Hello guys! I totally forgot to update you on my holiday! Bah. My brain these days. This year’s Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. It has been a handful of Thanksgivings that I am the hostess. I like entertaining- from cooking, setting tablescapes, cocktails to everything in between. I love it all. Normally, we have … More Thanksgiving 2020
Hello guys! I almost didn’t post anything today but my husband came home early from work and swept my youngest daughter off to play some basketball with his friends. They grab their kids to play full court bball. Which I think is adorable. Plus I get some bonus me time! Which ..I just spent starting … More Sober October Journal- day 4
Hello everyone! It is day three of the challenge. I have had no wine, no junk food and have tried to mind my stomach’s signals of fullness. So far I feel pretty good and haven’t been missing much, but it is only day three. 😉 Which is technically the day I chose as my rest … More Sober October Journal- day 3
Being back in the kitchen is such a big joy! Never thought I’d be this happy in my life over a kitchen! But back to my home cooking is what I need after a big vacation! (which I am still drafting my vacation post!!) Tonight I decided to take advantage of sprucing up our pallet … More Roasted Asparagus with Tangerine Panko Crumb
Pasta with Zucchini and Cannelini Beans 1 medium-sized zucchini, washed and cubed 1 large clove garlic, minced 1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped 1 can of cannelini beans, drained and rinsed 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste 1/4 cup grated cheese, Romano Pecorino works best. 1lb cooked pasta Heat … More Pasta with Zucchini and Cannelini Beans
Eggplant Rollatini 2 large-sized eggplants, washed and sliced thin lengthwise 16 ounces ricotta cheese 1 large egg 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella 1/4 cup grated Romano/pecorino, and three tbsp for sprinkling on top 1/3 lb fresh spinach, washed, drained completely and minced Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling pans Salt and freshly ground … More Eggplant Rollatini
Ricotta and Veal Meatballs 1 pound veal 1 pound lean ground beef 1 1/4 cup of whole wheat bread crumbs 1 1/4 cup skim ricotta 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Cheese 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon of each Salt & fresh ground Pepper … More Ricotta and Veal Meatballs
Nothing makes me feel better at the end of a long day than a pasta primavera. It’s hearty, quick, and DELICIOUS! Even leftover to the next day! Also, the variations of vegetables are endless. Pasta with Peas, Artichoke Hearts, and Grape Tomatoes 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 cup peas … More A Pasta Primavera with Peas, Artichoke Hearts, and Grape Tomatoes
It was a great weekend! Started off Saturday with hanging out with new friends, which was a lot of fun. We met this family through the girls’ dancing school. We’ve actually met 4 years ago, gingerly talking in the waiting room of the school every weekend during dance sessions. Just some of the few people … More A Fun Weekend and Caponata
Boneless Pork Loin Chops 6 Boneless pork loin chops, rinsed with cool water and patted dry 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2/3 Cup Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tspn Dried rosemary 1 tspn Dried thyme A pinch of salt and pepper Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, … More Boneless Pork Loin Chops
This is a super quick dish to make after work, one of my favorites; and there is no way to screw it up! Also, it is a great way to enjoy tacos without using the packet of sodium that comes in a taco meal kit. Those packets bother me so much; have you ever read … More Ground Pork Tacos
Osso Buco 5 pieces lamb shank- we were lucky to find them from Australia! 1 cup flour 1 yellow onion- chopped 2 celery stalks- washed and chopped 4 carrots- washed, peeled and chopped 1 zest of lemon- using a vegetable peeler for large strips 4 cloves garlic- chopped 2 bay leaves 2 leeks- washed and … More Braised Lamb Osso Buco
Pasta with Asparagus 2 cups chopped Asparagus (about 17 spears) 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 large cloves of garlic, minced 1/4 cup tepid water 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh cracked pepper 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 lb pasta cooked and drained- use a dense pasta like rigatoni … More Pasta with Asparagus
3 Cheese Lasagna 1 package of no boil lasagna pasta (if you use the pasta type to boil- follow instruction to boil prior to use) 16 oz ricotta 4 oz shredded mozzarella 1 cup grated Romano cheese 1 large egg 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh cracked pepper 4 quarts of Tomato Sauce: Click here … More Uncomplicated 3 Cheese Lasagna
Homemade Chicken Soup 4 quarts of COLD water 2 bone in chicken breasts; washed, skin removed and fat removed 1/2 can of Tomato Paste 2 medium yellow onions, quartered 4 organic celery stalks, washed, ends removed, and cut in half. Keep leaves. 4 carrots, washed, peeled and quartered 2 tspn salt Fill a large … More Homemade Chicken Soup
Valeria Out Loud 