We all know what pasta embodies, but have you ever wondered what “carbonara” means? Carbonaro means charcoal in Italian, but to this day, the connection to this savory, flavorsome dish remains uncertain. Some food historians believe this pasta may have been popular among charcoal makers working in the Apennine Mountains; or perhaps it is…
Tag: main dishes
Replace Bottled Sauce with 20 Minute Magnificent Marinara
While there are hundreds of amazing brands of pasta sauces on the market, I don’t buy bottled sauce anymore…period. Here’s why. This rich, thick, bubbly brew costs about $3.50-$4 a batch, possesses all of the freshness under the Tuscan sun and puts a smile on the face of everyone who consumes it. The Mmmms are infinite! Reasons…
Naked Bourbon Brew Burger: Bare Beef at Its Best!
Coffee in my burger you say? You bet! This caffeine infused burger (trace amounts) with all of the other elements (spices) included in this recipe expose flavors unknown—talk about fusion! I call this one “naked” because it’s served bare and unscathed: Topped only with the mild tastes of caramelized onions and peppers–leave the veggies…
The Sicilian Burger
It’s Burger Week here at Once Upon a Spice and I simply had to include this amazingly juicy gem inspired by my Italian roots. Every time I develop something Sicilian inspired “The Godfather” theme rings incessantly in my mind and memories of my Sicilian father weigh heavily into the equation as well Grazia, Daddy! Obviously, this…
Grilled Chicken Berry Salad with Glazed Pecans
I’ve been making these salads for years and have tried many variations. Yet, to me, this is the ultimate combination of sweet and savory with just a kiss of salty notes. This is a superb, summertime fruit salad which satisfies all of your cravings. I use berries, predominantly, but the list of fruits are endless…
Salade Nicoise
Nicoise Salad, or Salade Nicoise is a delectable, customary, bright, summer salad originating from Nice in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in France. Typically, utilizing produce from the open markets and balanced with distinctive Provencal seasonings. Commonly known as Salade Nicoise, this classic salad is in harmony with the cooking style of the invigorating, sunny…
Tortelloni Italia Italian Pasta Salad
Today, during pasta week, we continue in the theme of Italia. This time using delectable aged cheese filled puffs of pasta. Mmm! For those not aware, Tortelloni are stuffed pasta, the same shape as tortellini, but a bit larger. They are usually stuffed with various types of aged cheeses and or ricotta and leafy…
Jana’s Savory Golden Beef Hand Pies
These super easy, golden, savory hand pies are very versatile and mix and match, if you will. Intermingle different veggies, use chicken or pork instead of beef, mix up herbs and seasonings to taste, maybe even add a bit of cheese—it’s your call! However, this is our friend Jana’s version and the flavors, status quo, are phenomenal!…
Easy Cheesy Mexican Fiesta Bake–Restaurant Style!
This cheesy and semi-sassy “any time” Mexican dish is sure to become a family favorite! It’s much more cost effective, healthy and delicious that any fast food restaurant I have found. Serve with a side of Spanish rice, maybe a little guacamole and you’re all set! Ingredients 1 1/2 – 2 pounds ground turkey, chicken…
7 Lucky Foods For Friday the 13th: Combat the Bad & Make It Good!
Superstitions abound on this day; the dreaded Friday the 13th. Visions of black cats crossing your path, walking under open ladders, seeing the triple digits 666; all seemingly never good to encounter. Some people live in fear of Friday the 13th. They’ll have to get through May 13 the best they can this year, but…
Once Upon a Spice 