Sicilian fish stew

We tried this recipe: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/sicilian-fish-stew/ Our modifications: first, we had only 1.3 lb cod fillet, which we cut into 2.5" square-ish chunks (about 12 pieces). Second, we added 1 russet potato (peeled and cut into 2x1.5" chunks) at the same time as the plum tomatoes, capers, raisins, and broth. Third, based on our pantry, we… Continue reading Sicilian fish stew

Baked rigatoni, version 3

We tried this recipe: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/baked-rigatoni-pasta-recipe/ Our modifications: first, we added 4 oz chopped, trimmed fresh cremini mushrooms and 2 chopped roasted baby Yukon potatoes (about ¼ cup) to the 2 lb mince (1 lb beef, 1 lb hot Italian sausage without casing). Second, for the sauce we used 24 oz Rao’s marinara plus 15 oz… Continue reading Baked rigatoni, version 3

Simple basil pesto

We tried this Ina Garten recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/pesto-recipe-1951665 It was delicious, but a bit too runny. The next time, we will reduce the olive oil by 1/3. (Or perhaps we should have measured the basil leaves more tightly instead of loosely.) We served this pesto with cavatappi and some quartered grape tomatoes. (Sept. 2020)

Baked rigatoni

Inspired by the baked pasta dish we made while on vacation, we decided to try this recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/baked_ziti/ Our modifications: first, for the pasta we used 1 pound of rigatoni instead of ziti. We also preheated the oven to 350 at the start of preparation. Second, for the sauce we used ¾ lb spicy Italian… Continue reading Baked rigatoni

Baked rigatoni with minced beef

While on vacation with a limited pantry, we tried this recipe: https://www.thespruceeats.com/baked-ziti-with-ground-beef-cheese-3057389 Our modifications: first, we used a yellow bell pepper (diced), ½ large onion (diced), and 1 clove minced garlic. Second, in lieu of dried herbs, we added about 8 oz Rao’s marinara sauce to the 14.5 oz can of no-salt canned diced tomatoes… Continue reading Baked rigatoni with minced beef

Simple garlic bread

We had about half a baguette leftover, so we tried this recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/garlic_bread/ Based on our pantry, we omitted the parsley and parmesan. (Sept. 2020) Note: If the bread is too soft when you cut it, you can toast it in the oven (350 for 5 mins) or even lightly place in the toaster for… Continue reading Simple garlic bread

Pan-seared parmesan rice cakes

We had 3 cups of leftover cooked rice (a mix of jasmine and basmati), and we tried this recipe: https://anoregoncottage.com/parmesan-rice-cakes/ We found 4 (not 3) large eggs achieved the right batter texture. For the parmesan, we used slightly over ½ cup (not quite 2/3 cups) Kraft shredded parmesan (which we prefer to the crumbled kind)… Continue reading Pan-seared parmesan rice cakes

Porcupine meatballs

We tried this Depression-era recipe for beef and rice meatballs with Italian flavors: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/porcupine-meatballs-8547276 We didn’t have Italian seasoning, so we used a mixture of minced fresh herbs: 1 large basil leaf, 2 tsp rosemary (2 small sprigs), 1 Tbsp parsley, 1 tsp thyme (3-4 small sprigs), 1 large minced garlic clove; and two dried… Continue reading Porcupine meatballs

Italian mushroom ragu with pan-seared polenta rounds

We modified a recipe from David Ruggerio’s Little Italy Cookbook. As a shortcut, we used a tube of premade polenta. First, in a 10" straight-walled stainless steel pan, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil on medium heat. Saute 4 shallots (diced) until fragrant, then added 1 lb (16 oz) cremini mushrooms (cut into ½" slices) and… Continue reading Italian mushroom ragu with pan-seared polenta rounds