This is probably one of the easiest dishes I have offered thus far at Once Upon a Spice, but it will not be ignored! I went against my normal ingredients and used canned, but organic soups and broths make this very friendly and you can use low sodium if you prefer as well. Simmer in…
Tag: pasta
Pasta alla Carbonara Una Pentola: “One Pot” Revisited
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 called…
Country Ham, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Red Onion & Spinach Frittata
Frittata is an egg-based Italian dish similar to an omelet or crustless quiche, enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, rice or pasta. The word frittata is derived from Italian and roughly translates to “egg-cake” In essence, you can literally add any favorite, savory edibles that you have in your fridge, saute to…
Olive Garden’s Creamy Alfredo Pasta Popular Copycat Clone Recipe & a little history
Know when, where and by whom this creamy, decadent pasta originated? Well, Pasta Alfredo was invented by Alfredo di Lelio at his restaurant, “Alfredo,” in 1914 as a variation of “Fettuccine al burro”. When butter was added both before and after fettuccine was put in the serving bowl, the dish was known as “doppio burro”…
Magnificent Marinara; 20 Minutes to Pasta Perfection
Marinara became a catchall term for tomato sauce in Italy because its ingredients are all plentiful in Campania, the area around Naples that sent so many families to the United States in the last century. Italian-American cooks treated it as a multifunctional ingredient: a starting point for other sauces, the base of soups, the acid…
Want to Visit Italia? Try the Terrific Tastes of Tuscan Tortelloni Salad, Fantastico!
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 vegetables. Their larger shape allows for more interesting and bigger ingredients. Don’t be shy, this stunning display is much easier to prepare than…
I Want One!! Genius or Flop? 2014 Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets #1
I’ve recently done some homework about 2014’s most requested and highest- rated kitchen gadgets and some are genius while others pale in comparison; much like the ones offered by old kitchen gadget guru Ronco’s Ron Popeil—remember his revelations? Over the next few weeks, in between recipes, I will be unveiling some of not only my…
It’s Guest Chef Wednesday! Bret Clark’s Fresh Clams & Mussels, Pasta Aglio Olio and Killer Marinated Tomatoes!
Are you a fan of the sea? Food that is! Today’s gorgeous offering, by talented self-taught Chef and honorary Sicilian Bret Clark, is a stunning display of culinary, ocean treasures that Poseidon would enthusiastically approve. This buttery sea presentation is paired with simple, yet extremely flavorful, garlicky Pasta Aglio Olio and the appropriately named “Killer Marinated…
Guest Chef Wednesday! Summertime Pasta! Ellie’s Penne with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Ellie’s pasta recipe is simple, quick and extremely scrumptious! When we tested it we were so surprised it took less than 15 minutes to prepare! The salty sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, pungent fresh garlic and licorice-like, crisp basil provided a combo of flavors that even the kids loved! What an easy, delicious summertime pasta…
“Una Pentola” One Pot Toscana Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese) Red Pepper & Olive Pasta A Vegetarian Dream!
Tuscan food, by tradition, is light, appetizing and extremely colorful. Feel free to experiment with any foods that fit into the latter categories and Create, Create! Here’s my version of a lighter, but very satisfying Tuscan dinner. Served with a side of grilled Italian sausage (if you’re not a Veggie) and caramelized butternut squash. Bellissima!…
Once Upon a Spice 