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: Parmesan
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…
Tuscan Panzanella-Italian Bread Salad
This week we will be exploring the wonders of salad–standalone, sandwich fillers, ethnic-based, potato packed and even an unusual, colorful veggie cornucopia! Today, I’m starting out with an old world, Italian, family favorite-Panzanella. This fresh, colorful spring and summertime salad offers an incredible and flavorful marriage of tastes–savory, salty, tangy, pungent and sweet. You may…
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…
Croque Madame: The French Grilled Cheese
In France, Croque Madame is a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with the addition of a simple white cream sauce and fried egg. The Croque Monsieur is the same, but without the egg. This creamy, cheesy, slightly salty, flavorful French delight originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack or lunch. Typically, Emmental…
Wednesday’s Guest Chefs, Recipes, Follower’s Critiques and Photos! Today, Pasta Carbonara Una Pentola
Wednesday’s blogs have been dedicated to Guest Chefs and their recipes and also pictures and comments of Once Upon a Spice’s recipes prepared by our friends, family & followers! If you are interested in becoming a Guest Chef, would like me to share your blog, or have photos and comments about our recipes please contact…
Grandpa Louie’s Sicilian Stuffed Artichokes Carciofo
Few things ignite the deep flames of the fondest memories of my childhood than spending moments with Grandpa Louie and Grandma Lena at my parent’s cottage by the lake. If my siblings and I were fortunate enough, we would experience one of these three, rare occurrences; a sample of a freshly plucked purple fig from our…
Parmesan Crusted Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Una Pentola (One-Pot) Pasta Aglio e Olio
This is a simple, quick and very flavorful poultry recipe; Suitable for a quiet dinner at home or with friends during a dinner party. The Dubliner cheese provides a sweet, salty and pungent edge, not to mention a pleasant surprise when the recipient cuts into the center to find all of the gooey cheesy loveliness!…
Braided Easter Ham Pepperoni & Cheese Bread with Tutorial
My Mama always made this tasty bread for every religious holiday and if we begged, sometimes in between. Mom used to buy pounds of aged meats and cheeses and painstakingly cube every bit. Then she would mix fresh beaten eggs and finely grated Parmesan and fill and roll, what seemed like dozens, of loaves….
Firehouse Ranch Cheddar Parmesan Cheese Crackers
Cheesy, peppery and slightly salty. These little poppers are a scrumptious snack addition to any gathering or get together. WARNING! Highly Addictive!! AND you’ll be asked to make them again and again and again! SUPER EASY! Ingredients: 1 large box of bite sized cheese crackers 1 stick butter, melted 1 package Ranch dressing, dry 1/4…
