Fennel Risotto with Lamb Sausage

fennel risotto with lamb

Fennel is one of those vegetables you can use alone or as a spice, garnish or herb.  Its subtle anise flavor pairs well with apple and cheese; shellfish (lobster or crab); asparagus and garlic; orange and mint; potatoes and onions and so forth.  It’s deliciously light served as a salad, in a pasta, or in…

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Rosemary Shortbread

I’ve come to the conclusion that tattooed baristas along with body piercings are the ones who really make great cappuccinos!  TIBS, Just Us, Smiling Goat, Culture Espresso Bar, Joe to name a few all make some of the best cappuccinos I have ever tasted outside of Italy!  Making flawless coffee is an art in itself…

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Seared Scallops with Warm Radicchio and Pancetta

Radicchio (rah-DEE-kee-oh) is a garden plant from the north of Italy and is also known as red chicory. It offers a spicy bitterness that can add a bite to dishes when used raw, or that can be tamed through grilling or roasting. Radicchio is a good source of vitamin B and vitamin C, calcium and…

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Stuffed Chicken Pockets with Red Pesto and Ricotta

This dish screams flavor and it’s so easy to make.  Making the pocket in the chicken breast isn’t hard and I’ve attached a link here for those who would like to see a demonstration. When purchasing chicken breasts, look for ones that have a solid, plump and round shape.  The color of the chicken’s skin,…

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Stilton and Rosemary Shortbread

Instead of cookies and milk for Santa, how about these cute little treats? Christmas certainly has its share of traditions from all over the world but have you ever stopped to think who invented Christmas?   The answer can be found in a book: How Charles Dickens‘s a Christmas Carol rescued his career and revived our…

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Chipotle and Rosemary Spiced Nuts

This has to be the best holiday snack I’ve tasted! I was just thinking that other than the holidays, I really don’t go out of my way to buy nuts unless it’s called for in a recipe. Funny that! Nuts contain proteins, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B, flavonoids, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, selenium, zinc,…

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Rosemary and Olive Bread

As much as I enjoy making bread, I don’t make it on a regular basis not like my Mom or grandmother used to. I don’t think my grandfather even knew what store-bought bread was! This recipe is from a friend of mine who absolutely loves to cook and bread making is a ritual for her.…

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