Balsamic glaze is just an elaborate way of saying “reduced balsamic vinegar” and is also known as “reduction.” It’s a very simple way to add a lot of flavor to dishes without adding a lot of extra calories or fat. Trader Joe’s offers an excellent brand or you can make your own by simply reducing down…
Tag: tomatoes
Quattro Formaggio—4 Cheese Pizza Margherita
The intense flavors of this luscious pizza can stand up to any meat-packed version; the marriage of the essences of these 4 appetizing cheeses are like no other combination. Plus, the subtle flavors of fresh basil and oregano compliment this pie to new heights! Vegetarian pizza at its finest! Ingredients 1/4 cup extra virgin…
Mexican Easy Cheesy 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…
Tuscan Panzanella—Italian Vegetable & Bread Salad
This fresh, colorful summertime salad offers an incredible and flavorful marriage of tastes–savory, salty, tangy, pungent and sweet. You’ll want to frequent your local Farmer’s market for the freshest ingredients available. Feel free to mix and match vegetables in season for a variety of flavors. This salad is perfect served alone for a quick lunch…
Pasta alla Puttanesca “Una Pentola” One Pot
The history of pasta Puttanesca carries many colorful Italian folk tales (Refer to my prior post) This slightly salty, piquant tomato sauce is full of flavors that will certainly pique your culinary senses. Don’t allow the use of anchovies to scare you away—this sauce tastes nothing like fish. Their use simply enhances the delicious tangy flavors. Puttanesca…
Napolitana e Siciliano Easter Egg Lasagna
This is a quick and easy version of my Mama Carmela’s famous Easter Lasagna. The addition of hard-boiled eggs and sliced meatballs were influenced by her northern Italian background and make this dish extra delicious and one of a kind! I made this recipe “today” friendly for ease of preparation by using good-quality bottled sauce…
Pasta or Spaghetti Sauce: The Nectar of the gods? Could be!
Spaghetti or pasta with tomato sauce, also known as marinara, is a staple of southern Italian cookery or almost anywhere that southern Italians live today. However, spaghetti with marinara hasn’t always been a pillar of southern Italian cuisine. It’s actually a relative newcomer. Let’s briefly touch on pasta. Once upon a time every school child…
Once Upon a Spice 