Italian Food & Free Recipes

EGG NOODLES RECIPE - OLD STYLE

2009-04-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

Super Simple Delicious Old Fashioned Egg Noodles: Mama's Italian Pasta Recipe

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter

DIRECTIONS

Stir together the flour and salt in large bowl. Add eggs (beaten), milk, and butter. Knead dough until smooth, approx 5 minutes.
Let rest in a covered bowl for 10 minutes.
On a floured surface, roll out to desired thickness.
Cut into desired lengths and shapes.
Air dry before cooking.
To cook fresh pasta: Use large pot with a sprinkle of salt, add noodles to boiling water, cook until al dente.

Slow Cooker Italian SausageSoup Recipe

2009-01-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 small onions, chopped
2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
1 1/4 cups dry red wine
5 cups beef broth
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 zucchini, sliced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 (16 ounce) package spinach fettuccine pasta
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Drain fat from pan, reserving 3 tablespoons.
Cook garlic and onion in reserved fat for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, wine, broth, basil, and oregano. Transfer to a slow cooker, and stir in sausage, zucchini, bell pepper, and parsley.
Cover, and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours.

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain water, and add pasta to the slow cooker. Simmer for a few minutes, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Serves 8. Very tasty and warming...a great winter meal!

Christmas Sugar Cookies

2008-12-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder

Beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix until just combined. Add flour and baking powder in intervals.
Dough may seem too dry but continue to mix with mixer until well mixed. The dough becomes perfect once chilled.
Divide the dough into four equal parts, shape into four disks, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate about an hour or until firm.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper.
Roll out dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper, about 1/4 inch thick for crispier cookies and 1/3 inch thick for softer cookies.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 7-8 minutes or until edges just start to turn a golden color.

**For soft cookies, do not allow the cookies to turn golden brown.
Remove from oven, let cool for one minute and then transfer to wire rack.
Be sure cookie sheet to cool thoroughly before placing uncooked dough on it.

Decorate cookies with Icing or Buttercream Frosting and sprinkles. We sometimes eat these with no frosting they are so good!

Makes 2 dozen cookies Varies depending on thickness of dough and size of cookie cutters.

ENJOY & Merry Christmas! These are amazing sugar cookies!

Simple Tiramisu Recipe

2008-11-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS
16 ladyfingers
2/3 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
1/3 cup maple syrup

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Or white chocolate twists

DIRECTIONS
Split ladyfingers lengthwise and use them to line the bottom and sides of an 8x8 inch dish. Stir together coffee and 1/3 cup maple syrup until smooth. Spoon mixture over ladyfingers.
In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream and 1/2 cup maple syrup until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture over soaked ladyfingers. Cover and chill 15 minutes.
Dust with sifted cocoa or strips of white chocolate just before serving.

This is absoltly wonderful- not sure why I haven’t posted this before! A great holiday treat.

Baked Tomatoes Recipe Italian Style

2008-10-05T02:10:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Garden fresh tomatoes – cut in half around the middle
Olive oil
Grated Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, Romano or a mix of cheeses, your choice
Chopped garden fresh herbs - Parsley, Basil, Chives

Cut tomatoes in half around the center or middle, not top to bottom.
Brush cut side of tomato with olive oil.
Top with, shredded cheese then sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs.

Broil under medium heat until cheese is brown and bubbly. Serve as a side dish or appetizer.

A wonderful, easy, warming, and tasty fall Italian treat just the way Mama taught me.

Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe ~ Italian Style

2008-09-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

3 medium, firm green tomatoes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
2 beaten eggs
2/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cut unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Sprinkle slices with salt and pepper. Let tomato slices stand for 15 minutes. Place flour, milk, eggs, and bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes.

Heat 3 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Dip tomato slices in milk, then flour, then eggs, then bread crumbs. In the skillet, fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 4-6 minutes on each side or until brown. As you cook the rest of the tomatoes, add olive oil as needed. Salt and Pepper as desired!

Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread Recipe

2008-09-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Fresh Zucchini Recipe From the garden to your table!
One of mama's signature old world recipes

3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 cups grated zucchini
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Cloves
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or your favorite nuts

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease and flour two loaf pans.
In a large bowl, beat eggs until light.
Mix in oil and sugar. Stir in zucchini and vanilla.
Combine flour, cinnamon, soda, baking powder, salt and nuts; stir into the egg mixture. Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until done.

Tomatoes Recipe – Basil Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe

2008-09-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the garden crop!
1 1/2 cups red tomato, sliced
1 1/2 cups yellow tomato, sliced
1 cucumber or 1 cup round cucumbers, sliced
8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, sliced
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 1/4 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/3 cup of chopped basil – fresh if available

Layer all the vegetables and cheese and then combine oil, lemon juice. Drizzle over salad and top with chopped basil. Serve room temp or chilled!

Old-Fashioned Italian Zucchini Fritters Recipe

2008-09-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

Italian Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Use that fresh basil too!
5 eggs
3 zucchinis, shredded
1 zucchini, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups olive oil

Beat eggs until smooth.
Stir in the shredded and diced zucchini. Add salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Add the flour a little at a time, stirring between additions until no dry lumps remain.
Heat the oil in a large skillet to 375 degrees F .
Drop the batter into the hot oil by, don’t over crowd the skillet with batter. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes. Drain - paper towel, both sides.

CHERRY TOMATO AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD

2008-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

1 pt. cherry tomatoes
1 scallion, chopped
4 fresh basil leaves chopped (can use dried basil)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 oz. bleu cheese crumbled

Halve tomatoes. Add scallions,lemon juice and oil. Crumble cheese over salad. 4 servings.

Fried Chicken Italian Style

2008-04-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

60 saltine crackers
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp dry potato flakes
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Paprika
1tsp basil
Salt and pepper
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Place crackers whole in a large sealable plastic bag. Seal bag and crush crackers until they are coarse pieces. Add the flour, potato flakes, all spices to bag and shake.
Beat eggs in a shallow dish or bowl - heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Roll chicken pieces in egg, then place in bag with crumb mixture, seal bag and shake to coat.
Cook coated chicken in skillet for 15 to 20 minutes, turning frequently, until golden brown.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

2008-04-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

7 oz. pasta/noodles (we like spirals or shells for this salad)
1 large tomato cut into wedges
1 sm. can sliced ripe olives
1/4 c. green pepper, diced
1/4 c. onion, diced
1 oz. pepperoni sliced
1 sm. can sliced mushrooms
Italian salad dressing
Parmesan cheese

Cook noodles according to package directions and then drain. Drain juice from olives and mushrooms and add to the pasta. Add peppers and onions and stir. Add dressing until other ingredients are thoroughly coated. Add Pepperoni & Parmesan cheese to taste. Salt and pepper to taste.
Serve chilled.

ITALIAN CANNOLI RECIPE

2008-03-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 lbs. ricotta cheese
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. semisweet chocolate pieces
1/8 tsp. pure powdered vanilla
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
Cannoli shells, buy ready made from Italian pastry shop.
The better quality of ingredients the better these are! I always use good chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla.

In large bowl, with portable electric mixer, beat cheese for one minute. Beat in sugar, 1 minute. Mix in chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon. Refrigerate, covered, 2 hours. With teaspoon, fill shells with ricotta and serve. Approximately 10 cannoli shells.

I have received more email asking for this recipe & it has surprised me! I didn’t even know what a cannoli was until I married into my Italian family. Enjoy!

ITALIAN FRUIT SALAD

2008-03-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

1/2 lb. pasta shells
1 c. canned fruit cocktail
1 c. diced apples
1 c. diced celery
1/2 c. chopped nuts - any
1 c. canned fruit cocktail
1 c. mayonnaise
1 bag or head of you favorite lettuce chopped.

Cook sea shells until tender; drain and run cold water to chill. Combine fruit cocktail, apples, celery, and nuts. Then mix with sea shells. Add mayonnaise; mix well.
Serve over lettuce.

Perfect dish for Spring!

EASY TOMATO, BASIL, AND MOZZARELLA SALAD RECIPE

2008-03-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

1 lb. lg., red, very ripe tomatoes (2-3 tomatoes)
2 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese
8 leaves fresh basil
2 tsp. olive oil

Slice tomatoes crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices. Arrange 2-3 slices on each salad plate. Sprinkle Mozzarella on top of each tomato. Cut fresh basil leaves into strips and top each tomato with basil. Drizzle olive oil over the tops and add a dash of pepper. Enjoy!

BALSAMIC AND BASIL VINAIGRETTE DRESSING RECIPE

2008-03-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

1/8 ounce Basil, Freshly minced
3/4 teaspoon Garlic, Freshly minced
1/2 tablespoon each Salt & Pepper
1 ½ teaspoon Honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
1 cup Olive oil

In a blender or food processor, thoroughly blend all ingredients except for the olive oil.
Add in the olive oil once all other ingredients are blended.

ROASTED GARLIC LAMB LEG WITH ROSEMARY - Beautiful Easter Dinner

2008-03-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

1 leg of lamb, bone-in
2 heads garlic, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons Rosemary, chopped
3 pounds small red potatoes, halved
grilled asparagus or preferred vegetable

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cut off the tips of the heads of garlic and brush the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Set garlic cut-side down on a sheet pan and roast until it is soft to the touch, about 30 minutes. Let garlic cool for 5 minutes, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of the garlic and into a bowl. Mash with a fork and spread over the top of the lamb (see tip).

Meanwhile, place the lamb in a large roasting pan and season with salt, pepper and half of the rosemary. Allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. Place the potatoes in an oven-proof dish and toss with the remaining oil and rosemary. Set aside.

Roast lamb for about 1 hour 40 minutes, until it registers 130-135°F on a meat thermometer for a medium-rare roast, or until the juices run clear when a sharp knife or skewer is inserted in the thickest part of the meat.

When the lamb has been roasting for 40 or 50 minutes, place the potatoes in the oven and bake until well browned and tender.

Transfer the lamb to a warm platter and let rest for 15 minutes. (It will continue to cook as it rests.) Carve and serve with the potatoes and asparagus.

EASTER HAM PIE RECIPE

2008-03-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Filling:
2 lbs lean ham
1/2 stick of pepperoni or 1 lb pre sliced
1/2 lb salami
1/2 pound provolone
1/2 pound sharp cheese
1 quart of ricotta
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 cup diced onion
1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese
4 eggs
The Crust:
8 eggs
1 cup olive oil
salt
1 cup milk
6 cups flour

Dice all meats and chunk cheeses into small pieces, dice onion - set aside. Beat Eggs, Ricotta,Romano cheese and basil until smooth. Mix ingredients by hand into ricotta mixture.
Beat eggs for 1 minute and add oil, salt and milk. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix with spoon until dough is stiff. (
Flour board and knead until smooth. Roll dough thin and put in greased 8 inch cake pans.

Slit top of crust. Bake at 325°F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

MAKE AHEAD ITALIAN EASTER BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

2008-03-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Make this ahead of time for a no hassle easter, delicious easter breakfast!

1 lb. sausage
1 med. onion, diced
1 cup sour cream
6 oz. seasoned croutons
12 eggs
2 c. milk
12 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese
¼ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp basil

Brown sausage with onion. Drain well. Mix sour cream with sausage and onion mixture. Place seasoned croutons in 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle meat over croutons.
Beat 12 eggs with 2 cups milk and pour over meat. Top with 12 oz. cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

We have EASTER COLORING AND PRINTABLES Here

ITALIAN EASTER BREAD

2008-03-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup room temp milk
2 tbsp. butter, softened
7 eggs
1/2 cup mixed candied fruit, chopped
1/3 cup blanched almonds, chopped
3/4 tsp. anise seed
olive oil

Combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in milk and softened butter. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed with an electric mixer.
Stir in 2 eggs and 1/2 cup flour.
Mix 2 minutes on high speed.
Hand mix in mixture fruit, nuts and anise seed mixing well.

Stir in enough of the remaining flour to form soft dough.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 6-8 min.
Can use an electric mixer's dough hook for 5 minutes but be sure to finish by hand for approx. 1 min.

Place in a bowl greased with olive oil; turn once so that dough is lightly coated in oil.

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place, until dough has doubled in size, about 1 hr.

Punch dough down. Divide in half; roll each piece into a 24 inch rope approx. . Loosely twist ropes together; place on a greased baking sheet and form into a circle.

Pinch rope ends together. Gently split ropes and tuck eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from pan. Brush top of bread with butter.

Cool on rack.

EASY BREAKFAST PIZZA RECIPE

2008-03-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

1 (8 oz.) tube crescent rolls
1 lb. breakfast sausage
1 (4 oz.) mushrooms
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
5 eggs, well beaten
Mozzarella cheese
Cheddar cheese

Grease 12 inch pizza pan. Lay crescent rolls with points toward center in pan. Hand press out to cover pan.
Brown sausage and drain excess grease.
Mix sausage, mushrooms, onion and green pepper and lay mixed over the rolls
Pour eggs over top.
Top with cheese. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.

EASY CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE RECIPE

2008-03-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

2 lbs. cabbage
6-8 medium potatoes
8 - 10 carrots ( not baby carrots)
3 cans Libby's corned beef

Remove core from cabbage and cut into quarters .Place cut cabbage in large pot and cover with water.
Peel potatoes, quarter , peel carrots and cut into approx. 4” pieces. Add potatoes and carrots to cabbage and water.
Bring to boil. Cover; reduce heat and simmer 30-45 minutes.
Lay corned beef on top on cooked vegetables. Use liquid from veggies to baste the corned beef. Cook another 15 minutes while basting frequently.

Yum!!!
We have St. Patricks Day Coloring and Printables Pages HERE

St. Patricks Day Cookies BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM CHOCOLATE CHIP

2008-03-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM CHOCOLATE CHIP
COOKIES

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. Bailey's Irish cream
2 1/4 c. cake flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. chopped pecans or chopped walnuts

Cream butter, sugars and egg until fluffy. Add vanilla and Bailey's Irish cream.
Mix all dry ingredients and slowly mix into creamed mixture. Add coconut, nuts and chocolate chips last.
Drop onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool and serve.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PISTACHIO CAKE

2008-03-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CAKE

1 pkg. white cake mix
1 pkg. pistachio instant pudding mix (3 3/4 oz.)
4 eggs
1 c. vegetable oil
1 c. 7-Up or club soda

Combine all ingredients above in a large mixing bowl. Beat for 3 to 4 minutes.
Pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
Bake in 350 degree oven 30 to 35 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean.

FROSTING:
1 1/2 c. milk
1 (8 oz.) carton Cool Whip
1 pkg. pistachio instant pudding mix (3 3/4 oz.)

Combine pudding mix and milk. Beat for 2 minutes.
Mix in Cool Whip.
Frost cooled cake.
Chill until ready to serve.

Not exactly Italian but timely and one of our St. Patricks Day Favorites!

We have St. Patricks Day Coloring and Printables here

BRUSCHETTA ITALIAN RECIPE

2008-02-25T06:34:00.000-08:00

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 clove garlic, finely chopped
sliced baguette, Italian bread toasted

Mix together tomatoes, basil, olive oil and garlic.
Spoon mix onto toasted bread slices. Serve.

ITALIAN BREADED VEAL CUTLETS RECIPE

2008-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

2 lbs veal cutlets
1/2 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs (Italian bread Crumbs)
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 quart red pasta sauce- Sauce: ** See sidebar
Mix bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in small bowl.
Mince 1 clove garlic and the parsley together. Beat egg and add to mixture. Add Parmesan cheese to mixture. Stir together in bowl wide enough to dip cutlets.

Mince remaining garlic and brown in oil. Set aside.

Pat the veal dry. Sprinkle Veal with paprika. Dip each piece of veal in bread crumbs and roll. Then roll in egg mixture and then once again in bread crumbs.

Fry the veal cutlets ( both sides) in the olive oil, until browned on both sides.

Cover and cook over medium low heat until thoroughly cooked. Appox.30 minutes.

After 30 approx. minutes of cooking- or until tender and brown, cover veal with sauce and sprinkle with enough parmesan to cover top of cutlets. Simmer until cheese is melted and serve.

Italian Rosemary Potatoes Recipe

2008-02-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

4 small-to-medium red or yukon gold potatoes
Olive oil
crushed red pepper flakes
Black pepper
Rosemary
Minced onion
Garlic, minced
Salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Chop or slice the potatoes and place on a cookie sheet which has been coated with olive oil.
Take handfuls of the rosemary, minced onion, garlic and black pepper and sprinkle onto the potatoes.
Sprinkle a pinch or two of crushed red pepper onto the potatoes.
Drizzle olive oil onto the potatoes before placing them in the oven.

Bake at 400°F approx. 30 minutes or until potatoes are done.

INSALATE CAPRESE RECIPE

2008-02-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

4 large tomatoes cut into cubes
1 lb. Mozzarella cheese, cut into bite size pieces
1 cups fresh basil leaves cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 cup virgin olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine tomatoes, cheese, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Let stand, covered at room temperature for 3 hours minimum. Overr night for best flavors.
Sprinkle Parmesan over top just before serving. Serve with Crackers, flat bread or as a side salad with your favorite pasta dish.

VALENTINE'S DAY ITALIAN CAKE FREE RECIPE

2008-02-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

1 angel food cake
1/2 c. amaretto
1 pt. pistachio ice cream
1 pt. strawberry ice cream
1/2 pt. whipping cream or 2 c. Cool Whip
1 pkg. semi sweet chocolate morsels

With a sharp serrated knife, using a sawing motion, cut the cake into 3 layers. Sprinkle layers with 6 tablespoon of the amaretto. Place one layer on a serving platter. Cut ice cream into slices and place pistachio ice cream on bottom layer. Top with second layer and a layer of strawberry ice cream. Top with third cake layer. Place in freezer. In a bowl mix heavy cream and remaining amaretto and beat until very thick. Frost top and sides of cake. Place in freezer. Melt chocolate over very low heat until smooth. Spread chocolate in 1/4 inch thick layer on foil and chill until it hardens. With a small cookie cutter cut hearts for Valentines day. Freeze until ready to serve.

JELLO "POKE" CAKE RECIPE

2008-02-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

Great Desert After a Spicy Italian Meal

1 box yellow, white or lemon cake mix works best
1 (3 oz.) box Jello we choose red or green- but go w/ your favorite
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip topping
9 x 13 baking dish

Bake cake according to package directions.
Cool cake 15 minutes. With a large fork “poke” holes all
over cake and continue to let cool.
Mix Jello according to package directions.
Slowly pour Jello as liquid over cake be sure to fill all holes.
Chill several hours or overnight. Frost chilled cake with whipped topping.
This cake is best served cold and is a great desert after a spicy Italian meal.
Cools the palate.

SPINACH LASAGNA RECIPE

2008-02-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

3/4 lb. lasagna noodles
1 lb. Ricotta cheese (or low fat cottage cheese)
1 1/2 cup grated Mozzarella
1 quart (4 oz.) marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
1 tbsp. oregano
1 tsp. sweet basil
1 bunch fresh spinach - or 1 box frozen
2 tbsp. fresh parsley ( dried parsley 1 ½ tbsp)
1 cup onion chopped
Olive oil
1/2 tsp. pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Saute onions in oil until soft. In a bowl, mix them with the cheeses, parsley, oregano, basil, pepper and finely chopped spinach. Prepare lasagna according to package directions. Oil a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, and cover the bottom with a layer of cooked noodles.
Add some of the spinach mixture, and cover with some of the marinara sauce. Combine to make layers until all ingredients are used up. Place left over sauce over top as last ingredient.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, and bake 15 minutes more.

ITALIAN BROWNIES RECIPES

2008-02-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

1 box dark brown sugar
2 cup oil
1 cup cold coffee
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 cup raisins
1 cup chopped nuts ( we use walnuts)
1 bag chocolate chips
9-1/2 cup flour

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients. Roll into small balls or drop by spoon onto lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Cool 10 minutes

CAULIFLOWER ITALIAN STYLE RECIPE

2008-02-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

1 large head cauliflower, core removed
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/4 cups olive oil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil ( fresh or dried)
1 green pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp. red hot pepper flakes
White pepper and salt to taste

Wash and remove core from cauliflower. Separate pieces from stem and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring vinegar, garlic, onion, red pepper flakes and green pepper to a boil. Add cauliflower pieces.
Cover. Simmer for 5 minutes or until cauliflower is tender but not falling apart.

Remove pan from heat, leave covered and allow to sit 30 minutes.

Place cauliflower into a serving bowl and sprinkle with olive oil, basil and oregano. Pour vinegar mixture over cauliflower (still warm) and serve.

GREEN PEPPERS and ITALIAN SAUSAGE RECIPE

2008-02-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

GREEN PEPPERS & ITALIAN SAUSAGE RECIPE
GREAT SUPER BOWL RECIPE

2 lb. green peppers
2 lg. onions
2 lb. Italian sausage (I use mild not hot but this is up to your preference)
2 cloves garlic
Aprox. 2 tbp. Olive oil
¼ tsp sweet Basil

Cut green peppers in long 1/2 inch strips.
Chop onion and garlic.
Heat olive oil and cook green peppers, onion and garlic.
Fry Italian sausage in separately until well done.
Cut sausage into rounds and place in frying pan with vegetables.
Sprinkle in basil.
Continue to cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve hot for side dishes or over bread of your choice.
You can also put this into a crock pot and simmer to serve hot to guests!!

HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP ~ ITALIAN STYLE RECIPE

2008-01-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

3 cans diced tomatoes ( 14.5 oz)
2 cans tomato sauce ¼ cup onion ( 5oz)
1 clove garlic- minced
2 tsp basil (we love fresh and diced but dried works well too)
½ tsp oregano (same as above)
¾ cup milk
1 cup parmesan cheese
extra virgin olive oil

Start, mix and cook all in your soup pot!

Sauté onion, oregano, basil, and garlic in olive oil.
Add tomatoes and tomato sauce - bring to a boil.
Add milk and stir while reducing heat to simmer.
Add ½ of Parmesan cheese .
Simmer 1 hour and top with remaining parmesan cheese right before serving!

CHICKEN ALFREDO RECIPE

2008-01-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3/4 cup heavy cream
½ cup sour cream
1 lb fettuccini
½ tsp parsley

Heat oil in skillet. Cut chicken breast into strips. ( I sometimes cut AFTER frying) Fry on medium heat until cooked through.

Sauce:

Melt butter in saucepan; add cream and cheese.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly. Be careful not to boil.
Cook fettuccini in 3 quarts boiling water. Mix chicken and Alfredo sauce together. Drain noodles. Put sauce and chicken over noodles.
Sprinkle with parlsey.

GREAT WITH SALAD, SEE BALSALMIC RECIPE BELOW!

BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING with HONEY RECIPE

2008-01-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

1 c. olive oil
3/4 c. balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp Honey This is just enough to cut a bit of the tartness of the balsamic!
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Whisk together vinegar, garlic, honey and grated cheese. Gradually add the olive oil. We make this ahead of time and use it throughout the week.

Italian Baked Fish Recipe

2008-01-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

1 lb. any white fish (we always try to buy what is fresh and in season in our area)
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 c. crushed tomatoes, fresh or canned
2 tbsp. parsley
3 tbsp. basil
1 full medium size onion, chopped
½ lb fresh or 1 can mushrooms
¼ cup parmesan cheese

Sauté in olive oil:
4 tbsp. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 c. crushed tomatoes, fresh or canned
2 tbsp. parsley
3 tbsp. basil
Mushrooms

Place fish in baking dish. Pour sautéed mixture over fish and place in pre heated 350 degree oven.

Bake for approx. 20 minutes or until fish is cooked through. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over top and keep in oven just long enough to melt.

Great with salad and pasta of your choice!

ITALIAN COFFEE CAKE RECIPE

2008-01-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

2 c. cake flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 c. sugar
2 sticks butter (1 cup)
2 eggs
8 oz. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla

TOPPING:

4 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Cream sugar and butter then add eggs (one at a time) beating well after each one. Fold in sour cream then add flour, salt, baking powder and vanilla.
Mix well.
Pour 1/2 of batter in a greased and floured bundt pan.
Mix topping ingredients.
Add 1/2 of topping on batter in the pan.
Add remaining batter over top of topping.
Finish by adding remaining topping to the top of cake.
Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until pick comes out clean.

You can’t beat this with a good cup of coffee!

BTW…I have been on the good coffee maker extravaganza and I found the BEST! I will post more here about the coffee maker soon!

ITALIAN BREAD PIZZA RECIPE

2008-01-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

1 loaf of Italian bread
1/2 c. Tomato Sauce
2 c. Italian diced tomatoes, drained & chopped
1/4 lb. Mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/4 lb. Swiss cheese, cubed
1/4 lb. Italian sausage or salami, cubed
1/2 tsp. Oregano
1/4 tsp. Rosemary
1/2 tsp. Sweet Basil
1/2 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 c. Romano cheese, grated
Olive oil

Cut off top of bread and hollow out.
Brush inside and out with a bit of warm olive oil.
Place in a hot oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the inside is dry and only lightly toasted. Do not brown.
Combine tomato sauce with chopped tomatoes, basil, Mozzarella, Swiss cheese and the sausage or salami.
Fill the hollowed bread with the mixture. Sprinkle lightly with oregano, garlic and grated cheese.
Place the pizza on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and piping hot. Cut into slices and serve!

Mushroom Spinach Italian Garlic Bread Recipe

2008-01-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

4 cups spinach leaves, remove stems
1 cup sliced mushrooms
4 cloves garlic, cracked from skin
1 stick softened butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 loaf Italian bread
P
Preheat broiler or oven to 375.
Place the spinach in a food processor with mushrooms, garlic, butter, and cheese,
Blend until smooth.

Cut the bread in half lengthwise and cover it with the spinach butter. Broil or bake the bread until browned, about 2 minutes under the broiler or 5 to 6 minutes in the oven.

Cut bread and serve warm as an appetizer or as a side to your favorite pasta recipe!

CHICKEN MARSALA RECIPE

2007-12-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

4 boneless chicken breasts
2 1/4 tbsp. olive oil
½ tbs parsley
2 cloves garlic
1 1/4 c. marsala
Approx 1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced onion

Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add garlic, onion and mushrooms.
Saute until light brown.
Add chicken and brown both sides.
Add marsla .
Sprinkle parsley over the mixture.
Cover and cook on medium heat until chicken breasts are done.
Serve over favorite pasta with grated Parmesan.

ITALIAN TURKEY SOUP RECIPE

2007-12-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

Turkey leftovers
10 to 12 cups water
1 onion chopped
1 tsp. thyme
4-5 celery stalks chopped
1 lg. can Italian stewed tomatoes
1 1/4 tbsp. basil
12 oz. noodles / macaroni /pasta of your choice
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt

Cook turkey leftovers, water, celery tops, onion, thyme and salt for 2 hours. Cool and strain. Take what meat you can off bones and add to stock. Refrigerate overnight. When cold, skim fat from stock.
Heat stock and add tomatoes, basil and pepper. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni/pasta el dente’. Drain and add to soup.
Simmer an hour. Great served with garlic bread.

CREAM CHEESE MINT NO BAKES RECIPE

2007-12-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

Very Creamy, Very Easy Very Minty Good!

4 oz. cream cheese
3 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. mint extract
1/8 tsp. green food coloring

Mix together sugar and cream cheese well. Add in mint, then coloring.
Roll into balls and flatten with fork onto cookie tray. Sprinkle on colored sugar.

Chill 1 1/2 hours, flip, and chill again.

FANNIE MAE FUDGE RECIPE

2007-12-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter
3 3/8 cup white sugar
1 1/8 cup brown sugar
1 12 ounce can evaporated milk
1/2 pound large marshmallows (32 ct)
2 ounces baking chocolate
1 12 ounce semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 12 ounce sweet milk chocolate chips
1 tbs. vanilla
nuts if desired ( we like to throw in a handful of walnuts)

Combine butter, milk, and sugars in large, heavy saucepan.
Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
Bring to a boil, cover. Boil 5 minutes.
Turn off heat; add marshmallows, stir until dissolved.
Add 3 kinds of chocolate – one at a time, stirring after each until dissolved.

Add vanilla and nuts; blend well. Pour into lightly greased 10X15" pan. Let cool.

Keeps for several months in the refrigerator.

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS CHEESE RAVIOLI RECIPE

2007-12-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Filling:

1 large carton ricotta
2 bunches spinach
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 cups cheese
2 eggs
salt and pepper, to taste

Dough: Beat eggs well. Add hot water and oil. Add enough flour to dry up liquid. Turn out onto a floured board. Add more flour and knead for 10 minutes or until completely mixed. Dust with flour if necessary. (Use as little flour as possible). Place dough under an inverted bowl on board (so that it won't dry out) and allow it to rest for 1/2 an hour.

Cooking Filling: Cook Spinach, squeeze out water and chop. Add other ingredients and blend together.

Filling Dough: Roll out dough and cut in to whatever shape of ravioli you would like. Add a spoonful of filling and fold a piece of dough over the top.

Cooking: Place the ravioli in a pot of boiling water when they rise to the surface they are cooked.

Rosemary Garlic Potatoes

2007-12-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

4 small-to-medium red or yukon gold potatoes
olive oil
crushed red pepper flakes
crushed black pepper
Rosemary
minced onion
minced garlic
salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Chop or slice the potatoes and place on a cookie sheet which has been coated with olive oil.

Take handfuls of the rosemary, minced onion, garlic and black pepper and sprinkle onto the potatoes.

Sprinkle a pinch or two of crushed red pepper onto the potatoes.

Drizzle olive oil onto the potatoes before placing them in the oven.

Bake at 400°F approx. 30 minutes or until potatoes are done.

CHRISTMAS ITALIAN CHEESE CAKE

2007-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

ITALIAN CHEESE CAKE

Large container of 3 lbs. Ricotta
2 c. sugar
8 egg yolks
8 egg whites
1/2 c. sifted all purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
Graham cracker crumbs

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Beat drained ricotta until smooth, gradually add 1 1/2 cups sugar and egg yolks, beating after each addition.
Beat in flour, lemon rind and vanilla. Beat egg whites with remaining sugar until stiff, combine with whipped cream and fold into ricotta mixture.
Turn into a 12 inch spring form pan which has been buttered or greased and sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs. Bake 10 minutes, lower oven to 350 degrees and bake 1 hour 15 minutes.
Turn off heat and allow to cool in oven with door closed
This will be a nice golden brown on top!!

ITALIAN BRUSCHETTA - RICOTTA CHEESE WITH OLIVES

2007-12-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

A GREAT Christmas Eve Appetizer!!
(We always serve Lasagna for our Christmas Eve Dinner)

Fresh Italian bread, diagonally cut 1 inch slices
Prosciutto 3-4 thin slices
1/4 cup Calamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/2 16oz can diced tomatoes
1/3 cup Ricotta Cheese
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp bread crumbs
1/2 Tbsp garlic, finely minced
1/4 cup each fresh parsley, onion - both finely chopped
1/4 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp basil
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Toast bread slices for 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned.
Combine remaining ingredients in bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of the tomato mixture onto each toasted slice of bread.
Roll slices of Prosciutto and slice into 1/8" inch pieces.
Place on top of tomato mixture and serve.

STUFFED ITALIAN MEAT BALLS RECIPE

2007-12-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

20 small fresh button mushrooms
3 cups red wine
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 lb Italian sausage
1 lb. hamburger -Lean
1/2 onion –Finely chopped
1/2 bell pepper –Finely chopped
3 cloves garlic - Minced
1 cup Italian style croutons – Crush fine
2 eggs (beaten well)
1/2 can tomato sauce
2 tbs basil -chopped
2 tbs oregano -chopped
1 tbs rosemary -chopped
Salt and Pepper

1. The night before preparing meatballs, wash, drain, dry button mushrooms, leaving most of stems on. Put in a glass container and soak in red wine and 1 tsp. garlic powder. You can cover with a plastic wrap, force out any air, and hold down with a utensil or two. A couple of empty jars will also work.
2. Dry off mushrooms. With meats cold, mix the hamburger and sausage together, flatten it out on wax paper to 1/2 inch and sprinkle all the remaining ingredients on the meat. Fold in half, and push the ingredients into the meat. Separate from the wax paper into a plastic sack, and kneed the meat, mixing in the ingredients. Adjust the sticking by adding or decreasing the amount of tomato sauce. A firm meat mixture is needed.

Spread the meat out on wax paper again, grab a mushroom and make a meat ball around it. Place your 24 meatballs on two baking pans (Pizza pans with side lip work well), and cook at 350°F for 45-60 minutes.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe

2007-12-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Ingredients:
18 oz. White Chocolate (melted)
6 oz. Crushed Peppermint Candy (or candy
canes)
6 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate (chopped fine)
3 oz. Heavy Cream
3/4 tsp. Peppermint Extract

Preparation:
1. Spread half the white chocolate into a
12" by 8" rectangle on waxed paper. Chill
until firm.

2. While the white chocolate is chilling,
melt the bittersweet chocolate with the
cream and peppermint extract. Stir the
mixture until well blended, let it cool to
room temperature, then spread it on the
chilled white chocolate. Chill to set.

3. Spread the remaining white chocolate over
the set bittersweet chocolate mixture, then
top with the crushed peppermint candy.
Chill to set, then cut into desired squares.

A Christmas time must and tradition for us!!!

BUTTER CHRISTMAS COOKIES

2007-12-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

BUTTER CHRISTMAS COOKIES

1 3/4 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
3 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well, add remaining ingredients. Roll out thin, cut out and bake on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes. If decorating, sprinkle decorations before baking cookies.

Italian's are traditionlists and this is a Christmas Cookie tradition!

BAKED SPAGHETTI RECIPE

2007-12-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

7 oz. spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion (sliced thin and chopped)
spaghetti sauce ( see recipe below)
2 c. water
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown beef and onion in stewing pot. Mix in sauce and water. Break up noodles into 1-2" pieces and mix in to beef mix. Pour all into greased 9x13" casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese. Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 325°F for 90 minutes.

SAUCE

6 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce1-2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. oregano

Heat butter in pan at medium to medium-high and brown garlic. Add tomato sauce, oregano, and cook until just starts to boil and lower heat to low, simmer 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, boil your choice of pasta,( Mama calls all pasta macaroni) drain and serve with sauce!

Yep simple but sooo good!
Tip...the longer the sauce cooks the better the flavor!!! A great one to start a day ahead of time.

Salmon Steaks Italian Style Recipe

2007-12-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

Traditionally, fish is served on Christmas Eve in many Italian Families.

Salmon steaks
olive oil
dry white wine
1 clove garlic
1 tsp rosemary – fresh or dried.

Mince garlic and add rosemary to garlic. Brown garlic mixture lightly in olive oil.
Wash the salmon steaks and place them on a baking dish.
Brush them with browned olive oil mixture.
Place the salmon in an oven preheated to 425°.
After about ten minutes sprinkle the steaks with white wine and then put them back in the oven.
Cook for another 10 minutes or until done.

A wonderfully flavorful yet easy salmon dish!

LEMON SUGAR COOKIES

2007-12-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

3/4 c. soft shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. lemon rind
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

Cream together shortening and sugar; add egg, lemon rind and juice, stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Let set in refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill. Roll and cut. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes.
Sprinkle sugar on cookies before baking.

Okay....not so Italian but a family favorite and timely!!!! Happy Holidays!

Italian Insalata Caprese Salad

2007-12-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Fresh Basil and Ripe Tomatoes MAKE this a Salad to remember!

1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 full cups of tomatoe, sliced 1/4-inch thick ( big ones work best if they are available)
1 cup fresh basil leaves - No choppng...these will be torn
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Alternate fresh mozzarella slices on a large platter with overlappign sliced tomatoes.

Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle liberally over the slices. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the top just before serving..
Makes 4 servings.

Ricotta and Spinach Cannelloni Recipe

2007-12-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

This is a sure to please!

3 cups fresh spinach , steamed, drained and finely chopped (don;t over cook, you want the spinach just slightly cooked)
2 cups Ricotta Cheese
1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
salt and pepper
4 tablespoons of finely chopped Fresh Basil
2 ½ cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup of grated fresh parmesan cheese, for topping
5 ounces of lasagna sheets, fresh
1. Mix the first 5 ingredients together.
2. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees.
3. Place 1/3rd cup of filling into the centre of each pasta sheet and roll into a cylinder.
4. When all sheets are filled place a cup of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 12 inch pan and then lay the rolled filled cannelloni's on top of it.
5. After assembly spread the remaining sauce on top then sprinkle with remaining cheese.
6. Bake about 30 mins until they are bubbling and golden then let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 4 – ENJOY!

Chicken Catchatori Recipe

2007-12-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS
3 slices bacon, chopped
1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup red wine
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
1 tablespoon red wine
2 teaspoons cornstarch
DIRECTIONS
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Saute chicken in bacon grease, with salt and pepper, until browned. Discard bacon and set chicken aside.
To the pan add butter and melt; saute onion, garlic and mushrooms until onions are transparent. Stir in 1 cup wine, brown sugar and vinegar. Cook, stirring, until hot and bubbly; add chicken and carrots.
Reduce heat to medium and cook 30 minutes, until chicken is well cooked and carrots are tender crisp.
Blend together 1 tablespoon wine and cornstarch. Stir into chicken and mix well to thicken.

Italian Meat Loaf Recipe

2007-12-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

1 1/2 lb. ground round
1/2 lb. lean ground pork
1/2 c. Ricotta cheese
1/2 c. breadcrumbs, made from Italian or French bread
1 med. size onion, finely chopped
1/2 c. chili sauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
Salt and pepper
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 rosemary
slash of red wine
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, combine meats, cheese, bread crumbs, onion, chili sauce, egg and seasonings. Mix well. Shape meat mixture into an oblong loaf and place in a baking pan. Pour wine over loaf. Mix a tablespoon or two of water with tomato sauce. Spread over meat loaf. Bake 1 1/2 hours, basting from time to time.

ITALIAN ANISETTE COOKIES

2007-11-30T21:07:00.000-08:00

2 large eggs
1 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons anisette liquor
1 tablespoon corn oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 2/3 cups flour
Icing Ingredients
1 cup confectioners' or glazing sugar
4 teaspoons milk
4 teaspoons light corn syrup

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until foamy. Add sugar, salt, baking powder, anisette; beat until smooth.
In a small bowl, beat together oil and room temperature butter until well combined. Stir into batter.

Gradually add flour, beating only for a short time after flour has been added. Use more or less flour to make a soft cookie batter dough. (Using less flour will make for a lighter cookie). Dough should be soft, but stiff enough to form a smooth shape.

Cover; refrigerate dough for several hours.

Using a cookie scoop or two teaspoons, shape the dough into small balls; press bottom of cookies lightly onto lightly greased cookie sheets, while keeping the rounded tops.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. The cookies should be crisp but do not brown - they should be very light in color.

Using a spatula, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.

ICING: In a clean mixing bowl, combine 1 cup confectioners' sugar with 4 teaspoons milk and 4 teaspoons Karo syrup. Stir until the icing is soft enough to spread, adding more milk if required. A few drops of anisette may be added for flavor; a drop or two of food coloring can be stirred in for a pastel-colored icing, if desired.

Dip cookie tops into soft icing- sprinkle with colored cookie decorations.

Makes approximately 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

ITALIAN MEAT BALLS RECIPE

2007-11-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

**See Marinara Sauce Recipe Below
2 lbs ground beef
1 to 1/1/2 cups Progresso Italian bread crumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup Romano cheese
2cloves garlic
2 tbsp of olive oil
SPICES: to taste
Salt and Pepper
Onion Powder
Oregano
Basil

Brown garlic in oil for about 2 minutes.
Remove just minced garlic and pinch into meat. Keep oil for browning meatballs later.
Mix all remaining ingredients into meat .
Round mixture into balls and brown over medium heat until cooked. Put in your favorite sauce or dish!

We serve these on the side with just about anything!

MAMA'S ITALIAN CHICKEN BAKE

2007-11-29T07:24:00.000-08:00

MAMA'S ITALIAN CHICKEN BAKE

3 lb chicken breast
6 Italian sausage links
Marinara Sauce SEE RECIPE BELOW
1 lb package penne pasta
1 large bag mixed cheese (we buy already grated)
1 onion
1 Green Pepper
1 Red pepper

Cook the chicken cut up, onions, peppers, and sausage cut up. Drain.
Boil penne pasta, then drain. Mix the pasta, sausage, onion, peppers, chicken and sauce.

Put it in a large, deep dish. Top heavily with cheese.

Bake at 325 for about 45 min or until golden and bubbly.

MARINARA SAUCE

2007-11-29T07:21:00.000-08:00

MARINARA SAUCE

6 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1-2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. oregano

Heat butter in pan at medium to medium-high and brown garlic. Add tomato sauce, oregano, and cook until just starts to boil and lower heat to low, simmer 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, boil your choice of pasta,( Mama calls all pasta macaroni) drain and serve with sauce!

Yep simple but sooo good!
Tip...the longer the sauce cooks the better the flavor!!! A great one to start a day ahead of time.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP

2007-11-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP

1 lb. ground Italian sausage (mild)
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3 leaves fresh basil
1 can 15 oz. butter beans
1 can 15 oz. black beans or kidney beans depending on your preference.
1 can 15 oz. diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
grated Romano or Parmesan cheese (use 1/2 of each for best result's)

Cook sausage until brown, add garlic and basil. Sauté 4 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients: beans, tomato, broth.

Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes, then remove from heat.
Sprinkle with cheese and serve with Italian bread!
PERFECT FOR COLD WINTER NIGHTS!

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

2007-11-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

An Italian Tradtion Must

What You Will Need
1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 cups thinly sliced escarole
3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot

Directions
In large bowl, combine meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion powder; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
In large saucepan, heat broth to boiling; stir in escarole, orzo pasta, chopped carrot and meatballs. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium.
Cook at slow boil for 10 minutes, or until pasta is done…al dente.
Stir frequently.

Yum Yum!!!!

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS CHEESE RAVIOLI

2007-11-27T07:41:00.000-08:00

ITALIAN EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA RECIPE

2007-11-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

Serves 4 to 6 people

2 Eggplants; unpeeled cut into 1/4−inch rounds
lightly salt each round after slicing
2 Eggs; lightly beaten
1−1/2 Cup Bread crumbs
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Pepper
1 Garlic cloves peeled and halved
3/4 Cup Olive oil
20 Ounce Tomatoes, canned
1/3 Cup Tomato paste
2 Tablespoon Minced basil
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Pepper
1 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 Pound Mozzarella cheese; thinly sliced

Dip eggplant slices in eggs, then in bread crumbs
seasoned with salt and pepper. Refrigerate 20 minutes.
In a large saucepan, saute garlic in 2tablespoons oil
for 1−2 minutes. Remove garlic and add tomatoes, tomato paste,
basil, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to350F.
Brown eggplant in 1/4−inch oil in a large skillet.
Drain on paper towels.
Now, time to layer.Put a thin layer of tomato sauce into
a baking dish and layer eggplant, sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella,
alternately. End with mozzarella on top.
Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes on top on over before serving.

You will love this one and it is sure to impress!

Red Lobster to host food drive Saturday (Star-Gazette)

2007-11-14T01:31:00.013-08:00

Red Lobster is hosting a "Turkey and Trimmings Holiday Food Drive" to benefit the Food Bank of the Southern Tier from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the restaurant located at 3328 Chambers Road in Horseheads, near the Arnot Mall.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian food]

Wine & Food Weekend time already? (The Charlotte Observer)

2007-11-14T01:31:00.011-08:00

It's time to grab your tickets for Charlotte's every-other-year celebration of all things wine. Official dates for the Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend will be May 7-10, 2008, and tickets go on sale Thursday at www.charlottewineandfood.com . The biggest change isn't in the events, it's in the location: The events are moving into uptown from the Ballantyne and SouthPark areas. Emily Peterson, ...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian food]

Importer, chef find wines, food to mesh (El Paso Times)

2007-11-14T01:31:00.007-08:00

Pairing wine and food can be a match made in heaven. A good wine can change the way food tastes and vice versa. Pairing wine with food doesn't just happen. The chef and the wine expert have to work together to make the marriage work.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian food]

Food shortages plaguing Venezuela despite oil boom (Guardian Unlimited)

2007-11-14T01:31:00.005-08:00

Food shortages are plaguing the country prompting criticism of President Hugo Chvez's socialist policies

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian food]

Steve Santagati: Italian Racism (HuffingtonPost)

2007-11-14T01:31:00.003-08:00

I'm Italian and, like all Italians, I suffer the slings and arrows of racism on a daily basis. Do I complain, does anyone complain -- for that matter, do I call Jesse Jacksione, or boycott Olive Garden? "Fagettaboutit." Italians could...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian food]

DATA SNAP: Italy Oct Final CPI +2.1% On Yr; At 13-Month High (The Forex Market)

2007-11-14T01:31:00.001-08:00

ROME (Dow Jones)--The Italian consumer price index touched a thirteen-month high in October, rising 2.1% on the year, as food and energy prices continued to lift the index, final data from national statistics institute Istat showed Wednesday.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian food]

Try these recipes for your Thanksgiving meal (Asheville Citizen-Times)

2007-11-14T01:29:00.013-08:00

10 to 12 servings

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian recipes]

Perfect your pasta with 6 Jamie Oliver recipes (MSNBC)

2007-11-14T01:29:00.011-08:00

The toasty English muffin shares his fuss-free ravioli and lasagna recipes adapted from his new book, Cook with Jamie: My Guide to Making You a Better Cook. Learn how to make delicious dishes like caramelle with ricotta, oozy-egg ravioli and an open stained-glass lasagna with roasted squash.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian recipes]

Tarralucci a luscious Italian cookie (Macon Telegraph)

2007-11-14T01:29:00.009-08:00

QUESTION: My mother used to make a cookie she called tarralucci. They were light and fluffy and melted in my mouth. They were made with eggs whites and vanilla and were tied into a tiny knot and coated with a thin glaze. She passed away very suddenly many years ago and I never got the recipe.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian recipes]

For the Finale, a Perfect Pie (or Two) (New York Times)

2007-11-14T01:29:00.007-08:00

To inspire the Thanksgiving baker, this year there are several new cookbooks that make excellent use of seasonal icons. Two of them got me into the kitchen.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for italian recipes]

Author shares recipes for a Southern Thanksgiving (Savannah Morning News)

2007-11-14T01:29:00.005-08:00

Jean Anderson fell in love for the first time at age 5: All it took was a bite of old-fashioned brown sugar pie in the school lunchroom. Her family had settled in Raleigh, N.C. before she was born, but that pie was her first real taste of Southern cooking.

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Simple stuffing often best (The Salinas Californian)

2007-11-14T01:29:00.003-08:00

There are as many ways to make stuffing (aka dressing) as there are ingredients. I say this because in scanning the Internet for recipes to use at Thanksgiving, I came across dishes so diverse as to bear almost no relationship to each other, though all shared the name "stuffing."

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Respectful chef appreciates fresh ingredients (The Record)

2007-11-14T01:29:00.001-08:00

Jonathan Waxman used his own deft hands to peel the dark skin off an avocado, instead of digging the flesh out with a spoon. "You get your fingers dirty, but avocado is really great for your skin anyway," he said.

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Food for thought (The Post and Courier)

2007-11-13T00:07:00.005-08:00

Teens choose lifestyle diets, such as vegetarian, organic or locally produced foods -- It seems as though there is a new fad diet popping up every other week. Each one promises to make you slimmer in just one month, or give you the body of your dreams ...

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Italian PM: Oil price driven up by speculation (People's Daily)

2007-11-13T00:07:00.003-08:00

The price of crude oil is being driven higher by speculation in financial markets, Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said Sunday. Addressing the opening of the 20th World Energy Congress, Prodi said "the speculation must be contai ...

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School food firm gets A for apples (The Providence Journal)

2007-11-13T00:07:00.001-08:00

In a rare serving of positive financial news for Rhode Island farmers, food service giant Sodexho has agreed to greatly expand its local purchases.

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A trip down east Passyunk (The Temple News)

2007-11-13T00:05:00.003-08:00

Family, friends and fun - it's a simple but perfect summary of East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Part old-school Italian neighborhood, part up-and-coming Philly hotspot, Passyunk is a tight-knit community that offers something for everyone.

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Family fortunes (The Age)

2007-11-13T00:05:00.001-08:00

Inspired by a trip to Perugia, these recipes are a twist on traditional Italian dishes.

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FOOD BRIEFS (New Orleans Times-Picayune)

2007-11-12T00:37:00.009-08:00

BESH ONE OF REMAINING THREE: Last Sunday, Aaron Sanchez (of Centrico and Paladar in New York) was eliminated from "The Next Iron Chef," the Food Network reality series that concludes Nov. 14. Local guy John Besh gave the judges an extra course in the meal the jet-lagged chefs had to prepare for first-class service on Lufthansa Airlines, but the test was won by chef Michael Symon of Cleveland, ...

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Maine shop effervescent about cheeses (Boston Globe)

2007-11-12T00:37:00.007-08:00

SCARBOROUGH, Maine - Almost everything about The Cheese Iron feels warm and inviting on a crisp fall day. Here in this cheese and specialty food store, lots of little golden lights shine on raw pine walls, and tables are attractively arrayed with bags of violet Italian candies, baskets of parsnips and pears from a nearby farm, squares of fig cake, ...

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Pizza parlor provides food for pet shelter (The Star)

2007-11-12T00:37:00.005-08:00

Barraco's Pizza has gone to the dogs. And the cats and the rabbits and the guinea pigs and the ... People aren't the only ones enjoying the authentic Italian taste of Barraco's pizza and other food prepared fresh each day at its seven sites throughout the region.

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Couple loves Italian food (News Leader)

2007-11-12T00:37:00.003-08:00

Jack Connally and his wife Janice of Staunton aren't Italian, but aside from the last name, there isn't really anything giving it away. "We had Italian sausage and peppers for lunch," said Jack with a sigh of delight.

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Marshall's diversity on display at Community International Day (Marshall Democrat-News)

2007-11-12T00:37:00.001-08:00

Food from China and Italy. Dances from Africa and Latin America. Songs from American gospel to Italian opera to a message of hope from troubled Zimbabwe.

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Cameron Mitchell: Trying some new recipes (The Columbus Dispatch)

2007-11-12T00:35:00.003-08:00

Cameron Mitchell, the Columbus restaurateur whose empire has grown to 33 restaurants, is reinventing his company.

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A little truffle costs a lot but goes a long way (The Record)

2007-11-12T00:35:00.001-08:00

It begins with a hunt. Dogs and pigs roaming the French and Italian countryside, their noses and snouts trained to sniff truffles from the ground. They look like dirt and smell like heaven. Pound for pound, they cost more than silver.

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Jails kitchen passes with frying colors (The Carrollton Leader)

2007-11-11T00:38:00.003-08:00

Its cheaper than Olive Garden and more sanitary than Wendys, according to recent health inspections. And, it serves French fries and Italian food in the same meal.

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Simply Italian (Louisville Courier-Journal)

2007-11-11T00:38:00.001-08:00

When it comes to unexpected delights, Tuscany Italian Restaurant ranks pretty high on my list. Tuscany has all the buzzy warmth of a family-run operation (I am told that there is one other branch, out of state, but that it, too, is run by the family).

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Italian musician uncovers hidden music in Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' (Sports Illustrated)

2007-11-11T00:37:00.001-08:00

It's a new Da Vinci code, but this time it could be for real.

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Artisan Italian sausage for everyone (Park Record)

2007-11-10T01:11:00.011-08:00

If anyone knows anything about Italian food, it doesn't get better than authentic Italian sausage from a perfected 400-year-old handcrafted by a man

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Italian musician uncovers hidden music in Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' (CNN.com)

2007-11-10T01:11:00.009-08:00

ROME, Italy (AP) -- It's a new Da Vinci code, but this time it could be for real.

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Italian musician uncovers hidden music in Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' (Southeast Missourian)

2007-11-10T01:11:00.007-08:00

ROME -- It's a new Da Vinci code, but this time it could be for real. An Italian musician and computer technician claims to have uncovered musical notes encoded in Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper,"...

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Food defines families in many ways (Stamford Advocate)

2007-11-10T01:11:00.005-08:00

Picture the scene: It's Sunday afternoon at the Greenwich home of Elia and Carmine Zarra, and their two daughters, their husbands and children are gathered around piles of Nonny's homemade Italian food.

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Italian finds musical code in Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' (Provo Daily Herald)

2007-11-10T01:11:00.003-08:00

ROME -- It's a new Da Vinci code, but this time it could be for real. An Italian musician and computer technician claims to have uncovered musical notes encoded in Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper," raising the possibility that the Renaissance genius might have left behind a somber composition to accompany the scene depicted in the 15th-century wall painting. "It sounds like a requiem," Giovanni ...

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