Stuffed Red Peppers This is a tasty versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side or as a meal. In our home, we usually add a side salad and enjoy the peppers as a meal. Ingredients 4 red bell peppers cleaned, hallowed, and halved ½ lb ground beef 1 cup cooked white rice 1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese grated 1 egg mixed 3 cloves of garlic chopped 2 shallots chopped ½ cup grated cheese ¼ cup chopped parsley 8oz can tomato sauce Salt and pepper Basil leaves for garnish Directions 1. Cover the bottom of a skillet […]
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Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms This was always an appetizer for a special occasion; especially Christmas Eve in our house. The garlic, cheese and sausage give a rich flavor to the mushroom. They can be enjoyed anytime. Ingredients 20 large white mushrooms for stuffing ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 lb Italian sweet sausage- casing removed 4 garlic cloves chopped 1 cup breadcrumbs ½ cup grated reggiano parmigiano cheese 3 tbsp chopped parsley Salt and Black Pepper Directions 1. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and clean mushrooms. 2. Add the EVO to a skillet- add the garlic and cook till […]
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Rosemary Dipping Oil This dipping oil is very flagrant. It pairs very well with hot Italian bread. Ingredients 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 sprigs fresh rosemary chopped 1tsp red pepper flakes 1 tbs balsamic vinegar 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp black pepper Directions In a bowl combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and black pepper. Mix well. Enjoy with warm bread.
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Roasted Red Peppers Roasting red peppers is a culinary technique that enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. They are a great addition to an antipasto platter or served in a sandwich with cold cuts. Ingredients 6 red bell peppers – cleaned 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic sliced 8 fresh leaves of basil 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 pepper Directions Place on baking sheet lined with foil. Place under broiler and char on all sides. Watch and turn . approx 10-15 minutes Remove from oven and place in bowl, cover with aluminum foil for 20 minutes Take […]
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Pizza Rustica This is a traditional Italian Easter Pie, which features a flaky crust and is made from an assortment of cured meats and cheeses. We could not wait to eat this Easter morning. The creaminess of the ricotta cheese is a nice backdrop to the saltiness of the meats and cheeses. It’s the perfect pairing. Nonna used ham and salami but most recipes call for soppressata, prosciutto or even dried sausage. You can mix it  up and try it with your favorite meats. To save time you can even try it with your favorite ready-made crust. I hope you […]
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Nonna’s Pizza Pie Grandma would make her delicious homemade pizza every Friday night and family and neighbors would gather around her kitchen table to enjoy her amazing pizza. This was and still is our kick off to the weekend! Ingredients 1 cup water1 teaspoons sugar1 package self rising yeast2 cups all purpose flour1 teaspoon salt2 tablespoon olive oil Marinara sauce:1 can crushed tomatoes1 can tomato paste3 garlic cloves chopped1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp black Pepper1/4 tsp red pepper flakes3/4 cup white wine3 tablespoons sugarExtra virgin Olive oil Topping:1 large fresh mozzarella sliced1/2 cup grated cheese12 fresh basil leaves Directions 1. In […]
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Marinated Fried Zucchini This dish was always a favorite in our house and disappeared in a blink of an eye. This dish was also a great side to our Saturday lunches, which included meats, cheeses, and omelets. This also paired well with grilled meats during the week like grilled pork chops or veal chops, it’s also great as part of an antipasto It is versatile and packs a lot of flavor. Ingredients 6 zucchinis cleaned Extra virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 4 leaves fresh basil chopped Salt Black pepper Extra basil leaves for garnish […]
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Italian Rice Balls Arancini, the name comes from the Sicilian word for little oranges, due to their shape and golden color after frying. An arancini is a ball of rice, stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. The most common arancini is the arancini al ragu, which is filled with meat in a tomato sauce, mozzarella, and peas. Other variations include eggplant, mushrooms or pistachios. Italian Rice Balls  are typically served hot and with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. (See our marinara recipe.) They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack or a main dish with a side […]
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Grilled Peaches with Burrata This is a great summer time appetizer. The burrata compliments the sweetness of the peach and the balsamic glaze gives it the right amount of richness. Perfect for a special dinner! Ingredients 4 peaches halved and pitted 1 ball of fresh burrata Olive oil for brushing peaches Balsamic vinegar glaze for drizzle 8 sprigs of basil Directions Brush the peaches with olive oil. Grill the peaches flesh side down for approximate 3-4 minutes. You don’t have to flip over. Slice the burrata cheese into 8 slices. Top the grilled peaches with a slice of cheese and […]
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Fried Zucchini Growing up, we ate them fresh out of the frying pan, they seldom made it to the dinner table. Zucchinis fry up well and have a mild taste; they go down very easily. They serve well with grilled meats like, pork, veal, and beef. Be prepared to fry up plenty because they fly right off the plate! They are also great flavored with a little vinegar. See our marinated zucchini recipe. Ingredients 6 zucchinis cleaned Extra virgin olive oil Salt Black pepper Basil for garnish Directions 1. Slice the zucchini in 1/4-inch round pieces. 2. Generously cover the […]
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