Fennel is related to a group of herbs that includes anis, cumin, dill, coriander, and caraway. In the vegetable world, however, fennel is recognized as having a taste all its own, one often compared to licorice.
Sometimes I just need to make an easy meal that requires minimal cleanup. This garden-fresh pasta dish is prepared in a single pot. As everything cooks together the flavors come together beautifully and adding lemon zest brightens the dish. Make a green salad, serve some crusty bread and you have a delicious meal that is ready in no time.
Delicious focaccia dotted with cherry tomatoes and drizzled with garlic and rosemary oil makes a delicious main course served with a green salad. Or cut into bit-size pieces and serve as an appetizer or snack. If you can find them use different varieties and colors of small tomatoes
Making your own pizza dough is so much better than using store bought dough. This is my all-time favorite pizza dough that makes enough for two 12-inch pizzas. You can freeze half of the dough for later if you like. I’ve even used this dough to make homemade cinnamon rolls.
This just might be the perfect dish. It’s beautiful, delicious, healthy and easy to make. Like most good salads, it works well with variations. Try adding a little tuna, or serve it alongside steak or fish. Just be sure to use your best olive oil, and enough salt and pepper. This salad can be made a day ahead. For the best results on the second day, bring it to room temperature before serving and refresh it with a touch of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
Oh, my goodness talk about comfort food at its best! Loaded with sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale, it’s so delicious and filling that you and your family will want this classic Zuppa Toscana soup often and you’ll be happy to have leftovers. Serve with crusty Italian bread.
Porcini mushrooms and sausage are combined to make a delicious sauce for pasta. When I want to lighten this dish up I use turkey sausage. The sauce can be made a day ahead and then reheated before adding the pasta and cheese.
Move over sourdough, it’s time to bake ciabatta. Baking fresh ciabatta take a bit of time, but it’s worth it.
Luscious, ripe pears are a particularly lovely early autumn crop. With their undulating curves and unique shades of pale green, ivory and buckskin tan, a bowl full of pears makes a gorgeous centerpiece. Revel in this season and make this delicious Italian Pear Cake. It’s easy to make and a nice way to use up autumn pears.
As the weather transitions I like to make heartier dishes and this risotto recipe is one that I like to make often. My basil plant is on its way out and I really need to use it before it is too late. A drizzle of basil oil provides a distinctive finish to many dishes, but especially this risotto.
