This is a really fast, simple, healthy and delicious summer meal, and it is extremely satisfying. On hot, humid days the last thing I want to do is fire up the oven. This dish comes together on the stove in 20 minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients. If you have a garden, throwing in a bunch of fresh herbs (mint, parsley, tarragon, etc.) will elevate this pasta even more. Make sure not to […]
Who would guess that my desire to use up some woody asparagus ends would inspire this entire dinner? But then again my favorite recipes always start in the strangest, most random ways. Although this recipe has several steps it’s quite simple, especially if you are a multi-tasker. The most difficult part for me is not overcooking the salmon. Always pull it from the oven before you think it’s done. Carry-over cooking will do the rest. […]
I love this dish. Primarily because it evokes memories of Tuscany. Real food, made with love by hospitable people. The incredible flavor of caponata relies on the gentle, slow cooking of all the veggies and using plenty of extra-virgin olive oil. It requires patience. But it pays off in the wonderful aroma and deep flavor that develops in the process. I recommend making a full batch even if you are just cooking for one or […]
I take such pleasure in cooking humble ingredients and elevating them to create a truly special meal. While I was Italy my favorite meals were the peasant dishes. If you put love into preparing simple foods it is easy to build exceptional flavor and really “wow” your taste buds. There is no need to buy fancy, expensive greens because you will cook them down for a while so they will become tender and take on […]
This is one of those meals that convinces you that you could live (happily, I might add) without meat. So many delicious flavors and textures from a variety of nutritious veggies. If you prefer this meal vegan, it will still be delicious if you skip the cheese or use Daiya instead. I do like to indulge in the real stuff on occasion, so when I do I choose raw cheese. Aged white cheddar is a […]
This month I have been tortured by my inability to stay warm during this Antarctic weather in the Midwest. The best solution (short of flying to a tropical location) was making a big pot of hot soup on Sunday. I forgot how much I love cooking soup on January days. Standing over the stove for an hour is just pure bliss. And it pays off! Because this soup is so yummy and it gives you […]