Pavia 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 –…

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Tuscan 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…

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Homemade Pesto

homemade 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…

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Lemon 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…

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Stuffed 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…

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Roasted 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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My Husband’s Bolognese Sauce

Where to begin?  When John and I were dating, the first meal he ever cooked for me was his bolognese sauce tossed with penne.  I remember to this day how wonderful his condo smelled and how neat it was!  My husband was and still is a neat freak…not that I am at all complaining.  For…

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Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Pizza – hello wordpress!

I’ve been ‘meaning’ to switch from blogger to wordpress for ages and finally I decided to take the leap!  I’m not technically inclined – I think that logical side of me is buried deep within.  I don’t, though, hesitate to take on new projects except when it comes to computers and software.  There’s something far…

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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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Bresaola with Shaved Artichoke

Bresaola is one of those Italian specialty meats that’s difficult to find on a regular basis so when I saw it at Eataly I grabbed a package – strike will the iron is hot.  In the past I’ve come across recipes calling for bresaola but never had the chance to make and now that I…

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Conchiglie with Braised Pork Belly and Radicchio

Bacon lovers take heed as this dish will knock your socks off!  Braised anything in my books is a good thing with mouth-watering aromas filling the kitchen as the food is cooking.  Braising the pork belly means fork tender deliciousness.  What’s the difference between pork belly, bacon and pancetta?  Bacon and pancetta are made from…

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