Quick tomato jam with Italian flavors

We tried the jam from this recipe: https://www.howsweeteats.com/2016/08/avocado-bacon-and-egg-toast-with-quick-tomato-jam/ Our modifications: first, we used 1.5 cups diced fresh hothouse tomatoes (5 medium). Second, we increased the apple cider vinegar from 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp. The next time, we may add some crushed red pepper. We served this with roasted cauliflower (lightly seasoned with Greek oregano,… Continue reading Quick tomato jam with Italian flavors

Italian-style sausage, bean, and spinach soup

We tried this Rachael Ray recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/sausage-beans-and-broccoli-rabe-soup-recipe-1942314 Our modifications: first, we browned 1 lb (2 links) of sliced Italian spicy chicken sausage in olive oil. Second, we added only the onion, potato, carrot, and garlic. Third, we deglazed with some chicken broth, then we added the remaining broth (2 quarts). We folded in the beans… Continue reading Italian-style sausage, bean, and spinach soup

Italian-style cannellini beans with wilted spinach and bacon

We tried this recipe, which is buried in this article: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/article/12-easy-ways-to-cook-a-can-of-cannellini-beans. There were no measurements, so we used 2 oz center cut bacon (cut into matchsticks), one small onion, 2 large cloves garlic, ½ tsp crushed red pepper, one 15 oz can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), 1 oz fresh spinach, and the juice and… Continue reading Italian-style cannellini beans with wilted spinach and bacon

Penne alla vodka

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019924-pasta-alla-vodka?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share. Our modifications: first, we used rigatoni instead of penne and center-cut smoked bacon instead of pancetta. Second, in lieu of ¾ cup heavy cream, we used 1 Tbsp unsalted butter and almost ½ cup unsalted chicken broth. We also added frozen oregano leaves (about 1 Tbsp) to the sauce. Third,… Continue reading Penne alla vodka

Chicken Marbella

We tried this delicious, boozy recipe by Ottolenghi: https://www.thekitchn.com/ottolenghis-chicken-marbella-recipe-23123072 Our modifications: first, we used 3 drumsticks and 3 chicken thighs (instead of leaving them as quarters), and we used canola oil in lieu of olive (to mitigate setting off the smoke alarm). Second, we reduced the capers by half (to only 3 Tbsp plus some… Continue reading Chicken Marbella

Pantry minestrone soup

We tried this flexible recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/classic-minestrone-soup-recipe/ Our modifications: first, for the non-aromatic vegetables, we used one Russet potato (peeled and diced) and one small stem of broccoli (peeled and diced). Second, we added 1 extra cup chicken broth. Third, cooked our pasta separately, so that leftovers would keep better. Finally, we initially forgot to add…… Continue reading Pantry minestrone soup

Pasta with simple tomato sauce and kale

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12279-orecchiette-with-tomato-sauce-and-kale?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share This recipe called for orecchiette, but based on our pantry we used about 11 oz medium shells. We added 1 tsp anchovy paste (which we sauteed in the olive oil) for briny flavor, but this recipe is vegetarian without it. We cut the blanched kale into julienned ribbons. (Mar. 2021)