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June 8, 2015
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Baked Risotto with Lemon & Fresh Oregano

Once I knew how I was preparing the halibut, I thought that a light lemon risotto with fresh oregano would balance the meal. Risotto is an Italian dish that features arborio rice: a short grain, high starch rice that is cooked very slowly in stock. It requires constant stirring. When it’s done, you add Parmesan […]

May 29, 2015
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Cheese Toast

This is what my mom used to call garlic bread. She made it whenever she made lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs: Her take on Italian food. I call it Cheese Toast because the flavor really comes from the Parmesan cheese on top. Yes, there is garlic, but it is very light. When I make garlic […]

May 15, 2015
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Italian Sausages & Peppers

Italian Sausages and Peppers is a typical family style dish served in Italian homes at large family lunch. It seemed perfect for this meal. I think of an Italian grandmother standing over the stove, putting this together. I didn’t have an Italian grandmother. But I’d like to imagine, if I did, this is what her […]

May 8, 2015
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Antipasto Platter

When I was a kid, one of the restaurants we went to was an Italian pizzeria. There was a chef in the front, throwing and stretching pizza dough for all to see. We always ordered a huge family size pizza and I always burned my tongue on the hot melted cheese, too impatient to wait […]

April 20, 2015
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Polpettone Stuffed with Eggplant and Smoked Mozzarella

Meatloaf is a standard in many home kitchens. For many people meatloaf is immediately associated with mashed potatoes and gravy, and it evokes childhood memories. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes is comfort food to be eaten when it’s cold outside and we need to feel the warmth of hearth and home. I would never take away […]