Food, Travel, and Cooking!
Just got the word…the shipment of extra virgin olive oil from Amelia in Umbria has arrived in Vancouver! And I’ve been told it’s extremely good this year. The 2014 harvest was hit particularly hard. Either the oil was in short supply or not available at all due to terrible weather conditions at the most crucial […]
Meatballs are hard not to like! They’re quick and easy and you can have a meal on the table in no time, and child friendly too! I think these are especially good with mashed potatoes, Colcannon (a mashed potato/cabbage combo.) or buttered noodles and a green veg. Makes 4 Servings For the Meatballs: 1 large […]
I was inspired to create this pasta after tasting my husband’s lunch at Trattoria Da Leo in Lucca, Italy. It’s not exactly the same but it’s still damned good. I like to use cauliflower when it’s in season because I think it’s sweeter, but this can be made anytime and will still be a great […]
Soups like this one, make for a really nice, warm meal, especially on a cold, rainy or snowy night! I often make soups on the weekend for a no-fuss meal or two during the week. Crusty bread or rolls are all you need! Makes 10 Servings 1 Tbsp. EVOO ¾ lean ground beef 2 ½ cups […]
I love making stews in the fall and winter months or even on a cool spring day when comfort food is what we really crave. My preference is to use fresh rosemary for both the stew and dumplings for a fresher flavour. Either broccolini, lightly steamed, but not overcooked, buttered cabbage, kale or Brussels sprouts, […]
This is the best version of Cacio e Pepe I have made so far, although in Rome, where the dish originates, we found that they used tonnarelli, a thick spaghetti, instead of regular spaghetti. I would recommend the Spaghetti alla Chitarra pasta made by either GiGi or La Molisana. I use it as a substitute for the tonnarelli which, I […]
In Mexico, this is known as Albondigas sopa. Albondigas are meatballs. The soup is very, very good! If you like it a little bit hotter, use a hotter salsa, or add a finely chopped jalapeno or serrano chili when sauteeing the onions. Make some guacamole & salsa to serve with corn chips and there you go! Makes […]
The colours of the Italian flag! I am always on the look-out for really good vegetarian pasta dishes and think this one is really, really good. Makes 8 Servings 2 Tbsp. EVOO 3 large red bell peppers, chopped 15 oz. ricotta cheese, (I prefer Scardillo Geniuna** it’s creamy & not grainy) 1 ½ lbs. broccoli, […]
Who doesn’t love a good lasagne? The Turkey Bolognese Sauce is rich, aromatic and delicious! 1 batch Turkey Bolognese Sauce** 1 (15 oz.) container whole-milk ricotta cheese 3 cups (packed) coarsely grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese 1 ¼ cups freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, divided 16-20 sheets no-boil lasagne noodles (approx. 7×3”), Barilla’s are pretty good Fresh […]
I like using the last of the local red bell peppers to make this soup. One of the last whiffs of summer! During the rest of the year, hot house red bell peppers work well too. You could serve the soup as a main course or as a first course. I really like using Thai rice, […]