Italian
Duck Ragu
The origin of ragù sauce can be traced back to Bologna, Italy. Duck ragu is a Venetian dish where the focus is more on the meat and herbs rather than the tomatoes. This slow-cooked sauce can also be made with beef, pork, veal, lamb or boar. TweetFacebookLinkedInTumblrStumbleDiggDelicious
Read MoreGrilled Peppers
We grill all year round but when the weather is warmer we use the barbecue weekly. We grill anything – bread, cheese, veggies, meat, fish, fruit, you name it we’ve most probably grilled it. A couple of years ago John and I were on a cruise around the Adriatic Sea and one of the ports…
Read MoreHaddock Saltimbocca
The classic saltimbocca dish consists of thin slices of veal topped with a sage leaf, wrapped in a prosciutto slice, and sautéed in butter. If prepared properly, saltimbocca should melt in your mouth. Other variations can include chicken or pork. While haddock saltimbocca isn’t a typical Italian dish, these tender morsels were absolutely delicious. This…
Read MoreItalian Sausage with Peppers and Onions on Quinoa Polenta
I bought a bag of sweet baby peppers the other day and knew that if I didn’t use them soon, they would go off. Sausage, peppers and onions are perfect for a sandwich (hoagie) but I was thinking of something more for dinner. I’ve made many versions of polenta over the years but as I…
Read MorePavia Gallery – Espresso Bar & Café
Rou·tine (ro͞oˈtēn) – a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. I am all for a routine…it keeps me grounded, allows me to stay focused on what needs to be done on a regular basis but there are times when a routine can feel like a rut. Our Sunday ritual is pretty basic –…
Read MoreTuscan Braised Beef Short Ribs
It’s hard to believe we’ve been back in Canada now three weeks…a slightly hectic time to say the least. Settling into a routine has been hit and miss for me and is one of the reasons for not posting regularly. It can be a challenge balancing the time I used to spend on my own…
Read MoreHomemade Pesto
Almost every cuisine on our planet has found an important role for garlic and is among the oldest known horticultural crop. Egyptian and Indian cultures referred to garlic 5000 years ago and by the Chinese 2000 years ago. Pesto hails from the northern region of Liguria and is a Ligurian superstar! Pasta isn’t the only…
Read MoreLemon Rosemary Sorbet
Want to make an easy, delicious-tasting dessert or pallet cleanser? Sorbet is simple to make and because it contains no dairy, it’s perfect for anyone who is lactose intolerant or vegan. This frozen treat knows no boundaries so use your favorite fruit or chocolate and satisfy your cravings for a frozen treat. Lemon and rosemary…
Read MoreStuffed Round Zucchini (zucchine tonde ripiene)
Farmers’ markets always provide interesting selections of fruits and vegetables and most vendors are happy to share their knowledge of their produce. I spotted these round zucchinis at the Ridge Hill Yonkers’ Down to Earth Farmers’ Market – aren’t they adorable? Serves 4 4 round zucchinis 1 garlic clove, minced 3 or 4 sun dried…
Read MoreRoasted Cauliflower with Linguine
It seems like a such long time since we last had linguine. The cauliflower in the fridge had been carefully selected for another dish but I wasn’t in the mood and decided last minute to make this. I always have a bottle of capers and anchovies in the fridge so all that was needed was…
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