fresh egg pasta and italian sausage

The other day I ‘attempted’ to make fresh pasta and absolutely failed!  The more I tried to rectify the situation, the worse it got.  It’s in these situations I’ve learned to walk away and try again at a later date when my mind is free from the noise.  I’ve been making my own pasta for…

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Pasta e Patate (pasta and potato)

Pasta e Patate - a quick midweek meal

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…

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Crab Pasta with Lemon

Pasta is one of my go-to dishes when I am either pressed for time or not in the mood to cook. There are oodles of dried pasta varieties available, including a good selection of gluten-free, making it a versatile staple most cooks have in their cupboards.  I had a package of cooked imitation crab meat…

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Chanterelle Mushrooms with Pasta

chanterelles with pasta

The glorious golden child of the mushroom world, chanterelles, have a short growing cycle and are only available July through to September.  Their deep yellow color (think apricot), a trumpet-like shape, and hints of sweetness can be easily enjoyed simply by sautéing in butter and dressed with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.  I did…

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Handmade Ricotta Cavatelli Pasta

Last month we were cruising the Adriatic and one of the ports of call was Bari, Italy.  I had done my obligatory research on ‘top things to do’ list for each port and Bari was no exception.  There is, however, something to be said when you communicate with the locals – no matter how limited…

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Pirate Pasta

What makes a house a home? I was thinking about this while I was cleaning up the breakfast dishes. It’s our 13th day in the new house and while there are more things to do to make it feel more like our place, it is now starting to look like home. The smells of fresh…

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Pasta with Roasted Peppers and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

I enjoy perusing other food sites for inspiration and one in particular is from my friend, Francesca.  I got to know Francesca when we both lived in Singapore.  She offered Italian cooking classes in her kitchen which were hands-on and those who attended learned about the food history and culture of Italy.  Francesca has taught…

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Pasta Bake with Pancetta, Rosemary and Minced Pork

This dish reminds me of one my mother in-law makes and it’s always a top request when she visits. The aromas from it make me feel as though Aida is right in the kitchen with me. It’s a relatively easy meal to prepare and will have your family asking for more.   Serves 6adapted from…

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Fresh Pasta with a Simple Tomato and Basil Sauce

Another night of in-room dining thanks to the mini kitchen in our room!  All the ingredients came from Eataly, a gourmet food and wine market from Turin, Italy opened in Manhattan August 2010 with multiple restaurants plus a cooking school housed in 50,000 sq.ft. of pure food fun! For a foodie like me, this was…

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Paccheri Pasta with Cauliflower and Spinach

I love recipes that are fresh tasting, loaded with vitamins and minerals and above all, colorful.  When there’s color in the meal you prepare, then you know you’re serving up a healthy range of nutrients.  Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a good source for folate, vitamin K and dietary…

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