Pasta con Carne Macinata (Pasta with chopped meat)

 

So, the following recipe is a variation of the above mentioned pasta dish. I actually made this yesterday afternoon with my sister. I hope that you will give this dish a try. 

Ingredients:
Pasta (rice or whole wheat)
Chopped turkey meat (or beef or pork)
Vidalia Onions
Peas (frozen or fresh)
* You may also add carrots, celery, or any vegetable of your choice
Salt
Spices (This is optional. For this dish my sister and I added Curry and garlic)

Preparation:
In a medium, or large, or small (it all depends on how many people your cooking for) cooking pot bring water to a boil and add liberal amounts of salt. While you wait for the water to start boiling, In a medium sized skillet add the chopped meat and cook thoroughly (when the meat is no longer pink). Remove the chopped meat from the skillet and place in a separate serving bowl. Add some extra virgin olive oil to the skillet along with some spice and the onions; stir these ingredients until fully incorporated. Remember to add your pasta as soon as the water begins boiling (if you are using rice pasta you will have to stir the pasta every few minutes to keep it from sticking together). The final step is to once again add the chopped meat to the skillet; this helps the meat to absorb all the flavors of the spices and vegetables. When your pasta has finished cooking you should drain all the water thoroughly. Once you have combined the pasta with all the other ingredients you may garnish with cheese.Enjoy!

Giada De Laurentis on the Food Network Website

Giada De Laurentis has some excellent food recipes. Check them out!

Gelo Di Melone (Watermelon Pudding)

Gelo Di Melone is a refreshing summer desert that I'm sure will become a favorite in your home. 

Ingredients:
One six pound watermelon

3/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup cornstarch

Jasmine flowers, candied fruit, or chopped unsalted pistachios for garnish

Preparation:

Cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the pulp with a spoon, removing as many seeds as possible in the process. Put the pulp through a food mill or beat it with a mixer, using the paddle attachment.  Drain the pureed flesh through a colander into a bowl, pushing the pulp against the sides of the colander to extract as much juice as possible. Measure out 41/2 cups of juice and discard the pulp. Put the watermelon juice and the sugar in a saucepan, over medium heat. Use a strainer to sift in the cornstarch, whisking to blend. Cook over medium heat, using a wooden spoon or flexible spatula to stir and scrape the sides and bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring, for about two minutes after it boils. Pour into a five-cup serving bowl and let it cool. Refrigerate the gelo until set, about three hours, or overnight. Just before serving, decorate the pudding with Jasmine flowers, candied fruit, or chopped unsalted pistachios. This dish serves eight.

 

Enjoying a cup of Espresso

In addition to posting a blog I've also decided to post a video

Making a hot cup of Italian Espresso

One of the many pleasures I enjoyed while visiting Palermo (the capital of Sicily) was a hot cup of espresso at a bar. Thankfully, if you own an espresso maker, or if you live near an Italian bar, you don't have to travel to Italy to enjoy a fresh cup of espresso :) Here we go:

Preparation: 
Pour bottled water in the bottom chamber of the espresso maker, up to the fill line
Attach the strainer. Make sure that the water level isn't too high otherwise the water will seep through (this happens to me a lot). 
Fill the strainer with Italian coffee (in my house one of the brands we use is Cafè Bustelo) and press down lightly. Try not to pack the coffee too hard because it might create too much pressure. Screw the top of the espresso maker into the strainer.
Place the coffee maker on the stove over low heat
When the coffee is ready you'll hear a bubbling sound. Remove off heat to avoid burning the coffee (burnt coffee is never pleasant!) Enjoy!

An example of an espresso stove top coffee maker

Insalata d'Arancia (Orange Salad)

Here is another refreshing summer salad that is a staple in my home. as with my previous summer salad, this is simple to prepare, and delicious!

Ingredients:
Oranges (whichever you prefer)
Onions (traditionally one would use Red Onions but you may substitute this type for one of your liking)
Olive oil (I am a big promoter of extra virgin)
Salt

Preparation:
After peeling and cutting the oranges and the onions place them in a serving bowl or plate. Add the salt and drizzle a little olive oil over the oranges and onions. Enjoy!

 Blood Orange ( Arancia Rossa)

Pasta con Salsa di Pomodoro (Pasta with Tomato Sauce)

This is a very simple pasta recipe that my family and I really enjoy. There are few ingredients and any (whether you are a great cook or a so, so one) one can make! So, here goes!

Ingredients:
2 bags of Pasta (whole wheat or brown rice)
Tomato sauce (fresh or store bought)
Sugar or baking soda (to counteract the acidity of the tomato sauce)
Garlic or onions (my mom uses garlic but my dad prefers onions. It all depends on your tastes)
Basil (or whichever seasonings you prefer)

Preparation:

Bring water to a boil in a medium sized pot (do not forget to salt your water). Once the water has begun to boil, add your pasta (with brown rice pasta you will have to stir more frequently because this type of pasta does tend to clump). While your pasta is cooking, prepare your pasta sauce. Once your pasta is "al dente" you can drain it and add your tomato sauce. Garnish with cheese (if you wish) and enjoy!

Insalata di Pomodoro (Tomato Salad)

Insalata di Pomodoro is a refreshing summer salad with few ingredients and simple preparation. I hope that you enjoy giving this favorite dish of mine a try. 

Ingredients:
Tomatoes (whichever you prefer)
Basil (fresh or ground)
Avocados or Fennel or Cucumbers

Olive Oil (preferably extra virgin)
Salt


Preparation:
Wash your vegetables thoroughly before chopping them up and placing them inside your serving bowl or dish. Then, proceed to add the basil, salt, and lastly, the extra virgin olive oil. Toss these ingredients thoroughly (as you would a regular salad) and enjoy!