Cuisine: Cheese

Johnny Marzetti Casserole

I love recipes with a story. I have to say I have never heard of this casserole recipe. The dish originated in Columbus, Ohio, at Marzetti's, an Italian restaurant established in 1896 on Broad St. by an Italian immigrant named Teresa Marzetti. One of the dishes Marzetti offered her customers was a baked casserole of ground beef, cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, and noodles that she named for her brother-in-law Johnny. It was very popular during WWII. The original restaurant closed in 1942, but a second location, opened in 1919 remained in operation until Teresa Marzetti died in 1972. She was also popular for her salad dressings, which you can still buy today. This recipe is very similar to Sour Cream Noodle Bake that I posted recently, minus the sour cream.

By Leslie Blythe

Eggplant Pizzas

My husband and I had this at a local French restaurant. What a fantastic appetizer! I could have eaten several plates of it. I took this dreadful picture at the restaurant. The chef came out of the kitchen and was watching me. I told him I was in love with his wonderful eggplant pizza. This recipe is loosely based Julie Child’s version.

By Leslie Blythe

Pasta with Mushrooms & Turkey Sausage

This Pasta with Mushrooms & Turkey Sausage is a great weeknight pasta dish to feed your family. Of course, this would exclude my daughter who only eats pasta with butter and Parmesan. It's her loss!

By Leslie Blythe

Pasta with Broccoli Rabe, Bacon, Bread Crumbs, & Manchego

Pasta with Broccoli Rabe, Bacon, Bread Crumbs, & Manchego a taste of Italy! Pasta di Gragnano is imported from Gragnano, Italy, which is a small town south of Naples that's reputed to be the birthplace of dried pasta. This is where Pasta di Gragnano produces this unique line of bronze-died pasta made with local wheat. The name itself implies a location and style of production, much the same way that a DOC wine appellation does. To be called pasta di Gragnano, the pasta must be produced in a legally defined area in and around the Bay of Naples and it must be made by mixing durum wheat with the calcium poor water of the Monti Lattari. The dough is forced through rough bronze forms and dried at low temperatures in the mountain air. The result is a high quality product with plenty of surface area to absorb the flavor and liquid of the sauce with which it is served.

By Leslie Blythe

Asparagus Gratinato with Grana Padano

Asparagus Gratinato with Grana Padano is delicious and easy to roast. Grana Padano is one of the most popular cheeses of Italy. The name comes from the noun grana, which refers to the distinctively grainy texture of the cheese. Though similar to Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano is inexpensive because areas producing the cheese are bigger. Grana is less crumbly, milder and less complex than Parmigiano Reggiano.

By Leslie Blythe

Hash Brown Potato Quiche

You had me at hash browns....

I received a flyer in the mail from Ralph's/Krogers supermarket and there was this recipe for Hash Brown Potato Quiche. What is wrong with this? Nothing! Paula Deen has a version (which makes complete sense). I have merged the two recipes. A some green chillis would not go amiss in this recipe.

By Leslie Blythe

Asiago Panko Crusted Pork Chops

These Asiago Panko Crusted Pork Chops are delicious! The combination of the asiago cheese and panko bread crumbs make the perfect crust. I served them with carrots glazed with orange juice and potato hash. If you like pork chops, you've got to try these.

By Leslie Blythe

Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus & Provolone

This Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus & Provolone is a great dinner party entrée to impress your guests. It's super easy and you can make it ahead and put it in the refrigerator without the bread crumbs.

By Leslie Blythe

Viva la Chicken

My friend Suzanne gave me this recipe years ago. I'm not sure why it's called Viva La Chicken! I made this for my school hot lunch program last week. Some kids raved about and some were not so thrilled.

By Leslie Blythe

Freekeh Salad with Apricots, Grilled Halloumi & Zucchini

Freekeh Salad with Apricots, Grilled Halloumi & Zucchini is a delicious and healthy salad that is perfect for a summer meal. Freekeh is a whole grain that is high in fiber and protein, and it has a nutty flavor that pairs well with grilled zucchini and halloumi cheese. The apricots add a touch of sweetness, and the scallions, pistachios, and parsley provide additional flavor and texture.
The salad is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. If you don't have halloumi cheese, you can substitute feta or another type of salty cheese. You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers.

By Leslie Blythe