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...
Pasta
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...
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...
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...
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
After a long weekend of fun in the sun, an easy weeknight meal is just what we need to settle back in to the swing of things. Fresh basil, juicy red tomatoes, garlic, onion, and linguine are all you need to make this One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta. Just cook, stir, and then enjoy. The results...
Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
Hubby loves spicy noodles. I love chicken, and anything/everything involving peanut butter. This recipe was a match made in heaven. Just like us. (Swoon) This recipe for Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry is quick and easy, and bursting with flavor. Feel free to adapt the amount of chili sauce to your own preferences. If you make...
Shrimp Pad Thai
This recipe has been a long time coming. My Hubby has been begging and pleading with me to make him a homemade version of one of his favorite dishes. Given the fact that I am quite a wimp when it comes to my tolerance level to spiciness, this endeavor was actually a bit nerve-wracking for...
Cheesy Shrimp and Lobster Penne
Sometimes you just need to add a little something special to your mac and cheese. How about using amazing cheeses, like Fontina, Aged White Cheddar, and Asiago Fresco? If that's not enough, how about some seafood? Now we're talking. Super cheesy. Super creamy. Super amazing. Fontina and Aged White Cheddar give this cheesy sauce a...
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
This was the first time I have ever made Spaghetti alla Carbonara and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I knew that Hubby would like it, considering it contains pancetta and eggs and pasta. What's not to love, right? I, on the other hand, wasn't so sure. I'm not a...
Homestyle Turkey Noodle Soup
When it comes to soup, homemade is just better than store-bought. In my previous experiences making homemade stock (usually chicken), I didn't roast the bones in the oven prior to making the stock like I did this time. This method gives a more complex depth of flavor. What better way to use up leftover turkey?...