Stuffed Roasted Peppers

Stuffed Roasted Peppers

• 4 − 7 oz. cans roasted peppers
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 8 oz. shredded fontina cheese
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 cup imported grated romano cheese
• A few sprigs of fresh
• parsley, chopped fine
• Salt and pepper

Flour and beaten eggs (enough to dredge peppers in) Olive oil to fry peppers in
Drain peppers and rinse with water. Open peppers, splitting in one side, so that they lay flat on counter. Sprinkle with small amount of breadcrumbs, reserving most to coat peppers with. Add minced garlic, shredded fontina cheese, parsley, and grated romano cheese. Roll up peppers, keeping as much filling inside as possible, then dredge in flour, egg, then seasoned bread crumbs and set aside. Heat olive oil on medium−high heat in frypan. When hot, fry peppers until golden, turning once to brown evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.

Italian Tomato Sauce

Italian Tomato Sauce

• 2 − 28 ounce cans diced or ground tomatoes or whole
• tomatoes NOT packed in puree or sauce
• 3 tablespoons high−quality olive oil
• 1 large, thick pork chop or 1−1/2 pounds beef chuck,
• steak preferred
• 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1−1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil or Italian parsley, chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

If using whole tomatoes, drain them, reserving the liquid and chop. Reserve tomatoes and juice in a bowl.
In a nonreactive Dutch oven, heat the olive oil. Season the chop with salt and pepper and brown over medium−high heat on both sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove meat and set aside. Reduce heat to medium−low, add the onion and carrot and saute until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Return the meat and any accumulated juices to the pot and add the wine. Bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 3 minutes.
Add the reserved tomatoes (if using crushed or minced tomatoes, just add them directly from the can) and the salt and bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to low to maintain a slow simmer, partially cover, and cook until the meat is tender, about 45 to 55 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Remove meat and keep warm. Raise heat to medium and continue cooking sauce for about 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
Stir in the basil and/or parsley and add freshly ground black pepper to taste (the sauce will be salty at this point; it will taste fine once added to pasta). Slice the meat and serve with pasta and sauce.

Carbonara Sauce

Carbonara Sauce

• 4 Tablespoon Butter
• 8 Slice Bacon; cut in 1/4" strips
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Egg yolks
• 1 Teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 Cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 Cup Heavy cream
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• Black pepper
• 1 Pound Spaghetti
• 8 Quarts water

Cream soft butter. In another bowl, beat eggs & yolks and whisk until blended, add 1/2 cup cheese. Heat large casserole dish in 200F oven. Bring water & salt to boil in large pot. Meanwhile, fry bacon in skillet over med heat until crisp. Pour off half of fat and stir in red pepper flakes and cream. Bring cream mixture to simmer and keep warm until spaghetti is done. Transfer cooked spaghetti to heated serving bowl and stir in creamed butter. Coat well. Stir in hot bacon & cream mixture and finally the beaten eggs and cheese. The heat of the pasta will cook the raw eggs. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve with remaining grated cheese.

Spumone Di Zabaglione

Spumone Di Zabaglione

• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 cup marsala
• 3 tbsp. dark rum
• 1−1/2 cup heavy cream

Separate the eggs and place the yolks in the top part of a double boiler. Place the whites in a stainless steel bowl at room temperature. Add sugar and nutmeg to eggs and beat, off the heat, until it forms ribbons. Add marsala and rum and place over double boiler. Beat until frothy and foamy and quite firm, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to ice bath and cool while whisking. Beat the cream to soft peaks and fold egg mixture into whites. Place into ice cream machine and chill according to manufacturer's instructions. Place in freezer, well covered. When ready to serve, scoop into balls and garnish with crushed amaretti cookies.

Angel Hair With Balsamic Tomatoes

Angel Hair With Balsamic Tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes, chopped, (28−ounce. can plum tomatoes)
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/4 Cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 Pound angel hair pasta, (uncooked)

Saute the garlic in olive oil until lightly browned. Do this in a skillet large enough to hold the tomatoes later. Leave garlic in skillet.
Place tomatoes, salt & pepper, basil and balsamic vinegar in a non−reactive bowl and set aside for 10 minutes, stirring occassionally.
Boil water for pasta.
Just before you put the pasta in the water, drain tomatoes and reserve the juice that runs off. (I usually set my colander on a dinner plate). Put the angel hair pasta in the water to cook for the recommended amount of time.
Heat your garlic skillet and toss drained tomatoes briefly JUST to heat. They should retain their shape. The pasta should finish cooking (usually no more than 5 minutes for angel hair) at the same time the tomatoes are ready.
Toss the pasta and tomato mixture together and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Cavatelli Sausage With Broccoli

Cavatelli Sausage With Broccoli

• 1/2 lb. or 2 cups dried Cavatelli or other small
• shell−shaped Italian pasta
• 1/2 lb. or 3 links sweet Italian Sausage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch broccoli
• 1 1/4 cup low−salt chicken broth
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tbls. unsalted butter
• Parmesan cheese

Squeeze sausage from casings and saute in a heavy skillet or cast iron frying pan. Stir until no longer pink and sausage has broken down into small chunks. Remove sausage with slotted spoon leaving juices in pan. Cut broccoli into 1 inch pieces and saute in juices or drippings from the sausage. Stir gently til it begins to brown. Add garlic and saute 1 minute more. Add broth and raisins and simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 3 minutes. Do not over cook. Finally, add butter and stir to melt. Add, with sausage, to cooked pasta and serve with parmesan cheese.

Pasta E Fagioli

Pasta E Fagioli

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, undrained
• 2 teaspoons dry basil leaves
• 3−4 cups boiling water, divided usage
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/3 cup dry red wine
• 12 ounces ditalini, elbow macaroni, or any short tubular pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Chopped fresh basil leaves, optional

1. Place olive oil and garlic in a large saucepot (6 quart). Cook over medium heat just until golden. Add tomato paste and cook 3−4 minutes stirring occasionally.
2. Puree 1 can of beans in food processor or blender; add to saucepot with remaining beans. Cook 2 minutes; stir in basil. Add 2 cups boiling water, broth, wine, salt and pepper. Increase heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add pasta. Cook about 8 minutes or until al dente, adding remaining hot water, if needed and stirring occasionally.
3. Serve hot topped with Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu

• 4 tablespoons espresso coffee
• 1 tablespoon Grappa
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 8 ounces Marscapone cheese
• 24 Savoiardi biscuits
• 1 ounce sweet chocolate, grated

In a small bowl, combine the coffee and grappa; set aside In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks together with the sugar until thick and lemon−colored. Add the marscapone and blend. Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture.
Place half of the biscuits in the bottom of a 10−inch square baking dish or larger serving plate. Sprinkle with half of the coffee mixture. Cover with half of the cheese mixture, and repeat process. Refrigerate tiramisu for 4 hours before serving with grated chocolate.

Pasta Dough

Pasta Dough

• 8 eggs
• 2 tsp. salt
• 4 cups all purpose flour

In a large bowl, combine eggs & salt. Beat well. Add flour, 1 cup at a time until dough sticks together but is still soft.
Spread flour on a board, knead dough for 15−20 minutes. Cover and let stand in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Knead for another 5 minutes. Flatten small amounts of dough to form a 2" x 2" square. Coat square in flour and repeatedly run through pasta machine until desired thickness is obtained, or use rolling pin.
Cut paste shape using pasta machine or slice desired shape by hand. Lay out cut pasta on table covered with a table cloth until dry. Pack in plastic bags and store in a cool place.
Cook pasta in boiling salted water until tender. Homemade pasta usually takes less time to cook. Top with your favorite sauce.

Pasta Alla Caruso

Pasta Alla Caruso

• 2 Tbs. Olive Oil
• 1 Cup Flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Lb. Chicken Livers, separated into individual lobes, all visible fat removed
• 2 Tbs. Unsalted Butter
• 1 Lb. assorted mushrooms, Shiitake (stems removed), Portobello, Crimini, White button, sliced thinly
• 1 Cup dry red wine
• 1 28 Oz. Can, peeled Tomatoes
• 2 Tbs. Flat−leafed Italian Parsley, finely chopped
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Lb. Spaghetti or Perciatelli

Heat a saute pan over high heat, then add the olive oil. Flour the chicken livers, shaking off any excess and add to the pan. Saute until they are slightly browned and firm. Remove livers and set aside. Pour off the olive oil, then add the two tablespoons of butter. When the butter has foamed and the foam begins to subside, add the mushrooms, tossing to coat with the butter. Cook for four or five minutes, until the mushrooms begin to give off some of their juices. Add the wine all at once, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any caramelized bits of liver and mushroom from the bottom. Continue, cooking over high heat until the wine has reduced by about half. Lower the heat, puree the tomatoes through a food mill, or in a food processor, then add to the mushrooms and wine. Adjust the heat so the mixture barely simmers. Slice the chicken livers crosswise into half−inch rounds and add them, with any of their accumulated juices, to the tomato sauce. Taste for seasoning, add salt and pepper if necessary, then cook over low heat for about thirty minutes, or until the extraneous juices have evaporated. In the meantime, bring a large pot with about six quarts of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta, divide into four plates, top with the sauce, garnish with the chopped parsley.

Insalata Caprese

Insalata Caprese

• 4 large fresh tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1/3 cup packed whole leaf fresh basil
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• fine sea salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup imported olives

On a large platter, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices and basil leaves, alternating and overlapping each. Drizzle salad with olive oil; Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Garnish with imported olives.

Meatballs (Polpette Alla Casalinga)

Meatballs (Polpette Alla Casalinga)

• 2 slices Italian bread, torn into small pieces
• 1/2 Cup milk
• 2 Tblsp. finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 cloves finely chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 pound beef chuck, ground twice
• 6 Tblsp. freshly grated Romano cheese
• 1 Tblsp. olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tblsp. oregano

Soak the pieces of bread in 1/2 cup milk for 5 minutes, then squeeze them dry an discard the milk. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bread, then beaten egg, beef and sausage with the remaining ingredients. Knead the mixture vigorously with both hands or beat with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Shape the mixture into small balls about 1/1/2 inches in diameter. Lay the meatballs out in one layer on a flat tray or baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Heat 1/4 cup of olive or vegetable oil in a heated, heavy 10−12 inch skillet until a light haze forms over it. Fry the meatballs 5 or 6 at a time over a moderately high heat, shaking the pan constantly to roll the balls and keep them round. In 8 − 10 minutes, the meatballs should be brown outside and show no trace of pink inside. Add more oil to the skillet as needed. Serve the meatballs hot with tomato sauce.

Torta Di Spinaci

Torta Di Spinaci

• 10 oz. spinach, blanched 1 minute, drained, dried and chopped
• 2 cups all purpose flour, extra for kneading dough
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter(4 oz.)
• 1 egg yoke plus 3 whole eggs, beaten
• 3 tbs milk
• 1/4 cup golden raisins, soak 30 minutes in water, drain
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and ground pepper
• 2 1/2 tbs (1 oz.) Pine nuts

To make dough by hand: Pour flour into a bowl, add salt and the butter. Using fingertips, work the butter into flour until a crumbly dough forms. Add the egg yoke and milk, incorporate, and knead dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Food processor dough: Combine flour and salt in the work bowl and using metal blades process briefly to mix. Add butter and process until the ingredients resemble course meal. Next add egg yoke and milk and process until dough forms a ball around the blades. Remove dough, shape to ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Pre−heat oven to 350 degrees. Using 1 tbs. butter, grease a 9 inch tart pan with a removable bottom and then dust with flour. Using a lightly floured board, roll out the dough into a round shape, making it 1 inch larger than the diameter of the pan. Line the prepared pan with the pastry dough and trim.
In a bowl, combine the blanched, chopped spinach, raisins, whole eggs, cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour into the pastry−lined tart pan and top with the pine nuts. Bake in oven until it is golden, about 40 minutes. Remove, let cool slightly and then transfer to a serving dish. Serve Torta luke warm or cool.

Manicotti

Manicotti

• 1 lb. ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 lbs. mozzarella cheese (grated), divided
• 1/4 cup romano cheese (grated)
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup provolone cheese (grated)
• Parsley (chopped)
• 3 eggs
• 2−3 cups tomato sauce

Combine all ingredients together, except tomato sauce. Mix well. (Use 1 lb. mozzarella cheese)
Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking pan. Stuff manicotti shells and place in pan. Spread more tomato sauce in between each layer and on the top, followed by 1/2 lb. of just mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 3/4 hour. Then, broil for 2−3 minutes to brown top.

Gnocchi Alla Giordano

Gnocchi Alla Giordano

• 2 pounds Baking potatoes
• 1 cup All−purpose flour
• 1 Whole egg plus
• 1 Egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Tomato sauce

Boil the potatoes in their jackets, drain, peel and put through a ricer or food mill. While the potatoes are still warm, blend in the flour, add the egg, egg yolk, butter and salt.
Place the potato mixture on a floured board and knead lightly; the dough will be soft. Roll the dough in 1" thick sticks about 10" long. Cut each roll into 3/4" pieces.
Rub each pieces of dough lightly over the coarse side of a cheese grater. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi until they rise to the top of the water. Using a slotted spoon, remove the gnocchi to a warm bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, top with tomato sauce and serve at once.

Risotto alla Parmigiana

Risotto alla Parmigiana

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound Arborio rice
• 6 cups chicken stock, hot
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 ounces Parmagiano Reggiano cheese, coarsely grated

Heat the butter and oil in a large, straight−sided saute pan or saucepan. Add the onion, and saute until soft, without browning. Add the rice, and saute for 2 minutes until the rice is well−coated. Ladle 1/2 cup of stock into the rice, stirring constantly, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is almost dry. Add more stock, 1/2 cup at a time, until it's all absorbed by the rice and the rice is al dente. The rice should be very moist and creamy, but not runny; the rice should be firm but tender, not crunchy. Remove from heat, and stir in the raw butter and the Parmagiano cheese. Salt to taste, and serve immediately.

Basic Italian Bread

Basic Italian Bread

Biga:

• 1/2 Teas. Active Dry Yeast
• 1 Cup Lukewarm water
• 2 Cups Unbleached, All−purpose Flour
• Mix the yeast and water together, and then slowly start adding the
• flour, mixing well. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room
• temperature for up to 6 hours. Refrigerate overnight.

Bread:

• 2 Cups Warm Water (about 90 degrees F.)
• 1 Pkg. Active Dry Yeast
• 5−6 Cups All−purpose, Unbleached Flour
• 2 Ts. Salt

Place the water in a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast overtop and mix well. Let sit 10 minutes until bubbly. Add the biga, flour, and salt and stir with a wooden spoon (or mix with your hands) until everything is mixed. The dough will be fairly wet and sticky at this point. Cover and let stand in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in volume.
Punch down the dough, folding it over on itself two or three times, cover and let rise once more until doubled, about 1 hour. If you choose, you could refrigerate your dough at this time and leave it overnight to prepare the next day.
Turn out your dough onto a floured baking sheet, and without overworking it too much shape into one large or two smaller round or oval shaped loaves, using as much extra flour as needed to keep it from sticking. Slash across the tops of the loaves with a serrated knife or razor just prior to baking.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and place a casserole dish with boiling water on the lower oven rack. Bake your bread 30 minutes, turn the baking sheet around, and reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake for another 30−45 minutes. At this point your bread should be golden brown and should sound hollow when you tap the bottom. Allow the bread to cool to room temperatureand serve.

Caponata

Caponata

• 2 LARGE EGGPLANTS
• 1 Teaspoon SALT
• 3/4 Cup OLIVE OIL
• 2 CLOVES GARLIC, CRUSHED
• 2 ONIONS, CHOPPED
• 1 Pound PLUM TOMATOES, Quartered
• 3 CELERY STALKS, DICED
• 1 Pound CAN PITTED BLACK OLIVES
• 12 Ounce JAR OLIVE SALAD
• 1/4 Cup CAPERS
• 1/2 Cup PINE NUTS
• 1/4 Cup RED WINE VINEGAR
• 2 Teaspoon SUGAR
• SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

Wash and cube unpeeled eggplant. Salt and let stand 1 hour. Squeeze dry. Saute in oil until soft. Remove. Saute onions and garlic in same oil. Add tomatoes, olives, and celery. Cook until tender−−15 minutes. Add eggplant, capers, and pine nuts. In another pan heat vinegar and sugar. When dissolved, pour over eggplant. Season to taste and cook an additional 20 minutes. Serve hot or cold as relish with dinner or with french bread rounds as a buffet or cocktail dish.

Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana

• 2 Small Eggplants; unpeeled cut into 1/4−inch rounds
• 2 Eggs; lightly beaten
• 1−1/2 Cup Bread crumbs
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/8 Teaspoon Pepper
• 1 Garlic cloves peeled and halved
• 3/4 Cup Olive oil
• 20 Ounce Tomatoes, canned
• 1/3 Cup Tomato paste
• 2 Tablespoon Minced basil
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/8 Teaspoon Pepper
• 1 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 Pound Mozzarella cheese; thinly sliced

Dip eggplant slices in eggs, then in bread crumbs seasoned with salt and pepper. Refrigerate 20 minutes. In a large saucepan, saute garlic in 2 tablespoons oil for 1−2 minutes. Remove garlic and add tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F. Brown eggplant in 1/4−inch oil in a large skillet. Drain on paper towels. Put a thin layer of tomato sauce into a baking dish and layer eggplant, sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella, alternately. End with mozzarella on top. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Focaccia Versiliese

Focaccia Versiliese

• 2 Teaspoon dried yeast
• 1 Cup warm water
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon rosemary, chopped
• 4 sage leaves, torn
• 3 1/2 Ounce olives, pitted
• 2 Tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 Cup unbleached all−purpose flour
• 1 Cup corn flour
• 2 Teaspoon salt
• 2 Teaspoon olive oil

Stir the yeast into a alrge mixing bowl with the water & let proof for 10 minutes. Stir in the olive oil, rosemary, sage, olives & garlic. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the flours & salt & stir until the dough is thick & smooth. Knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is firm & elastic.
Set the dough in a lightly oiled container, cover with plastic wrap & let rise until doubled. Turn the dough onto an oiled 10 1/2" X 15 1/2" baking pan & stretch it to fit. If it won't fit, let it rest for 10 minutes & try again. Cover with a towel & leave until it has half risen, about 30 minutes.
30 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 400F. Just before baking, dimple the top of the dough with your fingertips & sprinkle with some extra salt & 2 ts of oil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden. Slide off baking sheet onto a rack & let cool for a few minutes before eating warm or at room temperature.
VARIATION: Focaccia Dolce. Substitute 2 oz raisins & 1 oz pine nuts for the olives, herbs & garlic. Soak the raisins in warm water for 30 minutes before using & toast the pine nuts.

Calamari Imbottiti

Calamari Imbottiti

• 8 small squid
• 1 small onion,chopped
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1−1/2 cups bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon minced parsley
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper
• 1 egg ,well beaten
• 1 #2 can tomatoes
• 4 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic

Have fish dealer clean squid thoroughly, removing eyes, outside skin and intestines. Cut off heads and tentacles. Wash well, and drain. Combine remaining ingredients, and fill the cavity in each squid with stuffing. Sew squid closed, or fasten with toothpicks. Place in baking dish or pan, and cover with the following sauce: 1 #2 can tomatoes, 4 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove garlic. Brown garlic in oil, mash tomatoes with fork, and add. Simmer for 10 minutes. Then pour over squid and bake in hot oven 400 degree for 35 minutes, or until tender. Serve whole with sauce.