Cuisine: Pasta
Pasta e Ceci
I saw Stanley Tucci make this Pasta e Ceci and I was intrigued. It's a recipe by Julius Roberts, a cookbook author who left his job at a London restaurant to become a farmer. Pasta e ceci, or pasta with chickpeas, is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and satisfying. It's a great example of peasant cuisine, which emphasizes using simple, affordable ingredients to create delicious meals. All I can say is that this is incredibly flavorful and so delicious.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Preacher’s Wife Mac & Cheese
This is dedicated to my dear friend Shannon who recently passed away. She sat behind me in homeroom in high school. Both our names started with an Mc. She lit up any room that she walked into with her smile and wild enthusiasm for just about anything. She planned her celebration of life down to the very last detail (and yes, a conga line and bright colorful attire were mentioned), including her famous recipe for this Preacher’s Wife Mac & Cheese, which I of course, immediately volunteered to make. All I can say is that it’s rather lactose-laden with pounds of upmarket cheeses! She made this for many of her friends over the years on special occasions. Tears are not written in the recipe, but truth be told there were a few shed during the making of this. I am not sure how life with be without you in it, but I promise to smile and champagne toast you the next time I make it. I love you Shannon.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Caramelized Lemon Leek Couscous Salad
This Caramelized Lemon Leek Couscous Salad is genius. The dressing, infused with the smoky, charred flavor of fried lemon slices, adds a unique depth. The often-overlooked leek is the star of this dish, giving the a mild, onion-like flavor and creamy texture. Sautéing the couscous adds a nutty flavor which takes this dish to the next level.
- Yields: 4 - 5 Servings
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Lasagna
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Lasagna delivers maximum flavor and crispy perfection. Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis' revolutionary sheet pan approach, this dish is a delicious and effortless reimagining of a classic comfort food.
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 50 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Eggplant Bolognese
Eggplant Bolognese is a fantastic option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption. Tomatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and garlic form the aromatic base, adding depth and sweetness. The eggplant takes center stage, offering a surprisingly meaty texture that will leave you wondering why you ever needed beef. It's a perfect choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to lighten up their dinner.
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 55 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Chicken & Asparagus Skillet Pasta with Pesto
Chicken & Asparagus Skillet Pasta with Pesto is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines the savory flavors of chicken and asparagus with the bright, herbaceous notes of pesto. There are also sun-dried tomatoes, which add a burst of concentrated flavor. What I like about this recipe is that you throw the asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes in with the pasta for the last 3 minutes of cooking. You can eat this dish hot or cold.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Spaghetti with Prosciutto, Parmesan and Peas
My husband Eric and I have been making Spaghetti Carbonara for years. It's what we have when the is 'nothing to eat'! I saw this recipe for Spaghetti with Prosciutto, Parmesan and Peas from Milk Street Magazine and knew we had to make it. It supposedly was the signature pasta of Pope Pius XII. It's quite different from our go-to standard Carbonara recipe. I have to say, it's delicious, though more subtle than the saltier bacon-infused version. I think the late Queen Elizabeth would have liked it, due to the fact that garlic isn't even mentioned.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti
This Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti is light and flavorful. The creamy ricotta cheese, the bright tang of lemon, and the freshness of spinach, with spaghetti, can be thrown together in about 15 minutes.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Noodle Kugel with Caramelized Onions & Brown Butter
Our dear friend Liz passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was an amazing woman and a big part of our family's life. After the service, we went to her home to sit Shiva, which literally means “seven” – a period of seven days when a Jewish family has a formal mourning time to honor their loved one. It was a beautiful service and day, in which we shared many stories about our friend Liz. I brought this Noodle Kugel with Caramelized Onions & Brown Butter. I have made kugels before, but I think this will forever be my go-to recipe. Yehi Zichrah Baruch - May her memory be a blessing.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hrs 15 mins
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Tomato Soup
This Tomato Soup is really delicious and so simple to make. The surprise ingredient is Acini di Pepe Pasta, which is a tiny, round pasta that translates to "seeds of pepper" in Italian, though they are much smaller than actual peppercorns. They are classified as pastina, or "little pasta," and are often used in broth-based soups like Italian Wedding Soup.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings