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Bread, Dinner, Fruit, Gardening, Italian, Lactose Free, Pasta, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Summer Tomatoes on Capellini & Sourdough Bread

April 23, 2019

This year we planted two Early Girl tomato seedlings in the garden and were they ever a great surprise.  They produced more than 100 pounds of gorgeous, sweet fruit.  Though the plants are looking rather scraggly after several months, they are still bearing fruit.  These tomatoes are deep red in color, meaty, have very few seeds and a tiny stem that’s not woody when you cut into the fruit. They are the perfect tomato.  Unlike the Big Beef tomatoes that we usually grow, the Early Girls are small in size.  My friend Hano and her sister Charlotte eat them as if they were apples!

With all of these tomatoes ripening faster than we knew what to do with them, I wanted to whip up something delicious that would show off their exceptional flavor.  This was the perfect recipe. It is a raw sauce so there’s no cooking involved and everything goes into one bowl.  This really is the way to showcase your homegrown tomatoes.  The original recipe that I wrote down nearly 10 years ago comes from Deborah Mele. It’s one of my favorite summer meals.

Homegrown Early Girl Tomatoes

This dish requires the best tomatoes you can find.  If you don’t grow your own, check out your local farmer’s markets.  The tomatoes that are sold at supermarket chains in our area just won’t do.  Heirloom tomatoes would work if you can find them.

Kalamata & Castelvetrano Olives

You may use kalamata olives or a mix of olives.  I added a few castelvetrano olives along with the kalamatas.

Summer Tomato Sauce

I love that this recipe can be thrown together in 20 minutes.  All you need is a good, sharp knife to chop up all the ingredients.

Summer Tomatoes on Toasted Sourdough Bread

My favorite way to serve the tomato sauce is on thin capellini noodles or on toasted sourdough bread.

Summer Tomatoes on Toasted Sourdough Bread

Toast the bread until it’s nice and crisp.  Then spoon the tomatoes over the top and let it sit for a minute so that it soaks up all of that delicious sauce.

Summer Tomatoes on Capellini

Summer Tomatoes on Capellini & Sourdough Bread
 
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Adapted from Deborah Mele's recipe
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced sweet onion
  • 12 seedless kalamata olives, or a mix of olives, diced
  • 1½ tablespoons drained capers
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped oregano
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste
  • capellini or sourdough bread
  • grated parmesan (optional)
Preparation
  1. Combine tomatoes, onion, olives, capers, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in red wine vinegar and olive oil. I normally don't add any salt since the olives and capers are salty. Add a few grinds of black pepper and salt to taste.
  2. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for a few hours. Serve over capellini pasta or thinly sliced and toasted sourdough bread. Scatter grated parmesan cheese over the top. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for another day.

 

Dessert, Italian, Lactose Free, Recipes

Maialino’s Olive Oil Cake

January 10, 2019

Maialino's Olive Oil Cake with Slow Roasted Strawberries

We don’t usually think of olive oil as an ingredient used in desserts, let alone paired with Grand Marnier.  This exotic recipe combination was so intriguing, that I had to try it.  After one bake, I am in love with this cake.  It is rich, decadent and moist due to the generous amount of olive oil in the recipe.  And, the slow roasted strawberries take it over the top. I  found the recipe on Food52.  This beautiful cake comes from Maialino Restaurant in New York City.  You can buy the cake directly from the their website but why not make your own?

Grand Marnier & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I never would have imagined that extra virgin olive oil and Grand Marnier would be a perfect match, but they complement one another in this gorgeous cake.

This aromatic cake rich with olive oil, eggs, citrus zest and juice, is one of the easiest to prepare.  You will be pleasantly surprised at how little time it will take you to make this cake.

Maialino's Olive Oil Cake

My 9-inch round cake pan has 2 1/2-inch sides so I used that.  The original recipe calls for a 9 x 2-inch round cake pan.  The cake rises high as it bakes so the extra 1/2 inch was a plus. It will deflate a bit once it cools down so if  your pan is just 2 inches high it should be fine.

Maialino's Olive Oil Cake

This olive oil cake is lovely served with the roasted strawberries. I read that Maialino’s sometimes layers it with mascarpone buttercream turning it into a spectacular birthday cake.  I’m thinking that a lilikoi or orange sauce would also be a terrific accompaniment to serve with each slice of cake.

Maialino's Olive Oil Cake with Slow Roasted Strawberries

Maialino's Olive Oil Cake
 
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Special equipment: 9 x 2½-inch round cake pan preferred, or 9 x 2-inch
Author:
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1¾ cups (350g) sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1⅓ cups (285g) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1¼ cups (305g) whole milk (I used lactose free)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1½ tablespoons grated orange zest
  • ¼ cup (60g) fresh orange juice
  • ¼ cup (55g) Grand Marnier
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil or butter a 9 x 2½-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder. In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil, milk, eggs, orange zest, orange juice and Grand Marnier. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Whisk until just combined.
  3. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake on the middle rack for about 1 hour, until the top is golden and a cake tester comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a rack and let cool for 45 minutes to an hour.
  4. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, invert the cake onto a rack and let cool completely, about 2 hours.
  5. Slice and serve with slow roasted strawberries. The cake keeps well for a few days in the refrigerator. Wrap well and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

 

Dinner, Italian, Lactose Free, Pork, Recipes, Sauces

Pork Tenderloin Saltimbocca

May 27, 2018

Pork Tenderloin Saltimbocca

Saltimbocca is typically made with veal, however, pork tenderloin (and chicken breasts) is easier to find, especially here on Maui.  Pork tenderloin is our choice for this “deconstructed” version of the dish as it is lean, tender, and lends itself well to flavorful sauces such as this one with sherry, aromatic sage, garlic, and a crispy, salty prosciutto topping.  A simple fresh tomato pasta pairs well with the saltimbocca though roasted potatoes or rice pilaf would be equally delicious.

Prosciutto

Pre-cut packaged prosciutto is easy to work with and fries up nice and crispy.  If you prefer to order from your deli counter, ask them to cut the prosciutto into thin slices.  If the prosciutto is cut too thick, it won’t be very crispy once fried.  Note: don’t skimp on the crispy prosciutto!

Cremini Mushrooms

Creminis are one of my favorite mushrooms. They are flavorful, meaty and do not expel much liquid once they are cooked.  White button mushrooms can be substituted if you are unable to find creminis.

Fresh Sage Leaves

Use fresh sage leaves for this recipe.  Most markets sell sage in small bags year round.

Sherry & Mushroom Sauce

The secret ingredient to this luxurious sauce, or any brown sauce for that matter, is demi-glace.  I always have a jar on hand from Williams Sonoma. Once I open the jar, I divvy it up into mini plastic containers then freeze them to use as needed.  The demi-glace is essential for making this sauce especially rich and flavorful.

Pork Tenderloin Saltimbocca

Pork Tenderloin Saltimbocca
 
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Author:
Recipe type: Adapted from Cuisine at Home
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 12 ounces pork tenderloin, trimmed
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1½ ounces prosciutto, diced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • 1 tablespoon veal or beef demi glace (whisked with a few tablespoons of the chicken broth then added back to the remainder of the broth)
  • ½ cup dry sherry (or Marsala)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Earth Balance Buttery Sticks (or unsalted butter)
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
Preparation
  1. Slice pork tenderloin into ¾-inch thick pieces. Pound each piece into ⅓-inch thick medallions. Season with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add prosciutto and cook until crisp, about 4 minutes; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and cook pork medallions until browned, about 2 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reads 145 degrees with an instant read thermometer. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  3. Add 2 teaspoons olive oil to the pan and sauté mushrooms until they are nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
  4. Deglaze pan with sherry and broth mixture, scraping up any browned bits; bring to a boil. Turn heat down to medium-heat (a good simmer) and cook sauce until the liquid is reduced by half, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in butter and sage. Return pork medallions to the sauce and warm gently. Transfer pork and sauce to a serving dish and top with crispy prosciutto.

 

Beef, Dinner, Italian, Recipes

Smoked Meatballs

February 18, 2018

Smoked Meatballs with Pappardelle & Red Sauce

Over the years I’ve tried and adapted a number of meatball recipes.  I have made several that we really enjoy but this smoked version is in a class of its own. Meatballs are of course one of the great “comfort foods.”  Each time I see a photo of these smoked meatballs I am inspired to make more: they are that scrumptious.  After being in the smoker for more than an hour, they take on a luxurious mahogany color.  These smoked meatballs are a breeze to make.  The finished meatballs are excellent served with homemade red sauce and pasta, or in a sandwich with melted cheese, or with grilled polenta.

Meatballs

Mix all of the ingredients together then form in to meatballs.  Stash them in the refrigerator until you are ready to put them in the smoker later in the day.

Meatballs in the smoker

We use our Camp Chef pellet smoker for these meatballs but any smoker will work or even a charcoal grill set up for indirect cooking with some wood chunks.

Smoked Meatballs

The meatballs have taken on their beautiful color and look spectacular.

 

Smoked Meatballs with Grilled Polenta

Smoked Meatballs
 
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Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 pieces plain white bread, crusts removed and torn into small pieces
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 pound ground chuck or ground beef 80/20
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 extra large egg
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 2 teaspoons chopped basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1½ ounces shredded yogurt cheese, optional (substitute with mozzarella or provolone)
Preparation
  1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees when you are ready to cook
  2. Pour enough milk over the bread in a bowl to moisten and let soak for a few minutes.
  3. Place ground chuck (or ground beef), ground pork and egg in a large bowl. Gently squeeze excess milk from bread, and mash or mix until smooth. Add bread to the bowl along with the onion and garlic. Add herbs, salt, pepper and cheese. Gently stir the ingredients with your hands or two large forks being careful not to over mix it.
  4. Form mixture into 16 meatballs (or any size you prefer)
  5. Place meatballs on a lightly oiled grill pan or Bradley rack, or directly on the grill grates. The pan makes it easier to transport the meatballs to and from the smoker. Use a drip pan or heavy duty foil under the rack to keep your smoker clean.
  6. Smoke for about 2 hours or until the meatballs register 160 degrees.

 

Beans, Dinner, Dressing, Italian, Recipes, Salad, Side Dishes

Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

June 5, 2017

Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

This salad is one you will never get bored with.  Crunchy lettuce, tart pepperoncini, wholesome chickpeas, and savory peppered salami, all tossed together with a refreshing oregano vinaigrette makes this a perfect lunch.  I love serving it with slices of hearty sourdough bread or avocado toasts.  There are many fine chopped salad recipes but this one created by Nancy Silverton and published in The Mozza Cookbook is by far my favorite.  This beautiful salad will bring much satisfaction to whomever you share it with.

Iceberg Lettuce, Radicchio, Pepperoncini, Onion, Chickpeas, Tomato, Salami & Cheese

Peppered Salami

There are so many different types of salami however I always reach for the peppered version. The slightly peppery crust adds an extra level of flavor to the salami.  Leftover slices are perfect in a sandwich or served with slices of extra sharp cheddar cheese.

Oregano Vinaigrette

Don’t hesitate to use lots of dried oregano in the vinaigrette. It really makes the dressing stand out and goes well with the chopped salad.

Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette
 
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Adapted from Nancy Silverton's Chopped Salad Recipe
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Vinaigrette:
  • 2½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 medium garlic clove, crushed + 1 small garlic clove, grated finely
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
  • Salad:
  • 1 medium head iceberg lettuce cut into ribbons ⅓" wide
  • 1 small head radicchio cut into ribbons ¼" wide
  • ½ small sweet white onion cut into thin strips
  • ¾ pounds diced tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
  • 1 15 ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 6 ounces yogurt cheese sliced into ¼" wide strips (you may substitute with provolone)
  • 6 ounces peppered salami sliced into ¼" wide strips
  • 5 medium pepperoncini sliced into rings
Preparation
  1. Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Set aside.
  2. In a large salad bowl toss the lettuce, radicchio and onions together. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, cheese, salami and pepperoncini. Spoon dressing over the salad and toss well so that all ingredients are well seasoned with the vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and more vinaigrette. You will not need all of the dressing. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and use within a week. Serve the salad with some good sourdough bread on the side.

 

Beef, Dinner, Italian, Pasta, Recipes

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

April 12, 2017

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells are my new favorite pasta dish.  It has many flavors in common with lasagne bolognese.  Yet unlike bolognese sauce that simmers for a several hours, this meat sauce is ready in less than 30 minutes and is equally delicious.  Another time saver is to use a good store-bought pasta sauce such as Rao’s Basil Tomato Sauce. Because it is particularly tasty, I stock up when it is on sale.

Barilla Jumbo Pasta Shells

Barilla makes beautiful pasta shells that are just the right size for this recipe.  Check the box for broken pieces before purchasing it.  If the box shows signs of being damaged, the shells may be fractured and once cooked can fall apart and be unusable.

Meat Sauce for Shells

Ground sirloin is the perfect choice for the meat sauce.  It is flavorful yet lean.  However if you are unable to find ground sirloin, lean ground beef is a fine substitute.

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

I use cottage cheese in the recipe however you may substitute ricotta.  The cottage cheese is light and mild in flavor but adds a creaminess without adding too many calories. I love how it melds together with the meat sauce and becomes a luxurious filling.

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
 
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Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Meat Sauce:
  • 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground sirloin (or other lean ground beef)
  • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 24 ounce jar Rao's Tomato Basil Sauce, divided
  • Pasta Shells:
  • 24 jumbo pasta shells (Barilla Jumbo Shells 12 oz. box)
  • Cheese Mixture:
  • 16 ounces cottage cheese (I use Lactose Free)
  • 6 ounces (2 cups) coarsely shredded yogurt cheese (or mozzarella), divided
  • 3 ounces (1 cup) coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 9x13" casserole dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the ground sirloin and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until meat is no longer pink. Season with ¾ teaspoons kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add fresh parsley, dried oregano and marjoram. Stir to combine. Remove from the heat and mix in 1¼ cups of Rao's sauce. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. Spread the remaining Rao's sauce in the casserole dish.
  3. Cook shells in boiling, salted water for 10 minutes or until al dente. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, drain on paper towels.
  4. Combine cottage cheese, ¾ cup yogurt cheese, and all of the cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Mix in beaten egg. Add beef mixture to the bowl, stir to combine well. Spoon the filling into the pasta shells and arrange over the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1¼ cups yogurt cheese over the shells. Bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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