Italian
Pasta e Patate (pasta and potato)
Pasta e Patate is a recipe from a dear friend of mine. I met Francesca in Singapore back in 2001. I had heard glowing accounts of her Italian cooking classes and was eager to meet this culinary wizard. Francesca did not disappoint. Her kitchen was light and airy and her cheery disposition made all who…
Read MoreNova Scotia Mussels – Italian style
Even though I cook through the week, it’s our weekends that I look forward to the most. Whether we are entertaining or it’s just the two of us, I like to plan a nice meal. And when I say nice, it doesn’t mean a long time in the kitchen…just a few key quality ingredients.
Read MoreFried Eggplant with Tomato Sauce
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, has not always been popular and yet there are oodles of eggplant recipes out there making this nightshade plant shine. I’m sure if you ask your friends if they like it, you’ll receive mixed reviews. It must be a North American thing ’cause everywhere else this humble plant is consumed…
Read MoreEasy To Make Stromboli
Stromboli, an inside-out sandwich or pizza roll, is easy to make and perfect for informal gatherings or pot luck events. I first tasted one when we lived in NYC and let me tell you, they are addictive!
Read MoreBaked Vegetable Custard
Years ago I bought a book to hold all my scraps of paper that I scribbled recipes on or ones I cut from magazines and newspapers. I remember, after the last recipe was glued down, how triumphant it felt to see my collection in one place. The other day I went through one I started…
Read MoreHomemade Limoncello
This recipe is 4 years in the making! When we lived in Bangkok, we heard about a new Italian restaurant that had recently opened down the street from where we lived. Yay! Eager to sample the menu Mr S. and I made our way there. OPUS Wine Bar was open only a few days when…
Read MoreSpaghetti and Meatballs
The culinary snoop in me wonders if this well-known classic Italian dish originated in Italy or the USA. Turns out it’s all American! Italians from 1890 to 1920 emigrated to America by the millions. These impoverished immigrants (some on the brink of starvation) went from spending 75 percent of their income on food in Italy to…
Read MoreCranberry and Pistachio Biscotti
Biscotti (twice-baked), is an Italian cookie that is formed into a log shape, baked, sliced and then toasted to a crisp texture. This has to be one of the easiest desserts to make. Cranberry and pistachio are a perfect duo for this biscotti recipe by balancing the sweetness of the dough with a bit of…
Read MoreParmesan Crisps
Entertaining can seem like a daunting task whether it’s your first time or 100th! The key to any successful party is in the planning. When I plan a dinner party its roots are usually based on a country we have been to and have enjoyed the food. From there I start thinking about what I’d…
Read MoreZucchini Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Bruschetta (pronounced brusketta), is an Italian antipasto where grilled slices of bread are rubbed with garlic and a splash of olive oil added. Who would have thought a simple Tuscan recipe of grilled bread could turn out to be so magical.
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