If there's one thing I thought would be easier to get used to while living here, it would be the lack of conversation. In two months, I have only spoken to my husband of course, and my family a few times via Skype. Everything else is patchy Italian for survival. While I'm definitely not lacking...
Dinner
Whole Fish Baked in Salt Crust
This technique has been on my to-try list for ages. I wish I had a good reason for putting it off so long, but we're making up for lost time. We may or may not have enjoyed three fish prepared this way in the past week alone. It is incredibly easy to do, and in...
Bolognese (Ragù alla Bolognese)
All meat sauces are not created equal. While there's nothing wrong with tossing some ground beef into your favorite tomato sauce, there happens to be a much better, more authentic way to prepare a meat sauce that will sort of take your breath away. Believe me-- this is coming from the person who likes ground...
Risotto with Branzino
As you can imagine, the Branzino here in the Venice area are plentiful and fresher than fresh...and so much more affordable than in the United States! Branzino is definitely becoming more widely available, at least in Michigan, so if you happen to know of a place that carries really fresh whole branzino (sea bass), I...
Radicchio Crepes (Crespelle al Radicchio)
Living in the Treviso, Italy area, we see radicchio everywhere. Radicchio di Treviso is purple and white, and is sort of the shape of romaine lettuce. Since it is such a local staple, I knew I had to give it a try and this recipe for Radicchio Crepes seemed like a logical place to start, given my affinity for...
Pasta with Zucchini and Ricotta
There are a lot of things Italy does really well. For one, they really respect their ingredients. You don't have to speak their language to see that it is deeply ingrained in their heritage. You only really eat what you grow yourself, or what is grown in your immediate vicinity. You're buying from the person...
Italian Meatball Sandwiches
While pizza and pasta are perfectly wonderful, Hubby and I have been craving some meat. And by meat, I don't mean prosciutto, because we have definitely been consuming that at an alarming rate. We needed something a little more hearty and homestyle to fill us up after several days in a row of rainy weather...
Spinach Mushroom Skillet Lasagna
Three weeks from today I will be on a plane with my Hubby headed across the ocean to live in Italy for a few months. Let's just say that I've got LOTS to do between now and then, but I don't want to skimp on home cooking either. That's where this recipe comes in. Spinach...
Cubano Sandwiches
Truth be told, sandwiches are probably my favorite food. (Don't tell pizza I said that.) They're so versatile: they're great for any meal of the day, hot or cold, no dishes, portable, the list goes on. If you had a chance to see the new movie, Chef, by Jon Favreau, then you know exactly why I...
Baked Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice
One of my favorite texts that my Hubby send me is "Wanna meet for lunch?" I always say yes, followed by the obligatory response of "When and where?" He almost always picks a Mexican Grill restaurant near his office. I have come to love burrito bowls, or naked burritos, or earmuffs, or whatever you want...