Spinach and Portobello Mushroom Calzone Pizza dough, stretched (for this recipe I used restaurant bought) 3 large garlic cloves, minced 2 portobello mushrooms, washed and sliced 10 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, stems removed and chopped Salt and pepper to taste 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese 2 tbsp extra virgin … More Spinach and Portobello Mushroom Calzone
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
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
Basil Pesto– without nuts 1 cup fresh basil leaves, washed, completely dried and base stems removed. 1 large clove garlic, cut in half 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese In a food processor, add in basil, garlic and s&p. Pulse until coarsely … More Basil Pesto Without Nuts
This is a fun dish to make when you have polenta left over. Polenta Fries 1 serving of instant polenta* 1/4 cup of grated Parmigiano Cheese (then an extra tablespoon or so to sprinkle on cooked fries) Salt to taste 1 tspn dried rosemary Prepare the polenta according to instructions on the package. *Usually the … More Polenta Fries
This version of guacamole is made without onion and garlic. Reason being is that my husband didn’t like the ever lasting taste of them, but loved the flavors of guacamole. So, I started working on a recipe that would eliminate that all night taste of onion and garlic, but kept their flavors.. I came up … More Not Your Average Guacamole
There are many times I get a dinner idea, and when I look in the pantry I don’t have the ingredients to pull it off. This dish is one that I made on a whim wanting to have risotto, but didn’t have any Aborio rice on hand. Believe I was pregnant with my oldest and … More My Faux Asparagus Risotto
This is one of my all time favorite pasta dishes. My type of comfort food, if you will. Which has also become both of my daughter’s favorite meal all year round. Pasta with Broccoli and Cauliflower (shown topped with toasted breadcrumbs) 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 large crowns of broccoli, washed and cut into a slightly … More Pasta with Broccoli and Cauliflower
Happy 2013 Everyone! Before you delve into making these pancakes you should know that using whole wheat flour adds a different texture and flavor. They are denser and actually a little bit sweeter. My children love them, and I do as well since I can eat just one and feel full. Whole Wheat Pancakes … More Whole Wheat Pancakes
Oven Roasted Leeks With Herbs de Provence 6 medium leeks, cleaned and cut lengthwise into quarters 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. Herbs de Provence 1 tsp salt 1 tsp freshly ground pepper 2/3 cup of vegetable stock You will need a baking sheet covered in parchment. Pre-heat oven 400°F. To Clean Leeks Remove the … More Oven Roasted Leeks with Herbs de Provence
Potato Galette 2.5lbs (5-6 large) Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and sliced thin, then rinsed in cool water to remove excess starch 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp of each salt and ground black pepper 1 tsp of each dried rosemary and thyme You will need a baking sheet covered with parchment. Preheat oven … More Potato Galette
Oven Roasted Potatoes 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4 large red bliss potatoes scrubbed clean and then cubed 1 tbsp dried oregano 1 tbsp dried rosemary 1 tsp of each S&P You will need a baking pan covered in parchment. Preheat oven 375F In a bowl add all the ingredients and toss until the … More Easy Roasted Potatoes
This party girl had a real wonderful weekend. Not only celebrating my birthday, but having friends over for the holidays today; most of this I will post about tomorrow. For now I got to get myself a drink and ready to watch Dexter! Missed it last week and want to catch up before tonight’s episode!! … More Delicious Appetizer: Polenta with Baby Bella Mushrooms *and a bonus salad dressing!
Another quick pasta dish! Caramelizing the zucchini gives it a richer, sweeter flavor. Caramelized Zucchini with Rigatoni 2 large zucchini chopped 1 medium yellow onion chopped 2 large cloves garlic minced 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil S&P for taste 3 tbsp Pecorino Cheese 1 lb Rigatoni pasta cooked al dente (I prefer De Cecco pasta, but any … More Caramelized Zucchini with Rigatoni
Valeria Out Loud 