

30 oz. meatless spaghetti sauce

4 oz. lowfat mozzarella cheese, shredded, (optional)

Drain spinach well, squeezing out excess juice. Prepare lasagna according to package directions. Rinse and drain. Place vegetable oil in a medium-sized nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until tender. Mix in spinach. Set aside and cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach mixture, ricotta and Parmesan cheese, egg and spices. Spread spinach mixture equally on lasagna and roll up each piece jelly-roll style. Place half of the spaghetti sauce in a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish. Place pasta spinach spirals, seam side down, in dish. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese, if desired. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven until heated, about 25 minutes.

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Easy Sausage Manicotti

August 20, 2013 Kristen

1 box of manicotti pasta

1 lb ground italian sausage

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. olive oil

1 pack fresh basil, rinsed and chopped

1 15oz. container ricotta cheese

2 eggs

Dash of salt

1 jar alfredo sauce (4 cheese is great)

1 jar marinara or other tomato based sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook the manicotti according to package. While manicotti is cooking, heat olive oil in pan and add garlic. Once garlic is slightly golden in color, add sausage and cook thoroughly. Once manicotti is finished, drain and dry. For the manicotti filling, place the ricotta in a large bowl. Add eggs and mix thoroughly. Mix in basil and salt. Once sausage is cooked, mix in with ricotta mixture. Fill manicotti with cheese/sausage mix. Place manicotti in a 9×13 baking pan. Cover manicotti with alfredo sauce and then with a small amount of tomato sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes

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Cauliflower Italiano

August 17, 2013 Kristen

1 lb. cauliflower florets, cut into marble-size pieces

1 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

2 tsp. red wine vinegar

Pinch of salt

1 oz. aged provolone, thinly shaved

Red-pepper flakes

Fill a skillet with 1/2″ water. Cover and set over high heat. Bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, and salt. Whisk to blend. Add the drained cauliflower. Toss to combine. Serve on appetizer plates topped with cheese and red-pepper flakes to taste.

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 42

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 1g

Fettuccini Alfredo

July 22, 2013 Kristen

3 T. Light Cream

1/3 C. Parmesan Cheese

1 T. Butter

Coarsely Cracked Pepper

Nutmeg

Fettuccini Noodles

Let cream come to room temperature. Cook noodles and drain well. Return to warm pan. Add cream, parmesan cheese, and butter. Toss gently until well-coated. Sprinkle with pepper and nutmeg, serve immediately.

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Clementine Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce

July 1, 2013 Kristen

CUSTARD:

1/4 tsp. canola oil

1 3/4 C. whole milk

2 tsp. plain gelatin

3 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp finely grated clementine zest (if not available, substitute tangerines)

pinch of salt

3 tbsp fresh clementine juice

SAUCE:

1 C. frozen blueberries, thawed

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp water

Coat four 6 ounce custard C. or 5 ounce ramekins with oil. To prepare custard: Pour 1/4 C. of the milk into small, heatproof bowl, sprinkle with gelatin, and let stand 5 minutes. Place bowl in larger bowl of hot water and stir until gelatin dissolves. Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, combine sugar, clementine zest, salt, and the remaining milk and bring just to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently, at a bare simmer. Remove from heat. Stir in gelatin mixture and juice. Pour through fine strainer into 4 C. glass measuring C.. Evenly divide milk mixture among custard C.. Chill, loosely covered, for at least 3 hours until set, or up to 1 day. To prepare sauce: In medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, 5 minutes or until softened and sauce forms. Sauce can be refrigerated, tightly covered, up to 1 week. Dip bottom of each custard C. into bowl of hot water about 10 seconds and run table knife around edge. Invert onto serving plates and serve with sauce.

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 149

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 1g

Zucchini Frittata

June 17, 2013 Kristen

8 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
Black Pepper
1/4 C. Parmesan cheese
2 Medium zucchini, thinly sliced
2 T. Chopped parsley
2 T. Chopped fresh basil
1 T. Olive or salad oil

Beat eggs with salt and pepper. Stir in cheese, zucchini, parsley and basil. Pre heat broiler. In large skillet, heat oil, add eggs and cook undisturbed over low heat about 10 minutes. Carefully lift edge to check bottom. When bottom is golden brown, place skillet under broiler for 30 seconds, until top is golden. (wrap skillet handle in foil before broiling)

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Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti

May 30, 2013 Kristen

8 Manicotti Shells

1/4 C. Sliced Green Onion

1 Clove Garlic, chopped

2 T. Butter

2 T. Flour

1 1/3 C. Milk

1 C. Shredded Swiss Cheese

1/4 C. White Wine

1 Beaten Egg

1 C. Ricotta Cheese

1 C. Shredded Mozzarella

1/2 C. Shredded Mozzarella

1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese

1/3 C. Parsley

1/4 tsp. Shredded Lemon Peel

1/8 tsp. Nutmeg

Cook manicotti according to package directions. For sauce in a saucepan cook onion and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in flour. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Add swiss cheese and wine. Stir until cheese melts. In bowl stir together egg, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, peel, and nutmeg. Fill manicotti with ricotta mixture. Arrange in baking dish. Pour sauce over filled shells. Cover and bake in 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes until hot.

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Frittata Saltimbocca

April 24, 2013 Kristen

1 T. butter

1/4 C. sliced green onions including some tender green tops

1/4 C. (about 2 ounces) chopped prosciutto

2 ounces chopped mushrooms

6 large eggs

1 T. dry white wine

1 T. chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tsp. dried basil

3 T. chopped parsley

Freshly ground pepper

1/4 C. grated Mozzarella cheese

In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, prosciutto and mushrooms and sauté until prosciutto is crisp and vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Preheat broiler. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, wine, basil, parsley and pepper to taste. Pour egg mixture over vegetable-prosciutto mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until eggs are set and top is almost dry, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese. Broil until puffy and cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Cut into wedges and serve from skillet or slide onto a warm plate.

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Caprese Tortilla Wrap

March 13, 2013 Kristen

2 flour tortillas (approximately 6 inch diameter)

2 tsp. dried basil

1 1/2 oz. low fat or nonfat shredded cheese

1 medium fresh tomato

1/3 T. olive oil

Slice tomato, set aside. Brush tortilla with oil, layer on tomato, top with cheese and dried basil and roll tortilla up. You can enjoy this cold or heat for about 3 minutes in a toaster oven.

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Lemon-Mint Bulgur “Risotto” with Garlic Shrimp and Tossed Salad

February 27, 2013 Kristen

3 C. water

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 T. olive oil

6 to 8 stalks green onions, finely chopped

1 C. bulgur, uncooked

4 C. spinach, washed and torn

1/3 C. chopped fresh mint leaves

1 T. grated lemon rind

2 T. fresh lemon juice

Garlic Shrimp:

1 T. olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. giant shrimp, peeled and deveined

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Tossed Salad:

1 bag mixed greens

10 grape tomatoes

1/4 C. sliced almonds

1/2-lb. fresh mozzarella, sliced

Olive oil, for dressing

Balsamic vinegar, for dressing

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To make the risotto: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and salt and bring to a simmer. Keep warm over low heat. In a medium sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the green onions and cook until soft, about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the bulgur and cook until fluffy, about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the warm water, 1/2 C. at a time, stirring frequently until each portion is absorbed before adding the next, about 20 minutes total. Remove from heat. Add the spinach, mint, lemon rind, and lemon juice. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Keep the bulgur risotto warm until ready to serve. To make the shrimp: In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until soft, about 30 seconds. Add the salt, pepper, and shrimp, and sauté until the shrimp are just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. To make the salad: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and toss together. Add oil and vinegar and salt and pepper, to taste. Divide the Lemon-Mint Bulgur “Risotto” evenly among 4 small plates and arrange the Garlic Shrimp evenly over the “Risotto”. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. Serve with Tossed Salad.

Italian Pancake Dunkers

January 25, 2013 Kristen

Pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce

2 C. Original Bisquick® mix

1 C. milk

2 eggs

1/2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz.)

1/2 C. finely chopped pepperoni

1/4 C. finely chopped green bell pepper

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 small tomato, finely chopped (1/2 C.)

Heat pizza sauce until warm; keep warm. Stir Bisquick, milk and eggs until blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spoon batter by T. onto hot griddle; spread slightly. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. To serve, dunk pancakes into sauce.

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Tomato Pesto Soup

August 1, 2012 Kristen

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, shredded

3 stalks celery with leaves, chopped

14 oz. can diced tomatoes with seasonings, undrained

6 oz. can tomato paste

1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves

1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

2 C. water

2 C. vegetable broth or chicken stock

1 C. instant rice

1/2 C. pesto

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients except for rice, pesto, and cheese in a 3-4 quart crock pot and mix to blend. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Stir in instant rice, then cover and let stand 6-8 minutes until rice is tender. In small bowl, combine pesto and cheese and blend; serve with soup.

Yield: 6 servings

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Authentic White Clam Sauce

June 28, 2011 Kristen

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. olive oil

2 T. butter

2 6.5 oz cans minced or chopped clams

1 T. chopped fresh parsley

1 T. chopped fresh basil

1/4 C. white wine

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté garlic in oil and butter. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Serve over hot cooked pasta with grated parmesan cheese. Variation: Add 1 can whole tomatoes, drained and 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves before bringing sauce to boil.

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