"Vegetable Frittata" With "Pancetta & Cheese"

The wonders of buttered eggs. I had never thought or heard of buttered eggs until reading one I discovered, what the French have never forgotten, the joys of hot buttered eggs..

As John Masefield writes- “Time, Tide and buttered eggs wait for no man…

 

So taking this new found knowledge, on how to create the silkiest eggs you’ve ever tasted, I applied it to the creation of the most wonderful custard'y textured frittata I had ever had.

If you’ve never tried a frittata before, they are this incredibly versatile dish that is more than an omelet but less than a quiche. It’ll taste as good cold or room temperature as it does fresh from the oven; and luckily, it is also a dish you can prepare ahead of time. Thus making it a perfect accompaniment to any Holiday brunch..

 

“Vegetable Frittata with Pancetta and Cheese”

Ingredients: 
6 ounces diced Pancetta (you can use boars head brand diced pancetta available at Pat’s market as well as Stop and Shop’s in your neighborhood-optionally you can use 4 slices chopped cooked bacon)
1 small Vidalia onion, sliced
Several baby Bell mushrooms, sliced
7-8 Eggs, at room temperature
3 tablespoons Cream
2-3 tablespoons Butter, just barely melted
2 teaspoons Olive Oil, plus additional butter for sautéing vegetables
6-8 Fingerling potatoes, sliced (I used a mix of gold and purple potatoes)
Asparagus, woody ends removed and cut into 2-3 inch long pieces
Grape tomatoes, a handful sliced in half (I used mini Marzano tomatoes available at Pat’s marketplace)
2-3 tablespoons Bel Gioioso Asiago, thinly shaved (though regular Asiago is also fine to use)
1-2 tablespoons Locatelli Romano (regular Romano cheese is also fine to use)
Fresh chopped Italian parsley
Sea Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Dash of Cayenne pepper

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees, wrap the outside of a tart pan (if it is one with a removable base) tightly in foil and spray inside with cooking spray..
2. In a separate skillet, cook diced pancetta until it begins to crisp and place on paper towels to drain..
3.
In same skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat and cook the onions and mushrooms until they begin to brown, 10-20 minutes. (Add a teaspoon of butter if necessary)
4. Meanwhile slice and chop all other vegetables as needed, then crack eggs into a bowl and continue to let them reach room temperature. (cold eggs take longer to cook and will cause the melted butter to solidify)

5. Remove Onion and Mushroom from skillet and set aside, then add a touch of butter to pan and cook thin sliced potatoes for 5-10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside, then finish by cooking the Asparagus in the same skillet for 5 minutes, till crisp tender..
6. Add half or more of the various vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, etc.) and pancetta to the tart pan, then sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons of the cheeses..
7. Now prepare the eggs by just barely melting the room temperature butter and adding it to the eggs along with 2-3 tablespoons of cream, salt, pepper and cayenne. Whisk gently, but be careful not to overbeat the eggs-then pour into your tart pan..
8. Finish by adding more of your cooked ingredients, as well as a few sliced tomatoes and a last sprinkling of cheese-then place into the oven to bake for 20-25 minutes (or until just set, but be careful not to overcook). Let the frittata cool for a few minutes before unwrapping foil and removing it from the pan..

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy..

"Skinny Orange Chicken"

I love finding fun ways to create low calorie healthier alternatives to some of my favorite dishes..

 

Through experience, and experimentation, I've gotten pretty good at it with some recipes—such as this incredibly tasty "Skinny Orange Chicken"

 

Using "Tamari" lite Japanese soy sauce, natural coconut oil spray and my favorite brown sugar substitute by Truvia—I'm able to create these wonderful skinny dishes that are amazingly flavorful and with near none of the regret..

For this one, this time, I used a mix of quinoa and low glycemic rice—but I'm just as likely to serve it with roasted riced cauliflower or Shirataki rice by "Miracle Noodle" to cut the carb calories even more..

The depth of citrus orange taste along with spicy tang of red pepper and ginger gives this dish a wonderfully sweet and zesty taste that's sure to please the people in your home..

Add in the fact that you can't tell the difference between this and the high calorie, high sodium version, for me anyway, and this is a win-win as far as I'm concerned..

Tasty, filling, healthy and guilt free—this is another dish that's sure to help you fulfill your desire for a healthier you; and it is, most assuredly, oh so "Definitely Delish"

"Skinny Orange Chicken"

Ingredients:
2 lbs. boneless, skinless Chicken Breast
1 cup fresh Orange Juice (low sugar, no pulp, pulp-up to personal taste)
2 tablespoons fresh Lemon juice
2 tablespoons Sushi Vinegar (rice wine vinegar)
2 tablespoons Tamari lite soy sauce
4 tablespoons of Truvia Brown Sugar Blend (equal to 1/3 cup of brown sugar)
2 cloves of Garlic, minced
1 tsp. Ginger
1 Orange, zested (aprox. 1 tablespoon or more)
1/4 tsp. crushed Red Pepper
1/2 c. Water
1 1/2 tablespoons Corn Starch (according to desired thickness)
3 Green Onions, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian Parsley
Sea Salt and fresh ground Black Pepper (for sprinkling on chicken before browning)
3 to 4 cups cooked Rice, Quinoa, blend or low carb alternative..

Directions:
1. Rinse off and pat dry chicken; slice into smaller pieces and season with salt & pepper, then set aside till ready. (Begin cooking your rice or substitute at this time)
2. Pre-heat your skillet, wok or deep sided saute pan on medium high heat. Spray the inside with coconut oil spray and add chicken pieces, browning until lightly golden on all sides—about 10 minutes..
3. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. It will not be finished cooking yet..
4. Lower heat to medium and add the sauce ingredients by combining the orange juice, lemon juice, sushi vinegar, Tamari soy sauce, Truvia brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, orange zest, and crushed red pepper flakes..

5. Cook, stirring regularly, over medium heat until very slightly thickened and bubbly—about 5 minutes..
6. Add the chicken pieces back to the pan with juices and mix together to coat and then covering to simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes more—adjusting cooking temperature if necessary..
7. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine water and corn starch and stir until corn starch is dissolved..
8. Add corn starch mixture to skillet and continue cooking, stirring regularly, until sauce is thickens completely—about 2 minutes..
9. When ready to serve spoon chicken over your rice, quinoa or substitute and garnish with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, additional orange zest, and red pepper flakes as desired..

Eat Hot and Enjoy!!

 

"Roasted Cauliflower, Broccoli & Brussel Sprout Soup"

I love roasting and eating vegetables..

I mean, if I can throw it onto sheet pan and drizzle it with oil—I will..

This recipe takes a simple side dish at dinner and adds in a few ingredients to create a perfect lunchtime or supper meal that's wonderful during these cold northeastern winters..

One of the first things I started with here is deciding on a mix of vegetables—so taking two recipes from my Thanksgiving side dish post, back in October, I got to work on what would become this delish soup recipe..

Going almost half Brussels sprouts and half cauliflower, with some broccoli thrown in for good measure—I tossed it all down onto my sheet pan and drizzled it with quality extra virgin olive oil with a little fine sea salt & pepper to finish. Then into the oven it went..

Truly I love simple recipes like this with just a few dishes needed; one pan, one pot a knife and a spoon—what could be simpler and leave less work for you afterwards then that. Well a skillet meal like my frittatas, and mexi-skillet recipe, but I digress..

While my veggies went about becoming all roasty browned and tasty; I prepped the base for my soup which included some lean prosciutto, shallots, garlic & chicken stock..

 

Quicker than you'd think it was time to pull my roasty toasty vegetables out of the oven and spoon them into the pot with the soup base and bring it up to a nice low simmer for about 10 minutes..

Here is where an immersion blender is key if you want to save on spatters, dribbles, spills and sloshing as you attempt to blend a little of the soup at a time and then dumping into another dish—you're guaranteed to add to your after cooking clean up; and really, who wants that, right!

 

A few minutes of immersion blending later and you have a supremely thick soup that just needs a little seasoning for taste before it's ready to serve..

Garnish each bowl with some reserved roasted veggies, the slightly crispy cooked prosciutto and some shredded Manchego cheese an you'll have a beautiful dish that's sure to please..

I loved it and I'm sure if you try it for yourself that you will to; because it is, oh so "Definitely Delish"

"Roasted Cauliflower, Broccoli & Brussels Sprout Soup" 

Ingredients:
16 oz cauliflower florets
16 oz Brussels sprouts, halved
8 oz. Broccoli florets
4 oz. lean Prosciutto, cut into small pieces (see notes for vegan options)
3-4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Butter (see notes)
1/4 cup Shallots, chopped
2 cloves of Garlic, minced
3 1/2 cups low sodium Chicken Stock (see notes)
1 cup Vegetable Broth
1/2 teaspoon fine Sea Salt, plus more to taste
White Pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian Parsley
Natural Olive Oil Spray

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit..
2. Spray a large baking sheet with the Olive Oil Spray. Place the cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts cut side down on the baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt—then roast on the bottom third of the oven 25 minutes, tossing half way until slightly browned..
3. Meanwhile, add 1 tablespoon of oil to your soup pot on medium heat and add your pieces of prosciutto—cooking until browned, then remove from the pot and reserve for later..
4. Now lower the temperature of the pot to low heat and melt the butter, then add the shallots & garlic. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes..
5. Add the chicken stock and simmer 5 minutes..

6. Shut the oven, reserve about 1 cup or more of the roasted vegetables and keep warm on the baking sheet..
7. Transfer the rest to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes, covered..
8. Now, using an immersion blender, blend until a thick even consistency is reached. You may also enjoy it chunkier, so can stop when it reaches the style you enjoy..
9. Now simmer on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, adding up to 1 cup of vegetable broth if thinning of the soup is needed. As well as adding sea salt and white pepper to taste. (Any last minute additions such as fresh herbs, rubbed sage, etc can be added to enhance the flavor if you desire)

 

Notes:
1. Serve in bowls topped with the some of the roasted vegetables, cooked prosciutto, chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil..
2. You can also add a bit of fresh shredded 8 month Manchego cheese, which I did. (Optionally Romano or another cheese could be substituted) Serve immediately..


3. You can remove the prosciutto (or use vegan/vegetarian friendly option if available), substitute the butter for a non dairy version (Olio olive oil spread, or another) and replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth to make this soup Vegetarian or Vegan friendly....

"Iron Skillet Chicken Pot Pie" With "Cheesy Beer Bread Biscuits"

It being such a cold and wet day in New York, with the damp chill soaking into my bones and making it one of the ickier days this month so far—I decided that what was needed here was some good old comfort food...

Taking out an oldie but goody of a recipe, I decided to play around and see what I could do to liven it up a little and truly make it a "stick your bones" dish to warm the soul on a blustery winters day...

 

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Grabbing an armful of staples floating in fridge and freezer, I got down to work; from the rotisserie chicken (always try to keep one on hand) and the variety of fresh and frozen vegetables, I proceeded to shred, chop, slice and dice to my hearts content...

Making a simple gravy, I tossed it all together with some seasonings and poured it into my trusty cast iron skillet...

Time for the all important top to my take on the classic chicken pot pie. For this I decided on a cheesy beer bread biscuit dough, full of ale and yummy cheddar cheese...

Taking the basics of a beer bread mix, throwing in the cheese, beer and seasonings—I then scooped it into little biscuit shapes and dropped it on to the filling inside the skillet...

In the oven to bake and before long the wonderful smells start to permeate the house and then—lunch...

Definitely a perfect, quick and easy meal to make and serve on a cold day using what's on hand—and, oh so, "Definitely Delish

 

"Iron Skillet Chicken Pot Pie" with "Cheesy Beer Bread Biscuits"

Ingredients:
Filling:
1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed & shredded
1/2 cup frozen pearl onions, more if desired
1 cup frozen peas & carrots (can mix and match vegetables, add corn, etc.)
1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
1 cup low fat milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning blend
1 teaspoon fresh chopped Italian parsley
1 tablespoon of olive oil

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Biscuit:
2 1/4 cups Bisquick mix (If you have beer bread mix, then use)
2/3 cup brown ale (I used Newcastle ale)
1/2 teaspoon fine minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon minced onion
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped chives
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 stick of softened butter
2-3 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed (optional)
1 tablespoon of melted butter, separate

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit...
2. To make the filling; whisk together broth, milk, cornstarch, sea salt, poultry seasoning and pepper...
3. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sauce thickens. Stir in your shredded chicken and mixed vegetables—return to a boil, then remove from heat...
4. To make the biscuits add all of the ingredients to a bowl except for the milk and ale. Mix together well, then slowly add the ale until fully incorporated. If mix is to dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk or cream at a time till desired consistency is reached...
5. Take a cast iron skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and using a brush or paper towel coat the inside of the skillet...
6. Add the fresh parsley to the filling and stir, then pour the heated filling ingredients inside your prepared skillet (or baking dish)
7. Next drop small biscuit sized amounts of the dough on top of the chicken mixture, making around 12 biscuits (I did slightly more, you can do slightly less as well)
8. Using a basting brush, brush tops of biscuit dough with the melted butter—and then place into the oven to bake...
9. Bake for approximately 18 to 22 minutes, until tops of the biscuits are a nice golden brown color and the filling is bubbly...
10. Remove for the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving...

Notes:
1. Any leftover biscuit dough can be dropped onto a parchment lined baking pan and cooked separately and saved in the fridge for up to 5 days...
2. You can mix and match vegetables, add corn, green beans, more onions, fresh or frozen—truly whatever you desire, or find in your fridge, freezer or cupboards...

"Pan Fried Gnocchi In Brown Butter Sage Sauce With Pumpkin"

Not quite ready to let go of the Fall season after the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S.

I know, I know. We all look forward to those Winter holidays; whether it's for the presents, the snow or the camaraderie—me though, I love Fall and this year it seemed to pass all to quickly...

So as the months prepare to change and all the craziness of December shopping, cooking and running around gets prepared to start—I decided to treat myself to one more dish full of pumpkin, an spice and everything nice...

Hope you'll enjoy it and hope as well that you all have a very blessed and happy holiday season whatever you and yours may celebrate...

 

"Pan Fried Gnocchi" in a "Brown Butter Sage Sauce" with "Pumpkin"

Ingredients:
For the Gnocchi:
1 pound Gnocchi (Store bought or see Recipe in Notes)
3 Tbs. unsalted Butter, cut into 3 even pieces
2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
For the Sauce:
12 Tbs. unsalted Butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
10 large fresh Sage leaves, half of them minced
1 cup Pumpkin Puree
2 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon of Pumpkin Spice
Fine Sea salt & freshly ground White Pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
Fresh Pumpkin Seeds
1 tablespoon of Cinnamon Sugar
1-2 teaspoons of butter or oil-optional
Fresh chopped parsley or sage for garnish-optional

Directions:
Cook the Gnocchi:
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add about one-third of the gnocchi..
2. To get the gnocchi into the boiling water, fold the parchment ends to form a chute and gently shake the gnocchi out, taking care not to clump them together as you drop them in..
3. Give one gentle stir, wait until the gnocchi all float to the surface of the water, and then cook them for 1 minute..
4. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbs. of the butter, and 2 teaspoons olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat..
5. When the butter is completely melted, use a large slotted spoon or a strainer to transfer the cooked gnocchi from the boiling water to the skillet, shaking off as much water as possible first. The gnocchi should form a single layer in the skillet. (If the butter is melted before the gnocchi cook, take it off the heat; if the gnocchi cook before the butter is fully melted, it’s fine to add the gnocchi.) Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and cook, shaking the pan occasionally to turn the gnocchi, until they’re lightly browned, about 2 minutes..
6. Transfer to a large plate. Repeat with the remaining gnocchi..
Make the Sauce:
1. Wipe the skillet clean if necessary. Put it over medium-high heat and add the butter..
2. When the butter has almost completely melted, stir in the sage leaves. 3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a light brown color (be careful not to let it burn) and the sage leaves darken and crisp up slightly, 2 to 3 minutes..
4. Stir in pumpkin, pumpkin spice and brown sugar then remove from heat..
5. Add the reserved gnocchi and toss to coat well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Garnish:
1. Toast pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium heat for several minutes, toss with cinnamon sugar and allow to cool on a piece of parchment paper till ready to use. (May add a small amount of butter or oil with the seeds when toasting to allow the cinnamon sugar to stick more, but seeds will be tacky to the touch)

Notes: "For Gnocchi Recipe"
Ingredients:
3 large baking (Idaho) Potatoes (about 1 3/4 pounds), scrubbed
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground White Pepper
Pinch of freshly grated Nutmeg
1/4 freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 cups unbleached all-purpose Flour, or as needed

Directions:
1. Place the potatoes in a large pot with enough cold water to cover. Bring the water to a boil and cook, partially covered, until the potatoes are easily pierced with a skewer but the skins are not split, about 35 minutes. (Alternatively, the potatoes can be baked in a preheated 400 degree oven until tender, about 40 minutes.)
2. Drain the potatoes and let them stand just until cool enough to handle. (The hotter the potatoes are when they are peeled and riced, the lighter the gnocchi will be.)
3. Working quickly and protecting the hand that holds the potatoes with a folded kitchen towel or oven mitt, scrape the skin from the potato with a paring knife..
4. Press the peeled potatoes through a potato ricer. Alternatively, the potatoes can be passed through a food mill fitted with the fine disc, but a ricer makes fluffier potatoes and therefore lighter gnocchi..
5. Spread the riced potatoes into a thin, even layer on the work surface, without pressing them or compacting them. Let them cool completely.
6. In a small bowl, beat the egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg together. Gather the cold potatoes into a mound and form a well in the center. Pour the egg mixture into the well..
7. Knead the potato and egg mixtures together with both hands, gradually adding the grated cheese and enough of the flour, about 1 1/2 cups, to form a smooth but slightly sticky dough..
8. It should take no longer than 3 minutes to work the flour into the potato mixture; remember, the longer the dough is kneaded, the more flour it will require and the heavier it will become..
9. As you knead the dough, it will stick to your hands and to the work surface: Repeatedly rub this rough dough from your hands and scrape it with a knife or dough scraper from the work surface back into the dough as you knead..
10. Wash and dry your hands. Dust the dough, your hands, and the work surface lightly with some of the remaining flour. Cut the dough into six equal pieces and set off to one side of the work surface. Place one piece of dough in front of you and pat it into a rough oblong..
11. Using both hands, in a smooth back-and-forth motion and exerting light downward pressure, roll the dough into a rope 1/2 inch thick, flouring the dough if necessary as you roll to keep it from sticking. (When you first begin making gnocchi, until your hands get the feel of the dough, you may find it easier to cut each piece of dough in half to roll it.)
12. Slice the ropes into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Sprinkle the rounds lightly with flour and roll each piece quickly between your palms into a rough ball, flouring the dough and your hands as needed to prevent sticking..
13. Hold the tines of a fork at a 45-degree angle to the table with the concave part facing up. Dip the tip of your thumb in flour. Take one ball of dough and with the tip of your thumb, press the dough lightly against the tines of the fork as you roll it downward toward the tips of the tines. As the dough wraps around the tip of your thumb, it will form into a dumpling with a deep indentation on one side and a ridged surface on the other..
14. Set on a baking sheet lined with a floured kitchen towel and continue forming gnocchi from the remaining dough balls. Repeat the whole process with the remaining pieces of dough. At this point the gnocchi must be cooked immediately or frozen..

"Fall Colors"

"Skinny Bourbon Chicken"

I love food that's bad for you...

  I mean who doesn't, right?

  But as I've gotten older I've found that I just can't eat like I used, not on a regular basis anyway...

  Though I'll still on occasion make something sinfully delicious as you can plainly see from some of my other posts...

  This, though, just happens to be one of those happy creations where I discover a way to create that unbelievably delectable experience without the sin...

 

  Taking the wonderful flavors of a "New Orleans Style Bourbon Chicken" and tweaking the ingredients, measurements and cooking to create something that tastes, in essence, so incredibly close to the original but with less than half the calories amazes me...

"Blues on Bourbon" by R.Fisher

 

  That is what we have here; a scrumptious melding of Southern Comfort and other ingredients brought together in harmony to compose a sweet and slightly spiced melody that'll have you singing the Blues when it's all gone...

  I served mine with a sticky risotto rice this time but next time for an even healthier version I think I'll be using some riced cauliflower instead; either way I think you'll find this dish is perfect—because it is, oh so "Definitely Delish"

"Skinny Bourbon Chicken"

Ingredients:
2 tbsp coconut oil
3 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken, cut into bite size pieces
1 cup Water
1 cup brown sugar, packed (less using Truvia brown sugar blend-6 tblsp's)
3/4 cup low-sodium Chicken broth
1/2 cup soy sauce (Tamari-lite Japanese Soy)
1/4 cup Ketchup (low sugar)
1/4 cup Southern Comfort
2 tbsp Apple Cider vinegar
5 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 sweet Onion, minced
1 Shallot minced
1/4 tsp crushed Red Pepper flakes (more if you like it spicy)
1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated Ginger
1/2 cup Apple Cider
1 tbsp Corn Starch
Fresh Chives, Scallions and Parsley for garnish
White Rice (I used 1 cup Risotto Rice cooked with 3 cups of water till done and sticky)

Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a large heavy bottom pot. Add the chicken pieces and brown until lightly golden on all sides. This will take about ten minutes. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. It will not be fully cooked yet...

2. In the now empty pot, add the water, sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, Southern Comfort, apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, and ginger. Bring to a boil, and use a wooden spoon to scrape all the browned bits off the bottom of the pan...

3. Add the chicken pieces back into the pan with the sauce, along with any accumulated juice on the plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce has started to thicken...

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple juice and corn starch. Stir into the pot with a wooden spoon, then turn up the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to thicken up the sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of Southern Comfort at the end before serving...

Serve while hot, and remember, this goes great with rice (and a glass of bourbon)

"Easy like a NOLA morning" by R.Fisher

Notes:
1. Slow Cooker Directions: Whisk together everything except for the chicken, apple juice, and corn starch. Pour into the bowl of your slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, toss with a wooden spoon to coat, then cook over low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3 hours. Stir in the apple juice and cornstarch mixture at the very end to thicken up the sauce more if needed...

2. I used sticky white risotto rice this time but to cut the calories even more you could use riced Cauliflower or another alternative. (I'll be trying this next time I make it)

"Sweet & Creamy Polenta" with "Roasted Vegetable Sauce"

"Polenta with Roasted Vegetable Sauce"

I can't believe it, but it's been only just a little over a year now since I started playing around with the idea of blogging online...

 

It certainly has felt like so much longer to me...

 

 

 

 

Now between all of the cooking, photographing and sharing of my recipes I've been blessed to have met some of the kindest, sweetest and most supportive "Foodies" from just about every corner on Earth...

 

"Venice" by R.Fisher

 

They really have been beyond wonderful and I've cherished the friendships I've made with each of them...

One of the very first good friends within the "Foodie" community that I made was Lizzy, from A Tasty Mess...

 

 

"Farm Fresh and Organic"

"Farm Fresh and Organic"

 

An at home Chef, much like myself, from Houston Texas—who beyond just the incredible encouragement she always gave me, and my early endeavors, was also kind enough to invite me to write, and create, a guest post on her blog—a post that amazingly enough even made it onto the The Daily Meal...

"Sweet Polenta with Sauce"

 

For someone like myself who hadn't ever even shared a recipe, let alone write & photograph for a website, this was an opportunity that I've always been grateful for...

So in honor of the recipe that started it all, I've decided to take most of the same wonderful ingredients to create this dish—a mix of farm fresh and organic, brought together to give you a scrumptious "Sweet & Creamy Polenta" with a "Roasted Vegetable Sauce"

Try it out for yourself. I'll think you'll find it, oh so "Definitely Delish"

 

"Freshest Ingredients"

"Freshest Ingredients"

"Sweet & Creamy Polenta" with "Roasted Vegetable Sauce
(serves about 4)

Roasted Vegetable Sauce:
Ingredients:
1/3 cup Kalamata Olive oil
1-2 Japanese eggplants, cut into 3/4 to 1 inch pieces
1 medium Zucchini, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1 yellow squash, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/4 cup white wine (Sauvignon blanc or Pinot Grigio)
1 cup chopped fire roasted tomatoes (fresh or canned)
6 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon organic sugar
1/2 tablespoon Shallot, minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped 

Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a large deep sided sauté pan on medium heat—add the various sliced vegetables (zucchini, eggplant & squash) and pan roast for 10 minutes, or until nicely browned...
2. Now add the shallots and cook for one minute more before draining off any excess oil if necessary...
3. Follow by adding the tomato paste to the pan and stir, cooking for 2 minutes, before then adding the wine and cooking for 1 more minute...
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, water, sea salt, organic sugar and fresh oregano and cook for a further 5 minutes to get a deep-flavored sauce. Set aside or save; warm it up when ready to serve...

"The Grand Canal" by R.Fisher

Polenta:
Ingredients:
6 ears of Farm Fresh Corn
2 cups Water
3 tablespoons unsalted Irish Butter, diced
7 ounces Bulgarian Feta, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
Fresh ground White Pepper

 

 

"Polenta with Roasted Vegetables"

"Polenta with Roasted Vegetables"

Directions:
1. Remove the leaves and "silk" from each ear of corn, then chop off the pointed top and stalk. Using a sharp knife to shave off the kernels by either standing each ear upright on its base and shaving downward, or lay each ear on its side on a cutting board to slice off the kernels...
2. You want to have about 1 pound of corn kernels...
3. Place the kernels in a medium saucepan and barely cover them with the water. Add one tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat simmering...
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the kernels from the water and place them into a food processor; reserve the cooking liquid...
5. Process them for several minutes, to break as much of the kernel case as possible. Add some of the cooking liquid if the mixture becomes too dry to process...
6. Now return the processed corn to the pan with the reserved cooking liquid and cook, while stirring, on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to an almost mashed potato consistency. (If you have a lot of liquid left in the pan, it can take longer to cook down the polenta, and it will sputter)
7. Fold in the remaining butter, the feta, sea salt and some pepper and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and add more sea salt & white pepper if needed...

"Porto'Fino At Night" by R.Fisher

"Spiced French Toast Bake"

"Spiced French Toast Bake"

I find that creating breakfast recipes can be some of the toughest to do...

I mean there's only so many ways to scramble an egg or make an omelette, waffle or French toast...

An though I've still attempted it by tweaking an "Eggs Benedict" using "English" crumpets and "Kobe-Wagyu" sirloin burgers or by layering a "Frittata" with potatoes, pancetta, mushrooms, asparagus and cheese—I still find it tough to find a technique or addition to make a breakfast recipe truly my own...

"Farm Fresh, Organic & Homemade"

"Farm Fresh, Organic & Homemade"

This is one of those...

Taking a personal love of all things bread related; I took buttered toast for breakfast, along with my French Toast recipe and decided to combine the two together with a twist...

Taking cues from a "New Orleans" style Bread Pudding (which has been much on my mind as me and my Baby plan our return trip); I played around with the ingredients and after a night at rest, me and my Baby were blessed to have this beautiful symphony of sweet and spicy ingredients slowly baking in the oven...

"Sweet, Spicy & Buttery"

Once done, and dusted with powdered sugar, it was ready to be served up with some pure organic maple syrup...

Such a serendipitously satisfying selection to soothe both your hunger and your sweet tooth at the same time...

So try out my "Spiced French Toast Bake" yourself; I think you'll find that it is,
oh so "Definitely Delish

"Sweet & Spicy Sliced French Toast" 

"Spiced French Toast Bake"

Ingredients:
1 loaf of fresh made Whole Wheat Bread, cut into 14 slices
3 tablespoons unsalted Irish Butter, softened
6 tablespoons granulated organic Sugar
Zest of 1/2 lemon
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
6 farm fresh Eggs
2 cups Whole Milk
1 cup Light Cream
1 tablespoon Amber Rum
1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon of ground Cloves, Allspice & Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt or Sea Salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Organic Maple syrup to finish (optional)

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice your bread into 14 slices and then diagonally into triangles. Arrange them on a large baking tray and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until firm to the touch but not yet browned. You can flip halfway through baking...
2. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch or other 3-quart casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of softened butter. Melt the remaining butter in a dish and using a silicone basting brush, brush each slice of bread after they're done in the oven...
3. Fan your bread slices out into the pan. Now place sugar and lemon zest in the bottom of a small dish and use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar, so it breaks up a bit and also releases the most flavor. Sprinkle half of lemon sugar over bread inside your casserole dish...
4. Whisk eggs in a large bowl; then slowly whisk in the cream and milk, followed by the ground spices...
5. Stir in vanilla, rum and salt. Pour custard slowly and evenly over bread and sugar, then sprinkle with the remaining lemon sugar... 
6. Let mixture soak covered overnight in the fridge. If pressed for time you can let it sit for 30 minutes on the counter instead before baking, but overnight is better...

"French Toast Bread Pudding"

7. When ready, heat oven to 365 degrees. Loosely cover the "French Toast Bake" with foil and bake for 15 minutes on the middle (or just below middle) rack of the oven. Remove foil and bake for approximately 30 minutes more, until a knife inserted into the center of the casserole and turned slightly causes no liquid custard to spill into the crack. (This can vary by the density of your bread; it can sometimes take longer to finish. Check regularly till done every couple of minutes)
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup on the side, if desired...

"Spiced French Toast"

"Sweet, Spicy & Delicious"

"Buttered Toast, French Toast And Bread Pudding Together At Last"

"Perfect on a Sunday Morning"

"Oia, Santorini - Somber Shades by R.Fisher"

"Dark Chocolate Popcorn Granola Bars"

"Dark Chocolate Granola Bars"

I'm always fiddling around the kitchen playing with this or that recipe and though not everything is a home run the first time out, more often than not, I will still make something worthwhile and delicious to nosh on...

This one though was a definite hit; mixing the slightly buttery & salty taste of fresh made popcorn with the crunch of granola, the sweet tang of dried cranberries and nuttiness of chopped pecans enrobed in dark chocolate and honey to create something not unlike but so much better than a rice crispy treat...

"Streets of Salem in Fall"

Decadent, Delectable & Delicious—truly this on the go snack, or late night treat, tastes almost to sinful to eat—but it's full of so much organic, healthy and natural goodness that you can most definitely give yourself a pass and enjoy it no matter whether you're in full on fit mode or not...

I know I'm going to love snacking on this in the days ahead and I think you would too; because it is, oh so "Definitely Delish"

"Dark Chocolate Granola Bars"


"Dark Chocolate Popcorn Granola Bars"

Ingredients:
7 cups Organic Popcorn, popped
1 cup Organic Pecans, chopped
1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Cinnamon Granola (I used an Organic fresh mix from a Organic Market, but Bare Naked and other brands are good too)
3/4 cup Dried Cranberries (natural no sugar added)
2/3 cup natural, unfiltered & organic Raw Honey
1/2 cup fresh made ground Almond Butter (Natural Almond Butter is okay as well)
2 teaspoons natural Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground Cloves
1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt, finely ground

"Dark Chocolate Granola Bars"

Directions:
1. Make the popcorn fresh and then mix together with the pecans, chocolate chips, granola and cranberries in a large bowl. Stir, then set aside...
2. Place a generous amount of raw honey in a medium-sized saucepan set over medium-low heat. Bring it to a gentle boil, adjusting heat if necessary... 
3. After the honey is boiling then stir in your almond butter, and let it bubble for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and stir in the salt, vanilla, ground cloves and cinnamon...
4. Carefully pour the hot mixture over top of the popcorn and other ingredients, then mix together thoroughly...
5. Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with a nonstick butter spray, then scoop out and evenly press the mixture into the pan...
6. Let it cool in the fridge for 15 minutes or more (loosely covered); then, when ready, remove it from the pan and slice it into squares  or bars to serve...
7. Store in a covered container for up to 5 days—or up to a week, or more, when refrigerated... 

"NOLA at Night"

"The Cubano-A Southeastern Sandwich Classic"

"Cuban Sandwich"

As you can see, the love of sandwiches has continued this week—from the deliciousness of "Pulled Pork" to the incredible merging of sweet and savory with the "Monte Cristo"

Now though I bring you that most delectable of Miami favorites, the "Cubano" or "Cuban Sandwich"

 

"Cubano"

As with Cuban bread, the origin of the Cuban sandwich (sometimes called a "Cuban mix," a "mixto," a "Cuban pressed sandwich," or a "Cubano") is murky and somewhat intriguing...

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, travel between Cuba and Florida was easy, especially from Key West and Tampa, and Cubans frequently sailed back and forth for employment, pleasure, and family visits...

"Cuban Pressed Sandwich"

Because of this constant and largely undocumented movement of people, culture and ideas, it is impossible to say exactly when or where the Cuban sandwich originated.—it's rumored, though, to have originated in Cuba or Key West before spreading in popularity from Tampa to Miami...

Wherever it came from, and whatever it's origins, you almost have to stop to try one in "Versailles" or another eatery in "Little Havana" just to indulge in some of the local flavor...

"Crashing Waves along the Keys"

If traveling to the sandy shores of Florida is out of the question though, why not sit back comfortably in your own home and try my very own tasty take on this Southeastern classic...

I think you'll find it to be oh so "Definitely Delish"

 

 

"Cuban Sammie"

"Classic Cuban Sandwich"

Ingredients:
8 oz. Brown Sugar Baked Pit Ham, sliced (see recipe section)
12 oz. Roasted Marinated Pork Shoulder, sliced (see recipe section)
8 oz. Emmentaler Swiss Cheese, thinly sliced
6 Half-Sour Dill Pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 cup Sweet Cream Butter, softened
3 tablespoons Yellow Mustard, for brushing
3 tablespoons Mayonnaise, for brushing
6 (six to 9 inches long) soft Baguettes or Club rolls, split
lengthwise (If Cuban bread is unavailable)

"Cubano Sandwich"

Directions:
1. Heat a large cast-iron griddle or panini press. Add the ham slices to the griddle and cook over moderate heat, turning once, until browned in spots, about 1 minute. Transfer ham to a plate...
2. Generously butter the cut sides of each baguette(roll) and toast on the griddle over moderate heat until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes...
3. Transfer the baguettes to a work surface and generously brush the top cut sides with 2 teaspoons of mustard, and the bottom cut sides with 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise...
4. Layer the ham, emmentaler Swiss cheese, pickles  and pork on to each baguette and close the sandwiches...
5. Generously brush the outside of the sandwiches with more butter and set them on the griddle or press; if using a griddle, top the sandwiches with a large baking sheet and weigh it down with heavy cans or a cast-iron skillet...
6. Now cook the sandwiches over moderate heat until they’re browned and crisp on the outside and the cheese is melted, 3 minutes per side on a griddle or 3 minutes total in a press. Cut the "Cubanos" in half and serve while hot with some Yucca fries with banana ketchup or chips...

Notes:
Additional Recipes:

"Yucca Fries with Banana Ketchup"

"Yucca Fries with Banana Ketchup"

Ingredients:
Ketchup:
2 large ripe bananas, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup water
4 whole pickled jalapeños, stems discarded, plus 2 tablespoon pickling liquid from the jar
1/4 cup thinly sliced garlic cloves
3 tablespoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
1 cup ketchup
1 cup lightly packed Basil
Sea Salt and Pepper

Fries:
3 pounds yucca (about 4 yucca)
Peanut oil, for frying
Sea Salt
Lime wedges, for serving

"Yucca Fries"

Directions:
Ketchup:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the bananas with the vegetable stock, onion, water, pickled jalapeño, garlic and ginger and bring to a boil...
2. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring, until the bananas and onion are very tender, 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender and let cool slightly. Add the ketchup, basil and the jalapeño pickling liquid and puree until smooth...
3. Scrape the banana ketchup into a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes...
Fries:
1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Peel the yucca and cut into 3-inch lengths. Cut the lengths into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Cook the yucca in the boiling water until tender, 10 to 15 minutes...
2. Drain well and spread on a baking sheet to cool and dry; discard any stringy pieces of yucca...
3. In a large saucepan, heat 1 1/2 inches of oil to 360 degrees. Set a rack over a baking sheet. Working in batches, fry the yucca, stirring gently to separate the wedges, until golden brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes...
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the wedges to the rack and season generously with salt. Serve right away with the banana ketchup and lime wedges...

"Waves Breaking Along the Florida Gulf"

"The Monte Cristo-A Sandwich Classic"

"Monte Cristo"

Recently I've found myself greatly desiring sandwiches for dinner; I don't know what it is, perhaps I've just had an overwhelming hankering for bread—which I don't nearly eat as often as I used too...

Regardless of the reasoning behind my latest creation; you, my dear friends, get to enjoy the fruits of both my desires and labors—which this time have brought forth that delectable mix of sweet and savory ingredients, the "Monte Cristo"

"Porto'fino by Night"

Thought to have it's origins in a Paris cafés offering of a "Croque Monsieur"—which was gruyere cheese and lean ham between slices of crust-less bread, fried in clarified butter.

This sandwich is still a popular snack or casual meal throughout France and Switzerland in most bars and cafés. It is usually made in a special sandwich grilling iron consisting of two hinged metal plates, each with two shell-shaped indentations...

"Classic Monte Cristo"

At some point though in America, in the 30's and 40's, the sandwich began to pop up in cookbooks across the country as a "French Toasted Cheese" sandwich or "Toasted Ham" sandwich—shortly followed by it's appearances all across southern California and finally Disneyland in the 60's...

During this deliciously desirable sandwiches travels from the quaint riverside cafés of Paris to the restaurants of Disney and beyond it finally achieved the form we are all familiar with today...

"NOLA on my Mind"

So, for this "Monte Cristo" I took my tried and true traditional French Toast recipe, aged gruyere cheese, fresh roasted turkey, honey baked ham and a variety of accompaniments to create this wonderfully scrumptious and incredibly satisfying merging of the very best of both sweet and savory ingredients—I think if you try it you'll find that it is, most assuredly, oh so "Definitely Delish"

"Sweet & Savory Monte Cristo"


"Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich"

Ingredients:
8 slices firm bread, sliced 1 inch thick (I use Challah bread)
6 large Eggs
2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground Cloves
6 tablespoons unsalted Sweet Cream Butter
2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
2 tablespoons Dijon or Deli Mustard
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
12 ounces Baked Ham, sliced
8 ounces roasted Turkey, sliced
8 ounces Aged Gruyère cheese, shaved
Powdered Sugar for dusting

"Delish Monte Cristo Sandwich"

Directions:
1. Slice your bread into 8 pieces and then put them on the top rack of your oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to dry them out—you want to avoid toasting the bread beyond a light golden color...
2. Whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves and sea salt in a medium bowl. Pour the mix into a 9x13-inch baking pan for easy dipping...
3. Allow the butter to soften at room temperature then preheat a large skillet or grill plate at medium temperature...
4. Take 2 slices at a time and place them into the egg mixture for 20 seconds, then flip them over for another 20 seconds—add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and your dipped bread then cook until golden brown (approx. 2 minutes to each side)
5. Repeat this process with the remaining bread slices, then set the skillet aside till ready to use again...
6. Now to assemble the sandwiches. Begin by spreading softened butter on the inside of each slice of French Toast; follow that with a thin layer (2 teaspoons) of mustard on 4 slices of toast, and a layer (2 teaspoons) of mayonnaise on the remaining 4 slices...
7. Top the 4 slices with mayonnaise with an equal amount of shaved Gruyere cheese, followed by roast turkey and then the baked ham—top with the final 4 slices of French toast, pressing them together gently...
8. Set your skillet back over medium-low heat and melt 1 tablespoon of the butter...
9. Brush the tops of your Monte Cristo sandwiches with a small amount of the remaining butter and place butter side down, two at a time, for two minutes
10. While cooking brush the top of the sandwiches with butter and when ready flip them over gently, and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes more...
11. Repeat with the final two sandwiches, slicing them in half and dusting with a small amount of powdered sugar...

"The Perfect Monte Cristo"

Notes:
1. Serve with real maple syrup or your favorite replacement...
2. Also can be served with Homemade Strawberry preserves (or small batch, farm stand quality) on the side, for a deliciously sweet addition. (Raspberry & Red Currant are also good choices)

"Pasta e Fagioli-An Amazing Italian Tradition"

"Pasta e Fagioli"

 "Pasta e Fagioli" is a typical Italian dish, which has its origins in the countryside tradition, and of which there are an endless supply of regional variations...

Indeed there is no actual "official" recipe for Italian pasta and beans, but there's practically a recipe for almost every area...

Maybe, in the end, it's the most "national" dish of Italy; present in all regions, from the Alps to the Mediterranean...

"Venice Canals by Gondola"

 

This is just my version, created over time and taking influences and ideas from a variety of sources and regions—in no way is this the definitive version...

Even so, though my "Pasta e Fagioli" recipe has a few personal touches outside of what you might consider the norm (the addition of arugula) - I still love it and any well made pasta and beans soup recipe...

"Italian Pasta & Bean Soup"

I hope that you'll give it a try—you may just find you enjoy it as much as me and my family does; because it is, oh so "Definitely Delish"


"Pasta e Fagioli"

Ingredients:
1 (32 oz.) can of Crushed Tomatoes
1 small can of Tomato sauce (14 oz.)
1 Sweet Vidalia Onion, chopped
9 cloves Garlic, sliced thin
1 can (14 oz.) of Cannellini Beans
1 can (14 oz.) of Butter Beans
1 can (14 oz.) of Dark Red Kidney
1 can (14 oz.) of Chick Peas
10 oz. of thick cut lean Prosciutto, diced
1 pound Ditalini pasta
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cups low sodium Chicken Broth
1-2 cups of Arugula
Sea Salt & Pepper to taste
Fresh chopped Parsley
Fresh Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

"Pot of Pasta e Fagioli cooking"

Directions:
1. Sauté onion, garlic and prosciutto in the olive oil for 4-5 minutes on medium heat, till onion begins to soften and prosciutto begins to brown...
2. Add crushed tomatoes and sauce and cover, reducing heat to a simmer...
3. Meanwhile rinse off canned beans in a colander, then add to the pot—simmering for 20 minutes...
4. While the soup simmers; bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta till al dente, follow the box directions...
5. Reserve 1 cup of pasta liquid and drain; then add pasta & reserved cooking liquid to the beans and sauce mixture, stirring on low heat...
6. Add salt, pepper, parsley and arugula to the pot; adjusting the salt or pepper to personal tastes, also add 2-3 tablespoons grated cheese at this time and mix well...
7. Let stand on low heat for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors; if it's too thick you may add some Chicken broth, a little at a time, to reach your desired consistency...
8. Serve while hot with crusty Italian bread and butter...

"Bean Soup just as good the next day"

Notes:
1. I like to mix and match beans, sometimes using Roman or pink, small or large white etc—use what you enjoy best and be creative...
2. When I make Pasta e Fagioli; I prefer it nice & thick, then watery like a soup—an usually serve it as my main meal with hot crusty buttered bread and more grated cheese on the side...
3. Greens are optional, I'll occasionally add Arugula or fresh chopped Escarole for color and flavor—you could also mix the two, or add some chard or kale even but be careful it doesn't change the flavor to much...

"Portofino At Dawn"

"Minestrone Soup-An Old Italian Favorite"

"Minestrone Soup"

Minestrone soup has a really rich history. It is known in Italy as "cucina povera" or literally poor mans soup, a peasant soup. It shows up in cook books as far back as 30 AD...

However, at its beginnings, the ingredients were pooled from ingredients for other dishes, often side dishes or "contorni" plus whatever was left over from meals...

"Flowers before a Monastery" 

 

Eventually over time, as the Roman Empire spread, more ingredients became available throughout Italy—though it wasn't till the 1600's that tomatoes first began appearing in Minestrone soups all over the the Italian countryside...

Then, at some point in time, it suddenly became a dish made for its own sake and not using the leavings of other dishes or the remainders of vegetables soon to spoil...

"Hearty Italian Soup"

Now every region of Italy has there own version of this wonderful winter soup. (Actually a wonderful anytime soup)

I should warn you though; this recipe is not a 30-Minute Meal, a One Pot Wonder, a Five Ingredient Dinner, a Set-it-and-Forget-it Dish or any of the other cute little titles you can think of dished up daily in foodie mags and, um, blogs kind of like this one...

"Looking out on the Mediterranean" 

 

This minestrone, is not cute. It is a tad bit messy and just a little demanding...

It involves planning as well as some mincing, chopping, shredding, rinsing and blending. Oh, And time. A nice bit of time. The kind of time you once had on a Sunday afternoon before you got too busy either running your kids all over creation or just trying to recover from a weeks worth of work...

"Cooking up the soup base"

"Cooking up the soup base"

 

Trust me though, in the end, you'll be left with one amazingly wonderfully deliciously layered soup just chock full of Italian flavor, Italian history and oh so "Definitely Delish"


"Minestrone Soup"

Ingredients:
2 Carrots, diced
2 Celery ribs, chopped
1 medium Vidalia Onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 can Crushed Tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
1 can dice Stewed Tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
1 can Roman beans, rinsed & drained (15 oz.)
1 can Garbanzo beans or Chickpeas, rinsed & drained (15 oz.
1 can Beef Broth (14.5 oz.)
2 cans Low Sodium-Fat Free Chicken Broth (14.5 oz. each can)
1 cup of Vegetable Stock (8 oz.)
3 cups of Savoy Cabbage, chopped/shredded (or more if desired-see Notes for additional options)
4 Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced (see Notes)
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 Bay Leaf
2 tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Parmesan Cheese Rind (Optional Ingredient, see Notes)
3-4 oz. diced Pancetta (Optional-see Notes)
Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper, to taste
1-2 cups dry Pasta (see Notes)

"Pasta mixed into the Minestrone"

Directions:
1. Heat a large stock pot on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil—then add Pancetta to pot. (if using this option-see Notes) Cook for two minutes...
2. Add Garlic and Red Pepper flakes then cook for one minute, lower temperature to medium low if needed to avoid over cooking...
3. Now add the Onion, Celery and Carrots to the pot and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes—until vegetables soften slightly...
4. At this time add the dried herbs and bay leaf (I prefer freeze dried Herbs, but regular dried herbs are good as well)
5. Now add the Potato and cabbage (see Notes for what I prefer and used in this dish); stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, till cabbage just starts to soften...
6. Add the Tomato Paste to the pot, mix well and cook for 1 minute before adding the crushed and diced Tomatoes. Now add all of the Broths (Beef, Chicken & Veggie) and Parmesan Cheese Rind (If Using), cover and simmer after stirring...
7. Meanwhile rinse and drain the Beans you will be using (see Notes for options), now take 1 cup of mixed beans and purée it in a food processor (you can also mash them in a bowl if needed)—now add Beans and puréed beans to the pot and stir, cover and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes...
8. At this time you can either cook the Pasta in the soup or separately (see Notes) if desired; if you decide to cook it in the soup, raise the temperature to medium and add your Pasta—cook till al dente, about 6-8 minutes depending on pasta size and type...
9. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, then season with Sea Salt & Pepper to taste...

"Minestrone-so filling and delicious"

Notes:
1. Option to start this soup is either 3-4 oz. of finely diced pancetta or crumbled cooked sweet Italian sausage. If you decide not to use meat, skip step 1 and immediately add garlic and red pepper then continue with the recipe...
2. For my greens I used a mix of both Savoy Cabbage and Green Swiss Chard, for the texture, taste and color of each...
3. I chose to mix Roman beans and Garbanzo beans, mixing two versions of this dish (one being Minestrone Di San Giuseppe, and a version from the Roma region of Italy), you could of course use any variation you desire for this and you would not be wrong (some even come with peas, green beans and Lentils)
4. I always use Parmesan cheese that I grate myself, which eventually leaves me with the rind (the end that has the cheese-makers marks on it), I add this to the soup for the wonderful depth of flavor it can add, but this is entirely optional for you...
5. Pasta choices—for this I used a mix of medium size pasta shells and Fusco Fiori pasta (which has a wonderful shape and texture), you of course can add any types you prefer but smaller with a nice shape (to hold onto the soup) is best I feel...
6. Not everyone likes their pasta cooked inside the soup (can get soft on re-heating); if cooking separately, add salt and a handful of semolina flour to a pot of water and cook till al dente (see your pastas package instructions). The flour will give the pasta that nice starchy flavor you get in good restaurants (they use the same pot of pasta water repeatedly without changing it, adding all that extra pasta starch taste/texture to the water over time)
7. One optional seasoning ingredient is the addition of a sprig of fresh Rosemary when you add the broth, I love the flavor it adds but not everyone enjoys it...
8. A nice hot loaf of sesame semolina is perfect with this, just love dunking it in this soup—delish....

"Venezia, Italia"

"Italian Wedding Soup To Cure What Ails You"

"Italian Wedding Soup"

A bit of folklore says that what has come to be known to us as "Italian Wedding Soup" began as a dish traditionally served to the bride and groom at wedding reception to give the couple the extra strength to see them through the wedding night...

Unfortunately that origin, like many old folktales, is nothing but invention...

"Piazza San Marco Venezia"

 

Italian wedding soup gained its name not from the occasion that might bring it to the table but rather from the wonderful harmony enjoyed by its ingredients...

See, to say two things go well together in Italian, one can say "si sposano bene" (they're well married) -- or, more to the south, that they're maritati, i.e. married...

 

So you can see how a dish called in parts of Italy "Minestra Maritata" or "Married Soup" could over time become "Wedding Soup" to us here in America—plus who doesn't love a good story to go along with their meal.

I know I do; and even though meats and green vegetables are quite different, they truly go well together, leaving us with a wonderfully married mix of ingredients whether you use spinach and meatballs, sausage and broccoli rabe or some other combination.

"Italian Soup with little Meatballs"

 

"Italian Wedding Soup"

Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
1/2 small vidalia onion, chopped finely
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan
1 lb. of ground beef, pork & veal mixed 

For soup:
12 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 oz. fresh Baby Spinach, chopped
1/2 cup of white wine (optional
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
2 ribs of celery, sliced and chopped
1 small Vidalia onion, coarsely chopped
8 oz. of "Acini de Pepe" or other tiny pasta
2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian parsley

Directions:
For the Meatballs:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; then stir the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl to blend...
2. Then add the cheese, beef, pork and veal; mix well, then shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, and place them onto a baking sheet. (I prefer the meatballs to be on the smaller size, but you can make them any size you'd like)
3. Place the meatballs in the oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, till cooked thru and just slightly browned (alternatively you can cook them in the soup, but baking is my personal preference-see notes)

"Perfect for when you're under the weather"

For the Soup:
1. In the meantime, for the soup, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot...
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally...
3. Add the wine and chicken broth and bring to a boil...
4. Add the pasta to the simmering broth and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the pasta is tender...
5. Then add the meatballs to the soup and simmer for 1 minute...
6. Taste and season with Sea salt and fresh ground pepper if necessary. At this time stir in the fresh chopped spinach, and parsley, then cook for 2 minutes until the spinach is just wilted...
7. Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle each serving with extra grated Parmesan if desired...

"The Grand Canal, Venice Italy"

Notes:
1. If cooking the meatballs in the soup instead of the oven, add them at step 3 and simmer for 12 minutes, then add pasta at step 4 and cook for another 8 minutes...
2. I use about 8 oz. of pasta, but we like a lot of pasta in our soup—so use less if you'd prefer it to be broth'ier...
3. If you decide to use frozen spinach, add it between steps 2 and 3 so that it thaws and cooks adequately...
4. For a "gluten free" version use gluten free panko style breadcrumbs...
5. If you can't eat beef or don't like using beef, pork or veal-you can substitute ground turkey if desired (there's some good hormone free & free range brands out there
6. I use Sauvignon Blanc wine but you can use a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay as well... 
7. Serve with fresh grated Parmesan on the side and crusty Italian bread hot from the oven with butter...

"Veal Bolognese Balls with Pasta & Garlic in Oil"

"Veal Bolognese Meatballs"

I love coming home, or getting up on a weekend and throwing a huge pot of sauce on to simmer the whole day. Especially when it's my "Sunday Gravy" or "Bolognese Sauce" recipes; which are just full of a ton of yummy, delicious flavors & meats...

Time, though, is not always on my side. So not to long back I worked out a way of cutting the time down on my personal "Bolognese Sauce" recipe from 6 or 7 hours of slow cooking, simmering, goodness to a more manageable 3 hours or less - which has been nothing short of incredible if you ask me...

Now after years of doing certain things a certain way; my "Bolognese" perfected, my meatball recipe for my "Sunday Gravy" set - I decided it was high time to try to play around with everything and make something new out of thin air...

"Baked Meatballs & Pasta"

 

So taking up some of my very best, tried and true recipes; I then force-ably smashed them together, and from the scattered remnants I started picking through the fragments of tasty puzzle pieces left hither & thither across the length & breadth of my kitchen island...

 

From these bits and pieces of culinary invention I began to cobble together a new, imaginative, culinary creation for me and the family to enjoy - and that's where this delicious dish first sparked to life...

"Venice, bella Venezia"

So fitting some of the tastes and ingredients of my "Bolognese" with my recipe for "Meatballs" and throwing that in with a slightly altered version of my "Capellini Aglio e Olio" I ended up with this extremely tasty dinner treat; which, for want of a better name, I am calling for now "Veal Bolognese Balls with Pasta & Garlic in Oil" or "Vitello Bolognesi Sfere con Capellini & Aglio e Olio"

I know, I know; I definitely need to figure a better name down the road for this tasty pasta dish but for now it'll do, because regardless of what it's called - it is, oh so "Definitely Delish"

 

"Veal Meatballs & Pasta"

  "Veal Bolognese Style Meatballs with Pasta & Garlic in Oil"
  (Vitello Bolognesi Sfere con Capellini & Aglio e Olio)

Ingredients:
For Meatballs:
1 pound ground Veal
4 ounces lean Pancetta (or Prosciutto), thick cut & diced
1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan, Asiago & Romano cheese, grated & mixed
1/4 White Wine
1/4 Red Wine
1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
2 cloves fresh Garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
2 Eggs, room temperature
1/2 sweet Vidalia Onion, minced
1/2 teaspoon each of Sea Salt and Black Pepper

"The Grand Canal in Venice"

For Pasta:
1 lb dried Capellini pasta
1/2 cup Olive Oil
4 tablespoons Butter
9 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup fresh parsley, minced
3/4 cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
1 teaspoon fresh Basil, minced
1 teaspoon fresh Oregano, minced
1/4 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 cup Parmesan, Romano & Asiago cheeses, freshly grated & mixed together
1 teaspoon Pink (or Sea) Salt
1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper
1 lemon, juiced 

Directions:
For Meatballs:
1. Place ground Veal (Beef or Beef substitute if desired) in a bowl and then add both the red and white wine; mix them together, then allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes...
2. Meanwhile grate your cheese, chop your parsley and mince your onion and garlic in preparation...
3. At this time heat a small frying pan over medium to medium high heat and cook your pancetta (or proscioutto) till it just begins to brown, 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. (Do not overcook, it will cook more in oven)
4. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (see Notes for options); then add all of your meatball ingredients to the bowl containing your meat, and mix extremely well using your hands...
5. Take out a cookie sheet or baking tray with a lip and begin rolling your meatballs; I try not to pack them overly tightly, and stick to medium and small sizes so that you make a good amount of meatballs from the bowl of mix...
6. Place each meatball onto the baking tray, and once you've used up all of the meat, place them into the oven to bake for 30 minutes or cooked through. (Do not overcook to avoid drying them out) While they bake, prepare your pasta...

"Baked Meatballs with Pasta and Garlic"

For Pasta:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add the pasta, cooking until al dente, about 3 minutes (for Capellini); reserve 3 cups of cooking liquid from the pot on the side, then run the pasta itself under cool water to stop the cooking process....
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat...
3. Add garlic and stir frequently until the garlic is nice and golden...
4. Then add red pepper flakes, salt and pepper...
5. Next add 4 tablespoons of butter and melt, stirring...
6. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes more, then add in the 3/4 cup of white wine and cook for an additional minute or two before adding the pinch of basil and dash of paprika...
7. Add the Al dente cooked Pasta directly to the pan. Toss until it is thoroughly coated with the garlic oil, add reserved cooking liquid (1/2 cup at a time) as needed to thin the butter/wine/garlic/oil sauce on the pasta...
8. Add several pinches of parsley and a couple of tablespoons of fresh grated Parmesan, Romano & Asiago cheeses along with the juice from 1 lemon and stir...
9. Now add the baked Veal Meatballs to the pot, mix in and cook - stirring to meld flavors for a couple minutes more.... 
10. Remove pan from heat; add the remaining parsley, grated cheeses and then toss well. Check for flavor and adjust the salt & pepper if necessary. (If needed add additional reserved cooking liquid
11. Garnish with more Parsley and Parmesan if desired—then serve and enjoy....

"Saint Mark's Square, Venice"

Notes:
1. Serve with a nice white wine; such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Also, hot crusty Italian bread with plenty of softened butter as well as extra grated cheese is a must in our home when serving this up...
2. Alternatively you can cook the Meatballs in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until cooked through...
3. If you are against veal, or dislike beef or pork you can also try this with ground turkey or chicken - though the taste will be different depending on the meat or meat mix you use...