There's something about risotto that is wonderfully heartwarming and has that creamy stick-to-your-ribs richness that is exactly what we need in Michigan during the cold months. It is deceiving how creamy it is without having any cream, just using the proper technique will make these relatively simple ingredients into something special. Wild Mushroom Risotto with...
Italian
Frittata with Asparagus, Tomato, and Fontina Cheese
We enjoyed this frittata for brunch after the boys went out salmon fishing this morning. They caught a huge one, so I think it's salmon for dinner for us tonight. This recipe comes together rather quickly, and I think it would be really delicious as a breakfast-for-dinner option as well. Frittata Asparagus, Tomato, and Fontina...
Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
Asparagus hasn't always been something I would voluntarily add to my plate. I've always been more of a broccoli-lover. Evidently I do like asparagus after all. (I was officially won over by Asparagi Al Gorgonzola a few months ago.) For me, not overcooking it and then adding a little something interesting to it (such as...
Salmon Baked in Foil with Tomatoes and Shallots
Traditionally, Italians cook fish al cartoccio, "in a bag", by using swordfish or sea bass wrapped in parchment paper. In Michigan, we've got plenty of salmon, so this recipe was a perfect addition to our repertoire. You could substitute canned diced tomatoes if you like, just drain them first. Salmon Baked In Foil with Tomatoes...
Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
The fact that these meatballs are a lighter and healthier version instead of the traditional beef/pork/veal mix is not why I made them. The truth of the matter is that I don't care for ground beef... at all. I can make peace with it on some occasions, but when you taste these turkey meatballs I think...
My Favorite Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade Marinara Sauce takes a little while to make, but it's not difficult and is a great go-to tomato sauce for all of your favorite dishes. Extra sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Agnolotti Primavera (Half-Moon Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta filling)
Questa pasta era deliziosa! (This pasta was delicious!) I am slowly starting to learn some Italian using Rosetta Stone. I hope to be able to communicate a little bit when we arrive, or at least be familiar with some vocabulary. I'm not sure if it was partly due to our extreme hunger after an incredibly...
Bacialli (Potato Dumplings with Mushroom Sauce)
Well, let's call this a learning experience, and a perfectly nice way to spend a Sunday evening at home. Despite my best efforts, I quickly realized upon beginning this recipe that I am grossly underqualified to attempt such a delicate, traditional dish as this. However, that's the entire reason that I am on this cooking...
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo has been my favorite meal since I was a little girl. What's not to love about pasta and creamy Alfredo sauce? It's a perfect food. According to the recipe, this dish was the renowned specialty of the Roman restauranteur Alfredo, known as the "king of fettuccine", who invented it during the 1930s in...
Homemade Pasta Dough (Method)
Homemade Pasta Dough Credit: La Cucina: The Regional Cooking of Italy by The Italian Academy of Cuisine Here is an essential, all-purpose method for making pasta dough. Many of the pasta recipes in La Cucina: The Regional Cooking of Italy follow this method. Simply follow these instructions substituting the proper ingredients & measurements given in...